Environment and Sustainable Development Class 12 Important Questions and Answers Indian Economy Chapter 9

Environment and Sustainable Development Class 12 Important Questions and Answers Indian Economy Chapter 9

EIQ 12TH EM
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Important Questions of Environment and Sustainable Development Class 12 Indian Economy Chapter 9

Question 1.
State the important environmental issues which should receive our attention.
Answer:
The important environmental issues which should receive our attention are

  • Land degradation
  • Biodiversity loss

Question 2.
Why was the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) set up?
Answer:
In order to address three major environmental concerns in India, viz water, air and land pollution, the government set up the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 1974.


Question 3.
What is meant by environment? (NCERT)
Answer:
Environment is defined as the total planetary inheritance or the totality of all resources. It includes all the biotic (e.g. birds, animals, plants, forests, etc) and abiotic (e.g. water, Sun, land, mountains, etc) factors that influence and depend upon each other.

Question 4.
What happens when the rate of resource extraction exceeds that of their regeneration? (NCERT)
Answer:
When the rate of resource extraction exceeds that of their regeneration, the environment will not be able to sustain life.

Question 5.
State the two major environmental issues that the world is facing today.
Answer:
Global warming and ozone depletion.

Question 6.
What is the meaning of absorptive capacity?
Answer:
Absorptive capacity means the ability of the environment to absorb degradation.

Question 7.
What factors lead to environmental crisis?
Answer:
If the rate of extraction of resources is above the rate of their regeneration, then the environment will not be able to sustain life and this results in environmental crisis.

Question 8.
What is global warming? Name any two greenhouse gases.
Answer:
The gradual increase in the average temperature of Earth’s lower atmosphere is called global warming. Two greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide and methane.

Question 9.
Which conference resulted in an international agreement to sight global warming?
Answer:
A United Conference on climate change held in Tokyo, Japan in 1997 resulted in an international agreement to sight global warming.

Question 10.
What is meant by ozone depletion?
Answer:
Ozone depletion refers to the phenomenon of reduction in the ozone layer in the stratosphere.

Question 11.
What is the meaning of biodiversity?
Answer:
Biodiversity is the variety of all life forms including animals and plants that can be found either in one location or the whole planet.

Question 12.
Explain carrying capacity of environment.
Answer:
Carrying capacity of the environment may be defined as the amount of natural resources which can be drawn from it and the maximum amount of pollutants that can be discharged without damaging it seriously.

Question 13.
What are natural resources?
Answer:
Natural resources are the resources which have been provided by the nature in the form of land, air, water, forests, animals, sunshine, etc. Natural resources are free gifts of nature. They are foundation of the prosperity of a country. Natural resources may be of two types:

  • Renewable natural resources
  • Non-renewable natural resources

Question 14.
Explain the meaning of ‘affluence trap’.
Answer:
Affluence means economic well-being. Trap is something in which we get caught and we can not escape out of it. Affluence trap means environmental degradation trap. With affluence or economic well-being more natural resources are used up causing environmental problems.

In rich countries, high level of consumption associated with high level of income is using up natural resources at a fast pace. As a consequence, these countries are getting trapped in a situation of severe environmental degradation.


Question 15.
How does population growth leads to depletion of natural resources?
Answer:
Population growth is the cause of depletion of natural resources. More the number of people, more the demand for goods and services needed to satisfy wants. As the population increases, more natural resources are required to produce goods and services and also the demand for land for housing and agriculture increases. Increasing population has led to more extraction of natural resources from the environment thus resulting in depleting these resources.

Question 16.
‘India has abundant natural resources’. Substantiate the statement. (NCERT)
Answer:
India has abundant natural resources in the terms of rich quality of soil, hundreds of rivers and tributaries, lush green forests, plenty of mineral deposits, vast stretch of Indian Ocean, ranges of mosuntains, etc. The black soil of the Deccan Plateau is suitable for cultivation of cotton.

