Chapter

Unit V: Green Skills-l

Environment Protection and Conservation

Life on Earth makes it a unique planet in comparison

to other planets. It is home to millions of species of

plants and animals. It is the unique environmental conditions seen on Earth that cause life to flourish here.

• Environment

The word environment

is derived from the French word environ, which means 'surroundings'.
Our

environment comprises
our surroundings—the
air we breathe,
the water that covers the earth's surface,
the

plants and animals around us, and much more. It includes all living and non-living things occurring naturally

on Earth, for example, plants, animals, birds, insects, land, mountains,

water bodies, air, sun, rain, minerals,

etc.

• Natural Resources

A resource is any substance, energy, or organism, whether natural or artificial, that benefits humans. Natural

resources, such as water, land, forests, and minerals, are vital for life on Earth, supporting survival and well-

being. These resources can be utilised directly, like forests providing food, or indirectly, by regulating climate

and preventing floods. Artificial resources, developed by humans, include biogas, thermal electricity, and

plastics.

The different types of natural resources are:

Land resources: Land is a resource that humans use for production, living, and recreation. It is a limited

resource that can be used for purposes such as agricultural and non-agricultural activities.

Forest resources: Forests are vital ecosystems made up of trees that yield wood for electricity and furniture

as well as other products including gums, tannins, spices, and medicines.

Water resources: Water makes up a large amount of the Earth's surface and is essential to life. Water

resources include lakes, rivers, seas, and underground aquifers.

Mineral resources: A mineral deposit consists of naturally occurring solid, liquid, or gaseous materials

located in the Earth's crust that can be extracted and transformed into useful products at a profit. These

non-renewable resources encompass metals like iron and copper, non-metals such as salt and gypsum, and

single-element
minerals
like gold and sulfur.

Food resources: Food resources are those resources that are used as food or those that provide food for

organisms. The main source of plant based food is agriculture.

Energy resources: Energy resources are resources that have the ability to produce heat, power life, move

objects,
or generate
electricity.

Categories of Natural Resources

Natural resources are divided into four categories. These are as follows:

Inexhaustible resources: These are the resources that cannot be exhausted by human consumption. Some

examples
are solar radiation,
water power, etc.

99
KIPS
 and will be depleted
in limited quantities
that are available
These are the resources
resources:
Exhaustible
s a re fi n ite re so u rc e s formed over millions of
e x a m p le , c o a l, o il , a n d n a tu ra l ga
due to continuous use. F o r
used for energy.
extracted and
depleted when
and are
years

Renewable resoures: Renewable resoures are natural resoures that can be replenished or regenerated
naturally over sime she ar abe resously available o r can be restored after consumption, making them
can be regenerated
plants in a forest
trees and
the destroyed
use. For example,
for long-term
sustainable

that cannot be replaced quickly

resources are natural resources
Non-renewable resources: Non-renewable

For example, fossil

millions of years to form.
limited amount and take
They exist in
once they are destroyed.

fuels, minerals, coal, etc.

Ecosystem

Consider a small pond near your home. You may find various types of living things, from micro-organisms to

insects and plants in it. These may depend on non-living components, such as water, sunlight, air, and the

nutrients in the water for their survival. This pond is an example of ecosystem. A few more examples are

forests, deserts, and grasslands.

Sunlight and heat

An ecosystem
is a community
of living and non-living
components,

which are interdependent

on each other. An ecosystem is formed

when living things (plants, animals, and organisms)

in an area

interact
with each other as well as with the non-living
components

(weather, sun, soil, climate,

and atmosphere)
that surround
the

living things.
In an ecosystem,
each organism
has its role to play.
Each ecosystem
is unique,
but all ecosystems
consist
of three

primary components:

Autotrophs:
They Ecosystem
are the producers
of energy.
Plants
make
as they up the
convert majority
energy of
from the autotrophs
the Sun or other in
sources an ecosystem
into food.

Non-living
matter:
It is soil,
sediments,
leaf
bottom litter,
of and
an other
aquatic organic
system. matter
found
on the
ground
or at the
Heterotrophs:
They
are the
consumers
of energy.
N,

are organisms, These

which
depend
directly
or indirectly
autotrophs
upon
for the
their
food.
They
are also
known
Most as
of the consumers.
heterotrophs
are
animals.

Relationship
DENITR
FIXATION

IFICATIO

between
N

Society
and
Environment
The
interrelation

between
NITROGEN

humans

is well
and
the
established environment

from
the AMMONIF
earliest ICATION
times
day.
However, to
the
the present
relationship

has
stages varied
of during
the
evolution different
of
humans
Nitroge
n
relationship, and
their
ASSIMILATION

NO
society. Denitri-
the fixing
environmen In
t this

influences
bacteria flaction
beings.
Humans the
life
NH,
of NITRIFICAT bacteria
adapt human ION
to
but their NO

sometimes
changing

they environmen
also t,
modify

the
according natural
to their environmen Nitrifying
t
requirements
. Relations bacteria
hip

between

Environm
ent
100
Living
and
Things
 The early humans lived in the lap of nature. Their survival depended on their natural environment, so they

adapted to their environment. Their food, shelter, and clothing, all came from their natural habitat.

Therefore, they did not harm their natural environment but lived in harmony with nature and devised

various ways of preserving it. In fact, nature was worshipped in different forms as a way to honour the

natural environment.

