1. Pollution refers to:
A) Addition of useful substances in the environment
B) Addition or removal of substances that make the environment harmful
C) Increase in biodiversity
D) Removal of waste materials
Answer: B) Addition or removal of substances that make the environment harmful
Explanation: Pollution means undesirable changes in the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of the environment.
2. Which of the following is NOT a primary air pollutant?
A) CO
B) SO₂
C) NO₂
D) O₃
Answer: D) O₃
Explanation: Ozone at ground level is a secondary pollutant formed by chemical reactions of primary pollutants.
3. The most abundant greenhouse gas emitted by human activities is:
A) CH₄
B) CO₂
C) N₂O
D) CFCs
Answer: B) CO₂
Explanation: Carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels is the largest anthropogenic greenhouse gas.
4. Which pollutant causes Minamata disease?
A) Arsenic
B) Mercury
C) Lead
D) Cadmium
Answer: B) Mercury
Explanation: Mercury poisoning (in Minamata Bay, Japan) caused neurological disorders known as Minamata disease.
5. PAN (Peroxyacetyl Nitrate) is a:
A) Greenhouse gas
B) Primary air pollutant
C) Secondary air pollutant
D) Metal contaminant
Answer: C) Secondary air pollutant
Explanation: PAN is formed in photochemical smog from hydrocarbons and NOx.
6. Which air pollutant is the main cause of Taj Mahal’s marble corrosion?
A) SO₂
B) NO₂
C) O₃
D) CO
Answer: A) SO₂
Explanation: Sulphur dioxide reacts with water to form sulphuric acid → acid rain → marble corrosion (“Marble cancer”).
7. Which gas is known as laughing gas and also acts as a greenhouse gas?
A) CO₂
B) CH₄
C) N₂O
D) SO₂
Answer: C) N₂O
Explanation: Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is a potent greenhouse gas.
8. Photochemical smog is dominant in:
A) Winter mornings
B) Summer afternoons
C) Rainy season
D) Cold nights
Answer: B) Summer afternoons
Explanation: Photochemical smog forms under intense sunlight due to NOx and hydrocarbons.
9. Bhopal gas tragedy (1984) was due to leakage of:
A) Methyl isocyanate (MIC)
B) Phosgene
C) Cyanide
D) Ammonia
Answer: A) Methyl isocyanate (MIC)
Explanation: MIC leak from Union Carbide pesticide plant caused thousands of deaths.
10. The device used to remove particulate matter from industrial emissions is:
A) Cyclone separator
B) Electrostatic precipitator
C) Scrubber
D) All of these
Answer: D) All of these
Explanation: ESPs, scrubbers, and cyclone separators are used for air pollution control.
11. Which pollutant mainly causes respiratory problems like bronchitis and asthma?
A) SO₂
B) CO₂
C) O₃
D) CFCs
Answer: A) SO₂
Explanation: Sulphur dioxide irritates respiratory tract, causing chronic bronchitis.
12. Which pollutant has the highest global warming potential (GWP)?
A) CO₂
B) CH₄
C) N₂O
D) CFCs
Answer: D) CFCs
Explanation: CFCs trap heat thousands of times more than CO₂.
13. Which pollutant binds with hemoglobin to reduce oxygen transport in blood?
A) CO₂
B) CO
C) NO₂
D) SO₂
Answer: B) CO
Explanation: Carbon monoxide forms carboxyhemoglobin, reducing oxygen carrying capacity → suffocation.
14. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act in India was passed in:
A) 1974
B) 1981
C) 1987
D) 1991
Answer: B) 1981
Explanation: The Air Act, 1981 provides measures for control of air pollution.
15. Which of the following pollutants causes blue baby syndrome?
A) Nitrate in drinking water
B) Fluoride
C) Lead
D) Mercury
Answer: A) Nitrate in drinking water
Explanation: High nitrate levels in water cause methemoglobinemia (“blue baby syndrome”) in infants.
16. Ozone layer depletion is mainly due to:
A) CFCs
B) SO₂
C) NO₂
D) CO₂
Answer: A) CFCs
Explanation: CFCs release chlorine atoms that destroy ozone molecules in the stratosphere.
