Envil ent and

alstainable Development
THE CHAPTER(faqa
OF
Oelned
|asthe surm total of

EnviSurronment
roundingssignificanttotalty of our resoroes that
oments our
eandthe quality of life. is
and the
SUSanslife (ls life
possible with Sun, air as
and water? No is the affect
qualityofflife (Resources are
4erhances eused
for GDP definite answer)
25S/mlates waste (garbage generated growth),
and
sbsorbedbythe environment). through production and
RPn
themidst of environmental crises owing to: consurnption acivties s
sSSVeexploitationof the natural resources.
SceSSVegenerationnof waste (beyond the
absorption capacity of the
ethese preliminary
descriptions, the chapter
aplaton explosion,increasing industrialisation describes the causes of
environment),
Rtodes, pesticides and chemical
fertilizers (along with rapid
are urb anisatioenvi
n), ronment al crises
excessive use of
aOnmental crises. highlighted as some of the principal of causes
aly the strategies for sustainable
SOUTOes) are discussed. develstress
These strategies opmentupon(focusing
the
on rational
utilisation of natural
gy-minimising environmental degradation use of
non-conventional sOurces of
RTA
Question Answer Format of the Topic
[(aq a yA-3rf yas]
[Competency-based Learning through Descriptive Questions]
aurt Question Answers
Define environment. (1 mark, 10-20 words or one
sentence)
1.
EWhnvairtonaremenbit otic defined
tis as all
elements of
those conditions and their effects which intluence human life.
And living elements environment?
What are abis, oftoicrests, fisheries
anim al of environment incude all kinds of
living creatures like birds, plants
which impactthuman life.
physi c elements environment?
al
of
Minerals and all otherelements of environment include air, water. land, soil, climate, mountains,
resources which nature has provided to us as afree git.

Environment and Sustainable Development 383

 4. Define pollution.
Ans. Pollution refers tothose activities of production and consumption
&water and thereby pollute the environment.
5. Definedeforestation.
Ans. Deforestation occurs when trees are elled to meet the growing demand
whichehal enge purity
for wood
of a
forest products.
6. Define carrying capacity of environment.
and the
|CBSE 2020
Ans. Carrying capacity of environment refers to the state of balance (582/rat1)e: (58/4whi1 c
between the
resources are exploited and the rate at which these are regenerated. at
7. Define absorptive capacity of environment. |CBSE 2020
Ans. Absorptive capacity of environment refers to ability of the environment (t5o82/absorh
1); (5841Wastes
oCcurring due to production and consumption activities in the economy,
8. What is degradation of land?
Ans. Degradation of land means loss of fertility of land which occurs due to
land-management practices. inappropriate and-use on
9. What is ozone depletion?
Ans. Ozone depletion refers to reduction in ozone (a protective layer))iin the
owing to the excessive presenceof chlorine and bromine compounds. stratosphere. Thisoccurs
10. What is sustainable development?
Ans, Sustainable development refers to long period increase in GDP without
capacity of the future generations. reducing
production
I1. Define bio-composting. [CBSE 2020 (582/1); (58411
Ans. Bio-composting refers to the process of reus1ng the compost made from organic wastes of
different types. As a result of this process, earthwormscan convert organic matter into comes
faster than the normal composting process. This process is now being widely used.
20. Explain the relevance of inter-generational equity in the definition of sustainabike
development. [NCERT
Ans. Sustainabledevelopment is development that meets the needs of the present generation without
impairing/reducing the ability of future generationsto meet their ownneeds. This definiton of
sustainable development implies inter-generational equity which means equal opportuniües (o
grow and prosper) for the present and future generations.
SET-2
Short Question Answers (3-4 marks, 60-100 words)
1. How is environment important to us?
Ans. Environment is important to us due to the following reasons:
" Environment offers resources for production.
Environment sustains life.
Environment assimilates waste.
" Environment enhances quality of life.
2. State different types of environmental pollution.
Ans. Environmental pollution has three forms: ofairimplies
i
of life.
Pollution
Air Pollution: Air carries oxygen which is an essential element
pollution of an essential element of life. Accordingly, quality of life isimpaired.seriousisthe
More
e Water Pollution: Many states in India are on the brink of water famine.leads ttothediseases
problem of its pollution or contamination of water. Use of polluted water
like diarrhoea and hepatitis.
384 Xamidea Economics-XIl
 Pollution: Mechanisation has raised the level of noise pollution. Noise pollution has
Noise exponential growth, because nillions of vehicles fitted with loud horns and
e recordedan
noisc-generatingengines are plying onthe roads.
concept of environmental erisis.
Discuss the
Envionmental
crisis occurs when carrying capacity of the environment is exceeded through
& excessive exploitation of natural resources or when generation of wastes exceeds the
capacity of environment.
absorptive
Environmental crisis manifest themselves in the form of global warming. clmate change.
" depletion besides the depletion (or even extinction) of certain resources.
orone
seriousthreat to the :availability of production resources to the future generations.
a
e Itis todayis facing environmental crisis of unprecedented levels. Thereis huge pressture on
The world
environment on account of rising population and affluent consumption &production patterns.