Effects of Human Activities on Environment

With the advancement in technology, the relationship between man and environment also changed. Humans

are the only living organisms capable of modifying the environment according to their needs. Gradually,

humans explored and exploited the natural resources for the development and comfort of human society.

To fulfill the needs of increasing population, human beings have undertaken certain activities like rapid

industrialisation, unplanned urbanisation, deforestation, and overexploitation of natural resources. These

activities have significantly contributed to environmental degradation and are disrupting the environmental

stability and ecological balance.

Environmental degradation is now a global problem.

More than 1.4 million people have died as a result of

natural disasters over the past fifty years. Why are the

natural disasters on the rise? Are we tampering too much

with nature? Human-made disasters are also on the rise.

Human beings, supposedly the most intelligent creatures

on Earth, are probably on the verge of threatening the

very existence of life on Earth. This has come about due

Effects of Human Activities on Environment

to the misuse of science and technology for their comfort

and need.

Some of the natural events that cause environmental degradation are volcanic eruptions, forest fires,

earthquakes, floods, etc. Let us read about some human activities that are harming the natural environment

and causing ecological imbalance.

Experiential & Collaborative Learning

Activity Zone

Ask your grandparents/parents how their hometown looked 15 to 20 years ago. What changes have taken

Write down your

of the city?
the natural environment
the changes affected
the years? Have
place over

understanding from the discussion.

Factors Causing Ecological Imbalance

Anything that attempts to alter the balance of the ecosystem can threaten the existence of that ecosystem.

Some of the threats can be resolved if the natural conditions are restored. However, others can harm its life

forms and destroy ecosystems. Various factors cause ecological imbalance. Let us understand some of the

important

factors.

101
KIPS
 e
Over Exploitation of Natural Resources Chang

te
Clima
to

Ov er exploitation refers t o the overuse o f natural resources t o su ch an extent that it almost reaches asta
refers

ge Climate
change

The

of exhaustion. We can see this phenomenon in the exploitation of natural vegetation and forests, medicina global
tempera
tures.

plants, grazing pastures, wildlife, fish stocks. fossil fuels, and water aquiters. Large-scale mining of minerals, Gas
Emiss

o use
Greenh

drilline, and unplanned urbanisation is leading to the loss of forest lands and contributing to the destructio.
he
the
trap
that

of the ecosystem. Gases

gases.

se
greenhou

emit

Mining humans

that

atmosp
earth's
the
Mines are dug underground to get ores, which are processed to extract
o›

nitrous

n,
nitroge
valuable materials like metals and gems. However, mining can harm

cause

gases

These
the environment by causing erosion, creating sinkholes, reducing

tempe
rising
The
biodiversity, and polluting soil and water with chemicals.

mu

ing
submerg

Mining
(li
Deforestation
cities

coastal

Chennai)
Clearing of forests to obtain timber and provide space and
for either

agricultural zones or urban

the emission
development is called deforestation.

A majority of animal and large-sc

plant species and
live in the forests, and many

of them have become

extinct or endangered
because
of the loss of
Laye

Ozone

their homes
due to deforestation.
Economic
activities
such as logging,

mining, farming, Ozone lay

and construction
often involve clearing
the cover of

the natural
vegetation
of places. radiation
This tampering
with one factor
of

the ecosystem
can have a ripple Deforestation
effect
on many
other is sunlig
factors
in any

ecosystem.

vitamir

The soil anima

that
provides
nutrients
for vegetation
in the
ecosystems
is greatly
affected
Clearing
a by
piece deforestation.
of the forest
for timber rays
can expose
the upper
layers
of the
heat soil to
of the the
Sun. wind,
In the water,
heavily and
deforested
Example areas,
soil
erosion
and
nutrient
run-off
rainfall, are
common
thereby,
reducing after
a Na
the fertility
of the soil.

N°

Pollution

Water,
land,
and air play a crucial
role in the health
of our
chemicals ecosystems.
(pollutants)
Any kind
into of pollution
the
environment. releases
harmful
Pollutants

can
be
solid,
gases liquid,
released and
gaseous
into
the in
environment nature.
Poisonous
from
vehicular
respiratory emissions
and
diseases. factory
chimneys
Dumping
cause
of air
industrial
pollution
and and
city
water sewage
pollution. wastes
Plastic into
lakes,
is one
of rivers,
the
most and
common seas
are
and causes
persistent
worldwide,
pollutants
and
is a hazard in the
for ocean
marine waters
and
human and
beaches
life.

Hazardous
chemicals
are
being
used
in modern
agriculture

control to
pests
and
weeds.
These
toxic
chemicals
are
accumulating
in the
environment

and
causing
a threat
of
diseases

like
cancer.
They
also
kill
beneficial
microbes
and
insects,
birds,
butterflies,
fishes.
The and
extinction

of different
species
affects
our
biodiversity
and
ecosystems.

Environmen
tal

Pollution

102
Climate Change

Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in the Earth's climate, particularly an increase in

global temperatures. These are caused by greehouse gas emission and ozone layer depletion.

Greenhouse Gas Emission

Gases that trap the heat in the atmosphere are called

greenhouse gases. The primary greenhouse gases

that humans emit directly in significant quantities in

the earth's atmosphere are carbon dioxide, methane,

nitrogen, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

These gases cause global warming of the environment.

