Chapter – 7

Environment and Sustainable Development

Syllabus- Meaning . Effects of Economic Development on Resources and Environment, including global
warming.

1. Environment: It is defined as the total planetary Inheritance and the totality of all resources. It includes all
the biotic (living) and abiotic (non- living) factors that influence each other.

2. Biodiversity: It is defined as the variability among living organism from all sources, including terrestrial,
marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part.

3. Carrying capacity- Carrying capacity of the environment implies that the resource extraction is not above:
(i) The rate of regeneration of the resources and
(ii) The waste generated are within the assimilating capacity (absorption capacity) of the environment.

4. Absorptive Capacity: It means ability of the environment to absorb degradation.

5. Opportunity cost: It is the cost of alternative opportunity given up.

6. Montreal Protocol: It is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the
production of a number of substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion.

7. Pollution Control Boards, In order to address two major environmental concems in India, viz., water and
air pollution, the government set up the to Central Pollution Control Board EPCB) in 1974 These boards
provide technical as governments promoting cleanliness of streams and wells, and improving the quality of
air.

Box 9.1: Global Warming

Global warming is a gradual increase in the average temperature of the earth's lower atmosphere as a result
of the increase in greenhouse gases since the Industrial Revolution. Much of the recent observed and
projected global warming is human-induced It is caused by man-made increases in carbon dioxide and other
greenhouse gases through the buming of fossil fuels and deforestation. Adding carbon dioxide, methane and
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 such other gases (that have the potential to absorb heat) to the atmosphere with no other changes wil pur
planet's surface warmer. The atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide CH. have increased by 31% and
149% respectively above pre- industrial levels since 1750. During the past century, the atmospheric
temperature has risen by 1.1'F (0.6° C) and sea level has nisen seve inches. Some of the longer term results
of global warming are melting of polar ice with a resulting rise in sea level and coastal flooding, disruption
of drinking water supplies dependent on snow melts; extinction of species as ecological niches disappear;
more frequent tropical storms, and an increased incidence of tropical diseases.
Among factors that may be contributing to global warming are burning of coal and petroleum products
(sources of cartion dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone), deforestation, which increases the amount of
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere; methane gas released in animal waste; and increased cattle production,
which contributes to deforestation, methane production, and use of fossil fuel. A UN conference on Climate
Change, held in Kyoto, Japan, in 1997, resulted in an international agreement to fight global warming which
called for reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases by industrialised nations.
Source: [Link]

Box 9.2: Ozone Depletion

Ozone depletion refers to the phenomenon of reductions in the amount of ozone depletion is caused by high
levels of chlorine and bromine compounds in the stratosphere. The origins of these compounds are
chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), used as cooling substances in air-conditioners and refrigerators, or as aerosol
propellants, and bromofluorocarbons (halons), used in fire extinguishers. As a result of depletion of ozone
layer, more ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes to Earth and causes damage to living organisms, UV radiation
seems responsible for skin cancer in humans; it also lowers production of phytoplankton and thus affects
other aquatic organisms. It also influence the growth of terrestrial plants a reduction of approximately 5%
in the ozone layer was detected from 1979 to 1990. Since the ozone layer prevents most harmful
wavelengths of ultraviolet light from passing through the Earth's atmosphere, observed and projected
decreases in ozone have generated worldwide concem. This led to the adoption of the Montreal the use
(CFC) compounds, as methylator depitreal Protocol banning the use of chlorofluorochloroethane (also
known as methyl chloroform), and bromine compounds known as halons.
Source: [Link]

State of India’s Environment

1. Rich Natural Resources in India: India has rich quality natural resources in plenty. It is clear from the
following points:
(a) India has rich quality of soil.
(b) The black soil of the Deccan Plateau is particularly suitable for cultivation of cotton.
(c) The Indo-Gangetic plains are one of the most fertile, intensively cultivated and densely populated regions
in the world.
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(d) India's forests provide green cover for a majority of its population and natural cover for its wildlife.
(e) Large deposits of iron-ore, coal and natural gas are found in the country. India alone accounts for nearly
20 per cent of the world's total iron-ore reserves.