Describethe concept of ozone depletion.

refers to reduction in ozone (a protective layer) in the stratosphere.
Ozone depletion
4.
Ans, owing to the excessive presence of chlorine and bromine
compounds, ike
This occurs
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) [used as cooling substances in air conditioners & refrigerators
(halons) [used in fire extinguishers].
and in aerosol propellants] and bromofluorocarbons
depletes, there is greater ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth which is a danger
As ozone
to living organisms.
depletion in ozone layer has been recorded which is an
e In the recent past, nearly 5per cent
issue of global concern.
land degradation in India.
5. Write the consequences of degradation in India are as these:
principal consequences of land
Ans. The person: merely 0.06 hectares contrasting with
Extrenmely low availability of forest-cover per
needs of the people.
0.47 hectares, required to cope with basic Because of which, India
occurring at an alarming rate of 5.3billion tonnes a year.
" Soil erosion is
nitrogen, 1.8 million tonnes of phosphorus and 26.3 million
is losing 0.8 million tonnes of India, each year
According to the estimates of Governmnent of
tonnes of potassiumevery year. 5.8 million tonnes to 8.4 million tonnes.
nutrients ranging from
the country loses endowment and
concept of sustainable development in the context of resource
D. Discuss the
environment. raising the
economic development which aims atgenerations,
development is the process of
b Sustainable without impairing the quality oflife of future
guaty of life of the present generation
environment.
and
With due respect to natural endowment accelerated in complete disregard to
the
of economic growth has
erecent past, the process
environment. Notably:
Tesource endowment and fertility.
" Diverse CTops grown onland have led to a fall in soil has ledto the depletion
extraction of crude oil
" Excessive mining of iron, coal, gold, silver and
of their stock.
and transport vehicles has ledto pollution
" Smoke and other injurious emissionsfrom factories
of environment.
has led to environmental degradation and
The competitive process of growth and development instead of
pollution to an alarming extent. use public transport
7. environmental synchronize traftic lights or
Justify why is it and
necessary to
solar panels for household consumption?
synchronized then the fuel
Ans. private transport develop lights are
all main traftic
This is save on energy. If lights canbe reduced.
necessary to
wasted by vehicles waiting on the traffic 385
Sustainable Development
Environment and
 " Similarly,if we consciously use public transportin place of
cycles and cars) then it saves fuel. Further, if solar pancs:are iprivate vehictoes (lke
of energy (heating, washing and cooling) we can save a lot of instafolssiedl
electricity.
8. *Recently Indians have drifted away from the traditional
large scale damage to environment." knowl edge and
fues usedse r,h
Explain how, adopting the traditional practices can be helpful in practicethes and caug
Ans.
sustainable development?
It is true that recently we have drifted from the traditional ICachi
BSEevin g chiec ve
caused large scale damage to the environment. knowledge andSmple Paber )h
" For instance: Traditional farm practices relied on the use
shifted to the use of chemical fertilizers. It has led to an organiC
of practices ant
pollution of water:. No doubt we have raised productivity. Butextensive use of manures.
not lorwagteer a6 wel
we should
has been a serious damage to the environment in terms of ()
(i) pollution of water. depletion of water tlvat thee
9. If the rate of resource extraction exceeds the rate of able, an
carrying capacity of the environment. regeneration, leads to
it
Discuss the rationale of the given statement with valid reasons. reductioni
uninterruptedly[CBSE Sample
Ans. The environment is able to perform its functions
for these functions is within the carrying capacity of the so long as Paper 202
environment. This the demarh
resources are not extracted beyond the rate of their regeneration.
" If there is a disequilibrium (demand being
means that the
more than
replenish itself and it will lead to environmental crisis. supply), the environment
fals
10. State four principal factors contributing to water
Ans. The four principal factors contributing to water pollutionin in India.
" Industrial waste (particularly of those
pollution India are as follows:
using chemicals as inputs) flows into the rivers.
" Domesticsewerage that flows into
streams and rivers.
" Agricultural run-off (mixed with
pesticides and insecticides) that runs into streams and rien
" Thermal power houses discharging ash mixed with water.
11. State the components of environment. Write any three
serious threats to India's enviroamel
caused by developmental activities of the
Ans.
Environment incudes two components: economy.
) Biotic (or living) components, viz., all kinds of living creaturesslike birds, plants and animak
forests, fisheries, etc., which impact human life.
(ii) Abiotic(or physical) components, viz., air, water, land, soil, climate, mountains, mineralsand
all other
resources which nature has provided to us as a free gilt.
Three seriousthreats to India's environment caused by
development activities o u
Degradationof resources through illegal mining.industrial waste driven intotherivers
Water pollution and loss of aquatic lifethrough
" Air pollution through
12. Why do
industrial emissions.
environmental
Ans. Environmental crisishighhave
crisis have high opportunity
opportunity costs?of the following reasons:
costs because sN
driedup
The unsustainable and
Fivers and aquifers, development
which has madepractices have polluted water bodies
thevital
resune

