1. The major cause of environmental problems worldwide is:
A) Population growth
B) Industrialization
C) Deforestation
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Population pressure, industrialization, and deforestation together drive pollution and resource depletion.
2. The term “environment” includes:
A) Only living components
B) Only non-living components
C) Both living and non-living components
D) Only atmosphere
Answer: C) Both living and non-living components
Explanation: Environment = biotic (plants, animals) + abiotic (air, water, soil).
3. The global conference that first discussed sustainable development was:
A) Stockholm Conference, 1972
B) Rio Summit, 1992
C) Kyoto Protocol, 1997
D) Paris Agreement, 2015
Answer: A) Stockholm Conference, 1972
Explanation: UN Stockholm Conference was the first global environmental summit.
4. The main pollutant causing acid rain is:
A) CO₂
B) SO₂ and NOx
C) CH₄
D) O₃
Answer: B) SO₂ and NOx
Explanation: They form sulphuric and nitric acids → acid rain.
5. The greenhouse effect is caused due to:
A) Excess oxygen
B) Excess greenhouse gases trapping heat
C) Increased rainfall
D) Soil erosion
Answer: B) Excess greenhouse gases trapping heat
Explanation: Gases like CO₂, CH₄, and CFCs trap infrared radiation, warming Earth.
6. Which country is the largest contributor to CO₂ emissions (2022)?
A) India
B) USA
C) China
D) Russia
Answer: C) China
Explanation: China emits the most CO₂ globally, followed by USA and India.
7. The main cause of global warming is:
A) Greenhouse gas emissions
B) Deforestation
C) Fossil fuel burning
D) All of these
Answer: D) All of these
Explanation: Fossil fuels, deforestation, and GHG emissions together cause global warming.
8. The major ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are:
A) CFCs
B) CO₂
C) SO₂
D) N₂
Answer: A) CFCs
Explanation: Chlorofluorocarbons break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere.
9. Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984) was caused by leakage of:
A) Ammonia
B) Methyl isocyanate (MIC)
C) Chlorine
D) Phosgene
Answer: B) Methyl isocyanate (MIC)
Explanation: MIC leak killed thousands, becoming India’s worst industrial disaster.
10. Photochemical smog mainly occurs in:
A) Cold winters
B) Sunny, warm climates
C) Rainy days
D) Arctic regions
Answer: B) Sunny, warm climates
Explanation: Photochemical smog forms by reaction of NOx and hydrocarbons under sunlight.
11. The “Silent Spring” (1962) by Rachel Carson highlighted dangers of:
A) Air pollution
B) Pesticides (DDT)
C) Plastic waste
D) Mining
Answer: B) Pesticides (DDT)
Explanation: The book warned against pesticide overuse and bioaccumulation.
12. Which pollutant causes blue baby syndrome?
A) Fluoride
B) Nitrate
C) Lead
D) Mercury
Answer: B) Nitrate
Explanation: High nitrate in drinking water causes methemoglobinemia in infants.
13. Which environmental problem is caused by excess nutrients in water?
A) Biomagnification
B) Eutrophication
C) Acidification
D) Desertification
Answer: B) Eutrophication
Explanation: Nitrogen & phosphorus enrichment causes algal blooms and oxygen depletion.
14. The gas mainly responsible for greenhouse effect is:
A) O₂
B) CO₂
C) N₂
D) H₂
Answer: B) CO₂
Explanation: Carbon dioxide is the most abundant anthropogenic greenhouse gas.
15. The Taj Mahal in India is affected by:
A) Noise pollution
B) Air pollution (acid rain)
C) Radioactive pollution
D) Plastic waste
Answer: B) Air pollution (acid rain)
Explanation: SO₂ from industries causes marble corrosion (“marble cancer”).
16. The World Environment Day is celebrated every year on:
A) 22nd April
B) 5th June
C) 1st December
D) 21st March
Answer: B) 5th June
Explanation: UN declared June 5 as World Environment Day in 1974.
17. The term “Desertification” refers to:
A) Natural desert formation
B) Conversion of fertile land into desert due to overuse
C) Growth of sand dunes
D) Excess rainfall in deserts
Answer: B) Conversion of fertile land into desert due to overuse
Explanation: Overgrazing, deforestation, and climate change accelerate desertification.
