NCERT · Class 10 · Social Science · Geography: Resources and DevelopmentWhat is Sustainable Development? Explain the significance of the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit 1992.

Sustainable development means development should take place without damaging the environment, and development in the present should not compromise the needs of future generations. \nTo address pressing global environmental protection and socio-economic development challenges, the first International Earth Summit was held in June 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Over 100 heads of states convened at this summit. The leaders signed the Declaration on Global Climatic Change and Biological Diversity. The summit endorsed the global Forest Principles and adopted Agenda 21 for achieving sustainable development in the 21st century. Its key objective was achieving global cooperation to combat environmental damage, poverty, and disease through shared responsibilities and mutual obligations.