Scribd
Upload
35 views

Environment and Sustainable development notes

This chapter emphasizes the significance of the environment and the challenges it faces in India, including environmental degradation and resource depletion. It advocates for sustainable development strategies that balance economic growth with environmental conservation. Key topics include the functions of the environment, causes of degradation, global environmental issues, and strategies for promoting sustainability.

Uploaded by

raodrishti123
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
35 views

Environment and Sustainable development notes

This chapter emphasizes the significance of the environment and the challenges it faces in India, including environmental degradation and resource depletion. It advocates for sustainable development strategies that balance economic growth with environmental conservation. Key topics include the functions of the environment, causes of degradation, global environmental issues, and strategies for promoting sustainability.

Uploaded by

raodrishti123
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

CLASS XII (CBSE) IED

Environment and Sustainable


Development (Chapter 7)
Chapter Overview
●​ This chapter discusses the importance of the environment, its functions, and the
challenges faced by India’s environment.
●​ It highlights environmental degradation, resource depletion, and steps towards
sustainable development.
●​ The focus is on balancing economic growth with environmental conservation to
ensure sustainability.

1. Introduction
●​ Economic development has come at a heavy cost to environmental quality.
●​ The era of globalization has brought economic growth, but also increased
pollution, deforestation, and resource depletion.
●​ Understanding environmental degradation and adopting sustainable
development strategies is crucial.

Structure of the Chapter:

1.​ Functions of the Environment


2.​ State of India’s Environment
3.​ Strategies for Sustainable Development

2. Environment – Definition and Functions


Definition of Environment

●​ The environment includes biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors.


●​ Biotic components: Animals, birds, plants, forests, fisheries.
●​ Abiotic components: Air, water, land, rocks, sunlight.
Functions of the Environment

1.​ Supplies Resources:


○​ Renewable Resources: Can be replenished (e.g., forests, fisheries).
○​ Non-Renewable Resources: Deplete over time (e.g., fossil fuels, minerals).
2.​ Assimilates Waste:
○​ The environment absorbs and processes waste, but excessive waste
disrupts this balance.
3.​ Sustains Life:
○​ Provides oxygen, water, food, and biodiversity necessary for survival.
4.​ Aesthetic Services:
○​ Provides natural beauty, landscapes, and recreational value.

Carrying Capacity of the Environment

●​ The environment can function efficiently only if demand does not exceed its
capacity.
●​ If resources are overused or waste generation surpasses absorption, it leads to
environmental crisis.

3. Environmental Degradation and Challenges


Key Causes of Environmental Degradation

●​ Population growth increases demand for resources.


●​ Deforestation reduces green cover, leading to climate change.
●​ Industrialization causes air, water, and soil pollution.
●​ Overuse of fossil fuels results in global warming.
●​ Poor waste management leads to land and water pollution.

Major Environmental Problems in India

1.​ Land Degradation


○​ Causes: Deforestation, overgrazing, shifting cultivation, overuse of fertilizers.
○​ Impact: Soil erosion, loss of agricultural productivity.
2.​ Biodiversity Loss
○​ Causes: Habitat destruction, poaching, pollution.
○​ Impact: Extinction of species, disruption of ecosystems.
3.​ Air Pollution
○​ Causes: Industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, burning of fossil fuels.
○​ Impact: Respiratory diseases, acid rain, climate change.
4.​ Water Pollution
○​ Causes: Industrial waste, sewage discharge, agricultural runoff.
○​ Impact: Contaminated drinking water, waterborne diseases.
5.​ Solid Waste Management
○​ Causes: Excessive plastic use, lack of recycling, improper disposal.
○​ Impact: Land pollution, health hazards.

4. Global Environmental Issues


1. Global Warming

●​ Definition: Rise in Earth's temperature due to greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄).


●​ Causes:
○​ Burning of coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
○​ Deforestation reduces carbon absorption.
○​ Industrial emissions increase CO₂ levels.
●​ Effects:
○​ Melting of polar ice caps → Rising sea levels → Coastal flooding.
○​ Increased frequency of storms, droughts, and heatwaves.
○​ Spread of tropical diseases to new areas.

2. Ozone Layer Depletion

●​ Definition: Reduction in the ozone layer due to chemicals like CFCs


(Chlorofluorocarbons).
●​ Causes:
○​ Refrigerators, air conditioners, aerosol sprays release CFCs.
●​ Effects:
○​ Increased UV radiation → Skin cancer, cataracts.
○​ Damage to crops and aquatic life.
●​ Solution:
○​ Montreal Protocol (1987): International treaty to reduce CFC use.

5. State of India’s Environment


Natural Resources of India

●​ Rich biodiversity: Forests, wildlife, rivers, minerals.


●​ Major agricultural regions:
○​ Indo-Gangetic plains – Most fertile.
○​ Deccan Plateau – Rich in minerals.

Key Environmental Concerns

●​ Two threats:
○​ Poverty-induced environmental degradation (e.g., deforestation for
firewood).
○​ Pollution due to industrialization (e.g., urban air pollution).
●​ Industrial Pollution:
○​ Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regulates pollution levels.
●​ Urbanization Challenges:
○​ Overcrowding, waste disposal problems, water and air pollution.

Case Study: The Chipko Movement (1973)

●​ People hugged trees to prevent deforestation.


●​ Led to forest conservation laws in India.
●​ Inspired Appiko Movement in Karnataka (1983).

6. Sustainable Development
Definition

●​ Development that meets present needs without compromising future


generations.
●​ Concept first defined by the Brundtland Commission (1987).
●​ Focus areas:
1.​ Equitable distribution of resources.
2.​ Protection of biodiversity.
3.​ Efficient use of renewable resources.

Herman Daly’s Principles of Sustainability

1.​ Population growth should be within carrying capacity.


2.​ Technology should be resource-efficient.
3.​ Renewable resources should be used sustainably.
4.​ Non-renewable resources should be replaced with renewable alternatives.
5.​ Pollution levels should not exceed environmental absorption capacity.

7. Strategies for Sustainable Development


1. Use of Renewable Energy

●​ Solar energy, wind power, hydropower reduce reliance on fossil fuels.


●​ International Solar Alliance (ISA) promotes solar energy use globally.

2. Promoting Clean Fuels

●​ LPG & Gobar Gas: Reduce deforestation and air pollution in rural areas.
●​ CNG in Urban Areas: Reduces vehicle pollution.
3. Waste Management

●​ Recycling: Reduces landfill waste.


●​ Biocomposting: Converts organic waste into fertilizers.
●​ Biopesticides: Use of neem-based pesticides instead of chemicals.

4. Conservation of Forests and Wildlife

●​ Afforestation programs to restore green cover.


●​ Wildlife protection laws to prevent poaching.

5. Pollution Control Measures

●​ Air pollution laws regulate emissions.


●​ Water conservation projects like rainwater harvesting.

8. Conclusion
●​ Economic growth must be balanced with environmental conservation.
●​ Unchecked industrialization and resource exploitation will lead to crises.
●​ Sustainable development ensures long-term prosperity for future generations.

9. Key Takeaways
●​ India’s environmental crisis is caused by population growth, deforestation, and
industrialization.
●​ Global warming and ozone depletion are major global concerns.
●​ Sustainable development is the only way to balance economic growth with
environmental protection.
●​ Adopting renewable energy, clean fuels, waste management, and conservation
can help build a sustainable future.

These detailed A-grade notes integrate CBSE sample questions, figures, and tables,
ensuring comprehensive coverage of the chapter

You might also like