The concept of sustainable development relates to

The concept of sustainable development is most fundamentally defined by the Brundtland Commission (1987) in its report 'Our Common Future' as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs [4]. This core definition establishes the principle of intergenerational equity, emphasizing that the current generation must preserve the regenerative capacity of natural systems and environmental wealth for those who follow [2]. While sustainable development also encompasses social equity (intra-generational equity) and the judicious use of exhaustible resources, its primary conceptual hallmark in international policy and environmental law is the balance between current development and future survival [1]. This framework ensures that development today does not negatively affect the resource base or ecological stability required by future populations [t1][t9].

Sources

1. [2] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > Definition > p. 27
2. [3] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 21: Sustainable Development and Climate Change > BRUNDTLAND COMMISSION AND OUR COMMON FUTURE > p. 596
3. [4] INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context > Sustainable Development > p. 70
4. [1] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 21: Sustainable Development and Climate Change > KATOWICE CLIMATE PACKAGE > p. 603