Chapter 7
People and the Environment
Introduction
Environment is the main source of resources for all living beings. It provides air, food, water,
shelter and other essential needs. The environment in its natural state is clean and stable.
However, due to the human activities the ecosystem get disturb that resulting in degradation,
pollution and loss of lives.
1/ Hydropower
Hydropower is the conversion of electricity through the running water or the fast flowing river.
It is considered as the main source of countries revenue or income which is sustainable for the
socio-economic development of Bhutan.
Negative impact of Hydropower
Dam construction disturbs the natural habitats of plants and animals.
It causes deforestation or degradation (which cutting down the trees)
There will be more disturbances in landforms which results in landslides and soil erosion.
Hydropower construction forces people to relocate to new places resulting in loss of
livelihood.
The construction of electrical transmission lines also has severe effects on wild animals and
human being due to the electromagnetic waves.
Consequences of hydropower
Results in landslide and soil erosion
There will floods
It also claims the lives of people
Some ways to reduce the negative impacts of hydropower are;
Dams are constructed in places where the environmental disturbance is minimum
It is important to plant trees to prevent landslide and soil erosion.
Cleaning dam periodically to prevent the production of methane gas and for the removal
waste from water.
Reforestation
Afforestation
Advantages or benefits of Hydropower
Employment opportunities or job opportunities
Income or the revenue generation
There will be availability of electricity
Durability over time compared to other sources of energy
Low-cost electricity
It also complements other renewable energy resources
2/ Urbanization
An increase in number of people living in cities and town is known as urbanization
In other word, urbanization is the process by which people move from rural to urban areas
because of which towns and cities begin to grow. In the world , 50% of countries population
lives in urban places.
in 1990, 26% of population was urbanized
The causes of urbanization or rural-urban migration are;
The causes are;
For better opportunities and facilities,
Financial security
Industrialization
Social factors
Transport and communication
Positive impact of urbanization
More facilities like educational and medical facilities includes high schools, colleges and
universities are established to develop human resources
People in cities can socialize more compared to villagers
Better transportation like better roads and easy transportation
More recreational activities
Cities have more cultural centers, libraries and games clubs.
Negative impacts of urbanization
Growth of slum and poor population
Heavily polluted in the form of air, noise or sound and water pollution
Increase in crime rate like murder, steal, gang fights and kidnapping
Unemployment problem and growth of poverty
Increasing number of waste
Higher standard of living, the living costs in cities are costlier.
Traffic problem where people living in the cities will have to suffer of increased traffic jam.
Difference between Urban and Rural Area
Urban Area Rural Area
Artificial growth Natural growth
Emergency and speed Peace and simplicity
Urban settlements are defined by their Rural settlements are based more on natural
advanced technology resources
Lack of unity in family More unity in family
More density of population Less density of population
Less faith in religion More faith in religion
More pollution Less pollution
Q/ If you were given choice to settle, which place would you prefer? Why?
3/ Climate Change
Climate change is the increase in average atmospheric temperature.
Climate change is caused by 2 types; there are nature and human activities
Natural Causes of climate change are; volcanic eruption, ocean currents and variation in solar
radiation.
Human Causes of climate change are; use of fossil fuel, deforestation and increase in release
of greenhouse gases.
Consequences of climate change
Leads to extreme weather conditions, heatstroke, loss of biodiversity and health problems.
Some of the ways to prevent climate change are: planting trees, reducing the emission of
greenhouse gases, creating awareness, and making wise use of energy.