NCERT CBSE Environment and Sustainable Development
Theme Analysis
Main ThemeEnvironment and Sustainable Development
Subject CategoryEconomics
Key Concepts
Question FocusThe questions cover the definition and functions of the environment, causes and effects of environmental degradation, global environmental issues, the concept and principles of sustainable development, and specific strategies for achieving it in India. Difficulty levels are mixed, ranging from direct recall (Remember) to application and analysis (Apply, Analyze). Questions are designed to test conceptual understanding and application of the provided text.
Which of the following best defines 'environment' according to the text?
Hint: Think about the comprehensive definition provided at the beginning of the 'Environment — Definition and Functions' section.
Answer
The environment is defined as the total planetary inheritance and the totality of all resources. It includes all the biotic and abiotic factors that influence each other.
Explanation
The text explicitly defines environment as 'the total planetary inheritance and the totality of all resources. It includes all the biotic and abiotic factors that influence each other.' This comprehensive definition covers both living and non-living components.
Which of the following is NOT listed as one of the four vital functions of the environment?
Hint: Recall the specific list of functions described in the text.
Answer
The four vital functions of the environment are: (i) supplying resources, (ii) assimilating waste, (iii) sustaining life by providing genetic and bio diversity, and (iv) providing aesthetic services.
Explanation
The text clearly states the four vital functions of the environment: (i) it supplies resources, (ii) it assimilates waste, (iii) it sustains life by providing genetic and bio diversity, and (iv) it also provides aesthetic services like scenery. Regulating global trade is not mentioned as an environmental function.
A forest is an example of a renewable resource. Which characteristic makes it renewable?
Hint: Consider the definition of renewable resources provided in the text.
Answer
Renewable resources are those which can be used without the possibility of the resource becoming depleted or exhausted. That is, a continuous supply of the resource remains available. Examples of renewable resources are the trees in the forests and the fishes in the ocean.
Explanation
The text defines renewable resources as 'those which can be used without the possibility of the resource becoming depleted or exhausted. That is, a continuous supply of the resource remains available.' Forests, with proper management, can regenerate, making them renewable.
An environmental crisis occurs when the demand on environmental functions exceeds its carrying capacity. What does 'carrying capacity' imply in this context?
Hint: Look for the explanation of 'carrying capacity' in relation to the environment's functions.
Answer
Carrying capacity implies that the resource extraction is not above the rate of regeneration of the resource and the wastes generated are within the assimilating capacity of the environment.
Explanation
The text explains that the environment performs its functions without interruption 'as long as the demand on these functions is within its carrying capacity. This implies that the resource extraction is not above the rate of regeneration of the resource and the wastes generated are within the assimilating capacity of the environment.'
According to the text, which two factors have placed a huge stress on the environment's resource supply and waste assimilation functions, leading to an environmental crisis?
Hint: The text discusses current global trends contributing to the environmental crisis.
Answer
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 in terms of its first two functions (supplying resources and assimilating waste).
Explanation
The text states, '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 in terms of its first two functions.' This directly links these two factors to the environmental crisis.
What is 'Global warming' primarily defined as in the provided text?
Hint: Refer to the 'Box 7.1: Global Warming' section for its definition.
Answer
Global warming is a gradual increase in the average temperature of the earth’s lower atmosphere as a result of the increase in greenhouse gases since the Industrial Revolution.
Explanation
Box 7.1 defines global warming as 'a gradual increase in the average temperature of the earth’s lower atmosphere as a result of the increase in greenhouse gases since the Industrial Revolution.'
Which of the following human activities is identified as a significant cause of global warming?
Hint: The text lists specific human-induced causes of global warming.
Answer
Global warming is caused by man-made increases in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases through the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.
Explanation
The text states that global warming 'is caused by man-made increases in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases through the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.'
What phenomenon does 'Ozone depletion' refer to?
Hint: Check the definition provided in 'Box 7.2: Ozone Depletion'.
