CBSE Class 11 Economics Environment and Sustainable Development Assignment

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
➢ Environment is defined as the total planetary inheritance and the totality of all resources.
➢ It includes all the biotic and abiotic elements that influence each other. All living elements-the birds, animals and plants, forests, fisheries etc. are biotic elements. Abiotic elements of the environment include non-living elements like air, water, land, rocks and sunlight etc.
➢ Functions of the Environment
(i) Environment supplies resource (both renewable and non-renewable resources) for production.
(ii) Environment assimilates waste.
(iii) Environment sustains life by providing genetic and bio diversity.
(iv) Environment provides aesthetic services like scenery etc.
▪ The environment is able to perform these functions without any interruption as long as demand on these functions are within its carrying capacity. ▪

CARRYING CAPACITY IMPLIES TWO THINGS:
(i) Resource extraction should remain below the rate of resource regeneration.
(ii) Generation of wastes should remain within the absorptive capacity of the environment.
▪ If these two conditions are not fulfilled, then environmental crisis occurs.
➢ Absorptive capacity of the environment means the ability of the environment to absorb degradation. The various reasons for environmental crisis are as under: (i) Population explosion and advent of industrial revolution.
(ii) The intensive and extensive extraction of both renewable and non-renewable resources.
(iii) The affluent consumption and production standards of developed countries

➢ Renewable resources are those which can be used without the possibility of the resource becoming depleted or exhausted. That is, a continuous supply of resource remains available. For example: birds in a forest
➢ Non-renewable resources are those which get exhausted with extraction and use. For example, fossil fuel.

TWO BASIC PROBLEMS RELATED TO ENVIRONMENT ARE
(i) Problem of pollution.
(ii) Problem of excessive exploitation of natural resources. Effects of economic development on environment and resources: Economic development degrades our environment by using natural resources for production of goods and services. The environmental impact of economic growth includes the increased consumption of non-renewable resources, higher levels of pollution, global warming and the potential loss of environmental habitats. However, not all forms of economic growth cause damage to the environment. ▪ Pollution is contamination of useful things such as air, water, land etc. with undesirable or harmful materials like foul gases, smoke, poisonous chemicals, etc.

The major forms of pollution are:
(i) Air pollution
(ii) Water Pollution
(iii) Noise Pollution
▪ Global warming is a gradual increase in the average temperature of the earth’s lower atmosphere. Global warming is caused by man-made increase in carbon dioxide (Co₂) and other greenhouse gases through the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.
▪ Some of the long term results of global warming are as follow:
(i) Melting of polar ice with a resulting rise in sea level and coastal flooding.
(ii) Extinction of species as ecological niches disappear.
(iii) more frequent tropical storms and
(iv) An increased incidence of tropical diseases.
▪ Ozone depletion refers to reduction in the amount of Ozone (a protective layer) in the stratosphere. The problem of Ozone depletion is caused by high levels of CFC used as cooling substances in air conditioners and refrigerators or as aerosol or halons in fire extinguishers. As a result of depletion of the ozone layer, more ultra violet (UV) radiation comes to earth causing damage to living organism.
➢ The threat to India’s environment poses a dichotomy-threat of poverty-induced environmental degradation and, at the same time, threat of pollution from affluence and rapidly growing industrial sector.
▪ Air pollution, water contamination, soil erosion, deforestation and wildlife extinction is some of the most pressing environmental concerns of India.
▪ The priority issues identified in India are:
(i) Land degradation
(ii) Biodiversity loss
(iii) Air pollution with special reference to vehicular pollution in urban cities.
(iv) Management of fresh water.
(v) Solid waste management. ▪ Land degradation refers to a decline in the overall quality of soil, water or vegetation condition, commonly caused by human activities. SOME OF THE

FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR LAND DEGRADATION IS
(i) loss of vegetation occurring due to deforestation.
(ii) Unsustainable fuel wood and fodder extraction.
(iii) Shifting cultivation.
(iv) Encroachment into forest lands.
(v) Forest fires and over grazing.
(vi) Non-adoption of adequate soil conservation measures.
(vii) Improper crop rotation.
(viii) Indiscriminate use of agrochemical such as fertilizers and pesticides.
(ix) Improper planning and management of irrigation systems.
(x) Extraction of ground water in excess of the recharge capacity.
(xi) Open access resources and
(xii) Poverty of the agriculture-dependent people.

➢ Chipko and Appiko movements are related to protect forests. In order to address two major environmental concerns in India, viz, water and air pollution, the government set up the central pollution control board (CPCB) in 1974. Board investigate, collect and disseminate information relating to water, air and pollution, lay down standards of sewage/trade effluent and emissions.