Intensive and extensive extraction ofwater an economic go0d.

exhausted some of
developae

and now, hugeamounts of resources has towards research and

to explore new finances need to be devoted

resources.
386 Xan idea
Economics-XI1
 has
of environment
Degradation,
increased the cost of
pollutionhave resulted
water increasing emissions
increased incidence of mai
in
f ntaining
respiratory
a
healthy lifestyle, air and
and
Creenhouse Gases and the threat of water borne diseases.
change,financial commitments of the
to

governments (around theunprecederi ted risen

Due
unprecedental
dimate leves rate of
costs of
globey have teo
how the
ixplain,
opportunity negative environmental impact are high.
s of negative environmental impact
costs
Opportunity
productioncapacity of future includetwo (NCERT)
principal elements:
Lossof
resourcesby the present
generation), and generations (owingto excessive exploitation of natural
Environmental pollution (in terms of air pollution, water
pollution and
Boththese elements of opportunity cost tend to assume exponential soundin the
growth pollution).
pursuit of
GDp growth. Consequently, the growth process itself
rapid massive set-back to the quality of life (in the becomes un-sustainable, besides
wake of
causing a .
opportunity cost of negative environmental impact is so high that it is environmental
being
pollution). The
emerging challenge of the growth process. considered as an
environmental crisis a recent phenomenon? If so, why?
IsYes, environmental crisis is essentialy a recent phenomenon. Following observations[NCERT]
may be
noted in this regard:
he risingpopulation of the developing countries and the affluent consumption &
tondards of the developed world have placeda huge stress on the environment. production
Dnid industrialisation has rapidly contributed to air, water and noise
smoke is a serious pollutant.
pollution. Industrial
Increasing urbanisation has caused pressure on housing and other civic amenities. It has
resulted in increasing demand for land and excessive exploitation of natural resources.
Increasing use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides has also led to environmental
pollution.
Alarge section of the Indian population is absolutely poor. These people cut trees for fuel
wood which they sellto earn their livelihood. This causes a massive erosion of natural capital.
3. Explain the supply-demand reversal of environmental
resources. [NCERT]
knvironmental degradation owes a oreat deal to supply-demand reversal of resources over a
Pralod of time. Prior to industrialisation, when the pace of life was slow, demmand for natural
resources did not exceed their
supply. As industrialisation progressed, there was asurge in
human wants. Accordingly, there has been an exponential growth in demand for natural
resources, leading to their overuse as well as misuse. Supply of resources has suffered areversal
irom
abundance to paucity. Demand, on the other hand, has reversed from manageable to
I5. unmanageable limits.
Highla'isghtenvironmental
Indi any two serious adverse
problems pose a consequences of development in
dichotomy-they
environmental are poverty induced and, at the same
India.
ime,
" due to affluence in [NCERT]
Two living standards-is this true?
(a) serious adverse
Air pollution dueenvironmental consequences development in India are as these:
of
(b) to industrial emissions.
"
Degrenvironmental
In(a)dia'sThese adatproblems
ion areproblems
of soil due to excessive
poverty pose
use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture.
dichotomy:
induced,
a , as poverty compels peopleto indulgein excessive
tree-fel ing
that contributes
(b) These problems are related totoo deforestation.
affluence of consumption,: as affluence leads to excessive
Waste (particularly e-waste) which is beyond the absorption capacity of the earth.

Development 387
Environment and Sustainable
 17. State and discuss any two environmental concerns faced by India in
the
Ans. Following are the two main environmental concerned faced by India in pr|CeBSE
sent timnes(5.8/421
2020
" Problem of Pollution: Pollution refers to those
activities
which challenge purity of air & water and thereby
the
pollute production present
of
emenging challenge in the context of gowth process, related the and It imes,
It emerges by way of: (a) Air pollution, (b) Wa
" Problem of Excessive Exploitation of Natural
Water
to
envi ro nment
iSecondndusNoitaspect
pollution, and (c))
Resources:
.
riaselisapoltioluntiocn.inonspuamrtipettaNr
problem relates to excessive exploitation of natural
resources degradation of
Excessive exploitation of natural resources lowers production or
of

