Class 12 Economics (Indian Economic Development) Chapter 7 Environment and Sustainable Development

Key Concept: Environmental Crisis

a) Excessive fishing depleting fish populations faster than they can reproduce

[Solution Description] An environmental crisis occurs when resource extraction exceeds regeneration and waste generation exceeds the environment’s absorptive capacity, leading to imbalance.

Key Concept: Historical Context

c) 149%

[Solution Description] Since 1750, the atmospheric concentration of methane has increased by 149%. This is based on historical data concerning the rise in greenhouse gases.

Key Concept: Protocol Awareness

d) Montreal Protocol

[Solution Description] The Montreal Protocol is the international agreement aimed at phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances like CFCs and halons. This treaty has been successful in reducing the amount of these substances in the atmosphere.

Key Concept: Environmental Impact

d) They have minimal land use change

[Solution Description] Mini-hydel plants are considered environment-friendly because they cause minimal change in land use patterns, making them suitable for regions without significant habitat disturbance.

Key Concept: Pollution-Free Technology

c) They do not emit pollutants

[Solution Description] Photovoltaic cells are considered environmentally friendly because they do not emit any pollutants during electricity generation, as they convert sunlight directly into electrical energy without combustion.

Key Concept: Key Concepts

d) Wind Power

[Solution Description]

A renewable source of energy can be replenished naturally over time. Among the given options, the focus should be on sources like wind power and solar energy which are sustainable.

Key Concept: Pollution Types

d) Water pollution

[Solution Description] Water pollution occurs when harmful substances are introduced into water bodies. These pollutants can originate from industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, or urban runoff, which introduce toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and other contaminants into rivers, lakes, and oceans. This leads to severe effects on aquatic ecosystems, harming fish and other marine organisms.

Key Concept: Protocols and Agreements

d) Montreal Protocol

[Solution Description] The Montreal Protocol, adopted in 1987, is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances responsible for ozone depletion.

Key Concept: Compound Sources

c) Fire suppression systems

[Solution Description]

Halons are chemicals used primarily in fire extinguishing systems due to their ability to rapidly suppress fires. They contain bromine, which is highly effective at depleting the ozone layer. Among the given options, fire suppression systems are the most common source of halons.

Key Concept: Definition Recall

b) A gradual increase in Earth’s average temperature

[Solution Description] Global warming is the gradual increase in Earth’s average temperature due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere. This rise in temperature leads to various environmental changes.

Key Concept: Resource Distribution

d) It enables balanced allocation of resources for present and future needs.

[Solution Description] Efficient resource distribution ensures equitable access to resources, which helps in meeting the needs of present and future generations. It prevents over-exploitation of resources and promotes their conservation.

Key Concept: Environmental Dichotomy

c) Affluence and industrial growth

[Solution Description]

India’s environmental issues are described as a dichotomy between poverty-induced degradation and pollution from affluence and industrial growth. While factors like urbanization may exacerbate environmental issues, it is specifically the pollution resulting from higher consumption patterns and industrial activities that forms the dichotomy with poverty-induced issues.

Key Concept: Basic Definition

b) To control water and air pollution

[Solution Description] The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) primarily focuses on controlling pollution levels through various measures such as setting standards for pollutants, monitoring air and water quality, and providing technical assistance.

Key Concept: Developmental Pressure

c) Over-extraction and depletion of groundwater resources

[Solution Description] Developmental activities, especially rapid urbanization, industrialization, and infrastructure development, have led to significant pressures on India’s natural resources. One prominent impact is the over-extraction and depletion of groundwater resources due to increased demand for agricultural, industrial, and domestic usage. Additionally, forests have been cleared for construction purposes, leading to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.

Key Concept: Basic Definition

c) Generating electricity

[Solution Description] Wind power is primarily a renewable energy source utilized for generating electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of moving air into mechanical energy, which is then transformed into electrical energy.

Key Concept: Concept Application

c) Continuous discharge of untreated industrial effluents

[Solution Description] Exceeding the assimilative capacity of a river involves introducing more waste than the river can naturally break down or dilute without harming its ecosystem. A scenario where industrial effluents, containing pollutants beyond natural levels, are continuously discharged into the river would be most likely to exceed this capacity. When industries release large amounts of untreated chemical wastes, it typically exceeds what the natural environment can manage.

