Sustainable Development: SDGs, Green GDP & Circular Economy
1. What is Sustainable Development?
Definition: "Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
(Brundtland Report, 1987)
Three Pillars:
- Environmental Protection: Conservation of ecosystems
- Economic Growth: Inclusive and green economy
- Social Equity: Poverty reduction, health & education
2. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
UN Agenda 2030: 17 goals adopted in 2015 to address global challenges.
| Key SDGs Relevant for India |
Targets |
| SDG 7: Affordable & Clean Energy |
500 GW renewable energy by 2030 |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities |
Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT |
| SDG 13: Climate Action |
Net-zero by 2070 (Panchamrit) |
2.1 Green GDP Concept
- Definition: GDP adjusted for environmental degradation costs.
- India's Initiative:
- Green GDP pilot projects (2009-2013)
- ESR (Environmental Sustainability Report) by MoEFCC
- Global Examples:
- China's Green GDP initiative (2004)
- EU's Beyond GDP project
3. Circular Economy
Principle: "Reduce-Reuse-Recycle" model vs. linear economy.
| Initiative |
Description |
| Plastic Waste Rules 2022 |
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) |
| LiFE Mission |
Lifestyle for Environment (PM Modi, 2022) |
| e-Waste Management |
90% collection target by 2023 |
4. Key Policies & Programs
- National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): 8 missions including Solar Mission
- FAME India Scheme: Faster Adoption of Electric Vehicles
- National Hydrogen Mission: Green hydrogen production
5. Global Frameworks
- Paris Agreement: Limit global warming to 1.5°C
- Kigali Amendment: Phase down HFCs
- UNEP's GEO-7: Focus on circular economy (2023)
6. UPSC Focus Areas
- Prelims: SDG indicators, India's rankings (e.g., SDG Index 2023)
- Mains: Linkages between economy & environment (GS Paper III)
- Case Studies: Kerala's Kudumbashree (SDG 5), Sikkim Organic Mission
Conclusion
Sustainable development integrates environment, economy, and equity. Focus on recent initiatives like LiFE Mission and India's net-zero roadmap for UPSC.