SET-3
The growth process becomes unsustainable. capacity of
environmenta
future gerenseorEatciersn
Long Question Answers
(6
1. Define the concept of environment. Explain its functions.
Ans. Environment is defined as all those conditions and
marks, 100-150 wortsy
their
incudes: biotic (or living) components, viz., birds, plants &effects which
(or physical) components, viz., air, water, land, soil, climate, animnals. influence
forests, humanand ife. u
fisheries
Its main functions are as these: mountains, minerals. abioiC
(i) Environment includes physical resources (minerals, wood,
water, soil
resources are used as and others) which are
available to us as a free gift of nature. These
(ii) Environment includes sun, soil, water and air which inputs for
sustenance of human life. Absence of these elementss of
are essential production. ingredients for
(iii) Production and consumption environment
implies the
generate wastes. This occur mostly in theendformof lifeof
garbage. Environment absorbs activities
it.
(iv) Surroundings include rivers,
oceans, mountains and deserts. Man enjoys these
adding to the quality of his life. surroundings.
2. Explain the principal
Ans. Principal causes of causes of environmental crisis.
environmental crisis are as under:
" Pressure of population on
land has tremendously increased and
ruthlessly exploited. consequently land has ben
Alarge section of the poor
people cut
livelihood. This causes a massive erosion oftrees for fuel wood which they sell to earn te
natural capital ultimately leading to a crish
Increasing urbanisation has caused pressure
Tesulted in increasingdemand for land and on housing and other civic amenities.
Increasing use of chemical fertilizers, excessive
pesticides exploitaion of otherhas
and insecticides natural
als0 resadded to
environmental pollution.
Rapid industrialisation has also contributed to air, water and noise pollution. Industrial
smoke is a serious
pollutant.
Multiplicity of transport vehicles has substantially increased noise and air pollution.
3.What is degradation of
land?lOssWhich landin India?
Ans. Degradation of land means factors(orcontributing
of fertility loss of productivity)
to of land
degradation of which OCcursdueto
inappropriate land-use or land-management practices.
Folowing principal factors contributing to
(0) Excessive
grazing, leading to loss of
degradation of land in India:
(i) Erosion of soil
caused by vegetation.
tree-felling.
388 Xam idea
Economics- XIi
 ultivation,leadingto deforestation [when a plot of land loses its fertility, it is
shiftedtothe
cultivationis other plot of land).
ahandoned and loss of vegetation.
to
leading
conservation measures, leading to loss
tires, of soil fertility.
Firest
soilrotation,impairing soil-health.
tnxclequte

ndiscriminate
npropDer
cropuseof agro-chemials (fertilizers and pesticides) impairing soil-health.
Ecesieextractionof groundwater.lowering water table and challenging the productivity

oland amongthe concepts of economic growth, economic development and

difference
NGnable
the
development.
Lyplain

EconomicGrowth Economic Development Sustainable Development

long-term increase
(i) It refers to long-term) It refers to increase in real
sto
kreters income. increase in real per capita per capita income along with
a per
capita income along with equitable equitable distribution, both
inreal distribution for the present for the present and future
generation. generations.

generally used (i) It is generally used in the (ii) It is used for both developed
conceptis context of underdeveloped and
underdeveloped
Thisreterence to developed
with economies. economies.
cconomies.
distribution of ( ) It does not ignore distribution (ü) It does not ignore distribution
ignores of income. of income.
it
income.
of (v) It lays no special emphasis on (iv) It lays special emphasis on
) It ignores protection environmental protection. environmental protection.
environment.

for () It does not account for (u) It emphasises rational

e lt does not account the, exploitation of natural utilisation of natural capital
the exploitation of natural to safeguard the interests of
capital. capital.
future generations.
o) It does not account for (vi) It lays special stress on the (vi) It lays stress on social
structural, technical and structural. technical and awareness and soCial
institutional changes in the institutional changes in the responsibilities as Crucial
economy. economy. inputs of development over
longer periods of time.

kiplain the principal concerns of environmental degradation in India.

prncipal concerns of environmental degradation in India are as under:
Degradation of Land: Degradation of land means loss of fertility of land which occurs due
to inappropriate land-use or land-management practices. India is the habitat of 18 per cent
of the world's population, 20 per cent of the world's livestock population but covers only
2.5 per cent of the world's geographical area. This leads to an intensively competitive use of
land for the purpose of forestry, agriculture, human settlements and industries.
() Air
Pol lution: Air pollution occurs in the form of poisonous gases (carbon dioxide,
monoxide) in the air owing to activities of production and consumption. Pollution of air
in) mplies pollution of an essential element of life. Accordingly, quality of life isimpaired.
Water
human
water .
Pol l
lifeutio
and n andpollution is equally
its Management of serious. ILike air, water is an essential element of
Pollution
Freshwater: of water relates to contamination of
b)
Loss ofUse of polluted/contaminated water leads to diseases like diarrhoea and hepatitis.
degradatioBin odiversity:The deforestation
India.
population, changing land use pattern,
of land and ever increasing pressure of factors threatening biodiversity of
are the major

