Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What concept is referred to as sustainable development?

1. The endeavor to prioritize urban areas

2. Balancing economic growth without jeopardizing the environment and equitable human access

3. Rapidly increasing economic disparities

4. Limitless exploitation of natural resources

The correct answer is: Balancing economic growth without jeopardizing the environment and equitable human access

Sustainable development is a multifaceted concept that strives to achieve a balance between economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social equity. Specifically, it emphasizes the importance of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This involves creating economic opportunities that promote growth while simultaneously protecting the environment and ensuring that resources are accessible to all people, thereby fostering equitable human access. This approach recognizes that economic activities should not deplete natural resources to the point where they become unavailable or harmful to the environment, as that would threaten both current and future human welfare. Successful sustainable development seeks to integrate environmental conservation into economic policies and practices, ensuring that economic advancement does not come at the expense of the planet or marginalized communities. In contrast, the other options represent perspectives that either overlook environmental concerns or suggest negative consequences associated with unchecked growth. For instance, prioritizing urban areas can lead to neglect of rural development and exacerbate regional inequalities. Rapidly increasing economic disparities highlight issues of inequality but do not align with the principles of sustainability, which advocate for equitable growth. Lastly, the limitless exploitation of natural resources is fundamentally at odds with sustainable development, as it negates conservation and long-term viability.