The rising temperatures could melt the polar ice caps,

submerging much of low-lying land masses and many

coastal cities (like London, New York, Mumbai, Kolkata,

Emission of Gases

and Chennai) under sea water. According to scientists, if

the emission of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) is not reduced by 2030, there will be irreversible global warming

and large-scale depletion of the ozone layer.

Ozone Layer Depletion

Ozone layer is a layer all around the earth in the atmosphere. It helps to keep out harmful ultraviolet (UV)

radiations that cause sunburn to human skin and damage to plants. The most common form of UV radiation

of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. The UVA rays help generate
sunlight, which produces three main types
is

cause DNA and cell damage to plants and

UVB and UVC are destructive and can
vitamin D for living things.

and UVC rays. The harmful effects of these

of ozone layer exposes living things to UVB
animals. The depletion

the extinction of certain species.

and humans and can cause
rays can affect ecosystems

Natural Disasters

the effects of
and floods. Sometimes,
storms, landslides, earthquakes,
include things like
Natural disasters

resources to
actions like using natural
made worse by human
tragedies can be
natural disasters and
these

build massive dams and buildings.

• Saving the Environment

and skills needed

provides the knowledge
is crucial. Education
educating people
To protect the environment,

citizens.
become responsible
to
allowing individuals
to make a difference,

of our surroundings
and understanding
gaining knowledge
This involves
about the environment:
Learning

and related
issues.

and problem-solving
on hands-on experiences
approach focuses
This
through the environment:
Learning

and green practices.

resource use
skills for efficient
helping to develop
with the environment,
while engaging

response towards
and informed
a sense of responsibility
aims to create
This
for the environment:
Learning

environmental
issues.

103

KIPS
 Let's
Sea
of Natural
Resources
rch
Conservation
Wha
t
For
natural are
of
some
abundance
an respir
atory
was comm
on
there
civilisation, did
human disea
of humans cause
d
ses

beginning
the in abundance, by
At
available air
was polluti
on?
everything
Since
on Earth.

resources

their depletion
think about
not

with
However,
exhaustion.
or

and
industrialisation
increasing

urbanisation, the consumption of

Let's
resources also increased. Know
these
More
Earth
Day
is
as the population celebrated
Moreover,
worldwide

every
year

is continuously growing, the

on April 22 to support

environmental
use of natural resources is also protectio

It was
proposed
by
increasing. If we keep exploiting
Conservation of Natural Resources Gaylord
Anton Nelson (

be no more American
there will
nature, politician
an

environmentalist). Ear

resources left for future generations. The greed for possessing more of everything

Day was first celebrat

in 1970.
and a careless attitude towards nature has now brought us to a stage where

conservation has become the need of the time.

- Experiential & Collaborative

Activity Zone Learning

1. Today, you do not get natural pure water to drink. You have to carry your own

water bottle. Imagine the scenario where you are extremely thirsty, and you

have no water left to drink. What would you do?

2. Deforestation
and mindless
cutting down of trees are reducing
the sources

of oxygen supply on Earth. Will we carry oxygen cylinders

on our backs in the
future?

3. Fossil
fuels will get exhausted.
There
will be no diesel
or petrol
left. Your cars
Let's Know Moi
and other
vehicles
will become
useless.
Think,
how is an abbreviat
will you
CFC
manage
without

these conveyances?
for 'chlorofluorocarb‹

CFCs are common

used in refrigerators

air conditioners. Th
Ways of Conserving Natural Resources

cause serious damag

There are several the ozone layer as th

ways
of conserving
natural
resources.
Some
of the attack and destroy oz
methods

are to use renewable

resources
judiciously, molecules.
reduce
the consumption
of natural

resources,
not harming
the natural
environment,
and educating
communities
to

take care of the environment.

Tips to Conserve Natural Resources

We can contribute
towards
the conservation
Let's Search Fr
of natural
resources
by adopting
the
Collect information
three Rs in our daily life. The three Rs are:

at least three majo

Fi
Reduce: disasters.
Buy only nuclear
the essential
things
and reduce
the consumption
out the reasons for 1
of natural
resources.
This is the best way to occurrence of thes
conserve
these
resources.
This way, we can
disasters and their im

reduce the amount of waste in the environment.

on living things.

104
Recycle: Piocess old items and create something new. We can recycle some of

Reduce
the things that we use every day like paper bags, soda cans, milk cartons, plastic

bottles, newspapers, cardboard, sheets of paper, magazines, etc.

Reuse: Use the same object over and over again before recycling, composting,

or throwing it away. Reusing things is a great way to extend the life of things,
c a
which in turn saves valuable natural resources.

Things
to Reuse
Ways

• Write on both sides of the paper.

• Drink from glass or reusable stainless steel cups instead of throwaway paper, plastic, or thermocol

products.

• Use cloth towels and napkins instead of paper towels and napkins.

• Take a cloth bag to the grocery store instead of using a paper or plastic bag.

• Use the comic pages from the newspaper as wrapping paper.

• Use glass/stainless steel containers or reusable lunch boxes to carry lunch to school.

• Use coffee cans, jam bottles, and other types of containers to store things.

• Do not throw away your old clothes, toys, furniture, and other things that you no longer use. Rather,

donate them to a centre that collects then or exchange them with your friends.

Actions for Saving the Environment

You can take some actions to save the environment and encourage others to do the same. These are: avoid

burning materials, avoid using plastic bags, and prevent yourself from overusing paper and water.

