CBSE Class 10 Science 2017 · Paper 31/1/3 · Question 5

Exploiting natural resources with short-term gains in mind gives immediate advantages, large profits and the quick meeting of present needs, but mostly to a few people and only for the present generation: the resources are used up or degraded and the environment is damaged, so little is left for the future. Managing resources with a long-term perspective gives smaller but lasting advantages that are shared more fairly by all, including the local people who depend on the resources, and that remain available to future generations, because the resources are used sustainably and the environment is protected.