Sustainable development

Question 1

What is the primary goal of sustainable development?

Answer 1

To meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Question 2

True or False: Sustainable development only focuses on environmental issues.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

Fill in the blank: Sustainable development encompasses economic, social, and _______ dimensions.

Answer 3

environmental

Question 4

What are the three pillars of sustainable development?

Answer 4

Economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection.

Question 5

Which international agreement set the framework for sustainable development goals?

Answer 5

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Question 6

True or False: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) consist of 17 goals.

Answer 6

True

Question 7

What is Goal 1 of the Sustainable Development Goals?

Answer 7

No Poverty.

Question 8

Which SDG aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all?

Answer 8

Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.

Question 9

What is a key challenge in achieving sustainable urban development?

Answer 9

A key challenge in achieving sustainable urban development is managing rapid urbanization while ensuring that cities grow in a way that provides access to essential/basic services—such as housing, clean water, healthcare, and transport—without harming the environment. As more people move into cities, the demand for space and infrastructure increases, often leading to urban expansion into rural and forested areas, resulting in deforestation and habitat loss, which directly contradicts global sustainability goals like those in the 2030 Agenda.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: Sustainable agriculture aims to meet society’s food needs while ensuring _______.

Answer 10

environmental health

Question 11

What role do renewable energy sources play in sustainable development?

Answer 11

They reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Question 12

True or False: Climate change is not a concern for sustainable development.

Answer 12

False

Question 13

What is the purpose of the Paris Agreement in relation to sustainable development?

Answer 13

To limit global warming and enhance the ability to adapt to climate change.

Question 14

Which SDG focuses on clean water and sanitation?

Answer 14

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Question 15

What is the significance of biodiversity in sustainable development?

Answer 15

Biodiversity supports ecosystem services that are vital for human survival.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: The concept of ‘circular economy’ is related to _______ sustainability.

Answer 16

resource

Question 17

What does ‘social equity’ refer to in the context of sustainable development?

Answer 17

Ensuring fair access to resources and opportunities for all individuals.

Question 18

True or False: Only governments are responsible for achieving sustainable development.

Answer 18

False

Question 19

What is the role of education in sustainable development?

Answer 19

To promote understanding and awareness of sustainability issues.

Question 20

Which SDG addresses the issue of climate action?

Answer 20

Goal 13: Climate Action.

Question 21

What is the relationship between sustainable development and poverty alleviation?

Answer 21

Sustainable development aims to eradicate poverty while promoting social and economic growth.

Question 22

Fill in the blank: The concept of ‘sustainable consumption’ encourages _______.

Answer 22

responsible resource use

Question 23

What is the importance of stakeholder engagement in sustainable development?

Answer 23

It ensures diverse perspectives and collaborative solutions.

Question 24

True or False: Sustainable development is a static concept that does not evolve.

Answer 24

False

Question 25

What is the role of technology in promoting sustainable development?

Answer 25

To innovate solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Question 26

Which SDG focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth?

Answer 26

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Question 27

What is a possible analogy to illustrate sustainable development?

Answer 27

Sustainable development is like a Rubik’s cube. Sustainable —> adapting for the better trying to solve the Rubik’s cube (which is the problem) to a completed cube (our goal). It focuses on many aspects which is the different colours on Rubik’s cube and involves the person rotating the cube (changing and adapting for the better). It is also a process which is similar to the process of sustainable development.

Question 28

What is the term for the UN established goals to be met by 2030?

Answer 28

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

Question 29

Does poverty = poor?

Answer 29

No So poverty can have two different cases - absolute poverty - relative poverty absolute poverty is based on a fixed standard, while relative poverty is based on comparison to others in the same community Poverty means lacking in basic needs for survival —> housing, clean water, food etc

Question 30

Is it possible to meet all the SDG goals by 2030?

Answer 30

Meeting all the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 is an ambitious target, and while significant progress has been made in some areas, achieving all 17 goals in full by the deadline is unlikely. Here’s a detailed perspective: Challenges to Meeting the SDGs Global Inequality Many low-income countries face structural issues, including poverty, lack of access to education, and inadequate healthcare systems, which make achieving SDGs challenging. Wealthier countries have made more progress, but disparities in global resource distribution persist. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic The pandemic reversed progress in areas like health (Goal 3), education (Goal 4), and decent work (Goal 8). Increased poverty rates (Goal 1) and disrupted efforts toward reducing hunger (Goal 2). Climate Change and Environmental Degradation Climate-related goals (Goal 13, Goal 14, Goal 15) are lagging, with continued greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Global commitments like the Paris Agreement face challenges in implementation. Insufficient Financing Achieving the SDGs requires trillions of dollars annually, but the funding gap remains significant, particularly in developing countries. International cooperation on financing remains inconsistent. Conflict and Political Instability War, conflict, and political instability in regions like parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe severely hinder progress in all SDG areas. Slow Progress on Gender Equality (Goal 5) Structural and cultural barriers persist, particularly in developing nations, hindering women's access to education, work, and decision-making roles. Reasons for Optimism Technological Innovation Advances in technology, renewable energy, and agriculture can accelerate progress toward many SDGs. Digital tools have increased access to education and healthcare in remote areas. Global Awareness and Mobilization SDGs have galvanized efforts worldwide, with governments, NGOs, and private sectors aligning their goals with sustainable development. Youth activism and global movements on climate change and equity have gained momentum. International Agreements and Partnerships Initiatives like the Paris Agreement (Goal 13) and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda for financing sustainable development provide frameworks for cooperation. Localized Solutions Communities implementing localized, context-specific strategies have shown promising results in areas like water management and poverty reduction. Realistic Outcome by 2030 Partial Success: While some goals, such as improved access to clean water (Goal 6) and education (Goal 4), may see significant progress, others like climate action (Goal 13) and eliminating poverty (Goal 1) will likely remain unfulfilled. Focus Areas: Accelerating efforts in climate change, inequality, and sustainable consumption is critical to maximizing progress by 2030. What Needs to Happen to Accelerate Progress? Enhanced Global Cooperation Stronger international alliances to address financing gaps and coordinate efforts. Policy Innovation Governments need to prioritize policies aligning with SDGs, especially in economic recovery plans post-COVID-19. Increased Private Sector Participation Businesses must adopt sustainable practices and invest in solutions aligned with SDGs. Youth and Grassroots Movements Grassroots and youth-led initiatives can push for accountability and action at all levels.