2. Dichotomy of the Threat to India's Environment: The threat to India environment poses a dichotomy -
environmental degradation and, at the same time, threat of pollution from affluence and a rapidly growing
industrial sector.

3. The per capita forest land in the country is threat of poverty-induced only 0.06 hectare against the
requirement of 0.47 hectare to meet basic needs, resulting in an excess felling of about 15 million cubic metre
forests over the permissible limit.

4. India supports approximately 17 per cent of the world's human and 20 per cent of livestock population on
a mere 2.5 per cent of the world's geographical area.

Box. 9.3: Chipko or Appiko

The Chipka movement, which aimed at protecting forests in the Himalayas. In Karnataka, a similar
movement took a different name, ‘Appiko’ , which means to hug. On 8 September 1983, when the felling
of trees was started in Salkani forest in Sirsi district, 160 men, women and children hugged the trees and
forced the woodcutters to leave. They kept vigil in the forest over the next six weeks. Only after the forest
officials assured the volunteers that the trees will be cut scientifically and in accordance with the working
plan of the district, did they leave the trees.
When commercial felling by contractors damaged a large number of natural forests, the idea of hugging the
trees gave the people hope and confidence that they can protect the forests. On that particular Incident, with
the felling discontinued, the people saved 12,000 trees. Within months, this movement spread to many
adjoining districts.

Indiscriminate felling of trees for fuelwood and for industrial use has led to many environmental problems.
Twelve years after setting up of a paper mill in Uttar Kanara area, bamboo has been wiped out from that
area. “Broad leaved trees which protected the sail from direct onslaught of rain have been removed, the soil
washed away, and bare laterite soil left behind. Now nothing grows but a weed", says a farmer. Farmers
also complain that rivers and rivulets dry up quicker, and that rainfall is becoming erratic. Diseases and
insects earlier unknown are attacking be crops.
Appiko volunteers want the contractors and for reals to follow certain rules and restrictions. For instance,
local people water should be consulted trees are marked for felling within 100 metres of a source and on a
slope of 30 degree or above should not be felled.
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 Do you know that the government allocates forestlands to industries to use forest materials as industrial raw
material? Even if a paper mill employs 10,000 workers and a plywood factory employs 800 people but if
they deprive the daily needs acceptable?

Source: Excerpts from State of Ind a's Environment 2: The Second Citizens' Report 1984-85, Centre for
Science and Environment, 1996, New Delhi.

Functions and Role of Environment

1. Environment Supplies Resources: Resources include both renewable and non-renewable resources:
(a) Renewable resources are those which can be used without the possibility of the resource becoming depleted
or exhausted. Ex. trees in the forest and fish in the ocean.
(b) Non-renewable resources are those which get exhausted with extraction and use. Ex.: fossil fuels.
2. Environment Sustains Life: Environment includes sun, soil,water and air which are essential ingredients
for the sustenance of human life. Carrying capacity of the environment helps to sustain life.
3. Environment Assimilates Waste: Production and consumption activities generate waste. This occurs
mostly in the form of garbage. Environment absorbs garbage.
4. Environment Enhances Quality of Life: Environment includes oceans, mountains, deserts, etc. Man
enjoys these surroundings, adding to the quality of life.

Global environment issues

1. Global Warming- Global warming is a gradual increase in the average temperature of the earth's lower
atmosphere as a result of the increase in greenhouse gases due to industrialisation in recent times
Global warming is mainly caused by:
(i) Burning of coal and petroleum products
(ii) Deforestation
(iii) Release of methane gas from animal waste
(iv) Increased cattle production.
The atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane (CH4) have increased by 41% and 160%
respectively above pre-industrial above pre-industrial levels since 1970.