17. Which gas is the main contributor to acid rain?
A) O₂
B) SO₂
C) H₂
D) CO
Answer: B) SO₂
Explanation: SO₂ and NOx form sulphuric and nitric acids in the atmosphere → acid rain.
18. Which pollutant is measured using a dosimeter in workplaces?
A) Noise
B) Dust
C) Radiation
D) Temperature
Answer: C) Radiation
Explanation: Dosimeters measure ionizing radiation exposure in industries and hospitals.
19. Lead poisoning affects primarily:
A) Heart
B) Brain and nervous system
C) Kidneys
D) Skin
Answer: B) Brain and nervous system
Explanation: Lead damages the nervous system, especially in children.
20. PM2.5 refers to particulate matter of size less than:
A) 5 micrometers
B) 2.5 micrometers
C) 25 micrometers
D) 0.25 micrometers
Answer: B) 2.5 micrometers
Explanation: PM2.5 are tiny particles causing severe respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
21. AQI stands for:
A) Air Quality Indicator
B) Air Quality Index
C) Atmospheric Quality Index
D) Average Quality Index
Answer: B) Air Quality Index
Explanation: AQI measures air pollution levels (Good, Moderate, Poor, Severe).
22. Which pollutant causes greenhouse effect but is not considered an air pollutant under Indian law?
A) CO₂
B) SO₂
C) NO₂
D) CO
Answer: A) CO₂
Explanation: CO₂ causes climate change but is not classified as an “air pollutant” under the Air Act, 1981.
23. Which city is known as the most air-polluted city in India (as per WHO 2022 report)?
A) Delhi
B) Kanpur
C) Ghaziabad
D) Bhiwadi
Answer: D) Bhiwadi
Explanation: WHO listed Bhiwadi (Rajasthan) as India’s most polluted city by PM2.5 concentration.
24. Which chemical is used in catalytic converters of automobiles to control emissions?
A) Platinum
B) Sodium
C) Copper
D) Aluminium
Answer: A) Platinum
Explanation: Catalytic converters use platinum, palladium, rhodium to reduce NOx, CO, and hydrocarbons.
25. Which type of radiation causes ozone depletion?
A) Infrared
B) Ultraviolet (UV)
C) Gamma rays
D) Microwave
Answer: B) Ultraviolet (UV)
Explanation: UV radiation breaks down CFCs, releasing chlorine that depletes ozone.
26. Which of the following is the most common indicator of water pollution?
A) BOD
B) COD
C) DO
D) TDS
Answer: A) BOD
Explanation: Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) measures the oxygen consumed by microbes; higher BOD = higher pollution.
27. Which disease is caused by drinking water contaminated with arsenic?
A) Fluorosis
B) Minamata disease
C) Itai-itai disease
D) Arsenicosis
Answer: D) Arsenicosis
Explanation: Arsenic in groundwater causes skin lesions, cancers, and organ damage.
28. The presence of coliform bacteria in water indicates:
A) Chemical pollution
B) Industrial waste
C) Fecal contamination
D) Salinity
Answer: C) Fecal contamination
Explanation: Coliforms are used as biological indicators of sewage pollution.
29. The highest percentage of water pollution in India is caused by:
A) Industrial waste
B) Agricultural runoff
C) Domestic sewage
D) Oil spills
Answer: C) Domestic sewage
Explanation: More than 70% of water pollution in India is due to untreated sewage.
30. Eutrophication in lakes is mainly due to:
A) Oil spills
B) Acid rain
C) Excess nitrogen and phosphorus
D) Heavy metals
Answer: C) Excess nitrogen and phosphorus
Explanation: Nutrient enrichment → algal blooms → oxygen depletion → fish kills.
31. The hardness of water is due to:
A) Calcium and magnesium salts
B) Sodium salts
C) Potassium salts
D) Iron salts
Answer: A) Calcium and magnesium salts
Explanation: Permanent hardness is caused by Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions in water.
32. The Ganga Action Plan (GAP) was launched in:
A) 1974
B) 1985
C) 1991
D) 2000
Answer: B) 1985
Explanation: GAP was India’s first major river cleaning project, launched in 1985.