Answer
Ozone depletion refers to the phenomenon of reductions in the amount of ozone in the stratosphere.
Explanation
Box 7.2 clearly states, 'Ozone depletion refers to the phenomenon of reductions in the amount of ozone in the stratosphere.'
Which compounds are identified as the primary cause of ozone depletion, and what is a major consequence?
Hint: Focus on the specific chemicals and their direct atmospheric impact mentioned in the ozone depletion box.
Answer
The problem of ozone depletion is caused by high levels of chlorine and bromine compounds in the stratosphere, originating from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and bromofluorocarbons (halons). A major consequence is that more ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes to Earth and causes damage to living organisms.
Explanation
The text states, 'The problem of ozone depletion is caused by high levels of chlorine and bromine compounds in the stratosphere. The origins of these compounds are chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), used as cooling substances... and bromofluorocarbons (halons), used in fire extinguishers.' It further notes, 'As a result of depletion of the ozone layer, more ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes to Earth and causes damage to living organisms.'
The text mentions that the 'opportunity costs of negative environmental impacts are high.' Which of the following best exemplifies this statement?
Hint: Think about what is 'given up' or what extra expenses are incurred as a result of environmental damage.
Answer
The text highlights that we are compelled to spend huge amounts on technology and research to explore new resources due to exhaustion of vital resources, and rising health costs due to degraded environmental quality. These represent opportunity costs.
Explanation
The text explains that due to resource exhaustion, 'we are compelled to spend huge amounts on technology and research to explore new resources.' Also, 'the health costs of degraded environmental quality — decline in air and water quality... have resulted in increased incidence of respiratory and water-borne diseases. Hence the expenditure on health is also rising.' These are examples of opportunity costs, where resources (money, effort) that could have been used elsewhere must now be diverted to mitigate environmental problems.
Why did environmental problems not arise in the early days of civilization, before industrialization and population explosion?
Hint: Consider the relationship between demand, supply, and the environment's capacity in the past.
Answer
In the early days, the demand for environmental resources and services was much less than their supply. This meant that pollution was within the absorptive capacity of the environment and the rate of resource extraction was less than the rate of regeneration of these resources. Hence environmental problems did not arise.
Explanation
The text explains, 'In the early days when civilisation just began... the demand for environmental resources and services was much less than their supply. This meant that pollution was within the absorptive capacity of the environment and the rate of resource extraction was less than the rate of regeneration of these resources. Hence environmental problems did not arise.'
India is described as having abundant natural resources. Which of the following is NOT listed as one of India's significant natural resources?
Hint: Review the section detailing India's natural wealth.
Answer
India has abundant natural resources in terms of rich quality of soil, hundreds of rivers and tributaries, lush green forests, plenty of mineral deposits beneath the land surface, vast stretch of the Indian Ocean, ranges of mountains. Widespread glaciers and permanent ice sheets are not mentioned as a prominent feature of India's natural resources.
Explanation
The text details India's natural resources: 'rich quality of soil, hundreds of rivers and tributaries, lush green forests, plenty of mineral deposits beneath the land surface, vast stretch of the Indian Ocean, ranges of mountains.' It specifically mentions black soil, Indo-Gangetic plains, iron-ore, coal, natural gas, bauxite, copper, etc. Widespread glaciers are not listed as a characteristic feature of India's abundant resources.
The text describes a 'dichotomy' in the threat to India's environment. What does this dichotomy refer to?
Hint: Look for the specific phrasing used to describe the dual nature of India's environmental problems.
Answer
The threat to India’s environment poses a dichotomy — threat of poverty-induced environmental degradation and, at the same time, threat of pollution from affluence and a rapidly growing industrial sector.
Explanation
The text explicitly states, 'The threat to India’s environment poses a dichotomy —threat of poverty-induced environmental degradation and, at the same time, threat of pollution from affluence and a rapidly growing industrial sector.'
Which of the following is NOT listed as one of the priority environmental issues identified in India?
Hint: Recall the specific list of priority environmental concerns for India.
