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 today’s 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 Paper
Explanation:
To answer this question, let’s analyze the key points of the passage and compare them to the given options:
1. The passage emphasizes “rethinking growth strategies” with respect to environmental sustainability and resource availability for the poor.
2. It highlights the need to focus on the “current reality of a resource-constrained world.”
3. It suggests moving away from resource-intensive and energy-intensive processes towards more efficient and “resource frugal” strategies.
4. The goal is to avoid an “economic dead end” or a world where only a small elite enjoys affluence amid widespread poverty.
Now, let’s evaluate each option:
a) This statement contradicts the passage, which suggests rethinking growth rather than abandoning it.
b) This option also contradicts the passage, which implies that poverty eradication and environmental protection can be compatible with proper strategies.
c) This option aligns closely with the main ideas of the passage. It captures the notion that environmental considerations are crucial for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.
d) This statement is pessimistic and fatalistic, which goes against the passage’s call for rethinking and improving growth strategies.
The statement that best reflects the crux of the passage is: c) Maintaining high environmental standards is now a prerequisite for achieving a steady, sufficient and inclusive growth.