The long-term results of global warming are:

- Melting of polar ice caps with a resulting rise in the sea-level and coastal flooding.
- Disruption of drinking water supplies as snow melts.
- Extinction of species.
2. Ozone Depletion: Ozone depletion refers to the phenomenon of reduction in amount of ozone in the
stratosphere. Ozone layer protects the earth from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
The depletion of ozone layer has been caused by:
- High levels of chlorine and bromine compounds in the stratosphere.
- CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are used as cooling agents in air conditioners or refrigerators and
bromofluorocarbons (halons) used as fire extinguishers.
Long-run effects of ozone depletion are :
- It causes skin cancer in human being.
- It lowers the production of phytoplankton and other acometic creas
- It lowers the growth of terrestrial plants.
3. Environmental Crisis: It is a shortage of resources as compare to requirements. It is due to:
- The rising population of the developing countries and the affulents consumption and production standards
of the developed world have put a great stress on the environment in terms of its functions of supplying

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 resources and assimilating waste.
- Many resources have become extinct and the wastes generated are beyond the absorptive capacity of the
environment.
4. Rise in Opportunity Cost of Negative Environmental Impacts
- Opportunity cost is the cost of alternative opportunity given up.
- The country has to pay huge amount for damages done to human health. Huge expenditure is incurred in
treating these disease.
5. Supply Demand versal of Environmental Resources: The demand for resources for both production and
consumption has gone beyond the rate of regeneration of the resources increasing the pressure on the
absorptive capacity of the environment. This reversal of the supply-demand relationship with demand for
resources exceeding the supply has led to degeneration of the environment.
6. Massive Overuse and Misuse of Environmental Resources: There is massive overuse and misuse of
environmental resources. Examples of overuse of environmental resources are deforestation and land
degradation. Ex. of misuse of environmental resources are ozone depletion and global warming.

Challenges to India's Environment

1. Land Degradation:
Land in India suffers from varying degrees and. types of degradation arising from unstable use and
inappropriate management practices.
Some of the factors responsible for land degradation are:
(a) Loss of vegetation occuring due to deforestation.
(b) Unsustainable fuel wood and fodder extraction.
(c) Shifting cultivation
(d) Encroachment into forest lands.
(e) Forest fires and over grazing.
(f) Non-adoption of adequate soil conservation measures.
(g) Improper crop rotation.
(h) Indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides.
(i) Improper planning and management of irrigation systems
(j) Extraction of ground water in excess of the recharge capacity.

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2. Biodiversity loss: It refers to the extinction of plants, animals and micro organisms due to deforestation.
(a)The high density of population and livestock and the competing uses of land for forestry, agriculture,
settlements and industries exert an enormous pressure on the country's finite land deforestation. pastures,
resources.
(b) The per capita forestland in the country is only 0.08 hectare. There is an excess felling of about 15 million
cubic metre forests over the permissible limit. Indiscriminate felling of trees has led to destruction of forest
cover.
(c) Trees are natural consumers of carbon dioxide one of the greenhouse gases whose build-up in the
atmosphere contributes to global warming.
(d) Destruction of trees throws into the atmosphere even more carbon dioxide, alongwith methane, another
major greenhouse gas. This leads to soil erosion. This makes the land unusable and can inturn lead to disastrous
flooding since there is no soil to soak up the rain.
The people have tried to prevent indiscriminate cutting of trees through silent revolutions. Chipko and Appiko
are two such movements.

3. Air Pollution:
(a) In India, air pollution is widespread in urban areas where vehicles are the major contributors. It is ground
level sources. So, it have the maximum impact on the general population. The number of motor vehicles has
increased from about 3 lakh in 1951 to 67 crores in 2003.
(b ) 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 CPO (Central Pollution Control Board) has identified 17. categories
of industries which are significant polluters.
4. Management of Fresh Water and Solid Waste:
(a) Many states in India are on the edge of famine Whatever water is available, it is polluted or contaminated.
It causes diseases like diarrhoea.
Also, there is lack of planned management of solid waste com uncollected garbage not only causes disease
but it also visibly Dumping garbage into landfills is not an attractive option.

