What is sustainable development?

• A. Development that meets present needs without compromising future; focuses on short-term gains.
• B. Development that focuses solely on economic growth.
• C. Development that ignores social and environmental considerations.
• D. Development that meets present needs without compromising future; integrates economic, social, and environmental considerations.

Answer: (D)

Sustainable development means meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, by weaving together economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection. The best choice captures this integrated approach: it says we can develop today while not diminishing the resources or opportunities future generations will rely on, and it explicitly includes economic, social, and environmental considerations.

This broader perspective keeps long-term well-being in view—not just immediate gains. If you focus only on short-term gains, you risk depleting resources or harming communities and ecosystems that future people will depend on. If development centers only on economic growth, social and environmental impacts can be ignored. If social and environmental aspects are left out, you miss essential protections and fairness that sustain communities and ecosystems over time.