Tutor Marked Assignment

AECC on Environment Studies

Course Code: BEVAE-181
Assignment Code: BEVAE-181/TMA/2021-2022
Maximum Marks: 100
Note: Attempt all questions. The marks for each question are indicated against it.
PART-A
1. “Sustainable development is an ideal goal towards which all human societies need to be (8)
moving” Justify the statement in about 250 words

2. Differentiate between the following terms by giving suitable examples in about 125 (4x2=8)
words each:
(a) Genetic and species diversity
(b) Direct and indirect use value of biodiversity
3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each. (5x4=20)
(a) What is biodiversity hotspot? Why is India considered as a mega biodiversity hotspot?
(b) Describe the life forms of aquatic ecosystem found in different zones with suitable
examples and diagrams.
(c) Differentiate between the surface and ground water. Describe the factors responsible
for degradation of water.
(d) Write a short note on nitrogen cycle with the help of a diagram.
4. Why is there a need for participatory forest management? How does Forest Right Act,
2006 helps tribal and forest dwellers? Explain with suitable examples in about 200 words. (7)

5. Critically evaluate non-polluting energy systems in India. Elucidate your answer with
suitable examples in about 200 words. (7)

PART-B
6. Explain the following terms in about 60 words each: (2x4=8)
(a) Environmental Justice
(b) Agenda 21
(c) Greenhouse Effect
(d) Climate change
7. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each. (5x4=20)
(a) Explain any four impacts of improper waste disposal with suitable examples.
(b) What is Ozone Layer Depletion? Describe its effects.
(c) Describe the role of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as an institution for
monitoring the pollution levels of environment.
(d) How do collective actions help in addressing environmental issues and concerns?
Explain.
8. “Protected areas play a very important role in in-situ conservation of species.” Elucidate
the statement with respect to present day context in about 200 words. (7)

9. ‘Polluted water is a threat to our health and survival of life forms” Explain it with respect
to different agents of water pollutants in about 200 words. (7)

10. How do natural disasters as floods and cyclones adversely affect the lives and properties?
Explain your answer with suitable examples in about 250 words. (8)
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ASSIGNMENT SOLUTIONS GUIDE (2021-22)

BEVAE-181: Environmental Studies

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Disclaimer/Special Note: These are just the sample of the Answers/Solutions to some of the Questions
given in the Assignments. These Sample Answers/Solutions are prepared by Private
Teacher/Tutors/Authors for the help and guidance of the student to get an idea of how he/she can

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answer the Questions given the Assignments. We do not claim 100% accuracy of these sample
answers as these are based on the knowledge and capability of Private Teacher/Tutor. Sample
answers may be seen as the Guide/Help for the reference to prepare the answers of the Questions
given in the assignment. As these solutions and answers are prepared by the private teacher/tutor so

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the chances of error or mistake cannot be denied. Any Omission or Error is highly regretted though
every care has been taken while preparing these Sample Answers/Solutions. Please consult your own
Teacher/Tutor before you prepare a Particular Answer and for up-to-date and exact information, data

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and solution. Student should must read and refer the official study material provided by the
university.
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PART-A
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Q1. “Sustainable development is an ideal goal towards which all human societies need to be
moving” Justify the statement in about 250 words.
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Ans.
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Q2. Differentiate between the following terms by giving suitable examples in about 125 words
each:
(a) Genetic and species diversity
Ans. The variety of life forms of a particular area are referred to as biodiversity. The diversity of our
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biosphere ranges from macromolecules of a cell to different biomes. Genetic diversity, species
diversity, and ecological diversity are three types of biodiversity. The main difference between
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genetic diversity and species diversity is that genetic diversity is the differences of DNA among
individuals of a particular species whereas species diversity is the variety of species in a particular
region. Ecological diversity is the variety of ecosystems in a particular area. In order to conserve the
biodiversity, the ecosystems and habitats should be protected.
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Genetic Diversity: Genetic diversity refers to the diversity of genes within a species. Therefore, it

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represents a variety of genes within a species. The basic unit of life on earth is the gene. Gene is
responsible for all of the characteristics, both the similarities and the differences between organisms.
The individuals of each species comprise their own specific genetic composition. Each population of
the same species also contain different genetic compositions. Therefore, in order to conserve the
genetic diversity, each different population of the species should be conserved. If a single species is

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lost from an ecosystem, substantial genetic resources also lost from the ecosystem. For example in
Australia, the Tasmanian tiger, which is one of the species of dasyurid has lost forever.
Species Diversity: Species diversity refers to the vast numbers of different species in a particular area.

