Social movements have evolved over time, with distinct characteristics and strategies, especially in response to changing societal conditions, political climates, and economic structures. The distinction between “old” and “new” social movements reflects this transformation. While both types of movements seek societal change, they differ in their objectives, organizational structures, ideologies, and the methods they use…
Category: sustainability
Critically analyse the problems and challenges confronted by governments in harmonising development policies with sound environmental policies.
Introduction: Harmonizing development policies with environmental protection is a major challenge for governments around the world. As nations strive for economic growth and development, the pressures on natural resources increase, often leading to environmental degradation. In the quest for development, issues such as poverty, industrial growth, urbanization, and population increase often conflict with the need…
Critically explain the role of NGOs in furthering the environmental cause in India.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have played an instrumental role in India’s environmental movement by filling the gaps left by the government and private sector in tackling environmental issues. Given the country’s diverse ecological challenges—ranging from deforestation and pollution to biodiversity loss and climate change—NGOs have emerged as key actors in environmental advocacy, awareness, and action. Their…
Distinguish between intra-generational and inter-generational equities. Explain their requirements for sustainable development.
Sustainable development is a concept that seeks to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This idea has been central to global discussions, particularly in the context of environmental conservation, economic growth, and social equity. The notion of equity plays a critical role in…
“Efforts are being made to harness the traditional knowledge and practices in the local communities along with the scientific inputs in various areas of sustainable development.”
The statement rightly acknowledges the growing realization that traditional knowledge and community-based practices hold immense potential for fostering sustainable development. Traditional knowledge (TK), developed through generations of observation, experimentation, and adaptation to local environments, offers time-tested solutions in agriculture, water conservation, forest management, healthcare, and biodiversity conservation. When integrated with scientific knowledge and modern technologies,…
Analyse any two global environmental issues and their implications on the sustainable development of nations.
Global environmental issues are complex challenges that transcend national boundaries and affect the well-being of people and ecosystems worldwide. These issues directly impact the ability of nations to pursue sustainable development, especially in terms of economic growth, environmental health, and social stability. Two major global environmental issues that have wide-ranging implications are: 1. Climate Change…
Name any four parameters that help us in understanding the concept of sustainable development. Explain any two parameters in detail.
Sustainable development is a guiding principle for both policy and practice aimed at meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It incorporates economic growth, environmental integrity, and social equity. To effectively measure and understand sustainable development, several parameters are used. Four important parameters…
Role of Cooperatives in Sustainable Development
Cooperatives are autonomous associations of people united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs through jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprises. They play a vital role in achieving the goals of sustainable development. Key Roles of Cooperatives: Conclusion: Cooperatives foster community-based development and are well-aligned with the principles of sustainability. By integrating…
‘North’ and ‘South’ in the Debate of North-South Divide
The “North-South divide” is a term used to describe the socio-economic and political differences between the developed world (referred to as the “Global North”) and the developing world (referred to as the “Global South”). This divide is rooted in the historical legacy of colonialism, where colonial powers (mostly in the North) exploited the resources and…
Issues Responsible for Poverty and Inequality in Developing Countries
Poverty and inequality in developing countries are the result of a combination of socio-economic, political, and environmental factors that hinder the growth and development of these nations. These issues are complex and deeply intertwined, often having a cyclical impact on each other. Below are some of the key issues responsible for poverty and inequality:
Highlight the role played by NGOs in the people’s movement against large dams and river valley projects in India.
Large dams and river valley projects in India have long sparked controversy due to displacement of people, ecological destruction, and cost-benefit imbalances. NGOs have played a pivotal role in mobilizing public opinion, advocating for rights, and promoting sustainable alternatives. Key Contributions of NGOs: Example: Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) Other Examples: These NGOs have reshaped the…
What is sea level rise? Why is it difficult to predict? State the impacts of sea level rise.
Sea level rise refers to the increase in the average global sea level due to two main processes related to global warming: Since the late 19th century, sea levels have risen by over 20 cm globally, and the rate is accelerating. According to the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (2021), global mean sea levels could rise…