Environment Protection and Conservation

use and management of natural

of environment means the proper
Conservation

wildlife, and natural

land, earth deposits,
water, air,
resources. It includes

significant issue today,

has become a
of the environment
vegetation. Protection

not only in India but all over the world.

Some of the essential steps for the protection of the environment are:

Water Conservation

• Develop environment friendly habits, such as

from using
and refraining
of wastes
proper handling

bags do not
such
(when discarded,
bags
polythene

decompose in the soil). Seas, rivers, and lakes can

by not throwing
from getting polluted
be prevented

things in them.

• Use water judiciously for daily chores like bathing,

brushing teeth, drinking, washing, cooking, etc.

• Practise rainwater harvesting at home. Encourage

the use of drip irrigation.

105

KIPS
 Conservation
Energy

and
that lights
sure
by making
less electricity
• Use
in
not
when
off
turned
are
appliances
electrical

use.

buying
while
ratings
star
energy
to the
Refer

and
air conditioners
like
appliances
electrical

would consume
These appliances
refrigerators.

and reduce the

electricity bills,
power, reduce
less

effects of global warming.

instead of incandescent
LED and CFL bulbs
• Use

cookers, and othe

solar heaters, solar
as possible. Use
sources as much
renewable energy
bulbs. Utilise

appliances that function on solar power.

The emissions from cars are harmful to the environment. Whenever possible, walk short distances or us

or use public transport. It reduces environmenta

of driving. When required, use car pool,
a cycle instead

pollution and it is healthy for you tool

Soil Conservation

• Adding manure and fertilisers regularly to maintain

the fertility of the soil.

• Planting of trees and vegetation reduces soil

erosion.

Food Conservation

• Food conservation and storage are practiced to

feed mankind in times of food shortage.

Forest Conservation

• Encourage
afforestation,
i.e., planting
and growing
more trees in deforested
areas.
Contribute
as m

as you can to the conservation

projects that happen in your locality.

It is not the responsibility

of governments
and big companies
only to take steps to conserve
the environm

Every one of us should participate

in protecting
and preserving
the planet for ourselves
and our fut

generations.

Activity Zone
Experiential & Collaborative Learnin

Recycling,
Reusing,
and Reducing,
are some of the best ways to conserve
natural
resources
and protect
environment. th
Prepare
a plan of action
based
on the 'Three
Rs' strategy
for your home,
which
can be practise

by all the family members. Share your plan with the class.

106
 ASSESSMENT TIME

A. Select the correct option.

1. Which of the following are renewable resources?

a. Coal

b. Diesel

Soil
c.
d. Petroleum

2. What does energy conservation mean?

a. Reducing energy consumption

b. Generating
more
energy

c. Increasing energy production

d. Exploring
new energy
sources

3. How can we contribute to the conservation of natural resources in our daily lives?

a. By consuming more natural resources

b. By adopting the three Rs: Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse

c. By using natural resources without limits

d. By throwing away everything after use

4. An ecosystem is any community of living and non-living things that...

a. Work together
b. Interact with each other

c. Are independent of each other

d. All of these

5. All natural resources need to be conserved because

a. They will soon decay b. They will soon get exhausted

d. None of the these

c. They are very costly

B. Fill in the blanks.

1. An.....
is a community of living and non-living components which are interdependent on each

other.

2. Clearing of forests to obtain timber and provide space for either agricultural zones or urban development is

called

atmosphere are called..

trap the heat in the
3. Gases that

food are called

for their
indirectly on autotrophs
directly or
which depend
Living organisms
4.

water bodies.
into the
5. they are released
treated before
must be
.. and sewage

• Deforestation • Greenhouse gases

• Heterotrophs

• Industrial wastes

• Ecosystem
HINTS

C. Answer the following questions (Solved).

1. What is environment?

the earth's surface, the

the water that covers
air we breathe,
comprises our surroundings-the
Ans. Environment

plants and animals around us, and much more.

2. Define
the term 'ecosystem'.

Ans. An ecosystem is any community of living and non-living things that function together.

3. Why is it important to conserve natural resources?

Ans, It is important to conserve natural resources because as we continue to overuse the natural resources, a serious
get exhausted.
may soon
resources
natural
and many

the environment
in
be caused
will
imbalance
natural

107

KIPS
 layer?
of ozone
the depletion
of
effects
most dangerous
of the
are some
4. What

UVC rays. The harmful effects of these rays can

of ozone layer exposes living things to UVB and
Ans. The depletion
species.
of certain
the extinction
can cause
and
and humans,
ecosystems
affect

imply?
of environment'
the term 'conservation
What does
5.

natural resources.
of
use and management
the proper
implies
of environment
Ans. Conservation

two sentences (Unsolved).

Answer in one or
D.

of natural resources?
understand by overexploitation
1. What do you

2. When is Earth Day celebrated?

3. Define greenhouse gases.

of three Rs?
the full form
What is
4.

5. What do you mean by conservation of environment?

E. Answer the following questions (Unsolved).

1. Describe any three methods of water conservation.

2. 'Each ecosystem is unique, but all ecosystems consist of three primary components'. Comment.

3. Can development and conservation of environment go hand-in-hand? Explain your point of view.

4. What are some of the factors that cause imbalance in an ecosystem?

5. Protection of the environment has become an important issue today. Suppose you start a new venture as an

entrepreneur, how will you contribute towards protecting the environment?