The Indo-gangetic plains are the most fertile regions in the world. India’s forests provide green cover for its population and wild life. Large deposits of iron-ore, coal and natural gas are found in the country.

Question 17.
How has the supply-demand relationship led to degradation of environment? (NCERT)
Answer:
Before the advent of industrial revolution, the rate of resource extraction was less than the rate of regeneration of these resources, i.e. demand was less than supply. But with expanding population and its growing needs, the demand for resources for both production and consumption went beyond the rate of regeneration of the resources. This has resulted in a reversal of supply-demand relationship for environmental resources as now there is very high demand for environmental resources and services, but their supply is limited and even these limited resources are being overused and misused.

Question 18.
State the consequences of environmental crisis.
Answer:
If the rate of extraction of resources will be above the rate of their regeneration, then the environment will not be able to sustain life and this results in environmental crisis.
The points given below describe the consequences of environmental crisis:

  • Development has polluted and dried up rivers and other aquifers, making water an economic good.
  • Intensive and extensive excavation of both renewable and non-renewable resources has exhausted some of the vital resources.
  • Decline in air and water quality has resulted in increased number of respiratory and water borne diseases.

Question 19.
The consequences of environmental crisis have increased the opportunity costs of negative environmental impacts. How?
Answer:
Opportunity costs are the costs of the opportunities foregone. By choosing harmful environmental practices, we have foregone such environmental practices which produce a positive effect on environment. Such a choice has resulted in increasing the opportunity costs.

Question 20.
State the effects of ozone depletion.
Answer:
Different effects of ozone depletion are described below

  • More ultraviolet radiation comes to Earth causing damage to living organisms, skin cancer in humans and low production of phytoplankton affecting acquatic organisms.
  • Influences the growth of terrestrial plants.

Question 21.
State the adverse effects of deforestation.
Answer:
The following are the adverse effects of deforestation

  • It leads to soil erosion. According to an estimate, quantity of nutrients lost due to soil erosion each year ranges from 5.8 to 8.4 million tonnes.
  • The forests sustain all types of life forms. Destruction of these forests means losing the various life forms sustained by these forests. According to an estimate, at least 1000 species are lost in a year.

Question 22.
Briefly discuss the functions of Pollution Control Boards.
Answer:
Pollution control boards collect, collate and disseminate technical and statistical data relating to water, air and land pollution. They lay down standards for sewage/trade effluent and emissions. Tnese boards provide technical assistance to governments in promoting cleanliness of streams and wells by prevention, control and abatement of water pollution, and improve the quality of air and to prevent, control or abate air pollution.

Question 23.
Population explosion and the advent of industrial revolution have resulted in environmental crisis. Discuss.
Answer:
With population explosion and with the advent of industrial revolution, to meet the growing needs of the expanding population, the demand for resources for both production and consumption went beyond the rate of regeneration of the resources and the pressure on the absorptive capacity of the environment increased tremendously. We are now faced with increased demand for environmental resources and services but their supply is limited due to overuse and misuse. Hence, the environmental issues of waste generation and pollution have become critical today.

Question 24.
Identify six factors contributing to land degradation in India. (NCERT)
Answer:
The factors responsible for land degradation in India are

  • Loss of vegetation occurring due to deforestation.
  • Unsustainable fuel, wood and fodder extraction.
  • Shifting cultivation.
  • Reduction of forest lands.
  • Forest fires and overgrazing.
  • Non-adoption of adequate soil conservation measures.

Question 25.
Is environmental crisis a recent phenomenon? If so, why? (NCERT)
Answer:
Yes, environmental crisis is a recent phenomenon. Environment was able to perform its functions without any interruption till the resource extraction was not above the rate of regeneration of the resource and the wastes generated were within the assimilating capacity of the environment. But today, environment fails to perform its vital function of life sustenance resulting in an environmental crisis. The rising population of the developing countries and the affluent consumption and production standards of the developed world have placed a huge stress on the environment. Many resources have become extinct and the wastes generated are beyond the absorptive capacity of the environment. As a result, we are today at the threshold of environmental crisis.


