UNIT 9 - People , Development and

Environment

Topics to be covered

1. Development and Environment

Millennium Development Goals

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Sustainable Development Goals
2. Human and Environment Interactions
Anthropogenic activities and their impacts on
their environment.
3. Environmental Issues
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Pollutions , Bio-medical , Hazardous, Electronic
4. Climate change - Protocols
5. Impacts of Pollutants on Human Health
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6. Renewable and Non- Renewable

7. Natural Hazards - Disasters - Mitigation
Strategies
8. Environmental Acts , Summits
9. International Solar Alliance
10. Lakes - Kinds of lakes, Water,Green
Hydrogen, Unleaded Petrol, CNG
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were a set of

eight international development goals established in
September 2000 during the United Nations Millennium
Summit in New York.
They were adopted by 189 UN member states.
The MDGs were intended to be achieved by the year 2015.

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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the

United Nations in 2015, are a set of 17 global goals aimed
at addressing critical challenges like poverty, inequality,
climate change, and sustainable development by 2030.
The 17 SDGs are supported by 169 targets and 232
indicators

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are officially

referred to as "Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development".

Targets: Specific objectives for each goal to guide action.

Indicators: Metrics to measure and track progress

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globally, regionally, and nationally.
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Environment, Ecology, and Biodiversity

●​ Environment: The surroundings affecting living organisms,
comprising biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors.
●​ Ecology: The study of interactions between organisms and their
environment.
 ●​ Biome –Deserts, grasslands, and tundras are types of biomes,
which are large natural regions with specific climates, plants, and
animals.

Deserts – Dry areas with little rainfall and sparse vegetation.

Grasslands – Open areas dominated by grasses, with few trees.

Tundras – Cold, treeless regions with frozen soil (permafrost).

●​ Biodiversity – The variety of all living things in an ecosystem or

on Earth.

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●​ Biosphere – The global zone where life exists, including land,
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Energy Flow in Ecosystems

Energy moves through trophic levels:

1.​Producers (plants, algae) – Photosynthesis.

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2.​Primary Consumers (herbivores) – Eat producers.

3.​Secondary Consumers (carnivores/omnivores) – Eat
herbivores.
4.​Tertiary Consumers – Top predators.
5.​Decomposers – Break down organic matter.

Only 10% of energy transfers between levels, with most lost as heat.
Environmental Conservation

Strategies include:

●​ In-situ conservation: National parks, wildlife sanctuaries.

●​ Ex-situ conservation: Zoos, seed banks.
●​ Sustainable resource use: Afforestation, eco-friendly farming.
●​ Climate action: Reducing emissions, promoting renewable
energy.

Components of Environment

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The environment supports life through key components like the
atmosphere, which consists of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and
trace gases. It:

●​ Filters harmful radiation.

●​ Regulates temperature.
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●​ Supports respiration and photosynthesis.
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Layers of the Atmosphere:

1.​Troposphere (0-15 km): Weather, clouds, breathable air.
2.​Stratosphere (Up to 50 km): Contains ozone layer.
3.​Mesosphere (50-85 km): Burns meteors.
4.​Thermosphere (85-600 km): Houses ionosphere, aids
communication.
5.​Exosphere (600+ km): Outer space transition.
Resources
●​ Renewable: Sunlight, wind, water.
●​ Non-Renewable: Coal, oil, gas.

Renewable Energy

1. Solar Energy
Uses: Solar panels, water heating, cooking, lighting, CSP. Types of

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solar cells:

●​ Silicon-Based: Mono, poly, amorphous.

●​ Organic, Nanoparticle, Plastic.

India’s Solar Initiatives

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●​ National Solar Mission, Green Energy Corridor, Hybrid
Policy, Mega Solar Projects.

2. Wind Energy
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Uses turbines to convert wind into power. India targets 60 GW by

2030.

HAWT (Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine) – Most common

type, typically three-bladed, used onshore and offshore.

VAWT (Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine) – Compact design,

works well in variable wind conditions.
3. Hydropower
Uses flowing water for electricity via turbines. Small Hydropower
(SHP) up to 25 MW.

4. Geothermal Energy
Harnesses Earth's heat, reliable and sustainable.

Geothermal energy, from Earth's core, is used for heating and power.
Top producers: USA (1st), Indonesia (2nd), New Zealand (3rd), and

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Iceland.

Non-Renewable
COAL
Coal is a fossil fuel that takes millions of years to form and cannot be
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replenished quickly. It primarily consists of carbon, with types
including:

●​ Anthracite (high carbon, heating)

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●​ Bituminous (electricity generation)

●​ Sub-bituminous & Lignite (lower quality, power plants)

Environmental Impact: Coal use emits CO₂ and pollutants,

contributing to climate change and air pollution.