F. Competency based questions.

1. Renu lives in a society where the residents are facing an acute water crisis. Suggest some wavs to the residents

to conserve water.

2. Swati uses wood and cow-dung

cakes as fuel in her kitchen. She is not aware that these fuels pollute the

environment.
Suggest some alternative
eco-friendly
fuels to her so that she can help reduce air pollution.

Activity Zone Experiential

& Collaborativ
e Learning

Prepare posters showing environment

conservation
in the neighbourhood,
school, or public places.

108

KIPS
 Green Skills-I
V:
Chapter
Unit

Importance of Green Economy

Life on Earth is possible because of the natural environment, but today our natural environment is at risk.

To fulfil the demands of the growing population, natural resources are being consumed at a much faster

rate than ever before. Trees are being cut down for making new roads, expressways, shopping complexes,

and for constructing housing societies. Such human activities have various adverse effects on the natural

environment.

Rapid industrialisation, commercialisation, and the growing needs of the people have led to an increase

in the number of industries, power plants, vehicles, and use of chemical fertilisers. All this is leading to

environmental pollution (air, land, and water). Increased pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and

depletion of natural resources contribute to global climate change.

Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also called Global Goals, are a worldwide initiative aimed at ending

poverty, protecting the environment, and ensuring peace and prosperity for all. These goals focus on critical

challenges faced by businesses, governments, and society, including poverty, gender equality, water usage,

energy, climate change, and biodiversity. Countries are now creating policies and regulations to promote

sustainable practices across all sectors, ensuring a secure, affordable, and sustainable future for the economy.

Human Activities and Environment

Environment and human activities are closely linked to each other, one impacts the

Environment

other. Therefore, by gradually damaging the natural environment and depleting the

their very own existence.

humans are threatening
resources by their activities,
natural

a need to develop an attitude of

planet is in our hands. There is
The future of this

This can be achieved

the quality of the environment.
and work hard to preserve
caring

People

protecting the environment for the future,

developing green skills, which deal with
by

consumption, and
reducing energy
protect the environment,
creating jobs that

minimising waste and pollution.

Green skills refer to the knowledge, abilities, values, and attitudes needed to live in, develop, and support a

society which reduces the negative impact of human activity on the environment.

air, freshwater, and soil. By emitting

present in the environment like
life depends on natural resources
Our

pollutants, greenhouse gases, and waste, we cause drastic and irreversible damage to the environment.

Therefore, we exploited the

that natural resources are unlimited.
a long time, we humans, believed
For

prosperity we are enjoying

their replenishment. The economic
to us with little thought of
resources available

faster rate than

at a much
are getting consumed
natural resources
last forever because
now will not
right

ever before. There is already a scarcity of food, water, fuel, and pure air in many parts of the world. What is

transition towards green economy will

Environmental scientists believe that
the solution to these problems?

help in countering
these ecological
problems.

109

KIPS
 Essential Knowledge and Skills for Managing Resources and Promoting Efficiency in a Green Economy
Economy
a Green
for
Required
and Skills
Knowledge

Objective

impacts.
environmental
to evaluate
• Ability

natural resource
that reduce
adopting technologies
designing and
Skills in

Manage Natural Resources

consumption.

use.
resource
for sustainable
and guidelines
of legislation
Knowledge

change forecasts.
climate
to interpret
models
in creating
Competence

future resource
to ensure
strategies
risk management
in developing
Skills

Enhance Climate Resilience

availability.

to climate change.
that improve resilience
of technologies
Adoption

resource efficiency.
models that maximize
in crafting business
•
Expertise

Boost Resource Efficiency • Ability to develop and implement technologies that optimize resource use an

minimize waste.

renewable energy so
technologies that promote
Knowledge of developing

(wind, solar, water).

Support Low-Carbon Industry

Proficiency in designing and adopting low-carbon technologies and produc

that minimize carbon emissions.

Green Growth

The concept of green growth focuses on promoting economic growth that is both socially inclusive

environmentally sustainable. The Finance Commission of India defines green growth as a strategy that rett

development plans, considering their effects on environmental sustainability and the resources accessib

vulnerable groups. This approach highlights the need for growth models that reduce environmental in

while ensuring the well-being of all.

India's ability to achieve green growth will depend on reducing the resources needed to sustain ecor

progress while simultaneously enhancing social equity and creating jobs. By doing so, green growth car

balance economic development with environmental conservation, making it a key factor in future g

strategies.

Green Economy

In order to understand green economy, it is essential to first understand the term 'economy'. An econo

system of organisations and institutions that either facilitate or play a role in the production and distr

of goods and services among the members of a society.

Green economy is an
economy that results in improved

human well-being and social equity, while significantly

Ecosystem

Ecor

(natural capital)
reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. (manufactun

goal: maintain
financial ‹

ecological resillence

goal: Improve
Green economy can be seen as a means to achieve a better

GREEN

ECONOMY
quality of life on this planet by balancing environmental,

Human
well-being
economic, and social elements. It leads to sustainable

(social
and human
capital)

goal:
enhance
social
equity
development, which fulfills the needs of the present and

fair burden
sharing

for future
the resources
without exhausting
generation

generations.

