Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

Sustainable development is necessary due to the following issues:

1. Overuse of Renewable Resources: Groundwater is being overused in about one-third of India. If this continues, 60% of the country will face water scarcity within 25 years.

1. Exhaustion of Non-Renewable Resources: Crude oil reserves will last only about 47 years at current extraction rates. Once exhausted, they cannot be replenished.

1. Environmental Degradation: Consequences of environmental damage cross national boundaries, making it a global concern that threatens future generations.

These issues highlight that present patterns of development cannot continue indefinitely, making sustainability essential.

Source: Chapter 1, Sustainability of Development

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Examiners expect three distinct points for a 3-mark answer — one per mark. Each point should name the issue and briefly explain it using data from the textbook (e.g., groundwater statistics, crude oil reserve figures). Avoid vague statements; use specific examples from the chapter. The quote "we have borrowed the world from our children" reflects the core idea — present development must not compromise future generations.