Q111. The most widely accepted definition of "Sustainable Development" is "Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." This was introduced by:
Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development: RAS Prelims MCQs
179 RAS Prelims MCQs on biodiversity, conservation of natural resources and sustainable development cover the levels of biodiversity, hotspots, conservation bodies, wildlife law and climate instruments. Alpha diversity, Norman Myers, the IUCN Red List, the Wildlife Amendment Act 2022, the CBD protocols and carbon market ideas like cap and trade and additionality are asked as facts and statements.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 111–120 of 179 questions
Q112. The Brundtland Commission, officially known as the World Commission on Environment and Development, published its seminal report in 1987 under the title:
Explanation
Published in 1987, the landmark report of the Brundtland Commission was titled "Our Common Future." This document was pivotal in placing the concept of sustainable development on the global political agenda. It argued that environmental protection and economic growth are not mutually exclusive but must be integrated to ensure a viable future for humanity across all nations and generations.
Q113. Read the following list of development dimensions:
I. Economic Development
II. Social Equity (Inclusion)
III. Environmental Protection
IV. Military Supremacy
Which combination constitutes the three core pillars (or dimensions) of sustainable development?
I. Economic Development
II. Social Equity (Inclusion)
III. Environmental Protection
IV. Military Supremacy
Which combination constitutes the three core pillars (or dimensions) of sustainable development?
Explanation
Sustainable development is built upon three interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars: economic development, social equity, and environmental protection. For development to be truly sustainable, it must balance the need for economic growth with the goal of social inclusion and the necessity of preserving the natural environment. Military supremacy is not considered one of the core dimensions of this framework.
Q114. "Agenda 21", a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally, and locally in the area of sustainable development, was adopted at:
Explanation
Agenda 21 is a comprehensive global plan of action for sustainable development that was adopted by over 178 governments at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.
Q115. The principle of ensuring that current generations do not deplete resources in a way that leaves future generations impoverished is known as:
Explanation
Intergenerational equity is a core principle of sustainable development that emphasizes fairness between generations. It requires the current generation to manage natural resources and the environment in a way that preserves their value and availability for those who will follow. This ensures that today’s development does not occur at the expense of the well-being and opportunities of future inhabitants.
Q116. Read the following statements and select the correct option:
Statement I: The Brundtland definition of sustainable development emphasizes the concept of ‘needs’, particularly the essential needs of the world’s poor.
Statement II: It recognizes the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment’s ability to meet present and future needs.
Statement I: The Brundtland definition of sustainable development emphasizes the concept of ‘needs’, particularly the essential needs of the world’s poor.
Statement II: It recognizes the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment’s ability to meet present and future needs.
Explanation
The Brundtland definition of sustainable development explicitly highlights the importance of meeting the essential needs of the world’s poor as a priority. It also acknowledges that the environment’s capacity to provide resources is limited by the current state of technology and social organization. Both statements accurately reflect the nuanced understanding of development and limitations presented in the original commission’s report.
Q117. Match the following international conferences/ reports in List I with their outcomes or significance in List II:
| International Conference/Report | Outcome/Significance |
|---|---|
| A. Stockholm Conference (1972) | i. Coined the standard definition of Sustainable Development |
| B. Brundtland Report (1987) | ii. Adopted Agenda 21 |
| C. Rio Summit (1992) | iii. First major UN conference on the human environment (UNEP created) |
| D. Rio+20 (2012) | iv. Focused on the "Green Economy" in the context of sustainable development Options: |
Explanation
The 1972 Stockholm Conference was the first major UN meeting on the environment. The Brundtland Report of 1987 established the standard definition of sustainable development. The 1992 Rio Summit resulted in the adoption of Agenda 21. Finally, the Rio+20 conference in 2012 focused on the "Green Economy." Correctly matching these events is essential for understanding the history of global environmental policies.
Q118. Identify the incorrect statement regarding sustainable development.
Explanation
Sustainable development advocates for a transition towards renewable energy and promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns. It requires the integration of economic, social, and environmental policies to ensure long-term viability. Conversely, encouraging the overexploitation of non-renewable resources is fundamentally opposed to the principles of sustainability, as it depletes materials that future generations will need, making this statement incorrect.
Q119. All of the following are recognized principles underlying sustainable development, EXCEPT:
Explanation
Sustainable development is based on several key principles, including the integration of policies, the precautionary principle for avoiding environmental harm, and the polluter pays principle for internalizing costs. However, the idea of limitless consumption is incompatible with sustainability. True sustainable development recognizes that resources are finite and advocates for responsible consumption that stays within the ecological limits of the planet.
Q120. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint consisting of how many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Explanation
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations in 2015, is centered around seventeen Sustainable Development Goals. These goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by the year 2030. Each goal includes specific targets and indicators to measure global progress.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 111 | (c) The Brundtland Commission |
| 112 | (a) Our Common Future |
| 113 | (a) I, II and III |
| 114 | (b) Earth Summit (Rio de Janeiro), 1992 |
| 115 | (c) Intergenerational equity |
| 116 | (c) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct. |
| 117 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv |
| 118 | (b) It encourages the overexploitation of non- renewable resources. |
| 119 | (a) Principle of limitless consumption |
| 120 | (c) 17 |
Key facts from Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development
- Genetic diversity is the variation of genes and alleles within a species; alpha diversity is the diversity of species within a habitat.
- Norman Myers proposed the concept of biodiversity hotspots; the Nicobar Islands are part of the Sundaland hotspot.
- The IUCN maintains the Red List of Threatened Species; the Amazon rainforest is called the lungs of the planet.
- The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2022 removed the vermin schedule; the Centre can declare vermin by notification.
- The Cartagena Protocol, Nagoya Protocol and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework belong to the CBD; the Kyoto Protocol does not.
- Cap and trade sets an emission limit and allows trade of surplus allowances; one carbon credit equals one tonne of CO₂; additionality means reductions must be real.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development?
This page has 179 practice MCQs on Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development (Health, Environment and Agriculture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Who proposed the concept of biodiversity hotspots?
The ecologist Norman Myers. A hotspot is a region with a very high number of endemic species that has lost most of its original habitat, such as the Western Ghats and Sundaland.
What is cap and trade?
A mechanism that sets a limit (cap) on total emissions and issues allowances to firms. Firms that emit less than their allowance can sell the surplus to others, which gives a market price to carbon.
What does additionality mean in carbon offsets?
That the emission reductions must be real and would not have happened without the revenue from carbon credits. A project that would have gone ahead anyway does not earn credits.