18. The main source of indoor air pollution in rural India is:
A) Plastics
B) Biomass burning (wood, dung, crop residues)
C) Automobiles
D) Industrial smoke
Answer: B) Biomass burning (wood, dung, crop residues)
Explanation: Indoor smoke from biomass cooking fuels causes respiratory diseases.
19. Which disease is caused by mercury pollution?
A) Fluorosis
B) Minamata disease
C) Itai-itai disease
D) Silicosis
Answer: B) Minamata disease
Explanation: Mercury poisoning in Japan caused neurological disease (Minamata).
20. Which disease is caused by cadmium pollution?
A) Blue baby syndrome
B) Itai-itai disease
C) Asthma
D) Skin cancer
Answer: B) Itai-itai disease
Explanation: Cadmium contamination in Japan caused bone pain and kidney damage.
21. Which of the following is NOT a renewable energy source?
A) Solar
B) Wind
C) Coal
D) Biomass
Answer: C) Coal
Explanation: Coal is a non-renewable fossil fuel.
22. Which of the following gases is NOT a greenhouse gas?
A) CO₂
B) CH₄
C) O₂
D) N₂O
Answer: C) O₂
Explanation: Oxygen is not a heat-trapping greenhouse gas.
23. Which is the largest terrestrial carbon sink?
A) Forests
B) Oceans
C) Grasslands
D) Wetlands
Answer: A) Forests
Explanation: Forests store huge amounts of carbon in vegetation and soils.
24. The Kyoto Protocol (1997) is related to:
A) Biodiversity conservation
B) Greenhouse gas emission reduction
C) Acid rain control
D) Water pollution
Answer: B) Greenhouse gas emission reduction
Explanation: Kyoto set binding emission reduction targets for developed nations.
25. The Paris Climate Agreement (2015) aims to:
A) Ban plastics
B) Stop deforestation
C) Limit global warming to below 2°C
D) Eliminate fossil fuels
Answer: C) Limit global warming to below 2°C
Explanation: Paris Agreement focuses on reducing emissions to limit warming.
26. The major cause of biodiversity loss is:
A) Habitat destruction
B) Overexploitation
C) Pollution
D) All of these
Answer: D) All of these
Explanation: Habitat loss, overuse, invasive species, and pollution together drive biodiversity decline.
27. Species found only in a particular region and nowhere else are called:
A) Endangered species
B) Endemic species
C) Exotic species
D) Keystone species
Answer: B) Endemic species
Explanation: Endemic species are restricted to a particular area (e.g., Nilgiri Tahr in Western Ghats).
28. Which is the largest biodiversity hotspot in India?
A) Indo-Burma region
B) Himalaya
C) Western Ghats
D) Sundarbans
Answer: B) Himalaya
Explanation: The Himalaya hotspot covers the entire Indian Himalayan region and Indo-Burma transitions.
29. Which of the following is a keystone species?
A) Tiger
B) Cow
C) Dog
D) Rabbit
Answer: A) Tiger
Explanation: Keystone species maintain ecological balance by regulating prey populations.
30. The IUCN Red List classifies species based on:
A) Population size and risk of extinction
B) Migration patterns
C) Commercial value
D) Color of skin/fur
Answer: A) Population size and risk of extinction
Explanation: IUCN categorizes species as endangered, vulnerable, critically endangered, etc.
31. Which Indian bird is critically endangered?
A) Peacock
B) Great Indian Bustard
C) Crow
D) Parakeet
Answer: B) Great Indian Bustard
Explanation: The Great Indian Bustard is one of the most threatened bird species.
32. Deforestation leads to:
A) Soil erosion
B) Loss of biodiversity
C) Climate change
D) All of these
Answer: D) All of these
Explanation: Deforestation destabilizes ecosystems and accelerates global warming.
33. Slash-and-burn agriculture is also known as:
A) Plantation farming
B) Shifting cultivation
C) Terrace farming
D) Monoculture
Answer: B) Shifting cultivation
Explanation: Forests are cleared and burned for temporary farming, common in Northeast India.
