The North-South divide refers to the economic and developmental gap between the wealthy, industrialized nations of the Northern Hemisphere (mainly Western Europe, North America, and Japan) and the less-developed countries of the Southern Hemisphere (mainly in Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia). This divide has its roots in historical processes such as colonialism, uneven…
Month: May 2025
Explain in brief various plant and animal production practices for sustainable agriculture.
Sustainable agriculture focuses on farming practices that are environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsible. It aims to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable agricultural practices aim to protect the environment, promote biodiversity, ensure soil health, conserve water, and reduce dependency…
Define sustainable livelihood as given by DFID. Describe the five types of capital assets from which an individual draws their livelihood.
The concept of sustainable livelihood is central to the idea of poverty alleviation and sustainable development. The Department for International Development (DFID), a UK government agency, defines sustainable livelihood as the means by which people can make a living, while ensuring that the strategies they adopt do not deplete the resources on which they depend,…
Describe in brief various initiatives taken to bridge the North-South divide.
The North-South divide refers to the socio-economic and political disparities between the developed countries (mostly in the Global North, such as the US, Canada, Japan, and Western Europe) and the developing or underdeveloped countries (mostly in the Global South, such as those in Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia). This divide is rooted in…
“Efforts are being made to harness the traditional knowledge and practices in the local communities along with the scientific inputs in various areas of sustainable development.”
The statement rightly acknowledges the growing realization that traditional knowledge and community-based practices hold immense potential for fostering sustainable development. Traditional knowledge (TK), developed through generations of observation, experimentation, and adaptation to local environments, offers time-tested solutions in agriculture, water conservation, forest management, healthcare, and biodiversity conservation. When integrated with scientific knowledge and modern technologies,…
Analyse any two global environmental issues and their implications on the sustainable development of nations.
Global environmental issues are complex challenges that transcend national boundaries and affect the well-being of people and ecosystems worldwide. These issues directly impact the ability of nations to pursue sustainable development, especially in terms of economic growth, environmental health, and social stability. Two major global environmental issues that have wide-ranging implications are: 1. Climate Change…
Name any four parameters that help us in understanding the concept of sustainable development. Explain any two parameters in detail.
Sustainable development is a guiding principle for both policy and practice aimed at meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It incorporates economic growth, environmental integrity, and social equity. To effectively measure and understand sustainable development, several parameters are used. Four important parameters…
Sustainable Lifestyle
A sustainable lifestyle refers to a way of living that reduces an individual’s or society’s use of the Earth’s natural resources. It aims to minimize ecological footprints while ensuring well-being and quality of life for all. Key Features of a Sustainable Lifestyle: Examples of Sustainable Practices: Importance of Sustainable Lifestyle: Conclusion: A sustainable lifestyle is…
Roadblocks to Global Initiatives on Environmental Protection
Global environmental protection is a shared responsibility of nations, but several roadblocks hinder effective global initiatives despite international agreements and collaborative frameworks. These roadblocks arise from political, economic, institutional, and social challenges. 1. Divergent National Interests: 2. Lack of Binding Commitments and Enforcement: 3. Financial and Technological Inequities: 4. Weak Institutional Coordination: 5. Influence of…
Role of Cooperatives in Sustainable Development
Cooperatives are autonomous associations of people united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs through jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprises. They play a vital role in achieving the goals of sustainable development. Key Roles of Cooperatives: Conclusion: Cooperatives foster community-based development and are well-aligned with the principles of sustainability. By integrating…
Environmental Problems Associated with Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Sustainable agriculture aims to meet current food and textile needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. While the intention is positive, certain environmental problems can still arise during the transition or implementation of sustainable practices. Key Environmental Problems: Conclusion: While sustainable agriculture aims to reduce environmental damage, its success…
Discuss the institutional mechanisms existing in the South Asian region for achieving sustainable development.
The South Asian region, comprising countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Afghanistan, faces a wide array of environmental, social, and economic challenges. These include rapid population growth, urbanization, poverty, natural disasters, and climate change. To address these challenges and promote sustainable development, several institutional mechanisms have been established at the…