Q1. [4]
Conservation of Resources
At the international level, the Club of Rome advocated resource conservation for the first time in a more systematic way in 1968. Subsequently, in 1974, Gandhian philosophy was once again presented by Schumacher in his book Small is Beautiful. The seminal contribution with respect to resource conservation at the global level was made by the Brundtland Commission Report, 1987. This report introduced the concept of 'Sustainable Development' and advocated it as a means for resource conservation, which was subsequently published in a book entitled Our Common Future. Another significant contribution was made at the Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992.
Read the given source and answer the questions that follow :
- (35.1) Explain the meaning of sustainable development. [1]
- (35.2) In which international conference was 'Agenda-21' accepted ? [1]
- (35.3) Explain any two outcomes of the Summit. [2]
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2024 32/5/1 Q35
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:03 · grounding stimulus
Model Answer
(35.1) Sustainable Development means development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It was introduced by the Brundtland Commission Report, 1987.
(35.2) 'Agenda-21' was accepted at the Earth Summit held at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992.
(35.3) Two outcomes of the Earth Summit (1992):
- It aimed at achieving global sustainable development by addressing environmental damage and poverty.
- It created Agenda-21 to combat environmental degradation through international cooperation on issues like climate change, biodiversity, and resource conservation.
Source: Chapter 1 – Resources and Development, Resource Conservation section
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Explanation
- (35.1): The standard one-line definition of sustainable development is always expected. Mentioning the Brundtland Commission adds value.
- (35.2): This is a direct fact — Rio Earth Summit 1992. The passage hints at it; from textbook knowledge, Agenda-21 was the key outcome of that summit.
- (35.3): Two distinct outcomes are needed for 2 marks (1 mark each). Focus on sustainable development goals and Agenda-21 as the key outcomes. Avoid vague statements.
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