34. The Chipko Movement was related to:
A) Wildlife hunting
B) Forest conservation
C) Water conservation
D) Anti-pollution campaign
Answer: B) Forest conservation
Explanation: Villagers hugged trees to prevent deforestation in 1970s Uttarakhand.
35. Which biome has maximum species richness?
A) Desert
B) Tundra
C) Tropical rainforest
D) Grassland
Answer: C) Tropical rainforest
Explanation: Rainforests near the equator have highest biodiversity.
36. Which human activity is the leading cause of land degradation in India?
A) Over-irrigation
B) Overgrazing
C) Mining
D) Deforestation
Answer: D) Deforestation
Explanation: Large-scale tree cutting is the main cause of soil erosion and land degradation.
37. The process of conversion of fertile land into desert is called:
A) Deforestation
B) Desertification
C) Salinization
D) Eutrophication
Answer: B) Desertification
Explanation: Desertification occurs due to deforestation, overgrazing, and climate change.
38. Jhum cultivation in Northeast India is an example of:
A) Sustainable agriculture
B) Intensive farming
C) Shifting cultivation
D) Plantation farming
Answer: C) Shifting cultivation
Explanation: Farmers clear forests, grow crops, and later abandon the land.
39. Which is NOT a consequence of deforestation?
A) Increase in groundwater recharge
B) Increase in global warming
C) Loss of biodiversity
D) Soil erosion
Answer: A) Increase in groundwater recharge
Explanation: Deforestation decreases groundwater recharge due to loss of vegetation cover.
40. Sacred groves in India are important for:
A) Hunting grounds
B) Biodiversity conservation
C) Timber production
D) Urban expansion
Answer: B) Biodiversity conservation
Explanation: Sacred groves preserve native biodiversity and cultural heritage.
41. Which of the following is NOT a direct driver of biodiversity loss?
A) Habitat loss
B) Invasive species
C) Climate change
D) Ecotourism
Answer: D) Ecotourism
Explanation: Ecotourism, if well managed, supports conservation rather than loss.
42. Project Tiger was launched in India in:
A) 1969
B) 1973
C) 1985
D) 1992
Answer: B) 1973
Explanation: Project Tiger was started to conserve the endangered Bengal tiger.
43. Which of the following is an invasive alien species in India?
A) Banyan tree
B) Lantana camara
C) Neem
D) Teak
Answer: B) Lantana camara
Explanation: Lantana spreads rapidly, replacing native plants.
44. Soil salinity in Punjab and Haryana is mainly caused by:
A) Rainfall
B) Over-irrigation
C) Mining
D) Forest fires
Answer: B) Over-irrigation
Explanation: Excess irrigation raises groundwater levels, leaving salts on soil surface.
45. Which Indian act provides legal protection to forests?
A) Forest Conservation Act, 1980
B) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
C) Environment Protection Act, 1986
D) Water Act, 1974
Answer: A) Forest Conservation Act, 1980
Explanation: This act restricts diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
46. Which term refers to gradual replacement of natural vegetation with human settlements?
A) Ecological succession
B) Urbanization
C) Natural selection
D) Reforestation
Answer: B) Urbanization
Explanation: Urbanization destroys natural habitats, reducing biodiversity.
47. Which of the following is NOT a Ramsar site (wetland of international importance) in India?
A) Chilika Lake
B) Loktak Lake
C) Sundarbans
D) Thar Desert
Answer: D) Thar Desert
Explanation: Ramsar sites are wetlands; Thar Desert is arid land, not a wetland.
48. Which international agreement deals with conservation of migratory species?
A) Montreal Protocol
B) CMS (Bonn Convention)
C) Basel Convention
D) Kyoto Protocol
Answer: B) CMS (Bonn Convention)
Explanation: CMS protects migratory animals across international borders.
49. The Sundarbans are famous for:
A) Olive ridley turtles
B) Bengal tigers and mangrove forests
C) Coral reefs
D) Desert vegetation
Answer: B) Bengal tigers and mangrove forests
Explanation: Sundarbans (UNESCO site) are the world’s largest mangrove ecosystem.
50. Which of the following practices is most effective in preventing land degradation?
A) Monocropping
B) Overgrazing
C) Afforestation
D) Open mining
Answer: C) Afforestation
Explanation: Planting trees prevents soil erosion, improves soil fertility, and restores ecosystems.