Carbon Footprint
The total greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, measured
in CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e).

●​ Major contributors: Transportation, energy consumption,

manufacturing.
Greenhouse gases (GHGs)

These are gases in the atmosphere that trap heat from the sun,
keeping the Earth warm. This natural process, called the
greenhouse effect, helps sustain life. However, human activities
like burning fossil fuels and deforestation have increased GHG
levels, leading to global warming and climate change.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) – Released from burning fossil fuels,

deforestation, and industrial processes.

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Methane (CH₄) – Emitted from livestock, landfills, and rice paddies;
has a much higher warming potential than CO₂.
Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) – Comes from agriculture, fossil fuel combustion,
and industrial activities.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – Synthetic gases used in refrigeration
and air conditioning.
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Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) – Used in aluminum production and as
industrial solvents.
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF₆) – A potent greenhouse gas used in
electrical insulation.
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India’s Renewable Energy Progress

●​ 2025: Target 170 GW renewable energy.
●​ 2030: Target 500 GW renewable capacity.
●​ Oct 2024: Renewable energy accounts for 46.3% of India's total
electricity capacity (203.18 GW).
○​ Solar: 92.12 GW (leading source)
○​ Wind: 47.72 GW
○​ Hydro: 52 GW (large + small projects)
○​ Bio-energy: 11.32 GW
Global Standing:

4th in renewable & wind power capacity

5th in solar power capacity

COP26 Target: 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy by 2030.

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Launched in 2015 (COP21) by India & France, aiming to:

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●​ Promote solar energy globally.
●​ Mobilize finance for solar projects.
●​ Facilitate technology transfer.
●​ Strengthen global cooperation.

Pollution & Air Quality

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Pollution: Environmental contamination affecting air, water, and soil.

Air Pollution: Harmful pollutants impact health and climate.

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●​ Primary Pollutants: Directly emitted (CO, NOx, SO₂, PM).

CO (Carbon Monoxide) – A colorless, odorless gas from

incomplete combustion.

NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) – Gases from vehicle emissions and

industrial processes, contributing to smog and acid rain.

SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) – A gas from burning fossil fuels, leading

to acid rain and respiratory issues.

PM (Particulate Matter) – Tiny solid or liquid particles in the air,

harmful to respiratory health.
Secondary Pollutants: Formed by chemical reactions (ozone, smog).

Key Pollutants:

●​ PM2.5 & PM10: Tiny particles causing lung diseases.

●​ NOx & SO₂: Lead to smog, acid rain, respiratory issues.
●​ CO: Hinders oxygen transport.
●​ O₃ (Ozone): Harmful to lungs and plants.
●​ VOCs: From industrial and household sources, contributing to
smog.

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Sources: Vehicle emissions, industries, household fuels.

Air Quality Monitoring:​

India’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) monitors air quality
and issues public advisories.

Green Hydrogen
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Produced via electrolysis using renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro),
emitting no carbon. Used in transportation, industry (steel, fertilizers),
and energy storage. India's National Hydrogen Mission (2021)
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promotes its production.

CNG & Petrol

●​ CNG (Compressed Natural Gas): Mainly methane (CH₄), a
cleaner alternative to petrol/diesel.
●​ Leaded Petrol: Contains toxic tetraethyl lead, harmful to health
and the environment.
●​ Unleaded Petrol: Safer, prevents lead pollution, now standard
fuel.
Smog & Pollution
Smog is a harmful air pollution caused by the mixing of smoke,
pollutants, and fog. It is mainly formed by vehicle emissions, industrial
activities, and burning fossil fuels, leading to poor air quality and
health issues.

○​ Winter smog: Due to temperature inversion trapping

pollutants.
○​ Photochemical smog: Sunlight reacts with NOₓ & VOCs,
producing ozone & PANs.

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○​ London Smog was primarily caused by high levels of
sulfur dioxide (SO₂) from coal combustion, which reacted
with fog and other pollutants to form thick, toxic smog.

Biomass
Biomass refers to organic materials like wood, crop waste, and
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animal waste that can be used as fuel.

It is renewable and can be burned directly or converted into biofuels

like ethanol and biogas for energy.
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Biogas is formed through anaerobic digestion, where

microorganisms break down organic matter (like animal manure,
food waste, and crop residues) in the absence of oxygen. This
process produces methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂),
which can be used as a renewable energy source for cooking,
electricity, and heating.
Acid Rain & Water Pollution
●​ Acid Rain: Caused by SO₂ & NOₓ mixing with water vapor.
Harms plants, animals, and buildings.

