CHAPTER -14 UNIT-5 GREEN SKILL-I
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION
What is Environment?
* The environment is everything that surrounds us.
* It includes living things (plants, animals, humans, microorganisms) and non-living things (air, water, land,
sunlight).
* It provides resources necessary for survival such as food, water, and shelter.
Types of Environment
(i) Natural Environment
* Created by nature, not by humans.
* Biotic Components – All living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms, humans).
* Abiotic Components – Non-living elements (air, water, soil, sunlight, minerals).
(ii) Human-made Environment
* Created by human activities.
* Examples: Buildings, parks, roads, industries, dams, monuments, etc.
What do you mean by Ecosystem?
* An ecosystem is a community where living organisms interact with each other and with their physical
surroundings.
* Example: Pond ecosystem, forest ecosystem.
Types of Ecosystem
1. Natural Ecosystem – Forests, deserts, oceans, lakes, grasslands.
2. Artificial Ecosystem – Created/maintained by humans (gardens, crop fields, aquariums).
Components of an Ecosystem
1. Autotrophs (Producers) – Plants and algae that prepare food through photosynthesis.
2. Heterotrophs (Consumers) – Animals and humans that depend on producers for food.
* Primary Consumers (herbivores)
* Secondary Consumers (carnivores)
* Tertiary Consumers (top carnivores)
3. Non-living Matter (Decomposers & Abiotic factors) – Fungi, bacteria, water, air, soil, sunlight.
Factors Causing Imbalance in the Environment
* Land use changes (deforestation, urbanization).
* Constructions and excavations (dams, mining).
* Agricultural practices (use of fertilizers, pesticides).
* Weather modification programmes (artificial rain, geo-engineering).
* Nuclear programmes (nuclear tests, waste disposal).
What are Natural Resources?
* Substances obtained from nature which humans use for survival and development.
* Examples: Air, water, soil, forests, minerals, fossil fuels.
Relationship between Man and Environment
* Man depends on environment for food, water, energy, and shelter.
* Human activities like deforestation, industrialization, and pollution disturb this balance.
* Sustainable use of resources is necessary for survival.
Effects of Human Activities on Environment
* Deforestation leads to soil erosion and climate change.
* Industrialization causes air, water, and soil pollution.
* Overuse of resources leads to depletion of forests, minerals, and energy.
* Urbanization leads to waste generation and loss of biodiversity.
Ecological Imbalance
Caused by over-interference of humans in nature:
1. Overexploitation of natural resources.
2. Habitat destruction.
3. Environmental pollution.
4. Greenhouse gas emissions → Global warming.
5. Nuclear weapons and radioactive wastes.
Types of Pollutants
* Biodegradable Pollutants – Can be broken down naturally by decomposers.
* Examples: Vegetable waste, sewage, paper.
* Non-biodegradable Pollutants – Cannot be broken down; remain in nature for long.
* Examples: Plastics, glass, metals, radioactive waste.
Methods & Practices for Conservation of Natural Resources
(a) Soil Conservation
* Afforestation, crop rotation, terrace farming, reducing deforestation.
(b) Water Conservation
* Rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, avoiding wastage, recycling wastewater.
(c) Air Conservation
* Reduce use of fossil fuels, promote renewable energy, plantation of trees.
(d) Forest and Wildlife Conservation
* Afforestation, social forestry, establishing wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, banning poaching, eco-
friendly tourism.
Environmental Protection and Conservation
(a) Control & Prevention of Soil Pollution
* Avoid excessive use of fertilizers/pesticides.
* Proper disposal of industrial and household waste.
* Reuse and recycle materials.
(b) Control & Prevention of Water Pollution
* Treat sewage before discharging.
* Reduce use of plastics near water bodies.
* Avoid chemical waste dumping into rivers/lakes.
(c) Control & Prevention of Air Pollution
* Use public transport and carpooling.
* Promote CNG/electric vehicles.
* Plant more trees.
* Reduce industrial smoke by filters and eco-friendly technology.