Sustainability: Definition, Dimensions, and Challenges

Question 1

Define the core concept of environmental sustainability.

Accepted Answer

Preserving and managing natural resources wisely

Answer

Equitably distributing wealth across society

Answer

Guaranteeing inclusivity and social justice

Answer

Prioritizing economic expansion

Question 2

Identify the primary objective of social sustainability.

Accepted Answer

Promoting fairness and equity in society

Answer

Protecting and conserving the environment

Answer

Ensuring economic prosperity for all

Answer

Preserving cultural diversity and heritage

Question 3

Which of the following is not a core pillar of sustainability?

Accepted Answer

Technological

Answer

Environmental

Answer

Economic

Answer

Social

Question 4

The 'triple bottom line' framework does not assess sustainability in which area?

Accepted Answer

Political

Answer

Environmental

Answer

Social

Answer

Economic

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a key dimension of sustainability?

Accepted Answer

Technological

Answer

Environmental

Answer

Social

Answer

Economic

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT considered a core pillar of sustainability?

Accepted Answer

Political

Answer

Environmental

Answer

Economic

Answer

Social

Question 7

Which landmark report first popularized the concept of 'sustainable development'?

Accepted Answer

Brundtland Report

Answer

Stern Review

Answer

IPCC Assessment Report

Answer

Millennium Development Goals

Question 8

The 'Triple Bottom Line' approach to sustainability encompasses which three aspects?

Accepted Answer

Environmental, Social, Economic

Answer

Social, Economic, Political

Answer

Environmental, Technological, Social

Answer

Economic, Technological, Political

Question 9

Which sector is typically considered the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions globally?

Accepted Answer

Energy

Answer

Transportation

Answer

Agriculture

Answer

Manufacturing

Question 10

The 'precautionary principle' in sustainability suggests that we should:

Accepted Answer

Err on the side of caution even when there is some uncertainty about potential risks.

Answer

Only act when there is absolute scientific certainty about potential risks.

Answer

Prioritize economic growth over environmental protection.

Answer

Wait for public opinion to form before taking any action.

Question 11

The term 'biodiversity' refers to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The variety of life on Earth

Answer

The number of different species on Earth

Answer

The distribution of species across different habitats

Answer

The genetic diversity within species

Question 12

Which of the following is not a widely recognized dimension of sustainability?

Accepted Answer

Political

Answer

Economic

Answer

Social

Answer

Environmental

Question 13

The fundamental principle of sustainability emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Answer

Maximizing economic growth at any cost.

Answer

Sacrificing environmental protection for economic development.

Question 14

A major challenge in achieving sustainability is:

Accepted Answer

Balancing economic growth with environmental protection.

Answer

Insufficient public awareness and education.

Answer

Lack of technological innovation.

Question 15

The 'Environmental Kuznets Curve' theory suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Environmental degradation initially increases with economic development but eventually declines as the economy further develops.

Answer

Environmental impact remains constant as a country develops economically.

Question 16

A benefit of sustainability includes:

Accepted Answer

Improved quality of life and well-being.

Answer

Diminished opportunities for future generations.

Answer

Depletion of natural resources.

Answer

Increased consumerism and waste generation.

Question 17

The concept of 'intragenerational equity' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Fair distribution of resources and opportunities within the current generation.

Answer

Equity between present and future generations.

Answer

Equity between different countries and regions.

Question 18

Sustainability can best be understood as:

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive concept that requires a multidisciplinary approach and collaboration among various stakeholders.

Answer

A simple and straightforward idea that can be implemented by individuals alone.

Answer

An unattainable ideal that is not worth pursuing.

Question 19

Which of the following is **not** a core dimension of sustainability?

Accepted Answer

Political

Answer

Economic

Answer

Social

Answer

Environmental

Question 20

The most widely accepted definition of sustainability is:

Accepted Answer

A state where the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Answer

A way of life that minimizes impact on the environment.

Answer

A balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

Question 21

The concept of 'intergenerational equity' in sustainability refers to:

Accepted Answer

Ensuring that current actions do not compromise the well-being of future generations.

Answer

Distributing resources equally among all members of society.

Answer

Reducing social inequalities within the present generation.

Answer

Prioritizing the needs of the elderly over the needs of the young.

Question 22

The 'triple bottom line' approach to sustainability encompasses:

Accepted Answer

Economic prosperity, environmental protection, and social equity.

Answer

Economic development, social progress, and environmental stewardship.

Answer

Environmental protection, social equity, and cultural preservation.

Answer

Economic growth, environmental conservation, and technological advancement.

Question 23

An example of a sustainable agriculture practice is:

Accepted Answer

Crop rotation.

Answer

Heavy use of pesticides.

Answer

Clear-cutting forests for farmland.

Answer

Monoculture farming.

Question 24

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of:

Accepted Answer

17 interconnected goals aimed at achieving a more sustainable future.

Answer

15 indicators of social well-being.

Answer

10 principles for environmental protection.

Answer

20 targets for economic growth.

Question 25

A key principle of the circular economy is to:

Accepted Answer

Eliminate waste and pollution.

Answer

Reduce government regulation.

Answer

Promote economic growth at any cost.

Answer

Encourage consumerism.

Question 26

The concept of 'planetary boundaries' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Environmental thresholds beyond which irreversible damage to the planet may occur.

Answer

Targets for sustainable development.

Answer

Limits to economic growth.

Answer

Indicators of social well-being.