Question

The ________________ Commission established by the United Nations Organization in 1986 studied world's environmental problems and propounded the notion of 'sustainable development':

• A. Copanhegan
• B. Brundtland
• C. Onio
• D. Kyoto

Hint:

Associate key environmental terms with their origins. Sustainable Development → Brundtland Report (1987); Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets → Kyoto Protocol (1997); Global Strategies → Agenda 21 (Earth Summit, 1992).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the UN commission that popularized the concept of 'sustainable development'.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In 1983, the United Nations established the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED). This commission was chaired by Gro Harlem Brundtland, the former Prime Minister of Norway. Due to her leadership, it became popularly known as the Brundtland Commission.
The commission's mandate was to create a global agenda for change, addressing the growing concerns about environmental degradation and its connection to economic and social development.
In 1987, the commission released its seminal report, "Our Common Future". This report introduced and popularized the most widely cited definition of sustainable development:
{"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."}

Step 3: Analyzing the Options:


(A) Copenhagen: The Copenhagen Accord is related to a 2009 UN Climate Change Conference, not the origin of sustainable development.
(B) Brundtland: This is the correct answer, referring to the Brundtland Commission.
(C) Onio: This is not a recognized name of a major UN commission on the environment.
(D) Kyoto: The Kyoto Protocol is a 1997 international treaty that committed state parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The commission that propounded the notion of 'sustainable development' is the Brundtland Commission.