➢ FUNCTIONS OF THE CENTRAL BOARD AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL
1) Advise the Central Government on any matter concerning prevention and control of water and air pollution and improvement of the quality of air.
2) Plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution;
3) Co-ordinate the activities of the State Board and resolve disputes among them;
4) Provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out and sponsor investigation and research relating to problems of water and air pollution, and for their prevention, control or abatement;
5) Plan and organise training of persons engaged in programme on the prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution;
6) Organise through mass media, a comprehensive mass awareness programme on the prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution;
7) Collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data relating to water and air pollution and the measures devised for their effective prevention, control or abatement;
8) Prepare manuals, codes and guidelines relating to treatment and disposal of sewage and trade effluents as well as for stack gas cleaning devices, stacks and ducts;
9) Disseminate information in respect of matters relating to water and air pollution and their prevention and control;
10) Lay down, modify or annul, in consultation with the State Governments concerned, the standards for stream or well, and lay down standards for the quality of air; and
11) Perform such other function as may be prescribed by the Government of India.

➢ India’s rapid economic development has made us aware of two realities:
(i) Economic development has lifted millions out from poverty.
(ii) Economic development has been accompanied by accelerated depletion of natural resources and rapid deterioration in environment quality.
▪ Sustainable development is that process of development which meets the needs of present generation without reducing the ability of future generation to meet their own needs.

➢ Main features of sustainable development are as under:
(i) Sustained rise in Real per Capita Income and Economic welfare.
(ii) Rational use of natural resources.
(iii) No reduction in the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs.
(iv) Check on pollution.

➢ TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, THE FOLLOWING NEEDS TO BE DONE:
(i) Limiting the human population.
(ii) Technological progress should be input efficient and not input consuming.
(iii) Renewable resources should be extracted on a sustainable basis, that is, the rate of extraction should not exceed rate of regeneration.
(iv) For non-renewable resources, rate of depletion should not exceed the rate of creation of renewable substitutes.
(v) Inefficiencies arising from pollution should be corrected.

➢ STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.
(i) Use of non-conventional sources of energy. India heavily depends on thermal and hydro power plants to meet its power needs. Both of these have adverse environmental impacts. Thermal power plants emit large quantities of carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas. If it is not used properly, it may cause land and water-pollution.
(ii) LPG, Gobar gas in rural areas: LPG, Gobar Gas in Rural Areas Rural households in India generally use wood, dung cake or other biomass as fuel. This practice has several adverse implications like deforestation, reduction in green cover and air pollution. To rectify the situation, subsidized LPG is being provided. Besides it, gobar gas plants are being encouraged through easy loans and subsidy. LPG is the clean fuel. It does not create any household pollution and also wastage is minimized. For gobar gas plants, cattle dung is fed in the plant to function which produces gas and slurry is used as organic soil fertilizer.
(iii) CNG in Urban areas: CNG in Urban Areas in Delhi, the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as fuel in public transport system has significantly lowered air pollution and the air has become cleaner in the last few years.
(iv) Wind power: Wind Power in areas, where speed of wind is usually high, wind mills can provide electricity without any adverse impact on the environment. The turbines move with wind and electricity gets generated. Its initial cost’ remain high but it can be recovered easily.
(v) Solar power through photovoltaic cell: Solar Power Through Photovoltaic Cells in India, solar energy is used in different forms for agriculture products, daily use products and even to warm ourselves in winters. Through photovoltaic cells, solar energy can be converted into electricity. This technology is extremely useful for remote areas and for places where supply of power lines is either not possible or proves very costly. This technique is also totally free from pollution.
(vi) Mini- hydel plants: Mountainous regions have streams everywhere. Most of such streams are perennial. Mini-hydel plants use the energy of such streams to move small turbines which generate electricity. Such power plants are more or less environment friendly.
(vii) Traditional knowledge and practices: Traditionally, Indian people have been close to their environment. If we look back at our agriculture system, healthcare system, housing, transport, etc. we find that all practices have been environment friendly. But in recent years, we have been moving away from these practices. This has caused large scale damage to our environment.
(viii) Bio composting: In order to increase production, we have started using chemical fertilizers which are adversely affecting the waterbodies, ground water system, etc. But again farmers in large numbers have started using organic fertilizers for production. In some parts, cattle are maintained only because their waste production is very useful in form of fertilizer. Earthworm can convert organic matter into compost faster than the normal composting process.
(ix) Bio-pest Control: Bio-pest Control with the advent of Green Revolution, the country entered into the use of chemical pesticides to produce more which laid the adverse impacts on soil, water bodies, milk, meat and fishes. To meet this challenge, better methods of pest control should be brought. One step is pesticides based on plants like neem. Even many animals also help in controlling pests like snakes, peacocks, etc.