Box 9.4: Pollution Control Boards

In order to address two major environmental concerns in India, viz, water and air pollution. The government
set up t the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 1974. This was followed by states establishing their
own state level boards to address. all the environmental concerns. They investigate, collect and disseminate
information relating to water, air and land pollution, lay down standards for sewage/ trade effluent and
emissions. These boards provide technical assistance to governments in promoting cleanliness of streams
and wells by prevention, control and abate air pollution in the country.

These boards also carry out sponsor investigation and research relating to problems of water and air
pollution and for their prevention, control and abatement. They also organise, through mass media, a
comprehensive mass awareness programme for the same. The PCBs prepare manuals, codes and guidelines
relating to treatment and disposal of sewage and trade effluents.

They assess the air quality through regulation of industries, In fact, state boards, through their district level
officials, periodically inspect every industry under their jurisdiction to assess the adequacy of treatment
measures provided to treat the effluent and gaseous emissions. It also provides background air quality data
needed for industrial sitting and town planning.
The pollution control boards collect, collate and disseminate technical and statistical data relating to water
pollution. They monitor the quality of water in 125 rivers (including the tributaries), wells, lakes, creeks,
ponds, tanks, drains and canals.

Causes of Environmental Degradation

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(a) Increasing Population Density: The high rate of growth of population adversely affects the environment.
It certainly leads to soil and water pollution.
(b) Urbanisation: Whenever there is large migration of population from rural to urban areas, it leads to fast
growth of slum areas. There is excess load on the existing infrastructural facilities. It causes environmental
degradation and ill health.
(c) Mass Poverty: There is reckless felling of trees by the poor to be used as fuel. The poor people earn their
living through activities in gathering of forest product, collection of firewood etc, these activities lead to loss
of natural assets and environmental degradation.
(d) Use of High Yielding Variety of Seeds: Farmers and workers suffer health problems due to increased use
of poisonous insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers. Also, consumers consume food grains which have too
much undesirable chemical element as compared to international standard. Overuse of fertilizers, insecticides,
etc. lead to ill health.
(e) Rise in Economic Activity: 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.

Measures to control Environmental degradation

1. Public Participation
2. Control Population
3. Control of Vehicular Industrial and Agricultural pollution
4. Pollution monitoring and control
5. Prevent land degradation
6. Protect Biodiversity
7. Management of Hazardous waste
8. Environmental education, training and awareness
9. Poverty Eradication
10. Implement Eco-development Programmes

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Edward Barbier defined sustainable development as one which is directly concerned with increasing the
material standards of living of the poor at the grass root level.

Sustainable development implies meeting the basic needs of everyone and extending to all the opportunity to
satisfy their aspirations for better life, without compromising on the needs of future.

According to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) sustainable
development is, "Development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability
of the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs."

The Brundtland Commission emphasises on protecting the future generations. According to it, the present
generation can promote development that enhances the natural and built environment in the ways that are
compatible with
(i) Conservation of naturals assests.
(ii) preservation of these or risks on fury of the world's natural ecological system.
(iii) avoiding the imposition of added costs or risks on future generations.

Steps and strategies to achieve sustainable development by Herman Daly, a leading environmental economist:

(a) Limiting the human population to a level within the carrying capacity of the environment.
(b) Technological progress should be input efficient and not input consuming.
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(c) Renewable Resources should be extracted on a sustainable basis, i.e rate of extraction should not exceed
the rate of regeneration.
(d ) For non-renewable resources, the rate of depletion should not exceed the rate of creation of renewable
substitutes.
(e) Inefficiencies arising from the pollution should be corrected.
In 2015, the UN formulated 17 Sustainable development Goals (SDGs) intended to be achieved by the year
2030.