Question 26.
Give two instances of (NCERT)
(a) Overuse of environmental resources.
(b) Misuse of environmental resources.
Answer:
(a) Two instances of overuse of environmental resources are

  • Excess use of electricity leads to depletion of resources like coal and water from which electricity is generated.
  • Excess use of petrol and diesel in vehicles.

(b) Two instances of misuse of environmental resources are

  • Soil degradation due to improper crop rotation and crop shifting.
  • Drying up of rivers due to supply of water from them to dams and reservoirs.

Question 27.
Briefly discuss vehicle pollution and industrial pollution. (NCERT)
Answer:
(i) Vehicle pollution Vehicle emissions are of particular concern since these are ground level sources and thus, have the maximum impact on the general pollution. The number of vehicles has increased from 3 lakh in 1957 to 67 crores in 2003. In 2003, personal transport vehicles (two wheeled and cars only) contributed about 80% of the total number of registered vehicles thus, contributing significantly to air pollution.

(ii) Industrial pollution India is one of the ten most industrialised nations of the world. This status has brought with it unwanted and unanticipated consequences like unplanned urbanisation, pollution and the risk of accidents.

Question 28.
State any four pressing environmental concerns of India.
Answer:
Four pressing environmental concerns of India are

  • Land degradation and solid waste management.
  • Biodiversity loss.
  • Air pollution with special reference to vehicular pollution in urban cities.
  • Management of fresh water.

Question 29.
Air pollution contributes towards environmental crisis in India. Discuss.
Answer:
In India, air pollution is widespread in urban areas where vehicles are the major contributors and in a few other areas which have a high concentration of industries and thermal power plants. Vehicular emissions are of particular concern since these are ground level sources and thus, have the maximum impact on the general population. The number of motor vehicles has increased from about 3 lakh in 1951 to 67 crore in 2003. In 2003, personal transport vehicles (two-wheeled vehicles and cars only) constituted about 80% of the total number of registered vehicles thus, contributing significantly to total air pollution load.

India is one of the ten most industrialised nations of the world. But this status has brought with it unwanted and unanticipated consequences such as unplanned urbanisation, pollution and the risk of accidents. The CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) has identified 17 categories of industries (large and medium scale) as significantly polludng.

Question 30.
What is the relationship between environment and the economic development?
Answer:
There are two views on how economic development affects environment. According to first view, economic development degrades our environment by using natural resources for production of goods and services. Economic development results in pollution in the form of air pollution, water pollution and land pollution.

According to second view, economic development improves environment quality. The discovery of new materials and sources not only use less of natural resources, but sometimes replace them. Thus, with economic development, degradation of environment decreases.

From the above discussion, we find that relationship between environment and economic development is dynamic and complex. It is difficult to decide whether the economic development leads to degradation of environment or not. Undoubtedly, economic development leads to excessive extraction of natural resources and generation of pollutants, but it introduces new processes, materials and discoveries. We should be careful and ensure that the economic development should not damage the environment.

Question 31.
How do the following factors contribute to the environmental crisis in India? What problem do they pose for the government?
(i) Rising population
(ii) Water contamination
(iii) Industrialisation
(iv) Urbanisation
Answer:
(i) Rising population With population explosion the growing needs of the expanding population have to be met and due to this the demand for resources for both production and consumption have gone beyond tne rate of regeneration of the resources. The pressure on the absorptive capacity of the environment has increased leading to environmental crisis.

(ii) Water contamination Water bodies (e.g. lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers and groundwater) are contaminated when pollutants are discharged directly or indirectly into water bodies without adequate treatment to remove harmful compounds. Water contamination affects plants and organisms living in these bodies of water. The effect is damaging not only to individual species and populations, but also to the natural biological communities.