110
 Over the past decade, many scientific studies have highlighted
the problem of
Let's Search For
environmental
degradation
and climate change. As a result, the concept of the

green economy has become a global agenda. Some important global events

over the last few decades focusing on green economy include:

RIO+20

• 1972 Stockholm Conference

• 1987 Brundtland What was the main aim/
Report

agenda of 2012 Rio+20

• 1992 Earth Summit and Agenda 21

• 2012 Rio+20 Conference?
Conference

Components of Green Economy

The components of green economy are as follows:

Renewable energy: Renewable energy from resources like wind, water, sun, and biomass is abundant and

causes less pollution. India is among the top 10 countries in producing renewable energy from solar, wind,

and biomass sources.

Green building: Green buildings are designed to minimise environmental impact during construction and

operation, efficiently using energy, water, and other resources while reducing waste.

Well-managed (sustainable) transport: Sustainability involves benefiting both the economy and the

environment for the future. A sustainable transport system is cost-effective, serves more people efficiently,

and minimises environmental harm.

Water management: To preserve water resources, we should avoid pollution and recycle water rather than

wasting it.

Waste management: Every time when waste is generated, it leads to resource loss as well as increased

By practicing the 3Rs-Reduce, Reuse, Recycle -we can manage waste

contamination of air, water, and land.

effectively and reduce environmental damage.

purposes such as farming, forests, factories, homes, and roads.

Land management: Land is used for various

In a green economy, land is managed in a way that meets people's needs while minimising environmental

harm.

Skill Development for Green Economy

India's main concerns include providing its expanding population with more access to basic commodities

an unsustainable to a green
a smooth transition from
food, energy, and water. Assuring
and services like

economy requires skill development for green jobs that aligns supply and demand.

For example, an organic

may have unique skill requirements.
conscious employment
Some environmentally

to grow products that have earned organic

possess the knowledge and abilities necessary
farmer must

and panels
of solar appliances
and upkeep
for the design, installation,
The expertise needed
certification.

Should come from solar engineers or technicians.

Aims of Green Economy

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has proposed a three-pronged approach for the
and Social inclusion.
growth, Resource efficiency,
economy: Low carbon
attainment of the green

Low Carbon Growth

Human activities like burning of fossil fuels (coal and oil) have increased the concentration of CO2 and

and Methane in the atmosphere.

(GHG) like Nitrogen Oxide
other greenhouse gases

111

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 The term 'Low
and climate change.
causing global warming
cooling at night, thus,
prevents Earth from
This

Carbon' means reduction o f all greenhouse gas emissions. Low Carbon Growth i s now generally expressed
ve lo pmen t Stra te gi es (LEDS). LE DS ar e ge ne ra lly used to describe the
using the term Low Emission De
or strategies that include low-emission and climate-resilient
national economic development plans
not harm the environment.
of a nation will
the economic development
This means that
economic growth.

Growth
of Carbon
Consequences

of glaciers.
melting
and caused
up oceans
has warmed
effect
The greenhouse
•

storms.
and tropical
droughts,
more wildfires,
is causing
warming
Global
•

life.
and human
loss of property
tremendous
is causing
change
• Climate

• Carbon dioxide also contributes to air pollution creating acid rains. Acid rains damage trees and other

pollute water and soil.

plant life and further

• Polluted water and soil contaminate vegetation that we eventually consume.

• Carbon dioxide emissions displace oxygen in the atmosphere, thus, impacting human health. There ha

been a rapid rise in health issues, like breathing problems, skin diseases, headaches, etc., due to th

increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

environmental sustainability and future prosperity. To achiev

Thus, a low-carbon economy is essential for

which has minimal output of greenhouse ga

growth, green economy develops economic activity
low carbon

emissions into the biosphere.

Resource Efficiency

As discussed, earlier, we are depleting our natural resources by overusing and exploiting them. Gree

economy conserves these resources as it involves increasing prosperity by using the resources economical

and without affecting the environment. In other words, the green economy emphasises becoming mor

resource efficient.

Resource efficiency involves efforts at three levels - government, corporate, and individual. Apart fro

environment
friendly technological
innovations,
it requires changes in almost all aspects of our life-clea

transportation,
efficient and cleaner energy production,
water management,
land management,
greene

buildings, waste management

and disposal, are some major change that need to be brought about.

Clean More

Better water Greener

Clean and Improved

land
and
Transportation efficient
usage and buildings

cleaner energy
efficient usage
through

management
waste
sustainable
production

management
farming and

forestry

Social Inclusion

Social inclusion essentially

means sharing the responsibility
as well as the benefits of economic growt

across all sections of society. The shift towards green practices require investments
by both, private an

public sectors leading to the growth in income and employment through green jobs.

112
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), a Green Job

is defined as work in agricultural, manufacturing, research and development,

Know More
administrative,
Let's
and service activities that contribute towards preserving or

What is a green

restoring the quality of the environment.

building?

It is a building which in
Green jobs involve greater efficiency in the use of energy, water, and material.

its design, construction,

These jobs help to protect ecosystems and biodiversity, de-carbonise the and operation, reduces

or eliminates negative

economy, and minimise all forms of waste and pollution.

impacts, and can create

impact on our
Green jobs span positive
a wide range of skills, educational backgrounds,
and occupational
climate and natural

profiles. They occur in almost all fields. For example, people employed in setting
environment. Green

buildings preserve

up a solar panel or operating a wind turbine are involved in a green job because

precious natural

resources and improve

they are working towards generating wind solar energy, which is an alternative to

the quality of life.

burning fossil fuels. Even the industries that supply raw material for building wind

turbine towers are also contributing to the green economy.