51. The primary cause of climate change is:
A) Rotation of Earth
B) Greenhouse gas emissions
C) Ocean currents
D) Solar eclipse
Answer: B) Greenhouse gas emissions
Explanation: Human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation increase GHGs, driving climate change.
52. The most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere is:
A) CO₂
B) Water vapor
C) Methane
D) Ozone
Answer: B) Water vapor
Explanation: Naturally occurring water vapor is the largest contributor, but CO₂ from humans is the most important.
53. Which gas has the highest global warming potential (GWP)?
A) CO₂
B) CH₄
C) N₂O
D) CFCs
Answer: D) CFCs
Explanation: CFCs have GWP thousands of times higher than CO₂.
54. The global warming potential (GWP) of CO₂ is taken as:
A) 0
B) 1
C) 10
D) 100
Answer: B) 1
Explanation: CO₂ is the reference gas with GWP = 1.
55. Which international treaty aims to control greenhouse gas emissions?
A) Montreal Protocol
B) Kyoto Protocol
C) Basel Convention
D) Stockholm Convention
Answer: B) Kyoto Protocol
Explanation: Kyoto Protocol (1997) sets binding emission reduction targets.
56. The Paris Agreement (2015) aims to limit global warming to:
A) Below 3°C
B) Below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C
C) Exactly 2.5°C
D) No target
Answer: B) Below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C
Explanation: Paris Agreement strengthens global climate action.
57. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established in:
A) 1972
B) 1988
C) 1992
D) 2005
Answer: B) 1988
Explanation: IPCC was created by UNEP and WMO to assess climate change science.
58. Sea-level rise is mainly due to:
A) Tides
B) Melting glaciers and thermal expansion
C) Seismic activity
D) Ocean currents
Answer: B) Melting glaciers and thermal expansion
Explanation: Global warming melts ice caps and expands seawater, raising sea levels.
59. Which country is the largest per capita emitter of CO₂?
A) USA
B) China
C) India
D) Russia
Answer: A) USA
Explanation: China leads in total emissions, but USA has higher per capita emissions.
60. El Niño phenomenon is associated with:
A) Ozone hole
B) Ocean warming in Pacific
C) Deforestation
D) Monoculture farming
Answer: B) Ocean warming in Pacific
Explanation: El Niño disrupts global weather by warming Pacific Ocean waters.
61. Carbon trading is a mechanism under:
A) Montreal Protocol
B) Kyoto Protocol
C) Basel Convention
D) Paris Agreement
Answer: B) Kyoto Protocol
Explanation: Kyoto introduced carbon credits and Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
62. Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?
A) CO₂
B) CH₄
C) O₂
D) N₂O
Answer: C) O₂
Explanation: Oxygen does not trap heat.
63. Which layer of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer?
A) Troposphere
B) Stratosphere
C) Mesosphere
D) Thermosphere
Answer: B) Stratosphere
Explanation: Ozone is concentrated in the stratosphere (15–35 km altitude).
64. The ozone hole is most prominent over:
A) Arctic
B) Antarctica
C) Equator
D) Europe
Answer: B) Antarctica
Explanation: Polar stratospheric clouds enhance ozone depletion over Antarctica.
65. Which gas family is primarily responsible for ozone depletion?
A) Hydrocarbons
B) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
C) Carbon oxides
D) Nitrogen oxides
Answer: B) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Explanation: CFCs release chlorine atoms that destroy ozone.
66. The Montreal Protocol (1987) is related to:
A) Climate change
B) Ozone-depleting substances
C) Hazardous waste trade
D) Desertification
Answer: B) Ozone-depleting substances
Explanation: Montreal phased out CFCs and other ozone-depleting chemicals.
67. Dobson Unit (DU) is used to measure:
A) Air pollution
B) Noise level
C) Ozone thickness
D) Carbon emissions
Answer: C) Ozone thickness
Explanation: 1 DU = 0.01 mm thickness of ozone at STP.
68. Normal thickness of ozone layer is about:
A) 50–100 DU
B) 200–300 DU
C) 400–500 DU
D) 800 DU
Answer: B) 200–300 DU
Explanation: Average ozone column thickness is 220–320 DU.