Answer
The priority issues identified are (i) land degradation (ii) biodiversity loss (iii) air pollution with special reference to vehicular pollution in urban cities (iv) management of fresh water and (v) solid waste management.
Explanation
The text lists five priority issues: (i) land degradation (ii) biodiversity loss (iii) air pollution with special reference to vehicular pollution in urban cities (iv) management of fresh water and (v) solid waste management. Excessive space debris is not mentioned.
A farmer observes that his land is becoming less fertile and prone to erosion after years of intensive farming and burning crop residue. Which factor from the text most directly explains this observation?
Hint: Consider the agricultural practices mentioned as causes of land degradation.
Answer
The text identifies 'non-adoption of adequate soil conservation measures' and 'improper crop rotation' as factors responsible for land degradation.
Explanation
The text lists 'non-adoption of adequate soil conservation measures' and 'improper crop rotation' among the factors responsible for land degradation. Intensive farming and burning crop residue would fall under inadequate soil conservation and potentially improper crop management, leading to reduced fertility and erosion.
In India, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was set up in 1974 primarily to address which two major environmental concerns?
Hint: The specific environmental concerns that led to the CPCB's establishment are mentioned.
Answer
In order to address two major environmental concerns in India, viz. water and air pollution, the government set up the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 1974.
Explanation
Box 7.4 states, 'In order to address two major environmental concerns in India, viz. water and air pollution, the government set up the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 1974.'
The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) defined sustainable development as:
Hint: Recall the widely accepted definition of sustainable development from the UNCED.
Answer
The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) defined sustainable development as: ‘Development that meets the need of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs’.
Explanation
The text directly quotes the UNCED definition: 'Development that meets the need of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs.'
The concept of 'intergenerational equity' is central to sustainable development. How is it reflected in the definition?
Hint: The definition of sustainable development specifically mentions 'future generations'.
Answer
The definition of sustainable development, 'Development that meets the need of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs,' directly reflects intergenerational equity by considering the needs of both present and future generations.
Explanation
The text explains that the phrase 'future generations' in the definition is a catchphrase. The Brundtland Commission emphasizes protecting the future generation, and environmentalists argue for a moral obligation to hand over the planet in good order to the future generation, leaving 'a stock of ‘quality of life’ assets no less than what we have inherited.' This directly embodies the principle of intergenerational equity.
Which of the following is NOT one of Herman Daly's principles for achieving sustainable development?
Hint: Review Herman Daly's specific recommendations for sustainable development.
Answer
Herman Daly states that for non-renewable resources, the rate of depletion should not exceed the rate of creation of renewable substitutes, not that they should be depleted as quickly as possible.
Explanation
Herman Daly's principles include: (i) limiting human population to carrying capacity, (ii) technological progress being input efficient, (iii) renewable resources extracted sustainably, and (iv) for non-renewable resources, rate of depletion should not exceed the rate of creation of renewable substitutes. Depleting non-renewable resources quickly contradicts his principles.
Why are non-conventional sources of energy like wind power and solar rays considered important strategies for sustainable development in India?
Hint: Consider the environmental drawbacks of India's current main power sources and how non-conventional sources address them.
Answer
India is hugely dependent on thermal and hydro power plants, both of which have adverse environmental impacts (carbon dioxide emissions, fly ash, inundating forests). Wind power and solar rays are non-conventional sources that help mitigate these impacts.
Explanation
The text explains, 'India... is hugely dependent on thermal and hydro power plants to meet its power needs. Both of these have adverse environmental impacts.' It then presents wind and solar power as 'good examples of conventional sources of energy' (the text has a slight typo here, it should be non-conventional, which is implied by the context of 'efforts are being taken to tap these energy resources' as alternatives to the problematic thermal/hydro). The benefit is that they are alternatives to environmentally damaging sources.
A rural household switches from using wood and dung cakes for cooking to using an LPG connection. How does this contribute to sustainable development according to the text?
Hint: Think about the environmental and health benefits of LPG compared to traditional rural fuels.