MCQ Questions for NCERT Class 11 Economics Environment and Sustainable Development

Question: Out of the following, which is not the function of environment?
(a) It supplies resources
(b) It assimilates waste
(c) It sustains life by providing non-genetic and non-biodiversity
(d) It provides aesthetic services like scenery  

Answer: C

Question: Which of the following conditions is/are necessary for sustainable development?
(a) Conservation of natural resources
(b) Eco-friendly environment
(c) Use of renewable resources on sustainable basis
(d) All of the above 

Answer: D  

Question: Match the following. 
Codes

      A   B    C             A      B     C
(a) (i) (ii) (iii)      (b) (iii)  (ii)    (i)
(c) (ii) (i) (iii)      (d)  (i)   (iii)   (ii) 

Answer: B 

Question: What are the consequences of environmental crisis?
(a) Polluted and dried up rivers and other aquifers
(b) Extinction of vital resources
(c) Decline in air and water quality
(d) All of the above 

Answer: D

Question: Mercury and lead are toxic elements that cause …… .
(a) land contamination
(b) air pollution
(c) water pollution
(d) noise pollution 

Answer: A 

Question: What dowemeanwhenwe say “ThinkGlobally, Act Locally” in relation to environmental problems?
(a) Global environmental problems are essential issues  
(b) Environmental problems have to be thought at a global level
(c) Extensive research and thinking has been carried out by global level
(d) Think about global impact of local activities 

Answer: D

Question:  Out of the following, what is/are the correct reason(s) of high opportunity cost of negative environmental impact?
(a) Spending amount on technology and research to explore alternative resource 
(b) Health cost of degraded environmental quality
(c) Global warming
(d) All of the above 

Answer: D

Question:  The environment performs four vital functions and the environment is able to perform these functions without any interruptions as long as the demand on these functions is within its carrying capacity. In the statement ‘carrying capacity’ implies to 
(i) the resource extraction is not above the rate of regeneration.
(ii) wastes generated are beyond the absorptive capacity of the environment.
(iii) the resource extraction is not below the rate of regeneration.
(iv) the resource and the waste generated are within the assimilating capacity of the environment.
Alternatives
(a) (i), (ii) and (iv)
(b) Both (ii) and (iv)
(c) Both (i) and (iv)
(d) All of the above 

Answer: C

Question:  Global warming is mainly caused by ……… .
(a) burning of coal and petroleum products
(b) deforestation
(c) release of methane gas from animal waste
(d) All of the above 

Answer: D  

Question:  Which of the following is not used as a strategy for sustainable development? 
(a) Use of bio-gas
(b) Use of solar power
(c) Use of thermal power
(d) Use of hydel power 

Answer: C 

Question:  Use of which of the following has resulted in a sufficient reduction in Delhi’s pollution?
(a) LPG at homes
(b) Solar cell for electricity
(c) Thermal power plant
(d) CNG in public transport 

Answer: D 

Question:  With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements.
(i) Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps.
(ii) Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps and not the one with piston.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only (i)
(b) Only (ii)
(c) Both (i) and (ii)
(d) Neither (i) nor (ii) 

Answer: D

Question:  Which household waste has an excellent recycling potential?
(a) Vegetable scraps
(b)Metal
(c) Plastic
(d) Rubber 

Answer: A

Question:  Use of non-conventional sources of energy is strategy for sustainable development. Out of the following, which are the non-conventional sources of energy?
(i) Crude oil (ii) Solar
(iii) Wind (iv) Wood
(v) Coal (vi) Nuclear
Alternatives
(a) (ii), (iv), (vi) and (v)
(b) (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi)
(c) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi)
(d) (ii), (iii) and (vi) 

Answer: D

Question: After mining, the huge holes left behind are used for ……… .
(a) waste water storage
(b) waste and water storage
(c) waste disposal
(d) waste storage 

Answer: C

Question: What is the other word for landscaping?
(a) Reduction
(b) Restoration
(c) Removing topsoil
(d) Restore 

Answer: B

Question: Environment has many resources for us. A resource that can be totally replaced or is always available naturally, or that is practically inexhaustible is known as ……… .
(a) Conventional resource
(b) Renewable resource
(c) Non-renewable resource
(d) Non-conventional resource 

Answer: B

Question: What does a firm seek for when the price of the mineral remain high?
(a) New countries
(b) Remains the same
(c) New miners
(d)New deposits 

Answer: D

Question: Which of the following is not a part of sustainable development goal target to be achieved by 2030?
(a) Providing free primary and secondary schooling to all boys and girls
(b) Universal access to a quality higher education
(c) Equal access to affordable vocational training
(d) Free higher education to all 

Answer: D

Question: Which of the following options is/are correct when we only accomplish two out of three pillars of sustainable development?
(a) Economic+ Environmental Sustainability = Viable
(b) Social + Environmental Sustainability = Bearable
(c) Social + Economic Sustainability = Equitable
(d) All of the above 

Answer: D 

Fill in The Blanks

Question: The concept of sustainable development was emphasised by___________.
Answer: The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED)

Question: Two major environmental issues facing the world today are __________ and_____________
Answer: Global warming ; Ozone depletion