69. Excessive UV radiation due to ozone depletion causes:
A) Skin cancer
B) Cataracts
C) Reduced crop yield
D) All of these
Answer: D) All of these
Explanation: UV exposure harms health and ecosystems.
70. Which of the following gases is both a greenhouse gas and an ozone-depleting substance?
A) CO₂
B) CH₄
C) N₂O
D) O₂
Answer: C) N₂O
Explanation: Nitrous oxide contributes to warming and ozone destruction.
71. “Global dimming” refers to:
A) Increase in sunlight reaching Earth
B) Decrease in sunlight reaching Earth due to aerosols
C) Ozone depletion
D) Greenhouse effect
Answer: B) Decrease in sunlight reaching Earth due to aerosols
Explanation: Aerosols reflect solar radiation, reducing sunlight at Earth’s surface.
72. Which is a natural greenhouse gas source?
A) Fossil fuel burning
B) Volcanic eruptions
C) Automobiles
D) Power plants
Answer: B) Volcanic eruptions
Explanation: Volcanoes emit CO₂ and water vapor naturally.
73. Which international body monitors climate change?
A) WHO
B) IPCC
C) WTO
D) FAO
Answer: B) IPCC
Explanation: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assesses climate science.
74. The Kyoto Protocol is legally binding, but the Paris Agreement is:
A) Non-binding
B) Voluntary with nationally determined contributions (NDCs)
C) Focused only on forests
D) Only for developing nations
Answer: B) Voluntary with nationally determined contributions (NDCs)
Explanation: Paris relies on voluntary emission pledges by countries.
75. Ozone depletion has been successfully reduced due to:
A) Kyoto Protocol
B) Montreal Protocol
C) Rio Summit
D) Paris Agreement
Answer: B) Montreal Protocol
Explanation: Global cooperation phased out CFCs, leading to ozone recovery.
76. The concept of sustainable development was popularized by:
A) Montreal Protocol
B) Brundtland Report (1987)
C) Rio Summit (1992)
D) Kyoto Protocol
Answer: B) Brundtland Report (1987)
Explanation: The Brundtland Commission defined sustainable development as meeting present needs without compromising future generations.
77. The principle of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” is also known as:
A) Waste hierarchy
B) Environmental pyramid
C) Greenhouse strategy
D) Eco-labeling
Answer: A) Waste hierarchy
Explanation: The 3Rs form the waste management hierarchy to minimize waste.
78. The Polluter Pays Principle means:
A) The polluter is exempted from fines
B) Government pays for pollution control
C) Polluter bears the cost of prevention and cleanup
D) Pollution is allowed freely
Answer: C) Polluter bears the cost of prevention and cleanup
Explanation: It ensures accountability and responsibility of polluters.
79. Which of the following is an example of biomagnification?
A) Lead in soil
B) Mercury in fish
C) Plastic waste
D) Carbon dioxide
Answer: B) Mercury in fish
Explanation: Mercury accumulates in fish and magnifies up the food chain.
80. Which Indian river is most polluted due to untreated sewage?
A) Ganga
B) Yamuna
C) Godavari
D) Cauvery
Answer: B) Yamuna
Explanation: Yamuna receives massive untreated sewage from Delhi, making it highly polluted.
81. The “Clean Development Mechanism” (CDM) is associated with:
A) Montreal Protocol
B) Kyoto Protocol
C) Paris Agreement
D) Basel Convention
Answer: B) Kyoto Protocol
Explanation: CDM allows developed nations to invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries.
82. Which of the following is NOT an environmental issue in India?
A) Air pollution
B) Plastic waste
C) Biodiversity conservation
D) Overpopulation
Answer: C) Biodiversity conservation
Explanation: Conservation is a solution, not an environmental problem.
83. The Stockholm Conference (1972) was the first UN conference on:
A) Human environment
B) Climate change
C) Sustainable development
D) Ozone depletion
Answer: A) Human environment
Explanation: It raised global awareness about environmental protection.
84. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is carried out to:
A) Assess biodiversity
B) Predict environmental impacts of projects
C) Study ozone depletion
D) Measure soil fertility
Answer: B) Predict environmental impacts of projects
Explanation: EIA identifies potential impacts before project approval.