33. Which metal causes “Itai-Itai” disease?
A) Lead
B) Cadmium
C) Arsenic
D) Mercury
Answer: B) Cadmium
Explanation: Cadmium poisoning in Japan caused bone and kidney damage, known as Itai-Itai disease.
34. Which of the following is NOT a water-borne disease?
A) Typhoid
B) Cholera
C) Hepatitis-A
D) Asthma
Answer: D) Asthma
Explanation: Asthma is air-borne; others are caused by contaminated water.
35. Which method is most suitable for removing oil spills in oceans?
A) Filtration
B) Bioremediation using oil-eating bacteria
C) Sedimentation
D) Reverse osmosis
Answer: B) Bioremediation using oil-eating bacteria
Explanation: Pseudomonas and other microbes degrade hydrocarbons in oil spills.
36. The main cause of soil salinity is:
A) Excessive irrigation
B) Use of organic manure
C) Deforestation
D) Crop rotation
Answer: A) Excessive irrigation
Explanation: Over-irrigation leads to salt accumulation on soil surface → salinization.
37. Which heavy metal contaminant is mainly found in industrial effluents like tanneries?
A) Lead
B) Chromium
C) Cadmium
D) Arsenic
Answer: B) Chromium
Explanation: Hexavalent chromium from tanneries causes cancer and other diseases.
38. Soil erosion is mainly caused by:
A) Afforestation
B) Deforestation
C) Mulching
D) Terrace farming
Answer: B) Deforestation
Explanation: Removal of vegetation cover exposes soil, making it vulnerable to erosion.
39. Which of the following practices increases soil fertility?
A) Monocropping
B) Overgrazing
C) Crop rotation
D) Soil compaction
Answer: C) Crop rotation
Explanation: Crop rotation restores soil nutrients and reduces pests.
40. Biomedical waste should be disposed of by:
A) Composting
B) Open dumping
C) Incineration
D) Landfilling only
Answer: C) Incineration
Explanation: Incineration safely destroys infectious biomedical waste.
41. Which of the following is NOT a method of solid waste management?
A) Recycling
B) Landfilling
C) Incineration
D) Deforestation
Answer: D) Deforestation
Explanation: Deforestation is unrelated to waste management.
42. The process of composting uses:
A) Heat treatment
B) Microorganisms
C) Chemicals
D) Radiation
Answer: B) Microorganisms
Explanation: Composting uses bacteria and fungi to decompose organic waste into manure.
43. Hazardous waste includes:
A) Kitchen waste
B) Plastic bags
C) Radioactive waste
D) Paper waste
Answer: C) Radioactive waste
Explanation: Hazardous wastes are toxic, corrosive, flammable, or radioactive.
44. Which solid waste disposal method produces biogas?
A) Open dumping
B) Sanitary landfilling
C) Composting
D) Anaerobic digestion
Answer: D) Anaerobic digestion
Explanation: Anaerobic digestion of organic waste produces methane-rich biogas.
45. Fly ash is a by-product of:
A) Fertilizer plants
B) Thermal power plants
C) Oil refineries
D) Cement factories
Answer: B) Thermal power plants
Explanation: Fly ash is produced from burning coal in power plants.
46. Plastic waste is a major concern because:
A) It is biodegradable
B) It is non-biodegradable and persistent
C) It enriches the soil
D) It increases crop yield
Answer: B) It is non-biodegradable and persistent
Explanation: Plastics remain in the environment for centuries, causing pollution.
47. The most effective method of plastic waste management is:
A) Burning
B) Recycling
C) Open dumping
D) Landfilling
Answer: B) Recycling
Explanation: Recycling reduces plastic accumulation and saves resources.
48. Which country is known for the highest plastic recycling rate?
A) USA
B) Japan
C) Germany
D) India
Answer: C) Germany
Explanation: Germany recycles over 65% of its plastic waste, the highest globally.
49. The first solid waste management rule in India was framed in:
A) 1974
B) 1986
C) 2000
D) 2016
Answer: C) 2000
Explanation: Municipal Solid Waste (Management & Handling) Rules were introduced in 2000, revised in 2016.