SO₂ = Sulfur Dioxide​

NOₓ = Nitrogen Oxides (includes NO - Nitric Oxide and NO₂ -
Nitrogen Dioxide)

These gases are major air pollutants, contributing to acid rain,

smog, and respiratory issues.

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Water Treatment Steps:
1.​Coagulation & Flocculation: Chemicals (Alum, Ferric chloride)
trap dirt.
2.​Sedimentation: Heavy flocs settle.
3.​Filtration: Removes smaller particles.
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4.​Disinfection: Chlorine/UV kills bacteria.

[Link] Adjustment: Ensures safe acidity/alkalinity (6.5–8.5 ideal).

Water Quality Parameters:

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●​ Hardness: Caused by Ca²⁺ & Mg²⁺, treated via ion exchange or

RO.
●​ TDS: Measures dissolved solids, <500 mg/L is safe.
●​ Turbidity: Cloudiness due to suspended particles.
●​ Dissolved Oxygen (DO): Essential for aquatic life.
●​ BOD: High levels indicate pollution from organic matter.

Waste Stabilization Ponds:

Waste Stabilization Ponds are natural wastewater treatment systems
that use sunlight, microorganisms, and biological processes to remove
pathogens and organic matter
 ●​ Natural treatment using microorganisms.
●​ Removes pathogens & organic waste.
●​ Works via oxidation & sunlight exposure.

Types of Lakes
1.​Oligotrophic Lakes – Low nutrients, clear water, high oxygen;
ecologically healthiest.
2.​Eutrophic Lakes – High nutrients, murky water, low oxygen;
prone to algae blooms.
3.​Mesotrophic Lakes – Moderate nutrients, balanced ecosystem,

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supports diverse life.

Bioaccumulation of DDT:
DDT concentration increases up the food chain:​
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Water → Zooplankton → Fish → Fish-eating birds.

Biomagnification

It is the process where toxic substances, like mercury or

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pesticides, increase in concentration as they move up the food

chain, affecting top predators the most.

Noise Pollution:
●​ Measured in decibels (dB); WHO limit: 55 dB (day), 40 dB
(night).
●​ 85+ dB: Hearing damage risk.
●​ 140+ dB: Instant hearing loss.

International Noise Awareness Day (INAD) (est. 1996 by

CHC) highlights noise pollution's impact on hearing, health, and
quality of life.
The frequency of a sound is measured in hertz (Hz). The
normal range of human hearing is 20–20,000 Hz, with sounds
below 20 Hz being called infrasound and sounds above 20,000
Hz being called ultrasound.

Radioactive Pollution

Caused by nuclear plants, waste, and mining, it

contaminates air, water, and soil. Exposure leads to cancer,

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genetic mutations, and environmental harm. Key
radioactive elements include Uranium-235, Uranium-238,
Plutonium-239, Cesium-137, Strontium-90, and Radon-222,
all posing severe health risks.

Contaminants & Side Effects

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●​ Lead (Pb): Causes brain damage, high blood pressure,
and kidney issues.
●​ Arsenic (As): Leads to cancer, heart disease, and
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nerve damage.
●​ Mercury (Hg): Causes brain and kidney damage,
neurological issues, and Minamata Disease.
●​ Nitrates (NO3): Can cause "Blue Baby Syndrome" and
increase cancer risk.
●​ Fluoride (F-): Leads to dental/skeletal fluorosis and
thyroid issues.
●​ Chlorine (Cl2): Causes respiratory problems, digestive
issues, and cancer risk.
●​ Pesticides: Lead to cancer, hormonal disruption, and
nerve damage.
 ●​ Pharmaceuticals: Cause hormonal imbalance and
antibiotic resistance.
●​ Radon (Rn): Increases the risk of lung cancer.
●​ Methylmercury is a toxic compound in seafood that
harms the nervous system, affecting speech, hearing,
vision, and mental health, especially in children.

Environmental Acts & Summits (Year-wise)

Indian Environmental Acts

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●​ Wildlife Protection Act (1972) – Protects wildlife,
creates national parks.
●​Water Act (1974) – Regulates water pollution.
●​Forest Conservation Act (1980) – Restricts
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forest land use.
●​Air Act (1981) – Controls air pollution.
●​Environment Protection Act (1986) –
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Enacted after Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

●​National Forest Policy (1988) – Focuses on
forest conservation.
●​PPVFR Act (2001) – Protection of Plant
Varieties and Farmers' Rights (PPVFR) Act,
2001
Protects plant varieties & farmers' rights.
 ●​Biological Diversity Act (2002) – Conserves
biodiversity.
●​National Green Tribunal Act (2010) –
Establishes NGT for environmental disputes.

