Paragraph: Green growth involves rethinking growth strategies with regard to the impacts on environmental sustainability
and the environmental resources available to poor and vulnerable groups.
In rethinking growth, we need to focus on the current reality of a resource-constrained world. Resource intensive and, in particular energy intensive processes will need to make way for more efficient and resource frugal development strategies if we are to avoid an economic dead end or a world in which only a small elite is able to enjoy affluence in the midst of a sea of poverty.
Q. Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the above passage?
a) Environmental sustainability is inimical to our objective of achieving a high rate of GDP growth.
b) Poverty eradication is not possible without a rapid economic growth and the consequent environmental degradation.
c) Maintaining high environmental standards is now a prerequisite for achieving a steady, sufficient and inclusive growth.
d) With large populations, rampant poverty and limited resources of todayβs world, environmental degradation cannot be prevented and inequalities are inevitable.
Correct answer: c) Maintaining high environmental standards is now a prerequisite for achieving a steady, sufficient and inclusive growth.
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT
Explanation :Β
The passage emphasizes three key points:
1. Growth strategies need to be reconsidered in light of environmental sustainability
2. We live in a resource-constrained world
3. Resource-intensive development could lead to either economic failure or benefit only a small elite
Option (c) best captures this message by stating that high environmental standards are essential for achieving growth that is:
– Steady (sustainable)
– Sufficient (meets needs)
– Inclusive (benefits all, not just elites)
The other options contradict the passage’s message:
– (a) and (b) suggest environmental protection and growth are incompatible
– (d) presents a fatalistic view that the passage actively argues against by proposing solutions