Question: CPCS is the full form of ______________.
Answer: Central Pollution Control Board

Question: With the help of ________ solar energy can be converted into electricity.
Answer: photovoltaic cells

Question: In recent years, India is taking efforts to increase the power generation through solar. India is also leading an international body called _______.
Answer: International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Question: ________ is defined as the total planetary inheritance and the totality of all resources. It includes all the biotic and abiotic factors that influence each other.
Answer: Environment

Assertion-Reasoning MCQs

(a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A)
(c) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false
(d) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true

Question: Assertion (A) Presently, global atmosphere is warming up.
Reason (R) The depletion of stratospheric ozone layer has resulted in increase in ultraviolet radiations reaching the earth. 

Answer: B 

Question: Assertion (A) Sustainable development is essential for economic growth of the country.
Reason (R) Sustainable development ensures that environment friendly measures are adopted for carrying out production process. 

Answer: A 

Question: Assertion (A) The crude oil reserves are going down for the entire world and the countries need to find substitute fuel for crude oil.
Reason (R) A country that is dependent on import for crude oil will demand more crude oil in future.

Answer: B  

Question: Assertion (A) Sustainable development must be adopted to save environment from degradation.
Reason (R) It is a matter of discussion among different countries of the world. 

Answer: C

Question: Assertion (A) Sustainable development is critical to well-being of human society.
Reason (R) Environmentally sound policies do not harm the environment or deplete the natural resources. 

Answer: B

Question: Assertion (A) Non-renewable resources are abundant in nature.
Reason (R) Non-renewable resources will get exhausted after several years of usage. 

Answer: D 

Question: Assertion (A) All resources are not exhaustible.
Reasoning (R) Renewable resources can become non-renewable. 

Answer: B 

Short Answer Type Questions

Question: What are the functions of the environment?
Answer: The environment performs four important functions (i) It supplies resources, both renewable and non-renewable resources.
(ii) It absorbs waste.
(iii) It sustains life by providing genetic and biodiversity.
(iv) It also provides aesthetic services like scenery, etc.

Question: Is environmental crisis a recent phenomenon? If so, why?
Answer:  Yes, environmental crisis is a recent phenomenon. In early days, when civilisation just began, before the phenomenal increase in population and growth of industrialisation, the demand for environmental resources was within the carrying capacity of the environment and so the pollution was also within the absorptive capacity of the environment. Therefore,environmental problems did not arise.
But with the advent of the industrialisation and out break of the population, environmental problems arisen and the resources for both production and consumption proved to be beyond the rate of regeneration of the resources and the absorptive capacity of the environment.

Question: Explain how the opportunity costs of negative environmental impacts are high?
Answer:  Opportunity cost of negative environmental impacts are high in terms of the following 
(i) The past development has polluted and dried up rivers and other acquifers making water an economic good.
(ii) Due to excessive utilisation of natural resources’,we are compelled to spend huge amount of money on technology and research to discover new resources.
(iii) Health cost of degraded environment is rising.
(iv) Global environmental issues such as global warming and ozone depletion have also contributed to increased financial commitments for
the government.

Question:  (i) What is meant by environment?
(ii) What happens when the rate of resource extraction exceeds that of their regeneration?
Answer:  (i) Environment is defined as the total planetary inheritance or the totality of all resources. It includes all biotic (birds, animals, plants, forest, etc.) and a abiotic (water, sun, land, mountains, etc.) factors that influence or depend on each other.
(ii) When the rate of resource extraction exceeds that of regeneration, then environment fails to perform its important functions and it leads to the situation of environmental crisis.

Question: “India has abundant natural resources”.Substantiate the statement.
Answer:  India has plenty of natural resources at its disposal.
This becomes clear from the following facts
(i) India has abundant natural resources in terms of rich quality of soil, hundred of rivers and tributaries, lost green forests, plenty of mineral deposits beneath the land surface, vast stretch of the Indian ocean, ranges of mountains, etc.
(ii) The black soil of the Deccan plateau is particularly suitable for cultivation of cotton, leading to concentration of textile industries in this region.
(iii) The Indo-Gangetic plains spread from the Arabian sea to the Bay of Bengal are one of the most fertile intensively cultivated and densely populated regions in the world.
(iv) India alone accounts for nearly 20% of the world’s total iron-ore reserve. Bauxite, copper, chromate, diamonds,gold, lead, lignite, manganese, zinc, uranium, etc. are also available in different parts of the country.
However, the developmental activities in India have resulted in pressure on its finite natural resources besides creating impacts on human health and well being.