Key Concept: Basic Concepts

c) To maintain a balance between resource use and conservation

[Solution Description] The primary goal of sustainable development is to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This involves balancing economic, social, and environmental objectives.

Key Concept: Resource Identification

a) Black soil

[Solution Description] Black soil, also known as “Regur soil,” retains moisture and is rich in nutrients essential for cotton growth, making it ideal for cotton cultivation.

Key Concept: Cause and Effect

b) By deforestation and increasing soil erosion

[Solution Description] Industrial growth often leads to deforestation for acquiring more land, which reduces the fertility of the soil over time. The construction and mining activities also lead to soil erosion, resulting in land degradation.

Key Concept: Pollution Monitoring

b) Through regular inspections and sampling

[Solution Description] State Pollution Control Boards usually employ several techniques to monitor water pollution, including sampling effluents discharged by industries and analyzing them for compliance with prescribed standards. Regular inspections and assessments of industrial waste discharge help in maintaining control over water pollution.

Key Concept: Basic Definition

c) To meet present needs without harming future generation’s abilities

[Solution Description]

The primary goal of sustainable development is to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This involves balancing different aspects such as environmental protection, economic growth, and social equity.

Key Concept: Resource Classification

c) Trees

[Solution Description] Renewable resources can replenish naturally over time. Trees are an example of a renewable resource because they can grow back through natural processes, unlike coal, petroleum, or iron-ore which take millions of years to form.

Key Concept: Land Use Pressure

c) Agriculture

[Solution Description] Agriculture exerts the most pressure on India’s land resources due to its vast area requirements for food production, which directly competes with other uses such as forestry, pastures, and human settlements.

Key Concept: Concept Understanding

c) To maintain ecological balance and ensure resource viability for future generations

[Solution Description] Limiting pollution is crucial as per Herman Daly’s principles because it helps correct adverse impacts on ecological systems, ensuring that natural resources remain viable for future generations.

Key Concept: Functions of CPCB

b) Monitoring air and water quality

[Solution Description] The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is primarily responsible for monitoring air and water quality, setting standards related to pollution control, and providing technical assistance to state boards. It plays a crucial role in standardizing measures for pollution control across various sectors.

Key Concept: Definition Recall

b) To enhance soil fertility using organic materials

[Solution Description] The primary purpose of biocomposting is to decompose organic material using natural organisms, resulting in nutrient-rich compost which serves as a soil conditioner and fertilizer alternative.

Key Concept: Photovoltaic Cells

b) Pollution-free energy

[Solution Description] The main benefit of photovoltaic cells in remote areas is their ability to provide electricity without relying on traditional power grids, which can be costly and challenging to extend into such locations. Additionally, they generate pollution-free energy, making them an environmentally friendly option.

Key Concept: Critical Analysis, Scenario Prediction

a) It leads to an increase in healthcare costs due to more frequent diseases related to pollution.

[Solution Description]

Exceeding the environment’s absorptive capacity implies that waste products are not properly assimilated and can accumulate, leading to increased air and water pollution. In densely populated urban areas, this is especially critical as it results in higher exposure of individuals to pollutants, increasing health risks. The long-term effects include respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and other health issues due to degraded air quality and contaminated water sources.

Key Concept: Basic Definition

d) Preserving resources for future generations

[Solution Description] Intergenerational equity implies ensuring that the present generation uses resources responsibly so future generations can benefit from them as well. It highlights the moral responsibility to preserve the environment for those who come after us.

Key Concept: Basic Definition

b) Methane

[Solution Description] CNG stands for Compressed Natural Gas, and it is mainly composed of methane $CH_4.$ Methane is the primary component, making up 70-90% of natural gas.

Key Concept: Effects of Ozone Depletion

d) Increased skin cancer in humans

[Solution Description] Increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the Earth’s surface due to ozone depletion can lead to a higher incidence of skin cancer in humans, along with other health issues like cataracts and immune system suppression.

Key Concept: Basic Concepts

b) To educate the public about environmental conservation

[Solution Description] Community awareness programs aim to educate and inform the public about issues, often related to social, environmental, or health topics. One primary objective is educating people about environmental conservation.

Key Concept: Resource Depletion

c) Resources become depleted

[Solution Description] When the environment’s carrying capacity is exceeded, it means that the rate of resource consumption and waste generation exceeds the environment’s ability to regenerate resources and assimilate waste. This leads to depletion of available resources as they are consumed faster than they can be replenished, resulting in scarcity and environmental degradation.