Answer
LPG is a clean fuel that reduces household pollution to a large extent and minimises energy wastage, rectifying adverse implications like deforestation and reduction in green cover caused by traditional fuels.
Explanation
The text states that using wood, dung cake, or other biomass 'has several adverse implications like deforestation, reduction in green cover, wastage of cattle dung and air pollution.' It then explains that 'subsidised LPG is being provided... As far as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is concerned, it is a clean fuel — it reduces household pollution to a large extent. Also, energy wastage is minimised.'
The use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in public transport systems in Delhi led to significantly lowered air pollution. What characteristic of CNG makes it a sustainable choice for urban transport?
Hint: Recall the direct impact of CNG use on Delhi's air quality as mentioned.
Answer
CNG is a cleaner fuel that significantly lowers air pollution when used in public transport, contributing to cleaner air in urban areas.
Explanation
The text explicitly states, 'In Delhi, the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as fuel in public transport system has significantly lowered air pollution and the air has become cleaner.' This indicates its advantage as a cleaner fuel.
Photovoltaic cells convert solar energy into electricity. This technology is particularly useful for remote areas because:
Hint: The text highlights a specific advantage of solar power for isolated locations.
Answer
This technology is extremely useful for remote areas and for places where supply of power through grid or power lines is either not possible or proves very costly.
Explanation
The text states, 'This technology is extremely useful for remote areas and for places where supply of power through grid or power lines is either not possible or proves very costly.' It also notes that this technique is 'totally free from pollution.'
Mini-hydel plants are considered environment-friendly and efficient for local demands in mountainous regions. What is a key reason for this?
Hint: Focus on how mini-hydel plants interact with their local environment and infrastructure needs.
Answer
Mini-hydel plants are more or less environment-friendly as they do not change the land use pattern in areas where they are located; they generate enough power to meet local demands, thus avoiding large-scale transmission towers and cables and transmission loss.
Explanation
The text explains, 'Such power plants are more or less environment-friendly as they do not change the land use pattern in areas where they are located; they generate enough power to meet local demands. This means that they can also do away with the need for large scale transmission towers and cables and avoid transmission loss.'
Why does the text advocate for a return to traditional knowledge and practices for sustainable development?
Hint: Consider the historical relationship between Indian people and their environment.
Answer
Traditionally, Indian people have been close to their environment, and their practices in agriculture, healthcare, housing, and transport were environment friendly. Returning to these can reverse large-scale damage caused by drifting away from them.
Explanation
The text states, 'Traditionally, Indian people have been close to their environment. They have been more a component of the environment and not its controller. If we look back at our agriculture system, healthcare system, housing, transport etc., we find that all practices have been environment friendly.' It suggests 'Now, it is time to go back,' implying that these practices caused less large-scale damage.
Farmers are increasingly using compost made from organic wastes instead of chemical fertilizers. This shift is beneficial because:
Hint: Recall the negative impacts of chemical fertilizers mentioned in the text.
Answer
Biocomposting is beneficial because chemical fertilizers have adversely affected large tracts of productive land, caused water bodies and groundwater systems to suffer due to chemical contamination, and increased demand for irrigation.
Explanation
The text highlights the negative consequences of chemical fertilizers: 'large tracts of productive land have been adversely affected, water bodies including ground water system have suffered due to chemical contamination and demand for irrigation has been going up year after year.' Biocomposting helps reverse these issues.
What is the primary motivation behind adopting biopest control methods instead of chemical pesticides?
Hint: Consider the adverse impacts of chemical pesticides mentioned in the text.
Answer
The advent of green revolution led to a frenzy of chemical pesticide use, but soon adverse impacts began to show; food products were contaminated, soil, water bodies and even ground water were polluted with pesticides. Even milk, meat and fishes were found to be contaminated.
Explanation
The text states, 'With the advent of green revolution, the entire country entered into a frenzy to use more and more chemical pesticides for higher yield. Soon, the adverse impacts began to show; food products were contaminated, soil, water bodies and even ground water were polluted with pesticides. Even milk, meat and fishes were found to be contaminated.' Biopest control aims to address these issues.