Steps and strategies to achieve sustainable development

1. Use of Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

(a) India is hugely dependent on thermal and hydro power to meet its plant needs. Both of these have adverse
environmental impacts Thermal power plants emit large quantities of carbon dioxide which is a greenhouse
gas. It also produces fly ash which, is not used properly, can cause pollution of water, land and environment.
Hydroelectricity projects inundate forests and interfere with the natural flow of water in catchment areas and
the river basins.
(b) Wind power and solar rays are good examples of conventional but cleaner and greener technologies which
can be effectively tapped to replace thermal and hydro-power.
2. LPG, Gobar Gas in Rural Areas:
(a) Households in rural areas generally use wood, dung cake or other biomass fuel. This practice has adverse
effect like deforestation, reduction in green cover , wastage of cattle dung and air pollution.
(b) To rectify the situation, subsidised LPG is being provided.
(c) Also, Gobar Gas Plants are being provided through easy loans and subsidy.
(d) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a clean fuel. It reduces household pollution to a large extent.

3. CNG in Urban Areas: In Delhi, the of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as fuel in public transport or other
has significantly lowered air pollution and the air has become cleaner in the last few years.
4. Wind Power. In areas where speed of wind is usually high, wind mills can provide electricity without any
adverse impact on the environment. Wind turbines move with the wind and electricity is generated.
Although initial cost is high yet the benefits are more than the cost.
5. Solar Power through Photovoltaic Cells:
(a) India is naturally endowed with a large quantity of solar energy in the form of sunlight. With the help of
photovoltaic cells, solar energy can be converted into electricity.
PGT ECONOMICS – BHAVESH SONI (8349965291)
(b) This technology is extremely useful for remote areas and for places where supply of power through grid
or power lines is either not possible or proves very costly.
(c) This technology is totally free from pollution.
6. Mini-Hydel Plants:
(a) In mountainous regions, streams can be found almost everywhere.
(b) Mini-hydel plants use the energy of such streams to move small turbines. The turbines generate electricity
which can be used locally.
(c) Such power plants are environment-friendly as they do not change the land use pattern in areas where they
are located. Also, they generate enough power to meet local demands.
7. Traditional Knowledge and Practices:
(a) Traditionally, Indian people are close to their environment. In earlier days, agriculture system, healthcare
system, housing, transport, etc., were environment friendly.
(b) With modernisation, we have gone far away from the traditional systems. It has caused massive damage
to the environment and to our rural heritage. We should go back to our traditional knowledge and practices.
India has about 15,000 species of plants which have medicinal properties. About 8,000 of these are in regular
use in various systems of treatment like Ayurveda, Unani, Tibetan and Folk systems.
(c) Cosmetic Products like hair oil, toothpaste, body lotion, face cream, etc. are herbal in composition.
These products are environment friendly and have no side effects.
8. Biocomposting:
(a) The use of chemical fertilizers has resulted in large tracts of unproductive land, chemical contamination of
water bodies including ground water system.
(b) Farmers, in large numbers all over the country, have again started using compost made from organic waste
of different types.
(c) Earthworms can convert organic matter into compost faster than the normal composting process. This
process is now being widely used.
9. Biopest Control:
(a) With Green Revolution, states started using more and more of chemical pesticides for higher yield. Adverse
impacts started showing in food products which were contaminated.
(b) Efforts are made to have safer methods of pest control. Neem brised pesticides are environment friendly
and free from side effects.
(c) Various animals and birds help in controlling pests. For example, snakes are one of the prime groups of
animals which prey upon rats, mice and various other pests. Similarly, large varities of birds like owls and
peacocks prey upon vermin and pests. We need to protect these animals and birds.
In short, sustained development will ensure lasting development and pon declining welfare for all.

QUESTION AND ANSWERS

1. What is meant by environment?

It refers to the sum total of all surroundings of a living organism which includes biotic and abiotic factors.
Biotic factors comprises of all living creatures while abiotic consists of non-living things like air, water, land
etc.

2. What happens when the rate of resource extraction exceeds that of their regeneration?
The function of an environment is to sustain life by providing the necessary ingredients for survival such as
sunlight, water, air and soil. If the resources of the environment are extracted at a more rapid pace than its
regeneration, we will lose the balance required to sustain life and ultimately it will lead to breakdown of
species.