50. Leachate is:
A) A fertilizer
B) A nutrient solution from compost
C) Liquid that drains from landfills
D) A type of pesticide
Answer: C) Liquid that drains from landfills
Explanation: Leachate is contaminated liquid that percolates through landfill waste, polluting soil and groundwater.
51. Noise is considered pollution when it exceeds:
A) 30 dB
B) 50 dB
C) 70 dB
D) 100 dB
Answer: C) 70 dB
Explanation: Continuous exposure above ~70 dB is harmful and considered noise pollution.
52. The unit of measurement of sound intensity is:
A) Watt
B) Hertz
C) Decibel (dB)
D) Joule
Answer: C) Decibel (dB)
Explanation: Noise levels are measured in decibels (logarithmic scale).
53. Which of the following health problems is most commonly caused by prolonged exposure to noise?
A) Asthma
B) Hearing loss
C) Skin cancer
D) Typhoid
Answer: B) Hearing loss
Explanation: Noise above 85 dB damages the auditory system, leading to hearing loss.
54. Which of the following is NOT a source of noise pollution?
A) Loudspeakers
B) Industrial machinery
C) Birds singing
D) Jet engines
Answer: C) Birds singing
Explanation: Bird sounds are natural and not considered pollution.
55. The permissible noise level in residential areas during the night (India CPCB norms) is:
A) 40 dB
B) 55 dB
C) 65 dB
D) 75 dB
Answer: A) 40 dB
Explanation: CPCB standards: 55 dB day / 45 dB night (residential). Some cities allow up to 40 dB at night.
56. Which of the following methods reduces noise pollution?
A) Planting trees
B) Soundproofing
C) Using silencers
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Noise can be controlled by barriers, green belts, silencers, and regulations.
57. Ionizing radiation includes:
A) Radio waves
B) Microwaves
C) X-rays and gamma rays
D) Infrared rays
Answer: C) X-rays and gamma rays
Explanation: Ionizing radiation has high energy to remove electrons from atoms, damaging cells.
58. Non-ionizing radiation includes:
A) Ultraviolet, microwave, radio waves
B) Gamma rays
C) X-rays
D) Cosmic rays
Answer: A) Ultraviolet, microwave, radio waves
Explanation: Non-ionizing radiation has lower energy and doesn’t ionize atoms.
59. Which nuclear disaster occurred in Ukraine in 1986?
A) Three Mile Island
B) Chernobyl
C) Fukushima
D) Hiroshima
Answer: B) Chernobyl
Explanation: Chernobyl (1986) was the world’s worst nuclear disaster, releasing massive radiation.
60. Which nuclear accident occurred in Japan in 2011 due to a tsunami?
A) Chernobyl
B) Fukushima Daiichi
C) Three Mile Island
D) Tokaimura
Answer: B) Fukushima Daiichi
Explanation: The 2011 earthquake-tsunami damaged Fukushima reactors, releasing radiation.
61. Radiation sickness primarily affects which cells first?
A) Muscle cells
B) Blood cells
C) Bone cells
D) Nerve cells
Answer: B) Blood cells
Explanation: Bone marrow and blood cells divide rapidly and are most sensitive to radiation.
62. Radioactive isotope used in treatment of thyroid disorders is:
A) Cobalt-60
B) Iodine-131
C) Cesium-137
D) Uranium-238
Answer: B) Iodine-131
Explanation: I-131 is used in diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism.
63. The major greenhouse gases are:
A) CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, CFCs
B) O₂, N₂, CO₂, CH₄
C) CO, SO₂, NOx, O₃
D) H₂, O₂, CH₄, CO₂
Answer: A) CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, CFCs
Explanation: These are the four major anthropogenic greenhouse gases.
64. Which gas contributes maximum to global warming by volume?
A) Methane
B) Nitrous oxide
C) Carbon dioxide
D) CFCs
Answer: C) Carbon dioxide
Explanation: Though less potent, CO₂ is most abundant and contributes most to warming.
65. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established in:
A) 1972
B) 1988
C) 1992
D) 2000
Answer: B) 1988
Explanation: IPCC was formed by UNEP & WMO to assess climate change science.
