Cheat Sheet: Sustainable Development | Geography for UPSC CSE PDF Download

What is Sustainable Development?

• Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations.
• Balances economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection.
• Originated from the Brundtland Report (1987).

Core Principles

• Inter-generational equity
• Precautionary principle
• Polluter pays principle
• Inclusive growth
• Resilience and adaptation

Three Pillars

• Economic: Resource efficiency, green growth, job creation
• Social: Equity, gender justice, education, healthcare
• Environmental: Biodiversity protection, pollution control, climate resilience

Global Framework – SDGs

• Launched by the UN in 2015, targets to be met by 2030
• 17 Goals and 169 targets
• India integrates SDGs with national schemes (like Beti Bachao, Swachh Bharat, etc.)

Selected SDGs relevant to India:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action

India’s Progress 

• SDG Index Rank (NITI Aayog 2024): India improved but faces challenges in gender equality and climate action.
• High-performing states: Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh
• Lagging states: Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh

Key Indian Initiatives for Sustainable Development

• LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment): Behavioural change for climate-friendly lifestyle
• Green Hydrogen Mission: Clean energy alternative with export potential
• National Bio-Energy Programme: Promoting biomass and biogas
• PM-PRANAM: Reducing chemical fertilizer use
• Gati Shakti & National Infrastructure Pipeline: Sustainable infrastructure with environmental safeguards
• Amrit Sarovar Mission: Water body rejuvenation

Important  Developments

• Carbon credit trading rules formalized by the Ministry of Power
• Blue Economy Policy emphasizes sustainable ocean-based livelihoods
• Rise in ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investments in Indian markets
• Electric mobility growth driven by FAME-II and state EV policies
• Launch of State SDG Financing Frameworks (Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra)

Challenges

• Regional disparity in development outcomes
• Weak implementation at local levels
• Urban sprawl and rising energy demand
• Financing gaps in climate adaptation

Key Case Studies (2023–2025)

• Sikkim – Organic Farming Model
  First 100% organic state; shows how agriculture and sustainability can co-exist.
• Ladakh – Green Hydrogen Hub
  NHPC projects for renewable energy in a fragile ecosystem.
• Kochi Water Metro
  World's first fully solar-powered water transport system; boosts low-carbon urban mobility.
• Odisha’s Climate Resilience Mission
  Focused on cyclone preparedness, mangrove restoration, and tribal inclusion.
• Tamil Nadu Green Climate Fund (2024)
  India's first state-level climate finance mechanism.

Way Forward

• Mainstream SDGs into state and local planning
• Strengthen green finance, carbon markets, and ESG compliance
• Encourage innovation and traditional ecological knowledge
• Ensure participation of vulnerable communities
• Monitor outcomes using real-time data (geo-tagged assets, SDG dashboards)