3. Classify the following into renewable and non-renewable resources

PGT ECONOMICS – BHAVESH SONI (8349965291)
(i) Trees (ii) fish (iii) petroleum (iv) coal (v) iron-ore (vi) water
Renewable sources are: Trees and fish
Non-Renewable sources are: Coal, Iron-ore, petroleum

4. Two major environmental issues facing the world today are_____________ and_____________.
Global warming and ozone depletion.

5. 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) Industrialization
(vii) Urbanization (viii) Reduction of forest coverage
(ix) Poaching (x) Global warming.
(i) Rising Population
Rise in population leads to depletion of natural resources in the form of deforestation for the purpose of shelter.
Depletion of resources leads to ecological imbalance. Government should devise preventive measures to check
population explosion.
(ii) Air Pollution
Air pollution means the absence of fresh air for breathing, it can also mean contamination of air. Various
pollutants contribute towards air pollution which include CO 2, SO2, and CH4 etc. Various health issues are
caused by air pollution which includes respiratory and cardio vascular problems. Government should
implement policies to reduce greenhouse gas emission and search alternative sources of energy.
(iii) Water Contamination
Water pollution is also one of the leading cause of death from diseases such as hepatitis, cholera etc. Dumping
of waste in water bodies’ results in pollution and improper sanitation helps in spread of contaminants and
pathogen. The government should install more water purifier machines in order to provide clean water and
also promote importance of sanitation in rural areas.
(iv) Affluent Consumption Standards
The affluent consumption has put stress on environment. The wastes generated are beyond the capacity of
absorption and the resources are becoming extinct which is resulting in environmental crisis. The government
should spend on researching resources that are environment friendly.
(v) Illiteracy
A literate population will utilize the available resources judiciously with minimum waste by becoming aware
and developing skills to utilize the resources. Lack of knowledge and skills will lead to over exploitation of
the resources. The government therefore should educate people about the proper utilisation of resources.
(vi) Industrialisation
Industrialisation is essential for the development of a nation, but one downside is that it reduces the green
cover of the earth i.e. it causes deforestation. For obtaining rapid results natural resources are used at a rapid
pace which causes harm to environment. These activities disturb the ecological balance. Government should
be more careful and prevent unnecessary depletion of natural resources in order to maintain balance with
nature.
(vii) Urbanisation
Urbanisation also leads to deforestation and causes soil pollution along with reduction in rainfall. Rapid
urbanisation is reducing the area for farming, in future it will cause huge ecological imbalance and it will be
difficult for humans to survive without food. So government should provide measures for promoting green
cover and stop the expanding population explosion.
(viii) Reduction of forest coverage
Forest coverage is making the soil loose its holding capacity leading to washing of nutrients and deforestation.
Deforestation leads to low oxygen levels and less rainfall, soil erosion and rise in CO2 levels. Thus some effort
need to be taken by government for restoring the greenery and maintain ecological balance.
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(ix) Poaching
Poaching is an act of killing, capturing or hunting animals. Poaching poses a grave risk of disturbing the
balance in nature. Thus more steps need to be taken for conserving the wild animals and their habitat by setting
up national parks.
(x) Global warming
Global warming is the effect of sustained increase in global temperature which is caused due to deforestation
and environmental pollution. Greenhouse gas emission is the main culprit. Global warming leads to variation
in seasonal temperature and rise in sea level by melting of polar ice. Government should check the level of
CO2 emissions and adopt greener methods.

6. What are the functions of the environment?

Functions of environment are as follows:
1. Environment provides the essential sources for survival like water, air and soil and minerals. These natural
resources can be mixed with other resources from the environment to produce resources which are essential
for survival.
2. It provides the factors that are critical for a life to survive.
3. Waste is generated due to production and consumption, the environment absorbs these waste.
4. It provides beauty to the man and improves the quality of life.