Question: Write a brief note on ozone depletion.
Answer:  Ozone depletion means the thinning of the ozone layer present in the upper atmosphere which is harmful to the nature and atmosphere. Ozone layer depletion is one of the major problem for all the living beings including flora and fauna on this earth. These ozone depletion substances float and then reach the stratosphere.
Therefore, the formation of chlorine and bromine takes place and these chemicals causes the depletion of the ozone layer at a very high speed. They are capable of breaking down the molecules of the ozone layer. One chlorine molecule has the capacity to breakdown thousands of molecules present in ozone layer.

Question: (i) State any four pressing environmental concerns of India.
(ii) Correction for environment damages involves opportunity costs. Explain.
Answer:  (i) Four pressing environmental concerns of India are  
(a) Land degradation and solid waste management 
(b) Bio-diversity loss
(c) Air pollution with special reference to vehicular pollution in urban cities
(d) Management of fresh water.
(ii) Correction for environmental damages involves opportunity costs as the industrial development in past has polluted and dried up rivers and other aquifers making water an economic good.

Question: Write a brief note on global warming.
Answer:  Global warming refers to the increase in average global temperature since the industrial revolution. The average global temperature has increased by about one degree celsius (1.8 degrees fahrenheit) since 1880. Global warming is an ongoing process; scientists expect the average global temperature to rise an additional 0.3 to 0.7 degrees celsius (0.54–1.26 degrees fahrenheit) through 2035. Higher concentrations of these greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap more heat on earth, causing an anthropogenic (i.e.,human-caused) rise in global temperatures. Climate scientists agree that human activity is the main driver behind the global warming we are experiencing.

Question: Give two instances of
(i) overuse of environmental resources.
(ii) misuse of environmental resources.
Answer:  Instances of overuse of environmental resources and misuse of environmental resources are as under 
(i) Overuse of environmental resources
(a) Soil degradation due to improper crop rotation and crop shifting.
(b) Drying up of rivers due to overuse of water from them through dams and reservoirs.
(ii) Misuse of environmental resources
(a) Excess use of electricity leads to depletion of resources like coal and water from which electricity is generated.
(b) Excess use of petrol and diesel in vehicles.

Question: Identify six factors contributing to land degradation in India.
Answer:  Land degradation means loss of fertility of land. Six of the factors responsible for land degradation are 
(i) Loss of vegetation occurring due to deforestation.
(ii) Unsustainable fuel, wood and fodder extinction.
(iii) Extraction of groundwater in excess of the recharge capacity.
(iv) Non-adoption of adequate soil conservation measures.
(v) Improper crop rotation.
(vi) Indiscriminate use of agro chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides.

Question: How has population explosion and the advent of industrial revolution resulted in environmental crisis?
Answer:  With population explosion and with the advent of industrial revolution, to meet the growing needs of the expanding population, the demand for resources for both production and consumption has gone beyond the rate of regeneration of the resources and due to this, the pressure on environment has increased tremendously.
The increasing population has led to increased demand for housing and this has led to widespread deforestation.
In order to accelerate the process of industrialisation,natural resources are being used up at a much faster pace.
We are now faced with increased demand for environmental resources and services but their supply is limited due to overuse and misuse of these resources.
Hence, the environmental issues of waste generation and pollution have become critical today.

Question: Highlight any two serious adverse environmental consequences of development in India. India’s environmental problems pose a dichotomy-they are poverty induced and at the same time arise due to affluence in living standards, is it true?
Answer:  Two serious adverse environmental consequences of development in India are (i) Land degradation (ii) Air pollution Yes, it is true, the threat to India’s environment is of two dimension- threat of poverty induced environmental degradation and the threat to pollution from affluence.
Environmental crisis is poverty induced in the sense that poor people depend on natural assets for their survival. They collect forest products and firewood for their survival. On the other hand, due to affluent consumption and production standards of the rich generate huge amount of wastes. For example, rich people in India own motor vehicles, air conditioners which heavily contribute to air pollution.

Question: “Sustainable development is a paradigm shift in development thinking”. Comment.
Answer:  Sustainable development implies meeting the basic needs of all and extending to all the opportunity to satisfy their aspirations for a better life, without compromising the needs of future. The strategies for sustainable development imply the use of non-conventional sources of energy to minimise the adverse environmental impacts.
Promotion of natural resources, conservation, preserving regenerative capacity of ecological system and avoiding the imposition of environmental rules on future generations would lead to sustainable development.

Question: Explain the relevance of intergenerational equity in the definition of sustainable development.
Answer: Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs.
This definition of sustainable development is most appropriate and justified.
Future generation have also the right to enjoy the same quality of life that is enjoyed by the present generation.
Hence, future generation should not suffer at the cost of present generation well-being.

Question: Explain the supply demand reversal of environmental resources.
Answer:  Before the advent of the industrial revolution, the rate of resource extraction was less than the rate of regeneration of these resources, i.e., demand was less than supply. But with the expanding population and its growing needs, the demand for resources for both production and consumption went beyond the rate of regeneration of the resources. This has resulted in a reversal of supply-demand relationship for environmental resources as now there is very high demand for environmental resources and services, but their supply is limited and even these limited resources are being overused and misused.