• Global Impact of Moving Towards Green Economy Let's Know More

Bamboo Management

Given below are some of the main global impacts of moving towards green
Bamboo is a common

economy: tropical perennial grass,

which grows widely in

• Contribution in preventing melting of glaciers and resulting rise of sea level Asia. It grows rapidly and

many raw materials are

• Contribution in preventing climate changes such as variations in rainfall, obtained from it. It is a

source of raw material

temperature and crop production, and climatic disasters like droughts and

for building paper. Young

shoots are used as food.

floods

It is a very important

plant to control soil

• Contribution to fight against global warming, desertification (fertile land

erosion. Its cultivation is

(the variety of plant and animal

infertile), and loss of biodiversity
becoming
being encouraged as a

commercial crop.

life in a particular habitat)

• Improvement in air, water, and soil quality

• Reduction in disease and deaths of living beings

Let's Know More

• Reduction in money spent on conservation of environment, relief, and

According to a recent

WHO (World Health

rehabilitation of people

Organization) survey, 13

Save Jobs

of the 20 most polluted

cities are in India.

Let's Know More

Skill Council for Green

Save the

Jobs is one of the most

Environmen
Save Energy

recently launched

initiatives of the

Government of India

• Increase in new areas of manufacturing such as biofuels and renewable aligned to the National

Skill Development

energy sources
Mission. It is promoted

energy efficient by the Ministry of

more
and becoming
energy sources
in alternative
Investment
New and Renewable

Energy (MNRE) and

efficiency and thus increasing industrial and agricultural
• Improving resource
Confederation of Indian

production
Industry (CII).

• Increase in new areas of employment

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KIPS
 BE
TT
Green Economy in India

has taken
It
economy.
green
towards
in moving
by example
has led ^

India to
tried
has
and
decade
the last
in
economy
a green

VIR
towards
steps
gradual

balance it with continuous development.

RRO
W
India aims to address the following three issues through green economy

1U
S-
G
R
EE
N
initiatives:

pollution
of environmental
• Issues of energy scarcity • Issues

IA
IND

LL
• Issues of unemployment or underemployment
SKI

Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) in India

Change has
Forest and Climate
Ministry of Environment,
of India,
of the Government
Skill India Mission
The

of people who wil

to target a large number
(GSDP). It aims
Development Programme
the Green Skill
started

the green sector.

the needs of
trained as per
be

Aims of the Green Skills Development Programme (GSP):

• To train green skilled workers with technical knowledge and commitment to conserve and preserve th

environment.

• To generate new jobs for green skilled workers who will help to protect ecosystems and biodiversit

which reducing energy consumption, and minimising waste and pollution.

• To preserve or restore environmental quality so that it lasts for future generations.

Some of the fields covered under Green Skill Development Program are:

• Sewage Treatment Plant Waste Management

• Water Budgeting Forest Management

Pollution Monitoring (Air/Water/Soil)

Sewage Treatment Plants (STP), Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP), and Common Effluent Treatment Plar

(CETP)

• Bamboo Management

Job Opportunities Involving Green Skills

The Indian
economy
is expected
to generate
many jobs in the green sector.
Youths
completing
the G

course(s) can be employed in the following fields:

• Wildlife
(zoos, wildlife
sanctuaries,
national
parks, biosphere
reserves,
botanical
gardens,
nurseri
wetland sites,
State Biodiversity
Boards,
Biodiversity
Management
Committees,
and Wildlife
Cri
Control Bureau

Industries
•
(involved
in production
or manufacturing
of green products)

Tourism (as eco-tourist guides)

• Agriculture (as organic farmers or green practitioners)

• Education and research sectors

Waste management
(in Municipal
Corporations,
Councils,
and urban local bodies to advise on how

improve sewage, sanitation, land use services, and tackle pollution)

• Construction
Water management
related
areas

114
Climate change and pollution
are posing an alarming
and fast approaching

threat to us and our future generations.

The world needs to take drastic

and immediate
actions to protect our planet for our continual
existence.

Governments,
private sector, NGOs, and groups of awakened
citizens

worldwide are working diligently

towards an efficient and inclusive green

economy. However,
there is a dire need to bring awareness
to the citizens

of the world to adapt to an eco-friendly

lifestyle.

• Green Projects

In order to save environment,

many organisations
and people are taking initiatives.
They are implementing

green projects, like green building,

waste management,
energy management,
etc., in the areas.

The following is an example of a green project:

Green Project: Solar Village Initiative

The Solar Village Initiative is a green project that aims to provide clean, renewable energy to rural areas by

installing solar panels in villages, powering homes, schools, and community centres while reducing reliance

on non-renewable energy sources like coal or diesel. By promoting solar energy, the initiative reduces carbon

emissions and empowers rural communities with reliable and sustainable energy. The project is driven by

various organisations including NGOs, government bodies, and private companies. In India, for instance,

non-profits like the Solar Village Project NGO and Selco India are key contributors.

Recap

• Green skills refer to the knowledge, abilities, values, and attitudes needed to live in, develop, and support

a society which reduces the negative impact of human activity on the environment.