7. Identify six factors contributing to land degradation in India.

The following factors contribute towards land degradation in India:
1. When agents such as strong winds or floods remove the upper layer of soil, it is called soil erosion. Top
most layer contains essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Erosion of this layer reduces
the land productivity.
2. Water logging causes salinity and alkalinity of the soil. Water logged in top layer absorbs nutrients of the
soil and reduces its fertility.
3. The growing population has an ever increasing demand for space and thus deforestation occurs which causes
soil erosion and reduces soil fertility.
4. The practice of shifting cultivation by small farmers and marginal farmers result in soil being eroded of
nutrients.
5. Extensive use of fertilizers have contributed to reduction of soil fertility and quality
6. Due to the overgrazing of livestock in grasslands, it is slowly turning into desert.

8. Explain how the opportunity costs of negative environmental impact are high.
Whenever the lands are extracted at a rapid pace which is greater than its regeneration, the carrying capacity
of the environment declines. In such a situation, the environment does not perform at its full function, which
will result in crisis. For such a situation there should be new alternatives which are eco-friendly resources in
order to avoid crisis in environment. Imbalance in environment brings about diseases which may be air or
water borne, which will increase the expenses. The cost of managing diseases and finding alternative resources
are the opportunity costs associated with the environment. These cost are high which confirms the statement
that opportunity costs of negative environmental impact are high.

9. Outline the steps involved in attaining sustainable development in India.

Following steps are involved in attaining sustainable development in India:
1. To control population explosion India has taken various steps which includes providing education and
awareness on birth control methods.
2. Using eco-friendly fuels like CNG and LPG will reduce the CO2 emission that will be beneficial for
environment.
3. India has abundance of solar and wind power which can reduce energy expenses. It will help in sustainable
development.
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4. Recycling of waste products also helps to sustain the environment. Waste generated from household can be
used as manure. Banning use of plastic bags is a great step for reducing environmental pollution.
5. Penalising vehicle owners and industries for emitting high amount of smoke along with high taxes and fines
has led to reduction in pollution.
6. Using of input efficient technology has resulted in higher production and productivity and lesser use of
resources which enhances growth opportunities for India.

10. India has abundant natural resources – substantiate the statement.

India has an abundance of natural resources which consists of fertile soil, rivers, green forests, high mineral
deposits and mountains. Indo-Gangetic plains are the most densely populated, fertile cultivated plains in the
world which stretches from Arabian Sea to Bay of Bengal. Cotton cultivation is most favourable in the black
soils of the Deccan plateau. Iron reserves of India are around 20% of the total iron reserves in the world. Hydel
energy is attained through the hydel power plants. Vast variety of flora and fauna make India a rich country in
terms of bio-diversity. All these facts point towards the fact that India has abundant natural resources.

11. Is environmental crisis a recent phenomenon? If so, why?

Environmental crisis is indeed a recent phenomenon. Before industrialisation there was less demand for
environmental resources as there was less population and it was able to sustain with the resources, it was
surplus for the existing population. As there was less exploitation of resources so the rate of regeneration was
much faster. But in present day due to population explosion, rapid urbanisation and over exploitation of natural
resources the nature is unable to replenish the stocks, which is causing ecological imbalance that
is putting pressure on environments carrying capacity giving rise to environmental crisis.

12. Give two instances of

(a) Overuse of environmental resources
(b) Misuse of environmental resources.
(a) Overuse of environmental resources
1. Drying of rivers due to creation of flood storage reservoirs and irrigation activities.
2. Large scale deforestation due to the growing requirement of land is leading to soil erosion and also reducing
fertility of soil.
(b) Misuse of environmental resources.
1. The discharge of domestic sewage, waste from thermal power plants and industrial wastes into rivers is
causing water pollution.
2. Using wood as a source of fuel for cooking and other purposes is resulting in deforestation

13. State any four pressing environmental concerns of India. Correction for environmental damages
involves opportunity costs. Explain.
The four most pressing environmental concerns of India are: Water pollution, air pollution, deforestation and
soil erosion. In addition to global problems like global warming, ozone depletion, greenhouse gas reduction
etc. The rapid and extensive use of both renewable and non-renewable sources has led to exploring of
alternative resources which requires high investment. These alternative resources are also high on
maintenance. Imbalance in environment brings about diseases which may be air or water borne, which will
increase the expenses. The cost of managing diseases and finding alternative resources are the opportunity
costs associated with the environment. Therefore correcting environmental damages involves opportunity
costs.