Question: Why is sustainable development so often associated with protecting the environment?
Answer:  In the 1970s, environmental groups sounded the alarm about the boom in economic the environment. Their efforts to sensitise people to the ecological downside of development bore fruit and gradually there emerged an environmental awareness in societies around the world.
This explains why for many people, it is still a valid association. But sustainable development is really a much broader concept, which puts human beings at the heart of decision-making. It brings a new way of conceiving and carrying. In the 1980s, the concept of sustainable development was associated with protecting the environment and development in which economic, social and environmental considerations are all taken into
account.

Question: Distinguish between economic development and sustainable development. 
Answer: 

 

Long Answer Type Questions

 

Question: What is meant by global warming? Give any five effects of global warming. 
Answer:The gradual increase in average temperature of Earth’s lower temperature is called global warming.
Different effects of global warming are described below 

(i) During the past century the atmospheric temperature has risen by 1.10°F (0.60°C).
(ii) Melting of polar ice resulted in increase in sea level (during the past century, sea level has risen by several inches) and the risk of coastal flooding has increased.
(iii) Disruption of drinking water supplies, dependent on snow melts.
(iv) Extinction of species.
(v) More frequent tropical storms.

Question: “Today development has become a burden on nature/environment”. Comment.
Answer: The present thinking with regard to relationship between nature and development is that there should be maximum exploitation of natural resources for development. As a result, people are using nature beyond its carrying capacity. Our present technology is creating a number of environmental problems. A number of non-degradable materials are being produced in present day through the production technology. Following are the some important reasons
responsible for the heavy burden on nature (i) Rise in human population in underdeveloped countries.
(ii) Affluent consumption style in developed countries.
(iii) Misuse of production technology in almost all the countries and poor planning of development.
As a result of above, there is a reckless use of resources creating negative effects on the society.
The negative effects of development on nature are:
(i) Pollution
(ii) Degradation of resources

Question: How do the following factors contribute to the environmental crisis in India? What problem do they pose for the government?
(i) Rising population
(ii) Air pollution
(iii) Water contamination
(iv) Affluent consumption standards
(v) Illiteracy
(vi) Industrialisation
(vii) Urbanisation
(viii) Reduction of forest coverage
(ix) Poaching
(x) Global warming
Answer: (i) Rising Population The high rate of growth of population adversely affects the environment.
It certainly leads to soil and water pollution. 
(ii) Air Pollution India is one of the ten most industrialised nations of the world. It has led to unplanned urbanisation, pollution and the risk of accidents. The CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) has identified 17 categories of industries which are significant polluters.
(iii) Water Contamination Many states in India are on the edge of famine. Whatever water is available, it is polluted or contaminated. It causes diseases like diarrheao and hepatitis. 
(iv) Affluent Consumption Standards With affluent consumption standards, people use more air conditioners. CFCs are used as cooling agents in air conditioers which leads to ozone depletion.
(v) Illiteracy Illiteracy and ignorance about the use of non- renewable resources and alternative energy sources, lead to environmental crisis.
(vi) Industrialisation With rise in national income or economic activity, there is rise in industrialisation and urbanisation. This raises pollution of air, water and noise. There are accidents, shortage of water,housing problems, etc. In other words, with rise in national income, there is ecological degradation which reduces welfare of the people.
(vii) Urbanisation Whenever there is large migration of population from rural to urban areas, it leads to fast growth of slum areas. There is excess of load on the existing infrastructural facilities. It causes environmental degradation and ill-health.
(viii) Reduction of Forest Coverage The per capita forest land in the country is only 0.08 hectare. There is an excess felling of about 15 million cubic meter forests over the permissible limit.
Indiscriminate felling of trees has led to destruction of forest cover.
Once forests have been cut down, essential nutrients are washed out of the soil all-together. This leads to soil erosion. It leads to disastrous flooding since there is no soil to soak up the rain.
(ix) Poaching Poaching leads to extinction of wildlife.
Generally, wild species which are endangered are poached leading to the danger of them becoming extinct.
(x) Global Warming The long-term results of global warming are
(a) Melting of polar ice caps with a resulting rise in the sea level and coastal flooding.
(b) Disruption of drinking water supplies as snow melts.