66. The Kyoto Protocol (1997) aimed at reducing:
A) Deforestation
B) Greenhouse gas emissions
C) Ozone depletion
D) Acid rain
Answer: B) Greenhouse gas emissions
Explanation: Kyoto set binding targets for reducing GHG emissions.
67. The Paris Climate Agreement was adopted in:
A) 2005
B) 2010
C) 2015
D) 2020
Answer: C) 2015
Explanation: Paris Agreement (COP21) aims to limit global warming to below 2°C.
68. The main aim of the Montreal Protocol (1987) is to phase out:
A) CFCs
B) CO₂
C) Methane
D) NO₂
Answer: A) CFCs
Explanation: Montreal Protocol regulates ozone-depleting substances like CFCs.
69. Global warming potential (GWP) of CO₂ is taken as:
A) 0
B) 1
C) 10
D) 100
Answer: B) 1
Explanation: GWP of CO₂ is the baseline against which other gases are compared.
70. Which gas has the highest GWP?
A) CO₂
B) CH₄
C) N₂O
D) CFCs
Answer: D) CFCs
Explanation: CFCs have GWP thousands of times higher than CO₂.
71. Sea-level rise is mainly caused by:
A) Seismic activity
B) Melting glaciers and thermal expansion of water
C) Tides
D) Ocean currents
Answer: B) Melting glaciers and thermal expansion of water
Explanation: Global warming causes ice melt and expansion of seawater.
72. Which of the following is NOT a consequence of climate change?
A) More floods and droughts
B) Melting glaciers
C) Ozone layer thickening
D) Sea level rise
Answer: C) Ozone layer thickening
Explanation: Climate change causes warming effects; ozone depletion is a separate issue.
73. Carbon trading is related to:
A) Water pollution control
B) Air quality improvement
C) Reduction of greenhouse gases
D) Noise regulation
Answer: C) Reduction of greenhouse gases
Explanation: Carbon trading allows countries to buy/sell carbon credits to meet emission targets.
74. Which country is the largest emitter of CO₂ as of 2022?
A) USA
B) China
C) India
D) Russia
Answer: B) China
Explanation: China is the largest emitter of CO₂, followed by USA and India.
75. Which renewable energy source helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions?
A) Coal
B) Oil
C) Solar and wind energy
D) Natural gas
Answer: C) Solar and wind energy
Explanation: Renewable sources reduce dependency on fossil fuels, lowering emissions.
76. Which gas is mainly responsible for photochemical smog?
A) SO₂
B) NO₂
C) CO
D) CO₂
Answer: B) NO₂
Explanation: Photochemical smog is formed by reaction of NO₂ and hydrocarbons in sunlight.
77. “Greenhouse gas which also depletes ozone layer” is:
A) CO₂
B) CH₄
C) CFCs
D) N₂O
Answer: C) CFCs
Explanation: CFCs trap heat and also release chlorine atoms that destroy ozone.
78. Which of the following is a biodegradable pollutant?
A) Sewage
B) DDT
C) Mercury
D) Plastics
Answer: A) Sewage
Explanation: Sewage decomposes naturally by microorganisms, unlike non-biodegradable pollutants.
79. The device used in automobiles to reduce emissions of CO and NOx is:
A) Bag filter
B) Catalytic converter
C) Scrubber
D) Electrostatic precipitator
Answer: B) Catalytic converter
Explanation: Catalytic converters convert CO → CO₂ and NOx → N₂.
80. Which of the following is an example of point source pollution?
A) Agricultural runoff
B) Sewage discharge pipe
C) Acid rain
D) Urban stormwater
Answer: B) Sewage discharge pipe
Explanation: Point source = pollution from identifiable, fixed location.
81. Which is the best method to control industrial noise?
A) Planting trees
B) Green belts
C) Soundproof enclosures
D) Relocation of industries
Answer: C) Soundproof enclosures
Explanation: Enclosing noisy machines reduces industrial noise effectively.
82. Which is the main cause of indoor air pollution in rural India?
A) CFCs
B) Biomass burning
C) Vehicle emissions
D) Plastic waste
Answer: B) Biomass burning
Explanation: Use of firewood, cow dung, and crop residues indoors releases smoke and particulates.