National Climate Policies

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[Link] (2008) – 8 missionS
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

Launched in 2008 by the Government of India, NAPCC

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includes eight missions to tackle climate change and
promote sustainability:

1.​National Solar Mission (2010) – Promotes large-scale

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and rooftop solar projects.

2.​Enhanced Energy Efficiency – Reduces industrial
energy use through incentives and efficiency programs.
3.​Sustainable Habitat – Improves urban energy
efficiency, waste management, and public transport.
4.​Water Mission – Enhances water-use efficiency by
20% through conservation and pricing.
5.​Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem – Protects
biodiversity, forests, and water in the Himalayas.
 6.​Green India Mission – Aims to increase forest cover
from 23% to 33%.
7.​Sustainable Agriculture – Promotes climate-resilient
crops and sustainable farming.
8.​Strategic Knowledge – Advances climate research,
knowledge sharing, and policy-making.

[Link] Clean Air Programme (2019) – Targets

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20-30% pollution reduction.

[Link] Waste Management Rules (2022) – Bans

single-use plastics.

4.E-Waste Management Rules (2022) – Strengthens

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electronic waste handling.

International Environmental Protocols

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●​The Ramsar Convention (1971) is an international

agreement to protect and sustainably use wetlands,
ensuring biodiversity and waterfowl (birds that live in or
around water)habitat conservation.
●​ Stockholm Declaration (1972) – First global
environment conference.
●​ CITES (1975) – Regulates trade in endangered
species.
●​ Montreal Protocol (1987) – Phases out
ozone-depleting substances.
 ●​ Basel Convention (1989) – Controls hazardous
waste movement.
●​ Rio Earth Summit (1992) – Led to UNFCCC, CBD,
and Agenda 21.

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UNFCCC & COP Meetings

– First UNFCCC meeting.

●​ COP1 (1995, Berlin)
●​COP3 (1997, Kyoto) – Kyoto Protocol
adoption.
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●​COP21 (2015, Paris) – Paris Agreement
adoption.
●​COP26 (2021, Glasgow) – Accelerated
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climate action.
●​COP29 (2024, Baku) – India participated but
didn’t sign methane reduction.
Biodiversity Protection

●​ CBD (1992) – Conserves biodiversity, ensures

sustainable use.
CBD Protocols
 ●​ Cartagena Protocol (2000): Protects biodiversity from
GMOs.
●​Nagoya Protocol (2010): Ensures fair
benefit-sharing of genetic resources.

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Legally binds developed
●​ Kyoto Protocol (1997):
nations to cut emissions.
●​Stockholm Convention (2001): Limits
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
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●​Minamata Convention (2013): Reduces
mercury pollution.
●​Paris Agreement (2015): Limits warming to
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below 2°C; net-zero goal.

Disasters & Mitigation

Measured by Richter & Moment

●​ Earthquakes:
Magnitude Scale; caused by tectonic shifts.
●​Tornadoes: Rotating air columns, common in
the U.S. & Canada.
●​Floods: Due to heavy rain, dam failures, or
snowmelt.
 ●​Hurricanes/Cyclones/Typhoons: Tropical
storms causing heavy rain & flooding.
●​Droughts: Long dry periods leading to water
scarcity.
●​Landslides: Soil movement due to
rain/earthquakes.
●​Wildfires: Uncontrolled forest fires, worsened

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by dry conditions.
●​Tsunamis: Massive ocean waves from
underwater earthquakes/volcanoes.
India’s Disaster Management
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●​ NDMA Act (2005): Established NDMA for disaster
policies.
●​National Policy (2009): Focus on disaster risk
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reduction.
●​NDRF & SDRF: National & state-level disaster
response forces.
●​Early Warning Systems: Monitors cyclones,
floods, earthquakes.
Extra Topics

●​Eutrophication: Excess nutrients cause oxygen

depletion in water.
 ●​Namami Gange (2014): Govt initiative to clean
Ganga River.

●​ Ocean Acidification: CO₂ absorption makes oceans

more acidic.
●​Biophenols: Plant compounds with antioxidant
benefits (e.g., flavonoids, tannins).
●​BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene,

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Xylene): A group of volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) found in petroleum
products. They are major air and water
pollutants, harmful to health, and commonly
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released from fuel spills, vehicle emissions,
and industrial activities.
Environment-related days:
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●​Wetlands Day – 2nd February

●​Earth Hour – Last Saturday of March (8:30–9:30
PM local time)
●​World Water Day – 22nd March
●​Earth Day – 22nd April
●​World Biodiversity Day – 22nd May
●​Environment Day – 5th June
●​World Oceans Day – 8th June
●​World Population Day – 11th July
 ●​World Ozone Day – 16th September
●​UNO Day – 24th October
●​World Soil Day – 5th December

THANK YOU

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ALL THE BEST
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