14. Explain the supply-demand reversal of environmental resources.

Since the start of civilisation and till the rise of industrialisation, the rate at which natural resources were
extracted were far less than their rate of regeneration. That means demand fell short of the supply of the
resources. That time nature exploitation was within limits. But, coming to present day scenario, the population
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has seen great surge and there has also been rapid progress in industries which means the rate of extracting
natural resources is higher than the rate of regeneration therefore, the demand was far more than the supply.
This created ecological imbalance and brought about crisis which can be referred to as the supply demand
reversal of environmental resources.

15. Account for the current environmental crisis.

Increase in population and consumption of all the natural resources has placed excessive burden on the
environment. Reserves are getting exhausted but the regeneration is not on par which is causing reduction in
carrying capacity of environment, resulting in ecological imbalance. The current environmental crisis includes
ozone layer depletion and global warming. Global warming is the result if increase of greenhouse gases
(particularly CO2) and it is increasing the temperature of earth causing melting of polar ice which is making
water levels in the sea levels to increase. Also ozone layer depletion is caused due to excess use of CFC’s
(chlorofluorocarbon). Increased UV radiation will cause skin cancer in individuals. Therefore these factors
are most concerning of all issues currently.

16. 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, due to
affluence in living standards. Is this true?
Development has led to the following environmental consequences in India which are: air pollution and land
degradation.
Air pollution: Air pollution is a major problem in India with lots of industrial smoke, agricultural waste
burning and exhaust fumes from automobiles. All these contribute to increase in the levels of harmful gases
in atmosphere which is a major cause of global warming.
Land Degradation: Gradual and consistent loss of land fertility is known as degradation of land. It is usually
caused by factors such as soil erosion, salinity of soil, deforestation and shifting cultivation which is practiced
by farmers.
Deforestation resulted from population explosion and poverty. People in rural areas in order to earn livelihood
cut down trees which resulted in deforestation and soil erosion. The widespread urbanisation also is robbing
the nature of its green cover. More and more buildings are getting built which is reducing the trees and causing
harm to environment. If both these factors are studied carefully we see that the environmental problems are
due to the combined effect of poverty and affluent living standards.

17. What is sustainable development?

Sustainable development is referred to as the process of economic development that will meet the target of
providing the basic needs of current generation without compromising on the needs of future generation. It is
aimed at developing both present and future. In other words, it is achieving a quality of life without
compromising quality of life for future generation.

18. Keeping in view your locality, describe any four strategies of sustainable development.
Sustainable development can be achieved using these strategies:
1. Using eco-friendly fuels like CNG and LPG will reduce the CO 2 emission which will be beneficial for
environment
2. India has abundance of solar and wind power which can reduce energy expenses. Using these sources will
help in sustainable development.
3. Recycling of waste products also helps to sustain the environment. Waste generated from household can be
used as manure. Banning use of plastic bags is a great step for reducing environmental pollution and attaining
sustainable development.
4. Using of input efficient technology has resulted in higher production and productivity and lesser use of
natural resources which enhances growth opportunities for India.

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19. Explain the relevance of intergenerational equity in the definition of sustainable development.
Handing over of earth to its future generations in a good condition becomes an obligatory requirement. It can
only achieved if resources are judiciously utilised. Over utilization will result in reducing the productive
capacity of future generations. Economic development that is being generated will not remain the same for
the upcoming generations as the resources will be reduced. Sustainable development aims at economic
development of present while not making a compromise on the resources available for future generations. It
is welfare for both present and future. It is achieved by optimum use of resources so as to save for future
generations and maintain inter-generational equity.

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