Which of the following is an example of a biotic element of the environment?
Hint: Remember the distinction between living and non-living components.
Answer
While all living elements — the birds, animals and plants, forests, fisheries etc. — are biotic elements, abiotic elements include air, water, land etc.
Explanation
The text specifies: 'While all living elements — the birds, animals and plants, forests, fisheries etc. — are biotic elements, abiotic elements include air, water, land etc.' Forests are living entities.
When the environment fails to perform its function of life sustenance, it results in an environmental crisis. What is the underlying reason for this failure?
Hint: The text links the environment's ability to sustain life to its capacity.
Answer
The environment fails to perform its vital function of life sustenance when the demand on its functions is not within its carrying capacity, meaning resource extraction is above regeneration rate or wastes are beyond assimilating capacity.
Explanation
The text states, 'The environment is able to perform these functions without any interruption as long as the demand on these functions is within its carrying capacity. When this is not so, the environment fails to perform its third and vital function of life sustenance and this results in an environmental crisis.'
Which of the following is identified as a longer-term result of global warming?
Hint: Refer to the list of consequences of global warming in Box 7.1.
Answer
Some of the longer-term results of global warming are melting of polar ice with a resulting rise in sea level and coastal flooding.
Explanation
Box 7.1 lists 'melting of polar ice with a resulting rise in sea level and coastal flooding' as one of the longer-term results of global warming. Other options contradict the text.
How does the depletion of the ozone layer primarily cause damage to living organisms?
Hint: The ozone layer's main function is to block certain types of radiation.
Answer
As a result of depletion of the ozone layer, more ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes to Earth and causes damage to living organisms.
Explanation
Box 7.2 states, 'As a result of depletion of the ozone layer, more ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes to Earth and causes damage to living organisms.' The ozone layer normally prevents most harmful wavelengths of UV light.
The text describes a 'reversal of supply-demand relationship for environmental quality' as a cause of the current environmental crisis. What does this reversal mean?
Hint: Think about how demand and supply of environmental resources have changed from early civilization to the present.
Answer
The reversal means that we are now faced with increased demand for environmental resources and services but their supply is limited due to overuse and misuse.
Explanation
The text explains the shift: 'In the early days... the demand for environmental resources and services was much less than their supply.' But now, 'what has happened is a reversal of supply-demand relationship for environmental quality — we are now faced with increased demand for environmental resources and services but their supply is limited due to overuse and misuse.'
The construction of a new thermal power plant in India leads to increased carbon dioxide emissions and the production of fly ash. This exemplifies which adverse environmental consequence of development?
Hint: The text specifically discusses the environmental effects of thermal power plants.
Answer
The text states that thermal power plants emit large quantities of carbon dioxide and produce fly ash, both having adverse environmental impacts.
Explanation
Under 'Use of Non-conventional Sources of Energy,' the text states, 'Thermal power plants emit large quantities of carbon dioxide which is a green house gas. It also produces fly ash which, if not used properly, can cause pollution of water bodies, land and other components of the environment.' This directly illustrates the adverse environmental consequences of such development.
Which of the following is a factor contributing to land degradation in India?
Hint: Review the list of factors causing land degradation.
Answer
Some of the factors responsible for land degradation are... (viii) indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals such as fertilisers and pesticides.
Explanation
The text explicitly lists 'indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals such as fertilisers and pesticides' as one of the factors responsible for land degradation.
Beyond setting standards and providing technical assistance, what other key function do the Central and State Pollution Control Boards perform?
Hint: Consider the boards' role in public engagement and information dissemination.
Answer
These boards also organise, through mass media, a comprehensive mass awareness programme for the same (prevention, control, and abatement of water and air pollution).
Explanation
Box 7.4 states that the Pollution Control Boards 'organise, through mass media, a comprehensive mass awareness programme' relating to water and air pollution. This is a key function alongside investigation, standard-setting, and technical assistance.