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Based on the similarities, species can be grouped into families. Some of the species or the families are
endemic to a particular area. 99% of the animal species are invertebrate species. This includes insects,
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crabs, worms, snails, seastars, and corals. Insects serve as pollinators, scavengers, and recyclers of
nutrients in ecosystems.
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Some of the habitats consist of many species while the other consist of less number of species.
Rainforests and coral reefs are rich in species diversity whereas salt flats and polluted stream are poor
in species diversity.
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(b) Direct and indirect use value of biodiversity

Ans. Biodiversity is the difference between living organisms from various sources, including
terrestrial, marine and desert habitats, and the ecological complexes of which they are part. The
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richness and variety of life on earth are defined by biodiversity. It is our planet’s most dynamic and
important feature. Life will not be sustainable without biodiversity.
Direct values: Plants are an immediate incentive to sustainability since they are the main advantage
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of supplying food that can legally be harvested and spent.

In terms of the fact that for a considerable period of time, forest has produced wood that is used as
fuel that is used for gas, fire, heating, as well as other mechanical processes.
Considering the fact that traditional medicinal practises use plants, drugs and medications are an
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immediate incentive to biodiversity.

In view of the fact that fuel is an immediate incentive for biodiversity for a substantial period of time
Indirect values: In view of the fact that multiple plants and animals are seen as holy and sacred and
are cherished and respected in some rigid nations, cultural and traditional beliefs are an aberrant
incentive for biodiversity.
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Ethical principles are a backhanded encouragement to its biodiversity as it associates with

biodiversity conservation where the moral dilemma of ‘all living things must be protected’ is
enhanced.
Aesthetic values are an abnormal motivation for biodiversity as distinctive scenes at undisturbed
spots are excellent to watch and provide options for leisure exercises that advance the eco-travel
industry that further develops zoological nurseries, national parks, structuring.

Q3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each.

(a) What is biodiversity hotspot? Why is India considered as a mega biodiversity hotspot?
Ans. Biodiversity is a bio-geographical area with a large reservoir of biodiversity that is
threatened with destruction. An area is known as a hotspot if it contains at least 0.5 per cent of
endemic plant species.

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India is considered a mega-diversity hotspot due to the great diversity of organisms found here,
ranging from eastern to western ghats to northern and southern India as well. Mainly Western
ghats are now at high risk.
India is known for its rich heritage of biological diversity, having already documented more
than 91,000 species of animals and 45,500 species of plants in its 10 biogeographical regions.

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Almost 6,500 native plants are still widely used in indigenous health care systems. To be a
mega diverse country it needs to have 5000 vascular plants species as endemic to the country.
India has 4 Biodiversity Hotspots ~ Vulnerable Region of very high Biodiversity. These hotspots

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have numerous endemic species. They are-
• Himalayas
• Western Ghats
• Indo Burma Region
• Sundaland (includes Nicobar group of Islands)

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Megadiversity means exhibiting great biodiversity as a megadiverse country must have at least
5,000 species of different plants and must border marine ecosystems. India is one of the
megadiverse countries in the world with 45,000 species of plants and twice as many of the