Question: Briefly discuss any four strategies of sustainable development.
Answer: Four strategies of sustainable development are as follows 
(i) Use of Non-conventional Sources of Energy India is hugely dependent on thermal and hydro power plants to meet its power needs. Both of these have adverse environmental impacts, thermal power plants emit large quantities of carbon dioxide which is a green house gas while hydroelectric project inundate forests and interfere with the natural flow of water in catchment areas and the river basins.
(ii) LPG, Gobar Gas in Rural Areas Households in rural areas generally use wood, dung cake or other bio-mass as fuel. This practice has several adverse implications like deforestation, reduction in green cover, wastage of cattle dung and air pollution. To rectify the situation,subsidised LPG is provided and gobar gas plants are provided. LPG is a clean fuel, which reduces household pollution to a large extent. Also, energy wastage is minimised.
(iii) Solar Power through Photovoltaic Cells India is naturally endowed with a large quantity of solar energy in the form of solar energy through sunlight.
We use it in different ways.
For example, we use sunlight to get the clothes drains dried, to keep our body warm in winter with the help of photovoltaic cells, etc. Solar energy can be converted into electricity.
These cells use special kind of materials to capture solar energy and then convert the energy into electricity.
This energy is extremely useful for remote area and for place where supply of power through grid or power lines are either not possible or are very costly.
(iv) Mini–hydel Plants In mountainous regions, stream can be found almost everywhere. A large percentage of such streams are perennial. Minihydel plants use the energy of such streams to move small turbines which generate electricity that can be used locally.
Such power plants are more or less environmentfriendly as they do not use pattern in areas where they are located.
They generate enough power to meet local demands. This shows that they can reduce the requirement of large scale transmission tower and cables and avoid transmission loss.

Question: Outline the steps involved in attaining sustainable development in India.
Answer: Sustainable development refers to the achievement of economic development by careful and judicial utilisation of the natural resources so that the present generation needs are fulfilled without compromising that of the future generations’. Aligned with the view of a leading environmental economist, Herman Daly, India has taken the following steps to achieve the aim of sustainable development
(i) Population Control Measure India has promoted various measures to arrest population explosion.
The various population control measures include spread of awareness and knowledge of birth control measures and literacy.

(ii) Use of Environment Supportive Fuel As the fuels such as petrol and diesel emit huge amount of carbon dioxide that leads to global warming so, the Indian government has promoted the use of CNG and LPG.These clean, eco-friendly fuels emit lesser smoke.

(iii) Use of Solar and Wind Energy India, being a moderate country, is enriched with sunlight and wind power. These are two free gifts of nature are nonexhaustible.
It solves the problem of economic growth with due focus on sustainable development.
(iv) Recycling and Ban on Plastic Bags The industrial and household wastes are accumulated on daily basis.
There is a need to develop the habit of recycling of waste products in order to sustain the environment.
Household waste can be used as manure for organic farming. A very recent step taken by the Indian government is banning the use of plastic bags. This is a very good step as plastic bags do not get decomposed easily and leads to pollution while recycling.

- Points to Remember

- Environment is defined as the total planetary inheritance and the totality of all resources. It includes all the biotic and abiotic elements that influence each other.

- All living elements - the birds, animals and plants, forests, fisheries etc - are biotic elements.

- Abiotic elements of the environment include non-living elements like air, water, land, rocks and sunlight etc.

- Functions of the Environment :

i) Environment supplies resources (both renewable and nonrenewable resources) for production.

ii) Environment assimilates waste.

iii) Environment sustains life.

iv) Environment enchances quality of life.

- The environment is able to perform these functions whitout any interruption as long as demand on these functions is within its carrying capacity.

- Carrying capacity implies two things :-

i) Resource extraction should remain below the rate of resource regeneration.

ii) Generation of wastes should remain within the absorption capactity of the environment.

If these two conditions are not fulfilled, then environmental crises occurs.

- Absorptive capacity of the environment means the ability of the environment to absorb degradation.

- The various reasons for environmental crisis are as under :-

i) Population explosion and advent of industrial revolution.

ii) The intensive and extensive extraction of both renewable and nonrenewable resources.

iii) The affluent consumption and production standards of developed countries.

- Renewable resources are those which can be used without the possibility of the resource becoming depleted or exhausted. That
is, a continuous supply of resource remains available for e.g. trees in forest and the fishes in the oceans.

- Non renewable resources are those which get exhausted with extraction and use. For e.g. fossil fuel.

- Two basic problems related to environment are :

i) Problem of pollution.

ii) Problem of excessive exploitation of natural resources, or degradation of natural resources.

- Pollution is contamination of useful things such as air, water, land etc. with undesirable or harmful materials like foul gases, smoke,
poisonous chemicals, etc.

- The major forms of pollution are as follows :

i) Air pollution

ii) Water Pollution

iii) Noise Pollution

iv) Land Pollution

- Global warming is a gradual increase in the average temperature of the earth’s lower atmosphere and oceans.

- Global warming is caused by man-made increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases through the burning of fossil
fuels and deforestation.

- Some of the long term results of global warming are as follows :
i) Melting of polar ice with a resulting rise in sea level and coastal flooding.
ii) Extinction of species as ecological niches disappear iii) more frequent tropical storms and ;
iv) An increased incidence of tropical diseases.

- Ozone depletion refers to reduction in the amount of Ozone (a protective layer) in the stratosphere.