85. Fly ash is a major pollutant from:
A) Nuclear plants
B) Thermal power plants
C) Automobile exhaust
D) Textile industries
Answer: B) Thermal power plants
Explanation: Coal burning produces large amounts of fly ash.
86. Which waste is classified as biomedical?
A) Kitchen waste
B) Used syringes and bandages
C) Paper waste
D) Metal scrap
Answer: B) Used syringes and bandages
Explanation: Biomedical waste includes hospital waste that may be infectious.
87. The city with the worst air quality in India (WHO 2022 report) is:
A) Delhi
B) Kanpur
C) Bhiwadi
D) Ghaziabad
Answer: C) Bhiwadi
Explanation: WHO identified Bhiwadi (Rajasthan) as India’s most polluted city by PM2.5.
88. The term “white pollution” refers to:
A) Acid rain
B) Plastic pollution
C) Oil spills
D) Fly ash
Answer: B) Plastic pollution
Explanation: Plastic waste is called “white pollution” because of its color and persistence.
89. Which international convention deals with hazardous waste movement?
A) Kyoto Protocol
B) Basel Convention
C) Montreal Protocol
D) Ramsar Convention
Answer: B) Basel Convention
Explanation: Basel Convention (1989) regulates transboundary movement of hazardous waste.
90. Which sector contributes maximum to global CO₂ emissions?
A) Industry
B) Transportation
C) Agriculture
D) Energy (power generation)
Answer: D) Energy (power generation)
Explanation: Burning fossil fuels for electricity is the largest emission source.
91. Which of the following is an effect of noise pollution?
A) Hearing loss
B) High blood pressure
C) Stress and insomnia
D) All of these
Answer: D) All of these
Explanation: Noise affects hearing, health, and mental well-being.
92. Which Indian program aims to clean the Ganga River?
A) Project Dolphin
B) Namami Gange
C) Green India Mission
D) Jal Jeevan Mission
Answer: B) Namami Gange
Explanation: Launched in 2014 to rejuvenate and clean the Ganga.
93. The largest mangrove forest in the world is:
A) Sundarbans
B) Amazon Delta
C) Godavari Delta
D) Mekong Delta
Answer: A) Sundarbans
Explanation: Sundarbans (India & Bangladesh) form the world’s largest mangrove ecosystem.
94. Which of the following gases is NOT released by vehicles?
A) CO₂
B) SO₂
C) Ozone
D) CO
Answer: C) Ozone
Explanation: Vehicles emit NOx, CO, SO₂, but ozone is a secondary pollutant formed in atmosphere.
95. Which gas causes photochemical smog along with hydrocarbons?
A) O₂
B) NO₂
C) CH₄
D) H₂
Answer: B) NO₂
Explanation: NO₂ reacts with hydrocarbons under sunlight to form smog.
96. Which of the following is NOT a renewable energy source?
A) Solar
B) Wind
C) Geothermal
D) Natural gas
Answer: D) Natural gas
Explanation: Natural gas is fossil-based and non-renewable.
97. The 2015 Paris Agreement is also known as:
A) COP19
B) COP21
C) COP23
D) COP26
Answer: B) COP21
Explanation: Paris Agreement was adopted at COP21 in Paris.
98. The concept of “carbon footprint” refers to:
A) Amount of water consumed
B) Amount of land used
C) Total greenhouse gases emitted directly/indirectly
D) Forest area destroyed
Answer: C) Total greenhouse gases emitted directly/indirectly
Explanation: It measures individual/organization contribution to climate change.
99. Which of the following is an international agreement on wetlands?
A) Ramsar Convention
B) Basel Convention
C) Kyoto Protocol
D) Nagoya Protocol
Answer: A) Ramsar Convention
Explanation: Ramsar (1971) is a global treaty for wetland conservation.
100. The ultimate aim of environmental protection is:
A) Increase industrialization
B) Ensure ecological balance and human well-being
C) Exploit natural resources
D) Ban all technology
Answer: B) Ensure ecological balance and human well-being
Explanation: Environmental protection ensures sustainable use of resources for future generations.