Sustainable development

Economic growth is an increase in real GDP — a quantitative measure of output. Economic development is a broader qualitative concept that includes improvements in living standards, health, education, equality, and freedom.

Development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Brundtland definition, 1987). It balances economic, social, and environmental goals.

Growth often involves exploiting natural resources, increasing pollution, and depleting non-renewable resources. This creates negative externalities and environmental degradation that undermine long-term well-being and ecological balance.

1) Economic sustainability: maintaining productive capacity and income. 2) Social sustainability: equity, health, education, well-being. 3) Environmental sustainability: preserving natural capital for future generations.

Yes — if growth is driven by green technology, renewable energy, efficient resource use, and circular economy practices. "Green growth" aims to decouple economic output from environmental degradation.

A set of 17 global goals adopted in 2015 with targets for 2030. They cover poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water, energy, growth, inequality, climate, and more. They apply to all countries.

SDG 1: No Poverty. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. These address the economic dimension of sustainable development — growth that is inclusive and benefits all.

The SDGs recognise that economic progress cannot be sustained without environmental protection. Goals like SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) sit alongside growth goals, requiring integrated policy approaches.

Lack of funding, conflicting goals (e.g. growth vs. climate), lack of enforcement (goals are voluntary), corruption, war, and wealthy nations not meeting aid commitments. Progress has been uneven across countries.

Reference specific SDGs to support arguments about development policies. For example, discuss trade liberalisation in the context of SDG 8 (growth) and SDG 10 (inequality), or environmental policy via SDG 13 (climate action).

They depend directly on forests, soil and fish for food, fuel and income, and cannot afford alternatives such as other fuels or fertiliser.

Exhausted soil, lost forests and depleted fish stocks lower harvests and incomes, and pollution harms health, so households become poorer.

Children leave school to work (low human capital), households cannot save or borrow to invest, and debt builds up.

A poverty cycle: low income, overuse of resources, less to live on, lower income again.