- The problem of Ozone depletion is caused by high levels of CFC used as cooling substances in air conditioners and refrigerators.

- As a result of depletion of the ozone layer, more ultra violet (UV) radiation comes to earth and causes damage to living organism.

- The threat to India’s environment poses a dichotomy - threat of poverty - induced environmental degradation and, at the same time,
threat of pollution from affluence and a rapidly growing industrial sector.

- Air Pollution, water contamination, soil erosion, deforestation and wildlife extinction are some of the most pressing environmental
concerns of India.

- The priority issues identified in India are 
i) Land degradation
ii) Biodiversity loss
iii) Air pollution with special reference to vehicular pollution in urban cities.
iv) Management of fresh water.
v) Solid waste management.

- Land degradation refers to a decline in the overall quality of soil, water or vegetation condition, commonly caused by human
activities.

- Some of the factors responsible for land degradation are
i) loss of vegetation occuring due to deforestation.
ii) Forest fires and over grazing.
iii) Improper crop rotation.
iv) Encroachment into forest lands.
v) Shifting cultivation.
vi) Indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides.
vii) Improper planning and management of irrigation systems.
viii) Extraction of ground water in excess of the recharge capacity.
ix) Poverty of the agriculture - dependent people.
x) Non-adoption of adequate soil conservation measures.
- Chipko and Appiko movements are related to protect forests.

- India’s rapid economic developmet has made us aware of two realities :-
i) Economic development has lifted millions out from poverty.
ii) Economic development has been accompained by accelerated depletion of natural resources and rapid deterioration in environment quality.
- Sustainable development is that process of development which meets the needs of present generation without reducing the ability of future generation to meet their own needs.
- Main features of susainable development are as under :
i) Sustained rise in Real per Capita Income and Economic welfare.
ii) Rational use of natural resources.
iii) No reduction in the ability of the future generation to fulfill their own needs.
iv) No increase in pollution.

- To achieve sustainable development, the following needs to be done :
i) Limiting the human population
ii) Technological progress should be input efficient and not inputconsuming.
iii) Renewable resources should be extracted on a sustainable basis, that is, the rate of extraction should not exceed rate of regenration.
iv) For non-renewable resources rate of depletion should not exceed the rate of creation of renewable substitutes.
v) Inefficiencies arising from pollution should be corrected.

- Strategies for Sustainable Development.
i) Use of non-conventional sources of energy.
ii) Use of cleaner fuels : LPG, Gobargas in rural areas and CNG
in Urban areas.
iii) Use of Solar energy and wind power.
iv) Shift to organic farming
v) Recycle the wastes
vi) Public means of transport.
vii) Traditional knowledge and practices.
viii) Establishment of Mini-Hydel plants.

VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Question. Define environment.
Answer: Environment is defined as the total planetary inheritance and the totality of all resources.

Question. Give two examples of biotic elements of environment.
Answer: Animal and plants.

Question. What do you mean by carrying capacity of environment?
Answer: Carrying capacity of the environment implies that the resource extraction is not above the rate of regenration of the resources and the wastes generated are within the absorption capacity of environment.

Question. Give the meaning of renewable resources.
Answer: Renewable resources are those which can be used without the possibility of being exhausted, such as trees, fishes etc.

Question. What do you mean by non-renewable resources?
Answer: Non-renewable resources refer to those resources which get exhausted with extraction and use such as fossil fuel, coal etc.

Question. What happens when the rate of resource extraction exceeds that of their regeneration?
Answer: Then environment fails to perform its vital function of life sustenance and it leads to the situation of environmental crisis.

Question. Give the meaning of absorptive capacity of the environment.
Answer: Absorptive capacity of the environment means the ability of the environment to absorb degradation.

Question. Why have some resources become extinct?
Answer: Some resources have become extinct because their extraction has been above the rate of regeneration.

Question. What is global warming?
Answer: Global warming is a gradual increase in the average temperature of the earth’s lower atmosphere and ocean.

Question. Give two examples of overuse of resources.
Answer: i) Excessive exploitation of fossil fuel.
ii) Excessive tree felling.

Question. Define sustainable development.
Answer: Sustainable development is that process of development which meets the needs of present generation without reducing the ability of future generation to meet their own needs.

Question. Give two examples of misuse of resources.
Answer: i) Use of wood as a household fuel.
ii) Use of rivers to absorb industrial efflvents.

Question. State the two major environmental issues the world is facing today:
Answer: i) Depletion of natural resources
ii) Environmental degradation

Question. Mention any one measure to control air pollution.
Answer: Promotion of clearner fuel, like use of CNG, LPG

Question. Give the name of two movement which aimed at protecting forests.
Answer: i) Chipko Movement
ii) Appiko Movement.

Question. State two basic problems related to environment.
Answer: i) Problem of Pollution.
ii) Problem of excessive exploitation of natural resources.