Sustainable development is defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Other aspects of sustainable development are the equality between countries, races and genders to ensure a fair distribution of resources. Sustainable development provides for a better quality of life within the carrying capacity of the supporting ecosystem. Here are some ways by which we can sure that the development is sustainable:-

i)  Any activity which ensures economic growth should also look at the environmental impacts.

ii)  An honest Environmental Impact Assessment should be carried out before starting any new development project like digging up a mine or building a new dam.

There is a need for sustainable development because:-

i) Dams, major highways etc can damage the ecosystems. They are constructed by clearing out large areas of forests. Forests are essential for maintaining renewable resources, checking the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and maintaining the level of oxygen in the atmosphere. Loss of forests impairs human development and puts the future generations at a peril.

ii) Toxic and nuclear waste from heavy industries lead to environmental degradation since they pollute the air and the water resources. Hence the environment impacts should be studied carefully together with the economic growth.