Which of the following is NOT one of the seven principles of sustainable development?

Which of the following is NOT one of the seven principles of sustainable development?

• A. Integrative approach
• B. Focus on issues
• C. Consensus building
• D. Short-term orientation

Answer: (D)

Sustainable development hinges on long-term, systemic thinking. It means balancing present needs with the capacity of future generations to meet theirs, which requires bringing economic, social, and environmental considerations together, focusing on the most significant issues, and engaging diverse stakeholders to build broad agreement. Short-term orientation, by contrast, prioritizes immediate results over future impacts, undermining resilience and long-term well-being. That mismatch is why short-term orientation isn’t considered a principle of sustainable development, while integrative approaches, focusing on key issues, and consensus-building are.

Sustainable development hinges on long-term, systemic thinking. It means balancing present needs with the capacity of future generations to meet theirs, which requires bringing economic, social, and environmental considerations together, focusing on the most significant issues, and engaging diverse stakeholders to build broad agreement. Short-term orientation, by contrast, prioritizes immediate results over future impacts, undermining resilience and long-term well-being. That mismatch is why short-term orientation isn’t considered a principle of sustainable development, while integrative approaches, focusing on key issues, and consensus-building are.