RAS question
The concept of 'intergenerational equity' means:
Correct answer: (D) Present generation must protect environment for future generations.
Intergenerational equity means that the present generation must protect the environment and natural resources so that future generations can meet their own needs.
Explanation
Intergenerational equity is a sustainable development principle, not a general claim about equality in society. It is linked to the Brundtland idea that development should meet present needs without weakening the ability of future generations to meet theirs. The Supreme Court of India describes sustainable development as development that caters to present needs without compromising upcoming generations, and says the natural environment must be preserved for present and future generations. It also states that future generations have an equal stake in both environment and development, and defines intergenerational equity as the present generation being answerable to the next generation by giving it a good environment. That is why option D captures the concept.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Same education for all concerns educational equality, while intergenerational equity is about environmental duties owed by the present generation to future generations.
- (B) Equal wealth distribution is a distributive justice idea within society, but the concept tested here concerns preserving natural resources and the environment across generations.
- (C) Equal voting rights belong to political equality, whereas intergenerational equity protects the interests of people who will live in the future and cannot vote today.
Concept
This tests the environment syllabus theme of sustainable development and its legal principles. It recurs in RAS because Indian environmental law often frames development, natural resources, and Article 21 through duties owed to future generations.