389
Environment and Sustainable Development
 (o) Solid Waste Management: The unplanned development of
township
led to the massive problem of waste management, Ittis estimated thatand
projected to increase from 64-72 million tonnes at present to 125
6. Why was Pollution Control Board set up in India? Explain its mil ion
Ans. In 1974,the Government of India set up the Central Pollutionfunctions. Onnes ty '2iy
major environmental concerns of India: air pollution and Control Board
water
Itbyantsanb
The major functions of aPollution Control Board are: pollution.
() Toinvestigate, collect and disseminate information relating to water, air
and
(0) To lay down the standards for sewage/trade efluent and emissions
(in) To prepare manuals, codes and guidelines for treatment and disposal of
effluent.
(iv) To provide technical assistance to the governments in prevention.
sewage and trad
water pollution and air pollution. abatement and Conitrole
(o) To carry out awareness campaigns through the help of mass media.
(vi) To carry out inspection of the industries under its jurisciction
to assess
treatment measures provided to treat the effluent and gaseous emissions. the adequacy of
7. Explain the strategies for sustainable development.
Ans. The main strategies for sustainable development are as under:
(i) Reliance on Non-conventional Sources of Energy: Most of the energy needs
met through thermal and hydro power plants. India should focus on of India ae
from solar energy and wind energy which are cleaner and greener Sources generating
sof energy. power
(ii) LPG, Gobar Gas in Rural Areas: Households inrural areas areecdependent on
sources of energy as fuel which has several adverse implications like
deforestanon-tion,Commer
in green cover, wastage of cattle dung and air pollution. The Government of Ind h
ca
reduction
initiated Ujwala Yojana, focused on providing subsidised LPG to women below DONem
In addition, gobar gas plants are being provided through easy loans and subsid.
(iüi) CNG in Urban Areas: The Delhi Transport Corporation is the world's largest publc
transport network running on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which has contributed
lowering of air pollution in the city.
(iv) Wind Power: Wind power can be harnessed without any adverse impact on the environnert.
Wind turbines move in the wind and generate electricity without harmful emisions.
() Biocomposting: The Government of India has taken a series of steps to promote ongankt
methods of farming under the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture. The use d
biofertilizers is also being promoted as a part of the scheme.
(vi) Biopest Control: The chemical pesticides contaminate food products, soil, water bodie
even groundwater. Efforts are being made to introduce biopest control. Several ypes o
controlling chemicals have been extracted from Neem and their use is being entou
pest-atack
Mixed cropping and crop-rotation are also being encouraged to minimise the
8. State giving valid reasons, whether the following statements are true or false:
(i) Global warming is a wake-up call to save environment.
(ii) Population explosion is the principal cause of environmental erisis. in
mindthe
(iüi) Sustainable development requires that resources are rationally used keeping
needs and means of future generations.
Ans. (i) True. Global Warmingisa wake-up calltosaveenvironment becauseitcausesconssie environment.
of
excessivelyexyplaited
in global temperature leading to loss of biotic and abiotic components
(ü) True. Due to the excessive pressure of population, resources
re
are being
ofthepresel
and irrationally utilised without caring for the social opportunity ost.needs "needs.
(im) True. Sustainable development is that process which fulflls the their
fulfl
generation without reducing the ability of the future generationsto
390 Xam idea Economics-XII
 Workbook[are-gfrGTI
[Competency-based Learning through
Objective Questions)

pprpriate
word/term and fill in the blank:
(Protection) Act was passed in the year
Environment

disease
ocCurs due to pollution. (1986/1987)
Hepatitis i
ignores distribution of income. (water/air)
t (Economic growth/Economic development
resources are available to us as a free gift of nature.
Orer-utilisation natural
of resources leadsto (Natural/Man-made)
of environment.
which is an essential element of life. (loss/gain)
6Air
carries
is linked toenvironmental protection. (oxygen/nitrogen)
(Economic growth/Sustainable development)
Environmental crisishave opportunity costs. (highAow)
fenvironment refers to ability of the environment to absorb wastes occurring
production and consumption activities in the economy.
dueto (Carrying capacity/Absorptive capacity)
when excessive smoke is emitted (than the permissible
Opportunitycost is
1L oi). because of the poor maintenance of the vehicles. (avoidable/unavoidable)

2
itijle Choice
Swse the correct option:
1. Environment includes:
(o) biotic elements only (b) abiotic elements only
() both biotic and abiotic elements (d) none of these
2 When was the Environment (Protection) Act passed?
() 1984 otes (b) 1986
(0) 1988 (d) 1990
3, Which of the following is an abiotic component of environment?
(a) Bacteria (b) Animal
(0) Humans (d) Minerals
4.
Non-
(a) are
(0) have
re newable
exhausted
resources are those resources which:
after use (b) are not
exhausted after use