(iii) Industrialisation With rapid industrialisation for meeting the growing needs of population, the resources being used as inputs in the industrialisation process are depleting at a fast pace. Many of these resources are exhaustible and cannot be replenished easily.

(iv) Urbanisation Rural population has started migrating to urban areas in search of jobs and even in rural areas urban lifestyle is being copied by the younger generation. This has led to rise in power consumption, vehicle traffic, etc. This in turn has resulted into faster depletion of resources and air pollution.


Question 32.
What are the functions of the environment? (NCERT)
Answer:
The main functions of environment are

  • Environment supplies resources for production Environment includes those physical resources which are gifted by nature. These resources are used for producing various goods and services.
  • Environment sustains life Sun, soil, air and water are the essential ingredients of environment for the human life. Absence of these will lead to an end of life on Earth.
  • Environment assimilates waste Production and consumption activity generates wastes. It is generally in the form of garbage which is absorbed by the environment.
  • Environment enhances quality of life: Environmental surroundings include rivers, oceans, mountains and deserts. Man enjoys these surroundings, adding to the quality of his life.

Question 33.
Explain how the opportunity costs of negative environmental impact are high. (NCERT)
Answer:
The negative environmental impact has high opportunity costs as explained below

  • The industrial development in past has polluted and dried up rivers and other aquifers making water an economic good. Also, cleaning up of polluted rivers and replenishing water resources require huge investments.
  • The intensive and extensive extraction of both renewable and non-renewable resources has exhausted some of these
    resources. Huge amount of funds need to be spent on technology and research to explore new resources.
  • The health costs of degraded environmental quality are also rising as decline in air and water quality has resulted in increased incidence of respiratory and water-borne diseases.
  • Global environmental issues such as global warming and ozone depletion also contribute to increased financial commitments for the government.

Thus, it is clear that the opportunity costs of negative environmental impacts are high.

Question 34.
Name any two movements to prevent cutting of trees.
Answer:
Chipko movement and Appiko movement

Question 35.
How can mini-hydel plants sustain environment?
Answer:
Mini-hydel plants are environment friendly as they do not change the land use pattern in areas where they are located. Also, they generate enough power to meet local demands.

Question 36.
How is solar electricity generated? Where can it be used?
Answer:
With the help of photovoltaic cells, solar energy can be converted into electricity. This technology is extremely useful for remote areas and for places wheere supply of power through grid or power lines is either not possible or proves to be very costly.

Question 37.
Name animals/birds which help in biopest control?
Answer:
Snakes, owls, peacock, lizards, etc help in biopest control.

Question 38.
Given the full form of UNCED.
Answer:
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.

Question 39.
What did the Brudtland Commission emphasise?
Answer:
Brudtland Commission emphasises on protecting the future generations by adopting techniques which help in sustainable development.

Question 40.
How can thermal power plants cause pollution?
Answer:
Thermal power plants emit large quantities of carbon dioxide which may cause land and water pollution.

Question 41.
Name the fuels used by rural households in India.
Answer:
Rural households in India use wood, dungcake and other biomass as fuel.


Question 42.
Use of which fuel has lowered air pollution in India?
Answer:
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

Question 43.
What is sustainable development? (NCERT)
Answer:
It refers to the development strategy to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising on the needs of the future generation. Sustainable development aims at decreasing the absolute poverty of the poor by providing lasting and secure livelihoods that minimise resource depletion, environmental degradation, cultural disruption and social instability.

Question 44.
‘Sustainable development is considered as a paradigm shift in development thinking’. Why?
Answer:
Sustainable development implies meeting the basic needs of all and extending to all the opportunity to satisfy their aspirations for a better life, without compromising on the needs of future. The strategies for sustainable development imply the use of non-conventional sources of energy to minimise the adverse environmental impacts. Promotion of natural resources, conservation, preserving regenerative capacity of ecological system and avoiding the imposition of environmental rules on future generations would lead to sustainable development.