• Our environment comprises our surroundings-the air we breathe, the water that covers the earth's surface,

the plants and animals around us, and much more.

interdependent on each other.

components which are
community of living and non-living
An ecosystem is a
•

resources judiciously,
are to use renewable
natural resources
ways of conserving
Several

and educate
natural environment,
not harm the
of natural resources,
the consumption
reduce

communities to take care of the environment.

aimed at ending
are a worldwide initiative
called Global Goals,
Goals (SDGs), also
Development
Sustainable

for all.
and prosperity
peace
and ensuring
the environment,
protecting
poverty,

• The concept of green growth focuses on promoting economic growth that is both socially

inclusive and environmentally sustainable.

ASSESSMENT TIME

A.
Select
the
correct
option.

1.
Green
skill
is the
ability
to

d. Conserve the environment

a. Identify trees
c.
Plant
trees
trees b. Protect

115
KIPS
 ain

India

does
2. Setting up solar panels is an example of...
issues

d. What
Hydel
4.
work

c. Traffic job
b.
Social job
a. Green job
following

the

Answer
E.
v
and
skill
3. economy can lead to...
Green green
is

What

1.

b. Better quality of life on this planet

nt
compone

the
a. New job opportunities

Explain

2.
be

youth
d. All of these
the

c. Low carbon economy can

How

3.

benefit

the

are
4.

Imparting green skill sets will generate.... What

4.

carbon
low
is

b. Why
New species of trees
a. More nurseries
5.

ent?
environm

the

d. New employment opportunities

c. Renewal of fossil fuels

bas

tency
F. Compe

5. Manufacturing diesel generator sets is an example of green job.

are
you

Imagine
1.

a. True
d. Partially False about
b. Partially True c. False
know
to

green

involving

B. Fill in the blanks.

is
Lal

1. Green r
economy
emphasises Bahadu
on becoming
efficient. 2.
more ....

ar
your

Justify

2.
..buildings preserve precious natural resources and improve the quality of life.

3.
is a tropical commercial grass which controls soil erosion.

4. A green economy is essential for ...

.... sustainability and future prosperity.

5. Transition towards a ...

can help us in countering

the ecological
problems.

1. Take

• Green
economy
HINTS • Bamboo
• Green
Environmental
•
• Resource

envir

C. Answer
the following
questions
(Solved).

1. Define green skills.

2. Re

Ans. Green
skills
are the knowledge,
abilities,
values
and attitudes
needed
to live in, develop 3.
and support
a society
which reduces
the negative
impact
of human
activity
on the environment.

2. What do you understand

by the term green job?

Ans. Green job is defined

as a work in agriculture,
manufacturing,
research
and development,
service
administrative,
activities and
that
contributes
towards
preserving
and
restoring
the
quality
of environment.

3. Define green economy.

Ans. Green
economy
is an economy
that results
in improved
human
well-being
and social
equity
reducing while
environmental significantly
risks and ecological
scarcities.

4. What are the aims of green economy?

Ans.
Green
economy
has
three
aims:
Low
carbon
growth,
Resource
efficiency,
and
Social
inclusion.

5. What
are the six key points
on which
green
economy
is based?

Ans. Green
economy
is based
on the
following
key
points:
Clean
Transportation,

Efficient
and
Production, Cleaner
Water Energy
Management,
Land Management,
Greener
Buildings,
and Waste
Management
and Disposal.
6. Explain the term sustainable development.

Ans. Sustainable
development
means
the development
that fulfills
the needs
of the present
exhausting
generation
the resources without
for future generations.

one or two sentences.

Answer in
D.

1. Enlist
any three human
activities
that cause damage
to the environment.

the green sector.

in
two job opportunities
List any
2.

3. How do green jobs help in restoring the quality of the environment?

116
 4. What issues does India aim to address through its green economy initiatives?

E. Answer the following questions (Unsolved).

1. What is green skill and what is its importance in the present times?

2. Explain the components of green economy.

3. How can the youth benefit from the Green Skills Development Programme (GSDP) of the government of India?

4. What are the benefits of moving towards green economy?

5. Why is low carbon growth the chief aim of green economy? How does the increased carbon emissions impact

the environment?

F. Competency based questions.

1. Imagine you are involved in Green Skill Development Programme. Some students have come to your office

to know about some of the fields covered under this programme.

Suggest to them some job opportunities

involving green skills.

2. Bahadur Lal is working as a junior officer in the National Park. How is he contributing towards green economy?

Justify your answer.

- Experiential & Collaborative Learning

Activity Zone

city (along with an elder or your teacher) and list down the different sources of
1. Take a trip of your

environmental pollution. Prepare a table under the following headings:

Sources
• Types of Pollution (air, land, water, etc.)

Suggestions for Controlling Pollution

• Effects of the Pollution

2. Refer to the internet and prepare a PowerPoint presentation on the topic, 'Benefits of Green Buildings'.

3. Factors influencing
the environment

Procedure

• Form groups of three students.

are effecting
things or actions
and how different
the environment
you learnt about
on what
Based

the environment.
that affect
or actions)
factors (things
a list of all
make
the environment,

answer the following

from plastic and
that are made
you use daily
all the articles
• Think about

questions:

use?
you usually
do
articles
Which plastic
is made?
How plastic
a.

our environment?
have on
does plastic
effects
b. What

you use?
of plastic
the amount
you reduce
How can
c.

class who give

rest of the
list to the
explains their
group
One volunteer
in detail.
these factors
Discuss

feedback

Communication Skills

Group Discussion

Organise a debate in the class on the following topics:

• Banning diesel vehicles will help in reducing environmental pollution

• Global impact of movine towards green economy

117

KIPS