5. unlimited supply (d) none of these

(a)Rcoeconomic
nomi c development
growth includes: economic welfare
(0 (b)
both (a) and (b) (d) none of
these

Development 391
Environment and Sustainable
 6. Sustainable development refers to
(a) long-term increase in real per capita income
(6)long-term increase in economic welfare
(c)increase in real per capita income along with equitable
future generations distribution both Sor the
(d) all of these
7. Central Pollution ControlBoard (CPCB) has identified pTes nt
medium industries as polluting industries.
(a) 15
() 19
(6) 17
(d) 13
catCRSegorE ies2070 (5W1
8. Which of the following is the strategy of sustainable development>
(a) Solar power through photovoltaic cells (b) CNG in urban
areas
0 Thaditional knowledge and practices (d) All of these
9. Which of the following is the principal cause behind the
(a) Population explosion environmental crisis?
(6) Widespread poverty
() Disregard for the civic norms (d) All of these
10. Which of the following is a reason for emission of Greenhouse Gases?
(@) Burning of coal and petroleum products (0) Deforestation
() Increase in cattle production (d) All of these
1l. Use of wood as a household fuel is an example of
of resources.
(a) overuse (6) underuse
(c) misuse (d) none of these
12. The principal concerns of environmental degradation in India does not
inchudex
(a) degradation of land (0) spike in biodiversity
(c) problem of solid waste management (d) air pollution
13. The Chipko movement was launched in
(a) Uttarakhand (b) Karnataka
() Jharkhand (d) None of these
14. The use of biofertilizers is being promoted as a part of scheme.
(a) National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
(6) National Mission on Agricultural Development
(c) National Mission on Environmental Protection
(d) None of these
15. Which of the following is the principal factor that contributes to the degradation of land:
(a) Afforestation (b) Crop rotation
(o) Indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals (d) None of these

SET-3
True or False

State whether the following statements are True or False: (lue

Fike
1. Environment includes both living and
non-living elements. (Truefilel
2. Sustainable development only refers to increase in per
capita incone (hue
fbel
for the present generation.
3. Air pollution occursonly in the urban areas.

392 Xam idea Economics--XI|

 industrialisationis one of the causes of environmental crisis.
(True/False)
emittedbytheindustries leads to environmental pollution.
Rapid

Renewableresources are those which cannot be replenished.

Smoke (True/False)
(True/False)
Deforestationis one ofthe principal elements of environmental degradation.
Government of India set up the Central Pollution Control Board.
(Irue/False)
Z 1976.the (True/False)
8. Povertyleadsto deforestation.
In
(True/False)
Improperplanning
and management of irrigation systemsimpair
9
productivity
10. ofland. (True/False)

tue-FalseAternatives
guestions (1-5), two statements are given. Read the statements carefully and
following choose the
the
h among those given below:
alternative
Alternatives:
Boththe statementS are true
(a)
statements are false
h Both the
Statement 11 is true and Statement 2 is false
Statement 2 is true and Statement l is false
Srotement 1 : Environment includes both biotic and abiotic elements.
Ciotement 2 : Physical elements do not affect our existence and quality of life.
2. Statement 1: Environmental crisis is a serious threat to the availability of production resources
for the future generations.
Statement 2 : There is huge pressure on the environment on account of rising population and
affluent consumption &production patterns.
3. Statement 1 : Demand of resources has suffered a reversal from abundance to paucity.
Statement 2 : Supply has reversed from manageable to unmanageable limits.
4. Statement 1: Increasing use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides has added to
environmental pollution.
Statement 2 : Multiplicity of transport vehicles has substantially increased noise and air pollution.
5. Statement 1: The Kyoto protocol has banned the use of CFC compounds.
Statement 2: Depletion of ozone layer allows greater ultraviolet radiations to reach the earth's
surface and is in turn a danger to living organisms.

SET-5
Choose the Correct Pair of Statements/Identify the Correct Sequence of Alternatives
1, From the set of statements given in Column I and Column II, choose the correct pair of
statements:
Column I Column II
A. Renewable resources (i) Fossil fuels
B. Central Pollution
Control Board (i) Set-up in 1974
C. Misuse of
D. Poverty
resources (ii) Environmental pollution
(iv) Principal cause of environmental degradation
in urban areas

