What is a key characteristic of sustainable development?

The correct option is It focuses on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the future. This answer is correct because it matches the approved learning objective to define sustainable development as meeting current needs without preventing future generations from meeting their needs in the subtopic Using the Earth's resources and sustainable development.

The correct option is It focuses on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the future. It focuses on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the future is correct because it directly supports the approved learning objective to define sustainable development as meeting current needs without preventing future generations from meeting their needs. This belongs to the subtopic Using the Earth's resources and sustainable development within Using the Earth's resources and obtaining potable water, so the explanation must stay tied to that curriculum context. The other options are incorrect because they either do not answer this learning objective, use a vague statement, or move away from Using the Earth's resources and sustainable development.