Key Concept: Resource Distribution

d) Jharkhand

[Solution Description] The major coal reserves in India are predominantly found in the eastern parts of the country. Jharkhand, a state situated in Eastern India, has some of the largest and richest deposits of coal in the country. Therefore, Jharkhand is well-known for its substantial coal reserves.

Key Concept: Concept Application

b) Developing a national park to attract tourists while preserving natural beauty

[Solution Description]

Aesthetic services, which include features like scenic landscapes and natural beauty, improve quality of life and encourage tourism. This in turn supports local economies and sustainability efforts. Thus, a scenario where aesthetic services attract tourists and promote eco-friendly practices aligns with enhancing sustainable development.

Key Concept: Resource Types

c) Oil

[Solution Description] Non-renewable resources are those resources that do not replenish quickly enough to keep up with use, such as fossil fuels, minerals, etc. Oil, a fossil fuel, is a non-renewable resource because it forms over millions of years and cannot be replenished on a human timescale.

Key Concept: Sustainable Development

a) True

[Solution Description] The concept of sustainable development involves ensuring that current development does not harm the prospects of future generations. This means using resources wisely and maintaining ecological balance so that future needs can be met.

Key Concept: Basic Definition

b) To monitor and regulate air and water quality

[Solution Description] The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) primarily focuses on regulating and monitoring air and water quality standards, as well as controlling pollution sources to protect public health and the environment.

Key Concept: Basic Definition

b) Cutting down trees

[Solution Description] Deforestation is primarily defined as the action of clearing a wide area of trees, which involves cutting down trees.

Key Concept: Method Evaluation

b) Mixed cropping provides natural pest control and enhances soil health

[Solution Description] Mixed cropping involves growing two or more crops together which can lead to efficient use of resources and natural pest control, reducing the dependency on chemical inputs. It enhances soil fertility naturally and contributes to sustainable agricultural practices as opposed to relying solely on chemical fertilizers, which may degrade the soil over time.

Key Concept: Environmental Impact

c) They minimize land use change

[Solution Description] Mini-hydel projects are considered environment-friendly because they require minimal change in land use. This means there is less disruption to local ecosystems and fewer greenhouse gas emissions during construction compared to larger hydropower installations.

Key Concept: Basic Definition

b) Use of organic waste to create compost

[Solution Description]

Biocomposting is the process of using organic waste to create compost, with faster conversion facilitated by earthworms.

Key Concept: Solar Energy Conversion

d) They produce electricity without pollution.

[Solution Description] Photovoltaic cells convert solar energy into electricity without emitting pollutants, making them environmentally friendly.

Key Concept: Conservation Goals

b) Conservation of natural assets

[Solution Description] One of the key objectives of sustainable development is to conserve natural assets such as air, water, soil, flora, and fauna while preserving ecological systems.

Key Concept: Comparative Analysis

b) Vehicular emissions

[Solution Description]

In urban areas, vehicular emissions tend to be a more significant contributor to air pollution compared to industrial emissions because vehicles are widespread and continuously active on roads, leading to constant emission of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.

Key Concept: Environmental Impact

b) Deforestation

[Solution Description] Deforestation is a predominant cause of biodiversity loss as it leads to the destruction of habitats for numerous species. This activity directly impacts flora and fauna, leading to extinction risks and ecosystem imbalances.

Key Concept: Basic Definition

d) Rock

[Solution Description] Abiotic components are non-living parts of the environment. These include elements that do not have life, such as air, water, land, rocks, and sunlight.

Key Concept: Basic Concepts

c) To maintain ecological balance for future generations

[Solution Description] The primary goal of sustainable development is to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It focuses on achieving a balance between environmental protection, economic growth, and social well-being.

Key Concept: Comparative Analysis

c) Edward Barbier highlights material standards of living for the poor, while the Brundtland Commission focuses on not compromising future generations’ ability to meet their needs.

[Solution Description] The Brundtland Commission’s definition emphasizes meeting current needs without hindering future generations, while Edward Barbier focuses on improving material living standards for the poor. Therefore, Barbier’s approach integrates economic development with social equity concerns.

Key Concept: Environmental Functions

a) Supplies resources

[Solution Description] The functions of the environment include supplying resources, waste assimilation, biodiversity provision, and aesthetic services. These functions are crucial for maintaining ecological balance.

