Question 1

To what extent is sustainable development a contradiction in terms?

Accepted Answer

Sustainable development is not necessarily a contradiction in terms, but rather a complex and challenging concept. On one hand, development often implies economic growth and industrialization, which can have negative impacts on the environment and society. On the other hand, sustainability emphasizes the need to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Achieving sustainable development requires finding a balance between economic, social, and environmental goals. This can be difficult because it often involves making trade-offs and prioritizing certain objectives over others. For example, promoting economic growth may conflict with efforts to protect natural resources, and improving social equity may require sacrificing some economic efficiency.

However, many argue that sustainable development is not a contradiction, but rather a necessary and achievable goal. By integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations into decision-making processes, it is possible to create a more equitable and resilient society that can thrive in the long term. This may involve implementing policies and practices that promote renewable energy, reduce waste and pollution, and support inclusive economic development.

Ultimately, sustainable development requires a shift in mindset and a commitment to finding innovative solutions that benefit both current and future generations. While it may be challenging, it is not impossible, and many individuals, organizations, and governments are working towards this goal.

Question 2

What is the value of staging large international conferences that seem to achieve very little?

Accepted Answer

The value of staging large international conferences, even when they seem to achieve very little in terms of immediate, tangible outcomes, can be multifaceted and significant in several ways:

1. **Dialogue and Communication**: These conferences provide a platform for dialogue among nations, organizations, and experts. They facilitate the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and best practices, which is essential for addressing global challenges.

2. **Networking and Relationships**: They offer opportunities for building and strengthening relationships between different stakeholders, which can be crucial for future cooperation and collaboration.

3. **Awareness and Education**: Conferences raise awareness about critical issues among the international community and the general public. They also serve as educational platforms where knowledge is disseminated and discussed.

4. **Setting Agendas**: They help in setting the global agenda by highlighting pressing issues that require attention, thereby influencing policy and decision-making processes.

5. **Commitment and Accountability**: By bringing together various actors, conferences can lead to commitments and pledges for action. They also provide a venue for holding governments and organizations accountable for their promises.

6. **Innovation and Inspiration**: The coming together of diverse groups can spark innovation by sharing creative solutions to common problems. They can also inspire individuals and groups to take action in their own spheres of influence.

7. **Economic Impact**: Hosting international conferences can have a positive economic impact on the host city or country, including tourism, hospitality, and other local businesses.

8. **Long-term Outcomes**: While immediate results may not always be evident, conferences can lay the groundwork for long-term initiatives and strategies that develop over time.

9. **Symbolism and Solidarity**: The act of convening can be a powerful symbol of international solidarity and a shared commitment to tackling global issues.

10. **Policy Development**: Conferences can contribute to the development of international policies and frameworks by providing a space for multi-stakeholder negotiations.

In conclusion, the value of large international conferences should not be underestimated, even if their achievements are not immediately apparent. They play a critical role in fostering international cooperation, shaping global discourse, and potentially paving the way for future action and policy development.

Question 3

Where is Tuvalu?

Accepted Answer

A)   India
B)   Africa
C)   South Pacific
D)   Mexico C

Question 4

Which of the following energy sources are non renewable?

Accepted Answer

A)   wind
B)   coal
C)   wave
D)   nuclear

Question 5

The Washington Consensus consists of which organizations?

Accepted Answer

A)   United Nations
B)   International Monetary Fund
C)   European Union
D)   World Bank

Question 6

Why is good governance so important to creating a sustainable future?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is good governance so important to...

Question 7

A major climate conference took place in Kyoto, Japan

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 8

Who conceived the Gaia Theory?

Accepted Answer

A)   Al Gore
B)   Mahatma Ghandi
C)   James Lovelock
D)   Val Plumwood

Question 9

Sustainability is the same as sustainable development

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

The Norweigian philosopher Arne Naess is closely associated with the following …

Accepted Answer

A)   deep ecology
B)   ecofeminism
C)   ecocentricism
D)   global warming

Question 11

Which of the following are NGOs?

Accepted Answer

A)   The World Bank
B)   WWF-Int
C)   Forum for the Future
D)   Environmental Protection Agency

Question 12

The IPCC is mainly concerned with …?

Accepted Answer

A)   economic growth
B)   climate change
C)   conservation
D)   local food production

Question 13

Who of the following are bioregionalists?

Accepted Answer

A)   Kirkpatrick Sale
B)   Wendell Barry
C)   Peter Berg
D)   Lewis Mumford

Question 14

What makes sustainability science so different from more conventional approaches to science?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What makes sustainability science so different from...

Question 15

James Lovelock opposes nuclear power

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

Where is Clayquot Sound?

Accepted Answer

A)   USA
B)   Canada
C)   Alaska
D)   Greenland

Question 17

Who wrote 'vague, formless, often self-contradictory and predominantly missing the point'?

Accepted Answer

A)   Murray Bookchin
B)   Wendell Berry
C)   Lewis Mumford
D)   Holmes Rolston lll

Question 18

The Hindi word 'chipko' means 'to chop' down a tree

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 19

In what year was the first Rio Earth Summit held?

Accepted Answer

A)   1971
B)   1987
C)   1992
D)   2002

Question 20

What did the Montreal Protocol seek to control?

Accepted Answer

A)   carbon dioxide
B)   chlorofluorocarbons
C)   human trafficking
D)   uranium mining

Exam 1: Understanding Sustainable Development-part A

To what extent is sustainable development a contradiction in terms?

What is the value of staging large international conferences that seem to achieve very little?

Where is Tuvalu?

Which of the following energy sources are non renewable?

The Washington Consensus consists of which organizations?

Why is good governance so important to creating a sustainable future?

A major climate conference took place in Kyoto, Japan

Who conceived the Gaia Theory?

Sustainability is the same as sustainable development

The Norweigian philosopher Arne Naess is closely associated with the following …

Which of the following are NGOs?

The IPCC is mainly concerned with …?

Who of the following are bioregionalists?

What makes sustainability science so different from more conventional approaches to science?

James Lovelock opposes nuclear power

Where is Clayquot Sound?

Who wrote 'vague, formless, often self-contradictory and predominantly missing the point'?

The Hindi word 'chipko' means 'to chop' down a tree

In what year was the first Rio Earth Summit held?

What did the Montreal Protocol seek to control?