Lecture 26
Lecture 26
TECHNOLOGY
Lecture- 26
Urban problems related to energy and
Environmental Ethics
Dr. Swati Sachdev,
Assistant Professor,
Dept. of Applied Sciences and Humanities
Energy
Energy can be defined as power which is derived from physical or chemical resources. Energy can
either by in light or heat form and provide potential to do work.
Energy has always been linked with economic growth and development. However, excess use of
energy has severely affected our environment.
With increase in world’s population, the demand for energy has been increasing continuously.
Between 1950 and 1990, the world’s energy demand was recorded to be hiked by four times.
The energy demand has always been recorded high for developed countries. Per capita energy
consumption in developed countries is high than developing nations due to Hi-tech living standards
and use of technology for daily activities.
Problems related to energy use
▪ Most of the energy is produced from non-renewable energy resources such as coal, oil and
petroleum.
▪ These resources once depleted cannot be replenished, hence extensive exploitation may result in
resources exhaustion and create energy crises in near future.
▪ Non-renewable energy resources are major sources of air pollution. Burning of coal or
consumption of petrol in vehicles produce noxious gases which affect environment and human
health. In addition to air pollution, these resources also cause water, soil and thermal pollution.
▪ Production of nuclear energy is another major threat for environment. The radiation emitted from
accidental exposure of radioactive materials can cause cancer, mutation and even death in severe
cases.
▪ Apart from non-renewable resources, certain renewable energy resources may also have negative
environmental effects. For instance, construction of dams for hydroelectricity generation, result in
displacement of local communities, deforestation, increase chances of seismic activities and affect
biodiversity.
Environmental ethics
Environmental ethics is a study that focuses on the relation of human beings with their
environment and describe the role of ethics to play in this relation.
Basically environmental ethics concentrate on defining what is right and what is wrong regardless
of cultural differences.
All human beings have a fundamental duty towards our nature. We need to learn to respect and
care our Earth and its services i.e., should protect life-support systems, biodiversity and ensure
sustainable development.
▪ Environmental consciousness
▪ Self-reliance
• Encouraging use of products generated from recycled materials such as paper and other metallic
objects.
• Diverting kitchen wastes into useful products such as production of compost and/or using water after
washing vegetables in gardening
• Turning off vehicles in high traffic or red light signal areas. Switch off lights when not in use. Avoid using
unnecessary electricity consumption.
• Using transport means that generate no or less pollution, using public transport, prefer car pooling.
• Conserving water by collecting rainwater, closing tap water when not in use, etc.
• Using cloth towels and non-disposable cutleries instead of paper towels and disposable cutleries
• Stopping cutting of trees and planting trees as much as possible and keeping your area clean.
• Placing and using trash cans and dustbins around the college, homes, and commercial premises.
• Creating environmental awareness among masses and help to enforce environment protection laws.