Environment and Sustainable Development

 Alternatives:
(a) A--0) (b) B-(i)
(c) C-im) (d) D-(iv)
2. Identify the correct sequence of alternatives given in Column II
respective items in Column I: by
Column I
matching hem ih
A. Absorptive capacity of environment (i) Cause of
Column II
emission of
B. Ozone depletion
C. Deforestation
(ü) Environment-friendly
(iii) A reduction
in
Gre nhouse Gases
stratosphere
(iv) Ability off the
protective layer in the
D. Mini-hydel plants
Alternatives:
environment to absorb wastes
(a) A-(io), B--0). C-(), D-(0) (b) A-(), B-(i),
(c) A-(io), B-(m), C-0), D-(i)
C-iv),
(d) A-(m), B-(), Civ), D)
D-)
SET-6
Assertion and Reasoning
In the following questions (1-5), a statement of Assertion (A) isfollowed by a statement of Rensomin
Choose the correct alternative among those given belouw:
Alternatives:
(a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are trueand Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion Al
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is not the correct
explanation af
Assertion (A)
(c) Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false
(d) Assertion (A) is false but Reason (R) is true
1. Assertion (A) : Economic crisis occurs when carrying capacity of the environment is challngei
Reason (R): This happens when waste generation is below the absorptive capacity of tie
environment.
2. Assertion (A) : Reduction in poverty leads to environmental degradation.
: Misuse of resources or diversion of resources into wrong use is the outcome of
Reason (R)
poverty.
3. Assertion (A) : Air carries oxygen which is an essential element of life.
Reason (R) : Pollution of air implies pollution of an essential element of life. lnda
biodiversiy of
4. Assertion (A) : Increasing population is one of the major factors threatening massiveproblems
Reason (R) : Planned development of township and urbanisation has ledtIto
of waste management.
5. Assertion (A): Appiko movement was launched in Uttarakhand.
Reason (R) : It was inspired by the Chipko movement.

ANSWERS
SET-1 5.loss
avoidable
1. 1986 2. water 3. Economic growth 4. Natural 10.
6. oxygen 7. Sustainable development 8. high capacity
9. Absorptive
394 Xam idea Economics->X|
 2.(6) 3. (d) 4. (a) 5.(c) 6. (c) 10.d)
SET2
7. (6) 8.(d) 9. (d)
13. (a) 14. (a) 15.(c)
12.(6)
()
11.
SET3
2. False 3. False 4. True 5. True 6. False 7.True 8. False
1 .Tiue 9, True 10. True

SET-4
2.(a) 3. (0) 4. (a) 5.(d)
1.( )

SET-5
2. (c)
1.(0)

SET-6
2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5.(d)
1.( )

SET-7
Reason
Liners:Answer with
One
Jhe following statementscarefully. Write "True' or False' with a reason.
L. Environmental degradation owes a great deal to supply-demand reversal of resources over time.
Ans. True. Because it is the supply-demand reversal of resources (in terms of escalating demand and
Awindling supplies) that the natural resources are excessively exploited, leading to environmental
degradation.
9 In India, population control can go a long way in combating environmental degradation.
Ans. True. Because excessive pressure on land has led to massive deforestation.
3. Environment not only saves life, it also enhances the quality of life.
Ans True. Environment saves life as it is a source of sustenance for life. It enhances the quality of life
as biotic and abiotic components of environment are a source of joy and
pleasure.
4. There is no difference between renewable resources and
non-renewable resources.
Ans. False. Renewable resources are different from non-renewable
resources. Renewable resources
are those which are not likely to get exhausted or depleted on use. Whereas,
resources are those which are likely to be exhausted or depleted on use.
non-renewable
5. Deforestation is adirect consequence of industrialisation.
Ans. True. Industrialisation leads to urbanisation and
urbanisation causes deforestation.
b. Civilisation rises with urbanisation but
environment suffers degradation.
rue. Civilisation rises with urbanisation but environment suffers degradation because
with
urbanisation, forest land has been converted into townships.
1. Spread of
public meanssoftransport can go along way in combating environmental degradation
in India.
Ans. True.
Spread of public means of transportation like Metro-Rail, will cut private traffic in and
around the
8. metro cities. Accordingly, air and noise pollution is expected to fall.
Ans, SustainSustainable
True. able development requires the reliance on non-conventional sources of energy.
that there is no development requires the reliance on non-conventional sources of energy so
adverse impact on environment.

Environment and Sustainable Development 395

 PARTC DATA/PICTURE BASED AND CASE-STUDY
BASED
1.
RESPONSE
SUSTAINABILITY
On the basis of the above image answer the followingquestion:
Which of the following will contribute towards maintenance of
isustainable
(a)Conservation of resources
(c) Reduction in C0, emissions
Ans. (d) Both (a) and (c).
(b) Traffic congestion
(d) Both (a) and (c) development
2. Long-term
pattern of
decision Technological
making
devlopment
06

01
Utilitarian Rapidly
attitude
towards the Environmental increasing
human
Crisis
environment
population

03
The emegence Dramatic
and development increase in
of the capitalist resource and
world economy energy production

On the basis of the above image answer the following question:

Which of the following leads to an environmental crisis?
(a) Long-term pattern of decision-making
(b) Dramatic increase in resource and energy production
(c) Rapidly increasing human population
(d) Both (a) and (c)
Ans. (c) Rapidly increasing human population.
3.
Preventing Climate Change
1. Reduce 4. Low carbon
emissions diet

2. Using AC 5. Take action to

save forests

(3. Implement the 6. Demand

3-sustainability 'Rs' Rucyche
sustainable
resources

396 Xam idea Economics-X|

 the
given image and elaborate upon the concept of
global warming. Also identify
Analyse
oftthe above listed factors do not contribute towards controlling global warming.
which sa situation of gradual but consistent increase in global temperature, due to
Global warming is
e environmental pollutionand deforestation.
Ans.

to
emission of Greenhouse Gases (carbon dioxide in particular, along with methane
Owing
andother such gases), the earth's surface is becoming increasingly warmer.
e

The major reasons for emission of Greenhouse Gases are:

e of coal| and petroleum products (emitting CO, methane, nitrous oxide).
(0) Burning
Deforestation leading to increase in the amount of CO, in the atmosphere, and
()
Increased cattle production (leading to deforestation) and animal waste (indirectly
(im)
increasing CO,) 1s a source of methane.
temperature is escalating the melt of polar ice, in turn,implying a rise in sea level.
e Warming
Consequently,, ecological balance is impaired, inflicting greater incidence of natural calamities.
e does not contribute towards controlling global warming.
Using AC(air conditioners)
e
Readthe following information carefully and answer the questions (i)-(ii) on the basis of the
4.
same:
responsible for many health problemsin the urban areas. Of late,the air pollution
Air pollution is undergone many changes in terms of the levels of pollutants and the control
sin Delhi has
sta s taken to reduce them. This paper provides an evidence-based insight into the status
urban air
fair Dollution in Delhi and its effects on health and control measures instituted. The
latabase released by the World Health Organization in September 2011 reported that Delhi has
ovceeded the maximum PM10 limit by almost 10-times at 198 ug/m. Vehicular emissions and
industrial activities were found to be associated with indoor as well as outdoor air pollution in
Delbi. Studies on air pollution and mortality from Delhi found that all-natural-cause mortality
and morbidity increased with increased air pollution. Delhi has taken several steps to reduce the
level of air pollution in the city during the last 10 years. However, more still needs to be done to
further reduce the levels of air pollution.
-Rizwan, 2013

(i) What is meant by air pollution? Why is it harmful?

Ans. Air pollution refers to the contamination of air due to presence of substances in the
atmosphere that are harmful to the health of humans and other living beings, or cause
damage to the climate or to materials.
" It occurs in the form of poisonous gases (carbon dioxide, monoxide) in the air owing to
activities of production and consumption.
" Air carries oxygen which is an essential element of life. Pollution of air implies pollution
of an essential element of life. Accordingly, quality of life is impaired.
(ü) State the principal factors contributing to air pollution in India.
Ans. Following are the principal factors contributing to air pollution in India:
(a) Vehicular Emissions is the principal factor contributing to air pollution in India. Motor
vehicles in India have increased from about 3 lakh in 1951 to 23 crore in 2016. Vehicles
of private transport (two-wheelers and cars only) constitute about 85 per cent of the total
number of registered vehicles (in 2016); and thus, contribute significantly to total air
pollution.
(0) Smoke emitted by the industries, particularly coal industries and poisonous gases
emitted by plastic and leather industries (in the process of chemical treatment of
materials) has led to an increase in the levels of air pollution, along with other problems
Such as unplanned urbanisation.

Environment and Sustainable Development 397

 CBSE TOPPER'S ANSWER
crisis and its impact on
1. Statethe meaning of Environmental
resources.
[CBSE 2022
Ans.
Enviìronmsntal
enironment is
rises
not
cefers acityaon oh (58|3/3), Term-t
Leunction n s u s t i n n c e f t e e The ta
and immease pcesea and hurden
Laaying Caaiy
Environmen tal erisis inmpats ther esouees
Lt ieads to where

they oue replenished fhan

and etensìve
2. The inten sive
non- rene wable resorges
extraaio
teads
n
okoth
+o exhaustono
ome resoyrcea
incre ees ed amont Onechnol04y
recearchto
theresources esplaiked and their reser veg ue
depleted due misuse

Hence environmenta euisis qeneally isR o0k of

aceesing-papuasion of developi ngctaca
consumption Stndads of developed natios
4eaeaatiaa
leading
to palltioo
relourLe deple iba
[CBSE 2020 (5823])
2. Define carrying capacity of environment.
Ans.
9aÀging apaciby onvionmeat meand th
aying capat enuinnt
enwimment assimilate
wthtand the extcien entathos

shoud not exreed

wastgened hol be

the enwionmest

398 Xam idea Economics-XII