🌱 Millennium Development Goals vs Sustainable Development Goals
Exam Relevance: 4-6 marks in UGC NET Paper 1, often appears in teaching aptitude and environment sections. Focus on comparisons and India's progress.
1. Millennium Development Goals (MDGs: 2000-2015)
Key Features:
- 8 goals adopted by 189 nations in 2000
- Time-bound targets for 2015
- Focused on developing countries
- Donor-recipient approach
Environmental Aspects:
- Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability
- Integrate sustainability into country policies
- Reduce biodiversity loss
- Halve proportion without safe drinking water
NET Memory Tip: "MDGs = Minimum Development Goals" - had limited scope compared to SDGs
2. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs: 2015-2030)
Key Features:
- 17 goals with 169 targets
- Universal application (all countries)
- Integrated approach (5Ps: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, Partnership)
- Emphasis on environmental sustainability
Environmental-Focused Goals:
- Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Goal 13: Climate Action
- Goal 14: Life Below Water
- Goal 15: Life on Land
India's Progress on Environmental SDGs:
- Solar power capacity: Increased from 20GW (2015) to 70GW (2023)
- Forest cover: 24.62% of geographical area (2021)
- Swachh Bharat Mission: Improved sanitation coverage to 100%
- National Clean Air Programme: Target to reduce PM2.5 by 20-30% by 2024
3. MDGs vs SDGs: Key Differences
MDG Characteristics
- 8 goals, 21 targets
- Developing country focus
- Social development emphasis
- Limited environmental focus
- Top-down approach
- No specific climate goal
SDG Characteristics
- 17 goals, 169 targets
- Universal application
- Balanced three pillars (economic, social, environmental)
- Strong environmental focus (6 goals)
- Participatory approach
- Dedicated climate action goal
Previous Year Question: Which SDG focuses specifically on sustainable cities and communities?
Answer: SDG 11
Answer: SDG 11
4. Environmental Linkages in SDGs
Interconnected Environmental Targets:
| SDG | Environmental Aspect |
|---|---|
| SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) | Sustainable agriculture |
| SDG 7 (Clean Energy) | Renewable energy expansion |
| SDG 9 (Industry/Innovation) | Eco-friendly infrastructure |
| SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption) | Reduce waste generation |
Expected NET Questions:
- Which MDG focused on environmental sustainability? (Ans: Goal 7)
- How many SDGs specifically address environmental issues? (Ans: 6 - Goals 6,7,12,13,14,15)
- Which Indian program contributes to SDG 6? (Ans: Jal Jeevan Mission)
- What is the timeline for SDGs? (Ans: 2015-2030)
5. UGC NET Preparation Strategy
Focus Areas:
- Memorize the 17 SDGs (sequence and themes)
- Understand environmental interlinkages between goals
- Know India's progress on key indicators
- Practice comparison questions (MDGs vs SDGs)
Memory Techniques:
- Acronym for Environmental SDGs: "WECCL" (Water, Energy, Climate, Consumption, Life)
- 5Ps of SDGs: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, Partnership
- MDG to SDG transition: "From 8 to 17, from basic to holistic"