Edward Barbier's definition of sustainable development focuses on 'increasing the material standard of living of the poor at the grass root level.' This aspect primarily addresses which dimension of sustainability?
Hint: Consider what 'material standard of living of the poor' implies in terms of societal well-being.
Answer
Edward Barbier defined sustainable development as one which is directly concerned with increasing the material standard of living of the poor at the grass root level — this can be quantitatively measured in terms of increased income, real income, educational services, health care, sanitation, water supply etc. This emphasis on poverty reduction and meeting basic needs points to economic and social equity.
Explanation
The text quotes Edward Barbier defining sustainable development as 'directly concerned with increasing the material standard of living of the poor at the grass root level — this can be quantitatively measured in terms of increased income, real income, educational services, health care, sanitation, water supply etc.' This focus on poverty reduction, income, and access to basic services clearly points to the economic and social equity dimensions of sustainable development, beyond just environmental protection.
The anonymous quote in the text states, 'The single most unstable and potentially disruptive element in the scheme is the human species.' Which aspect of human activity, as described in the chapter, best supports this claim?
Hint: The quote itself provides the immediate follow-up explanation.
Answer
The quote continues: 'Human beings, with modern technology, have the capacity to bring about, intentionally or unintentionally, far-reaching and irreversible changes in the enviornment.' This directly explains why humans are considered the most disruptive element.
Explanation
The full quote reads: 'The single most unstable and potentially disruptive element in the scheme is the human species. Human beings, with modern technology, have the capacity to bring about, intentionally or unintentionally, far-reaching and irreversible changes in the enviornment.' This directly supports option C.
What does 'Absorptive capacity' refer to in the context of the environment?
Hint: The text provides a direct definition of this term.
Answer
Absorptive capacity means the ability of the environment to absorb degradation.
Explanation
The text clearly defines 'Absorptive capacity' as 'the ability of the environment to absorb degradation.'
What was the main outcome of the Montreal Protocol mentioned in the text?
Hint: The Montreal Protocol is associated with efforts to address ozone depletion.
Answer
The Montreal Protocol led to the adoption of banning the use of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compounds, as well as other ozone depleting chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethane (also known as methyl chloroform), and bromine compounds known as halons.
Explanation
Box 7.2 states that the observed and projected decreases in ozone 'led to the adoption of the Montreal Protocol banning the use of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compounds, as well as other ozone depleting chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethane (also known as methyl chloroform), and bromine compounds known as halons.'
The 'Appiko' movement in Karnataka, similar to the Chipko Movement, involved local people hugging trees to prevent felling. This action primarily aimed to address which environmental concern?
Hint: Consider the literal action of 'hugging trees' and what it seeks to prevent.
Answer
The Appiko movement aimed at protecting forests, which directly addresses deforestation. The text links indiscriminate felling of trees to land degradation, biodiversity loss, and soil erosion.
Explanation
Box 7.3 describes the Appiko Movement as 'aimed at protecting forests in the Himalayas' and in Karnataka, where people 'hugged the trees and forced the woodcutters to leave.' The context explains that 'Indiscriminate felling of trees for fuelwood and for industrial use has led to many environmental problems' including soil erosion and loss of broad-leaved trees. Thus, it directly addresses deforestation and its consequences.
The text mentions that the per capita forest land in India is only 0.06 hectare against a requirement of 0.47 hectare. What does this statistic primarily indicate?
Hint: Consider the implication of having significantly less forest land per person than what is required.
Answer
The huge disparity between available and required per capita forest land indicates that the high density of population and livestock and competing uses of land exert an enormous pressure on the country’s finite land resources, resulting in excess felling.
Explanation
The text states, 'The per capita forest land in the country is only 0.06 hectare against the requirement of 0.47 hectare to meet basic needs, resulting in an excess felling of about 15 million cubic metre forests over the permissible limit.' This highlights the immense pressure on finite land resources due to high population and competing demands.