Question 45.
Give the features of sustainable development.
Answer:
The features of sustainable development are as follows

  • Sustained rise in real per capita income and economic welfare.
  • Rational use of natural resources.
  • No reduction in the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
  • Check on pollution.

Question 46.
How can bio composting be encouraged in India?
Answer:
Farmers should be encouraged to use organic fertilisers for production. Cattles should be maintained because their waste is very useful in the form of fertiliser. Earthworm can also be used convert organic matter into compost faster than the normal composting process.

Question 47.
Outline the steps involved in attaining sustainable development in India. (NCERT)
Answer:
The strategies for sustainable development in India are

  • Use of non-conventional sources of energy.
  • Use of LPG and gobar gas in rural areas.
  • Use of CNG as fuel in urban areas.
  • Use of wind power in the areas where speed of wind is usually high.
  • Use of solar power through photovoltaic cells.
  • Mini hydel plants in mountainous regions.
  • Use of compost made from organic wastes.
  • Use of traditional knowledge and practices.
  • Biopest control

Question 48.
You are residing in highly populated area of Delhi. Due to over population, your locality harms the environment, suggest any four measures to your neighbours to protect environment.
Answer:
I shall suggest following measures to protect environment

  • Avoid the use of plastic.
  • Promote the use of CNG as fuel.
  • Promote the use of solar energy.
  • Promote rain water harvesting.

Question 49.
Enumerate the benefits and limitations of using solar power.
Answer:
Following are the benefits associated with solar power

  • It is relatively easy to install solar panels which help to generate solar power.
  • Solar panels, once installed, does not require much maintenance.
  • These panels provide sufficient solar power during the long summer days and one does not have to face the problem of power cuts.

Following are the limitations associated with solar power:

  • It is not suitable for areas where sunlight is less or which are generally overcast.
  • Solar power is not available at night.
  • The initial cost of establishing solar panels is more ahd it requires active action by the consumers.


Question 50.
Explain the relevance of intergenerational equity in the definition of sustainable development. (NCERT)
Answer:
Sustainable development in itself makes it obligatory for the development process to be such that the basic needs of not only the present generation, but also of the future generations are taken care of. It becomes the moral duty of this generation to handover the Earth to the future generation in good form.

Therefore, if the resources are overused or misused, they will deplete so fast that the production capacity of the future generations would not be sustainable. Sustainable development aims at maximising the welfare of both present and future generations. It does not mean hindering the existing pace of economic growth, but refers to a judicious or optimum utilisation of resources in such a manner that pace of economic growth sustains with intergenerational equity.

Question 51.
Keeping in view your locality, describe any four strategies of sustainable development. (NCERT)
Answer:
Four strategies of sustainable development opted in our locality are:
(i) Use of eco-friendly fuel (CNG, LPG) The fuels such as petrol and diesel emit huge amount of carbon dioxide that add to the green house impact. In order to control pollution, the use of CNG and LPG should be promoted. These fuels are cleaner and eco-friendly. Also, pooling of vehicles in the locality should be promoted.

(ii) Use of renewable resources (Wind power) India being a tropical country is well endowed with sunlight, water and wind energy. These natural resources are renewable and pollution free. Thus, attempts should be made to harness solar and wind energy by employing different technologies and to go for rain water harvesting. It would help in sustainable economic development.

(iii) Recyclable products The household waste materials like newspapers, old bottles, used batteries, etc should be accumulated and should be distinguished as biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes. The biodegradable wastes are those wastes that can be decomposed and can be used as manure for organic farming. The non-biodegradable wastes like plastic, etc should be recycled and re-used. Use of polythene bags should be discouraged.

(iv) Judicious use of electricity Electricity is a resource which is used in all households in our locality. It is one such resource which is already in short supply and may not be available to future generations, if we do not start using it judiciously. Therefore, the easiest strategy for sustainable development is to use power in an efficient manner without wasting it. This can be done by using energy efficient equipments.

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