83. The “safe” level of fluorides in drinking water is:
A) 0.5 ppm
B) 1.0 ppm
C) 3.0 ppm
D) 5.0 ppm
Answer: B) 1.0 ppm
Explanation: 1 ppm fluoride prevents dental caries; excess causes fluorosis.
84. Which type of pollution control method is used in thermal power plants to capture fly ash?
A) Cyclone separator
B) Bag filter
C) Electrostatic precipitator
D) All of these
Answer: D) All of these
Explanation: ESPs, bag filters, and cyclone separators are common devices for fly ash control.
85. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in India is mandatory under:
A) Air Act, 1981
B) Environment Protection Act, 1986
C) Forest Act, 1927
D) Water Act, 1974
Answer: B) Environment Protection Act, 1986
Explanation: EIA is a legal requirement under EPA, 1986 for developmental projects.
86. Which of the following is NOT a renewable energy resource?
A) Solar
B) Wind
C) Natural gas
D) Biomass
Answer: C) Natural gas
Explanation: Natural gas is fossil-based and non-renewable.
87. Pollutant that causes bone deformity (skeletal fluorosis) is:
A) Lead
B) Arsenic
C) Fluoride
D) Cadmium
Answer: C) Fluoride
Explanation: Excess fluoride intake leads to fluorosis affecting bones and teeth.
88. The concept of “Polluter Pays Principle” means:
A) Polluters are exempted from fines
B) Polluters must bear cost of pollution control and damage
C) Government pays for pollution cleanup
D) Public pays for pollution damage
Answer: B) Polluters must bear cost of pollution control and damage
Explanation: It ensures accountability of industries/individuals causing pollution.
89. The major pollutant of thermal power plants is:
A) CO₂
B) Fly ash
C) SO₂
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Coal-fired plants emit CO₂, SO₂, and large amounts of fly ash.
90. Which protocol is related to hazardous waste movement across countries?
A) Basel Convention
B) Kyoto Protocol
C) Montreal Protocol
D) Nagoya Protocol
Answer: A) Basel Convention
Explanation: Basel Convention (1989) controls transboundary movement of hazardous waste.
91. Which one of the following is used as a biological indicator of water pollution?
A) Fish
B) Algae
C) Coliform bacteria
D) Snakes
Answer: C) Coliform bacteria
Explanation: Coliforms indicate fecal contamination in water.
92. 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 nations.
93. Which chemical was responsible for the Bhopal gas disaster (1984)?
A) Phosgene
B) Methyl isocyanate (MIC)
C) Ammonia
D) Chlorine
Answer: B) Methyl isocyanate (MIC)
Explanation: MIC leakage caused thousands of deaths in Bhopal.
94. Which of the following is NOT a strategy for solid waste management?
A) Reduce
B) Reuse
C) Recycle
D) Relocate
Answer: D) Relocate
Explanation: The 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) are sustainable waste management principles.
95. The organization that monitors global climate change is:
A) WHO
B) IPCC
C) WWF
D) UNEP only
Answer: B) IPCC
Explanation: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provides scientific assessments on climate change.
96. The instrument used to measure particulate matter in air is:
A) Lux meter
B) Sonometer
C) High-volume sampler
D) Hygrometer
Answer: C) High-volume sampler
Explanation: High-volume samplers collect suspended particulates for analysis.
97. Which of the following is a natural pollutant?
A) Volcanic ash
B) Plastics
C) CFCs
D) Pesticides
Answer: A) Volcanic ash
Explanation: Natural events like volcanoes release ash and gases into the atmosphere.
98. The main pollutant responsible for smog in cities is:
A) NOx and hydrocarbons
B) O₂ and N₂
C) CO₂
D) H₂
Answer: A) NOx and hydrocarbons
Explanation: These react in sunlight to form photochemical smog.
99. Which of the following is an example of an artificial ecosystem?
A) Forest
B) Lake
C) Aquarium
D) Desert
Answer: C) Aquarium
Explanation: Aquariums are man-made, controlled ecosystems.
100. Sustainable development means:
A) Development at any cost
B) Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations
C) Only industrial development
D) No development at all
Answer: B) Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations
Explanation: Sustainable development balances economic growth with environmental protection.