Which of the following is explicitly mentioned as a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming?
Hint: Look for specific gases mentioned in the 'Global Warming' box.
Answer
Global warming is caused by man-made increases in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
Explanation
Box 7.1 states that global warming is caused by 'man-made increases in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.' It also lists methane and nitrous oxide as contributors.
What is a significant adverse environmental impact of hydroelectric projects, as mentioned in the text?
Hint: The text discusses the environmental drawbacks of different power sources.
Answer
Hydroelectric projects inundate forests and interfere with the natural flow of water in catchment areas and the river basins.
Explanation
Under 'Use of Non-conventional Sources of Energy,' the text notes that hydroelectric projects 'inundate forests and interfere with the natural flow of water in catchment areas and the river basins,' which are adverse environmental impacts.
The text mentions that traditional Indian healthcare systems like Ayurveda and Unani are in great demand again. What is a key reason for this renewed interest?
Hint: Consider the benefits of traditional systems compared to some drawbacks of modern, industrial approaches.
Answer
Traditional healthcare systems are in great demand again for treating chronic health problems because they are environment friendly, relatively free from side effects and do not involve large-scale industrial and chemical processing.
Explanation
The text states, 'These healthcare systems are in great demand again for treating chronic health problems. Now a days every cosmetic produce... is herbal in composition. Not only are these products environment friendly, they are relatively free from side effects and do not involve large-scale industrial and chemical processing.' This highlights their environmental and health advantages.
What specific role do earthworms play in the biocomposting process, as described in the text?
Hint: Look for the sentence that describes the efficiency of earthworms in composting.
Answer
Earthworms can convert organic matter into compost faster than the normal composting process.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'Earthworms can convert organic matter into compost faster than the normal composting process.' This highlights their beneficial role in accelerating the biocomposting process.
Which of the following animals is mentioned as a natural predator that helps in controlling pests?
Hint: The text provides examples of animals that help control pests naturally.
Answer
For example, snakes are one of the prime group of animals which prey upon rats, mice and various other pests.
Explanation
Under 'Biopest Control,' the text states, 'For example, snakes are one of the prime group of animals which prey upon rats, mice and various other pests. Similarly, large varieties of birds, for example, owls and peacocks, prey upon vermin and pests. Lizards are also important in this regard.'
The chapter concludes that economic development, aimed at increasing production to meet rising population needs, puts greater pressure on the environment. What is the ultimate message regarding the path forward?
Hint: The conclusion section summarizes the core solution presented in the chapter.
Answer
Sustainable development aims at promoting the kind of development that minimises environmental problems and meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs.
Explanation
The conclusion states, 'Sustainable development aims at promoting the kind of development that minimises environmental problems and meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs.' This encapsulates the 'paradigm shift' needed.
The text links declining air and water quality in India to 'increased incidence of respiratory and water-borne diseases.' This connection highlights which type of cost associated with environmental degradation?
Hint: Consider what happens to healthcare spending when environmental quality worsens.
Answer
The decline in air and water quality has resulted in increased incidence of respiratory and water-borne diseases, leading to rising expenditure on health. This represents an opportunity cost, as funds must be diverted to health care due to environmental issues.
Explanation
The text explicitly states, 'Added to these are the health costs of degraded environmental quality — decline in air and water quality (seventy per cent of water in India is polluted) have resulted in increased incidence of respiratory and water-borne diseases. Hence the expenditure on health is also rising.' This rising health expenditure is an opportunity cost because resources are spent on treating illnesses caused by environmental degradation rather than being used for other developmental purposes.
India's status as one of the ten most industrialized nations has brought 'unwanted and unanticipated consequences.' Which of the following is an example of such a consequence mentioned?
Hint: The text lists specific negative outcomes associated with rapid industrial growth.
Answer
India's industrialization status has brought unwanted and unanticipated consequences such as unplanned urbanisation, pollution and the risk of accidents.
Explanation
The text states, '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.'
No comments:
Post a Comment