Social Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

Sustainability of development means that development should not only meet the needs of the present generation but also protect the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

It is important because:

1. Non-renewable resources like crude oil are getting exhausted. World oil reserves may last only about 47 years at the current rate of use.
2. Overuse of renewable resources — e.g., groundwater in nearly one-third of India is already overused, which threatens future availability.
3. Environmental degradation crosses national boundaries, making it a global concern affecting everyone's future.

Hence, development that ignores sustainability harms future generations.

Source: Chapter 1 — Sustainability of Development

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Examiners expect three clear points for 3 marks. The key idea is: present development should not compromise future generations' ability to develop. Always link sustainability to resource exhaustion (non-renewable) and overuse (renewable), and mention the inter-generational or global dimension. Use the textbook examples — crude oil and groundwater — as supporting evidence. Avoid writing a long essay; three tight points are sufficient.