Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

The quote means we have a responsibility to preserve the world's resources for future generations, not exhaust them. Development today should not compromise the ability of our children to meet their own needs — this is the core idea of sustainable development.

How crude oil contradicts this idea:

• Crude oil is a non-renewable resource — once used, it cannot be replenished by nature.
• As per Table 1.7, world crude oil reserves will last only about 47 years at the current rate of extraction.
• Countries like the USA have reserves lasting just 10.5 years, showing rapid depletion.
• Continued extraction at present rates will leave nothing for future generations, directly contradicting the idea of borrowing from our children.
• Countries like India, which import oil, will face greater economic burden as reserves shrink and prices rise.

Thus, the current pattern of crude oil use clearly contradicts sustainable development.

Source: Sustainability of Development, Chapter 1

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Examiners look for: (1) a clear explanation of the quote in terms of sustainable development, (2) correct identification of crude oil as a non-renewable resource, and (3) use of data from Table 1.7 to support the argument. Avoid writing vaguely — cite the figures (47 years, 10.5 years for USA) to show you have read the data. The conclusion must explicitly state whether the pattern supports or contradicts the idea (it contradicts it).