Key Concept: Cause and Effect

a) By decreasing genetic diversity within populations

[Solution Description] Habitat fragmentation involves the breaking up of continuous habitats into smaller, isolated patches. This process limits the movement of species between these fragments, resulting in a reduction in genetic diversity and making populations more vulnerable to environmental changes or threats.

Key Concept: Comparative Analysis

c) Indo-Gangetic Plains

[Solution Description]

The Punjab region in India has been facing significant issues with groundwater over-extraction due to intensive agricultural practices, especially rice and wheat cultivation that require large amounts of water.

Key Concept: Basic Recall

b) 15,000

[Solution Description] India is known to have a total of approximately 15,000 plant species that possess medicinal properties.

Key Concept: Cause and Effect

b) Soil erosion

[Solution Description]

Deforestation leads to various environmental impacts, including soil erosion. When trees are removed, there is less vegetation to hold the soil together, increasing the risk of soil erosion due to wind and water.

Key Concept: Basic Causes

c) Deforestation

[Solution Description] Deforestation leads to soil erosion and loss of fertile topsoil, contributing significantly to land degradation.

Key Concept: Environmental Functions

b) Sustains life

[Solution Description] One of the fundamental functions of the environment is to sustain life by providing necessary elements such as air, water, and nutrients needed for survival.

Key Concept: Resource Classification

c) Trees

[Solution Description] Renewable resources are those that can be replenished naturally over time without getting depleted. From the options provided, “Trees” are considered renewable because they can regrow and sustain themselves if managed properly.

Key Concept: Policy Understanding

c) Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from industrialized nations

[Solution Description] The Kyoto Protocol aimed primarily at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases to combat global warming. It set binding emission reduction targets for developed countries based on their historical contributions to the accumulation of these gases. By focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Kyoto Protocol sought to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable practices globally.

Key Concept: Role of Control Board

c) Monitoring water quality

[Solution Description] The Central Pollution Control Board plays a vital role in monitoring water quality and implementing measures to control pollution levels in accordance with environmental regulations.

Key Concept: Basic Application

b) By employing natural predators and plant extracts.

[Solution Description] Biopest control reduces chemical contamination by utilizing natural predators and plant-based pesticides. These eco-friendly alternatives minimize the reliance on synthetic chemicals, thereby reducing harmful residues in the environment.

Key Concept: Basic Definition

c) To minimize environmental problems

[Solution Description] The primary goal of sustainable development is to minimize environmental problems while promoting economic growth, ensuring that resources are available for future generations.

Key Concept: Renewable vs Non-renewable

c) Forests

[Solution Description] Forests are renewable resources as they can regrow through natural processes if managed sustainably.

Key Concept: Environmental Capacity

a) Ability to absorb degradation

[Solution Description]

The absorptive capacity of the environment refers to its ability to absorb and assimilate pollutants without sustaining damage or degrading.

Key Concept: Subsidy and Loans

b) By providing easy loans and subsidies

[Solution Description] The government promotes gobar gas plants through subsidies and easy loans to make them more accessible for rural communities.

Key Concept: Basic Definition

c) To reduce the use of chemical pesticides

[Solution Description] Biopest control aims to reduce the use of harmful chemical pesticides by using natural methods such as biological agents or plant-based substances. The primary goal is to minimize the negative impact on the environment and human health while effectively controlling pest populations.

Key Concept: Technological Efficiency

c) By enhancing input efficiency and reducing waste

[Solution Description] Technological progress should focus on increasing input efficiency, which means using fewer resources to achieve the same output. This approach minimizes wastage and promotes sustainable use of natural resources.

Key Concept: Resource Impact

a) Trees

[Solution Description] Excessive extraction of trees can lead to deforestation, which in turn may result in soil erosion due to the lack of plant roots to hold the soil in place.

Key Concept: Basic Role

c) To regulate industrial emissions

[Solution Description] The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) plays a crucial role in regulating industrial emissions to control pollution levels. Among its several responsibilities, regulating industrial emissions stands out as a key function.

Key Concept: Basic Concepts

b) Faster composting process

[Solution Description] Earthworms increase the decomposition rate by breaking down organic material and improving soil structure, thus speeding up the composting process.

Key Concept: Definition Recall

c) The ability of the environment to absorb degradation

[Solution Description] The definition of absorptive capacity is the ability of the environment to absorb degradation without leading to harm.