This chapter explores the relationship between the environment and economic development, emphasizing the importance of sustainability. Here are the Environment and Sustainable Development Class 12 notes.
Topics Discussed
1) Environment Meaning
The environment refers to the surroundings or conditions in which living organisms, including humans, exist. It encompasses both natural elements (like air, water, and land) and human-made components (like buildings, roads, and factories).
a) Types of Elements in Environment
- Biotic Elements: These are living components of the environment. They include plants, animals, microorganisms, and humans. Biotic factors interact with each other and the abiotic components to form ecosystems.
- Abiotic Elements: These are non-living components of the environment. They include air, water, sunlight, temperature, and soil. Abiotic factors play a vital role in the survival and growth of biotic elements.
2) Functions/Significance of Environment
The environment plays several crucial roles in sustaining life and supporting economic development. Here are the key functions:
a) Provides Resources for Production
The environment is a source of essential resources required for production in an economy, such as raw materials, water, and energy.
- i) Renewable Resources: These are resources that can be replenished naturally over time, such as solar energy, wind energy, and biomass. They can be used repeatedly without running out if managed properly.
- ii) Non-renewable Resources: These are resources that cannot be replenished once used up, such as fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and minerals. They are limited in supply and need to be used wisely to prevent depletion.
b) Environment Assimilates Wastes
The environment absorbs and processes waste products generated by human activities, like sewage, industrial waste, and carbon emissions. However, the environment has a limited capacity to do this, and overloading it with waste can lead to pollution.
c) Environment Sustains Life
The environment provides the necessary conditions for life on Earth, such as oxygen, food, water, and a favorable climate. All living organisms depend on the environment to meet their basic needs.
d) Environment Enhances Quality of Life
A clean and healthy environment contributes to better living conditions. Natural beauty, clean air, and water enhance the quality of life, improve health, and provide opportunities for recreation and leisure.
3) Problems of Environment
The environment faces several challenges due to human activities, which affect its ability to sustain life and support development.
a) Pollution Problem
Pollution refers to the harmful contamination of the environment due to the release of pollutants. This leads to degradation of air, water, and soil quality.
b) Problem of Excessive Exploitation of Natural Resources or Degradation of Natural Resources
Overuse of natural resources, such as deforestation, mining, and overfishing, leads to the depletion of these resources and environmental degradation. This threatens biodiversity and the sustainability of ecosystems.
4) Pollution
Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the natural environment, causing adverse effects on living organisms and ecosystems. It is mainly caused by human activities like industrial production, vehicle emissions, and improper waste disposal.
a) Types of Pollution
- i) Air Pollution: The contamination of the air by harmful substances such as smoke, dust, and gases (e.g., carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides). This is mainly caused by vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and the burning of fossil fuels. Air pollution leads to respiratory diseases, acid rain, and global warming. Example: Car exhaust emissions, factory smoke.
- ii) Water Pollution: The contamination of water bodies (rivers, lakes, oceans) by harmful substances like chemicals, sewage, and waste. Industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and improper disposal of waste are major causes of water pollution. It harms aquatic life and makes water unsafe for drinking. Examples: Discharge of untreated sewage into rivers, and use of harmful pesticides in agriculture.
- iii) Noise Pollution: The harmful exposure to loud or disturbing sounds, often caused by transportation (cars, trains, airplanes), construction, and industrial activities. It affects human health by causing hearing impairment, stress, and sleep disturbances. Example: Traffic noise, construction work.
Rural Development Class 12 Notes Indian Economy
5) Causes of Environmental Degradation
Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment due to human activities. Here are the major causes:
- a) Population Explosion: Rapid population growth leads to increased demand for resources like water, food, and energy, putting pressure on the environment.
- b) Widespread Poverty: Poverty forces people to over-exploit natural resources for survival, leading to deforestation, soil erosion, and overfishing.
- c) Increase in Urbanization: Urbanization leads to the destruction of natural habitats, deforestation, and pollution. It also increases the demand for infrastructure and resources, contributing to environmental degradation.
- d) Increasing Use of Insecticides, Pesticides & Fertilizers: The widespread use of chemicals in agriculture pollutes the soil, water, and air, and harms biodiversity.
- e) Multiplicity of Transport Vehicles: The growing number of vehicles increases air pollution, traffic congestion, and noise pollution.
- f) Rapid Industrialization: Industrial activities emit large amounts of pollutants, degrade the environment, and contribute to resource depletion.
6) Measures to Save the Environment
To protect the environment, several measures can be taken to reduce pollution and promote sustainable development:
a) Population Control
Implementing family planning measures to control population growth will reduce pressure on resources and help maintain environmental balance.
b) Social Awareness
Creating awareness among people about environmental issues, such as the importance of conservation, pollution control, and sustainable practices, can lead to collective action for environmental protection.
c) Afforestation Campaigns
Planting more trees (afforestation) helps absorb carbon dioxide, prevent soil erosion, and restore natural habitats. It also contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem.
d) Control over Industrial and Agricultural Pollution
Strict regulations and the use of cleaner technologies in industries and agriculture can help reduce pollution. This includes using eco-friendly fertilizers, adopting pollution control measures, and promoting organic farming.
e) Water Management
Efficient use of water resources, including the prevention of water wastage, rainwater harvesting, and reducing water pollution, is crucial for sustainable water supply.
f) Management of Solid Waste
Proper disposal and recycling of solid waste reduce landfill overflow, prevent pollution, and conserve resources. Promoting waste segregation and recycling practices can help manage waste effectively.
7) Sustainable Development
Sustainable Development refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
It promotes economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection simultaneously. Sustainable development ensures that natural resources are used efficiently and conserved for future use, balancing economic growth with environmental health.
Features of Sustainable Development
- Sustained Rise in Real Per Capita Income and Welfare
Focuses on continuous improvement in living standards and equitable income distribution for better quality of life. - Rational Use of Natural Resources
Efficient use of resources without depleting them for future generations, like water conservation and using renewable energy. - Check on Pollution
Reducing pollution (air, water, noise) through cleaner technologies, waste management, and pollution control regulations.
Strategies for Sustainable Development
- Input Efficient Technology
Technologies that reduce resource consumption while increasing output, like energy-efficient appliances and precision farming. - Use of Environment-Friendly Sources of Energy
Shifting to renewable energy sources (solar, wind) to reduce pollution and reliance on fossil fuels. - Shift to Organic Farming
Using natural methods in farming (no chemical fertilizers or pesticides) to preserve soil and reduce pollution. - Conversion of Sunlight into Solar Energy & Solar Energy into Electricity
Using solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, which is clean and renewable. - Public Means of Transport
Encouraging public transportation reduces pollution, energy use, and traffic congestion. - Manage the Waste
Proper waste segregation, recycling, and composting to reduce landfill use and prevent environmental pollution.
These are all about the Environment and Sustainable Development Class 12 Notes. If you have any doubts related to the above, you can either join my telegram channel or ask your doubts in the comments section.
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