Select the most appropriate synonym of the underlined word.

In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Member States express their commitment to protect the planet from degradation and take urgent action on climate change.

The correct answer is "degeneration."

Key Points

• Degradation involves the reduction in quality, value, or degree of something, often in relation to environments, materials, or moral integrity.
  • For example:- "The degradation of natural resources is a key environmental concern."
• Degeneration is a process where something declines or deteriorates over time, often in terms of biological health or structure.
  • For example:- "Environmental activists  are worried about the degeneration of the planet’s natural habitats."

Hence, the correct answer is: 'Degeneration'.

Additional Information

• Option 1 - "pollution" means the presence or introduction into the environment of a substance or thing that has harmful or poisonous effects. (किसी ऐसे पदार्थ या चीज़ की पर्यावरण में उपस्थिति या परिचय जिसका हानिकारक या जहरीला प्रभाव हो)
• Option 2 - "hazard" means a danger or risk. (ख़तरा)
• Option 4 - "approval" means the action of officially agreeing to or accepting something as satisfactory. (किसी बात को संतोषजनक मानकर आधिकारिक तौर पर सहमत होने या स्वीकार करने की क्रिया)