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animals have been recorded in India. India has only 2.4% of the world’s land area but the species
diversity in India is 8.1 percent which makes India one of twelve megadiversity countries of the
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world.
Twelve like-minded megadiverse countries are Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, South
Africa, Venezuela, Indonesia, Mexico, Kenya, Peru and the Philippines. These twelve countries
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agreed to meet periodically and decide upon various matters to conserve biodiversity. Various
experts and ministerial level discussions are carried out to conserve the biodiversity and save
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various species from extinction. As if the ecological balance of biodiversity is not maintained then
it would harm the entire living organisms and can lead to mass extinction on the Earth.
(b) Describe the life forms of aquatic ecosystem found in different zones with suitable examples
and diagrams.
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Ans. Global waters cover about three-quarters of the earth’s surface, either as fresh water where
salt content is less than 0.5 per cent or as saline water where the salt content is more than 3.5 per
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cent, or as brackish water where salt content is intermediate between fresh water and saline
water. Because of their salt content estuaries and oceans bear different kinds of organisms .It is on
this basis, that aquatic ecosystems are categorised into: (i) Fresh water ecosystems- lakes, ponds,
swamps, pools, springs, streams, and rivers;(ii) Marine ecosystems - shallow seas and open ocean;
(iii) Brackish water ecosystems- estuaries, salt marshes, mangrove swamps and forests.
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The organisms in the aquatic ecosystem are unevenly distributed but can be classified on the basis of
their life form or location into five groups.
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(c) Differentiate between the surface and ground water. Describe the factors responsible for
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degradation of water.
Ans. Difference between surface water and groundwater is given below:-
• Surface water is the water which is found on the surface of the earth such as in a river,
lake or other surface cavities.
• It is usually not very high in mineral content.
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• It is called as soft water due the presence of very less mineral content.
While,
• Groundwater is water the contained in or by a subsurface layer of soil or rock.
• It commonly contains less contamination than surface water because the rock tends to act
as a filter to remove some contaminants.
• It is called as hard water due the presence of high mineral content.
Factors responsible for degradation of water:
Sewage and Waste water:
• The sewage and waste water has pathogens, heavy metals, toxic wastes, worm like
parasites, oils etc,.
• The sewage waters are collected from the pipes of homes into cesspits or septic tanks.

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• These water are mixed with rivers, lakes and those water on rivers and lakes get
contaminated.
Industrial waste:
• The waste from industries have substances having the suspended or dissolved in water.
• After treatment, the industrial wastewate will be released to the sanitary sewer in the

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environment.
Chemical fertilizers and pesticides:
• The chemical fertilizers that used in the agricultural lands, the stormwater pollutants

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which can easily degrade the quality of water.
• At the time of raining, these nutients will flow with the rain water. And the nutrients can
cause the growth of algae, so the oxygen will be easily used by those alage.
Marine dumping: The garbage which produced by the household activities in the form of the
rubber, plastic, paper, aluminum, glass, food. These are collected and deposited in the sea from

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some of the countries.
(d) Write a short note on nitrogen cycle with the help of a diagram.
Ans.

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Nitrogen Cycle is a biogeochemical process through which nitrogen is converted into many
forms, consecutively passing from the atmosphere to the soil to organism and back into the
atmosphere.
It involves several processes such as nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, decay and
putrefaction.
Nitrogen gas exists in both organic and inorganic forms. Organic nitrogen exists in living
organisms, and they get passed through the food chain by the consumption of other living
organisms.
Inorganic forms of nitrogen are found in abundance in the atmosphere. This nitrogen is made
available to plants by symbiotic bacteria which can convert the inert nitrogen into a usable form –
such as nitrites and nitrates.

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Nitrogen undergoes various types of transformation to maintain a balance in the ecosystem.
Furthermore, this process extends to various biomes, with the marine nitrogen cycle being one of
the most complicated biogeochemical cycles.
Stages of Nitrogen Cycle: Process of Nitrogen Cycle consists of the following steps – Nitrogen
fixation, Nitrification, Assimilation, Ammonification and Denitrification. These processes take

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place in several stages and are explained below:
Nitrogen fixation: It is the initial step of the nitrogen cycle. Here, Atmospheric nitrogen (N2)
which is primarily available in an inert form, is converted into the usable form -ammonia (NH3).

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During the process of Nitrogen fixation, the inert form of nitrogen gas is deposited into soils from
the atmosphere and surface waters, mainly through precipitation. Later, the nitrogen undergoes a
set of changes, in which two nitrogen atoms get separated and combine with hydrogen to form
ammonia (NH4+).
The entire process of Nitrogen fixation is completed by symbiotic bacteria which are known as

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Diazotrophs. Azotobacter and Rhizobium also have a major role in this process. These bacteria
consist of a nitrogenase enzyme which has the capability to combine gaseous nitrogen with
hydrogen to form ammonia.

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Nitrogen fixation can occur either by atmospheric fixation- which involves lightening or industrial
fixation by manufacturing ammonia under high temperature and pressure condition. This can also be
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fixed through man-made processes, primarily industrial processes that create ammonia and nitrogen-
rich fertilisers.
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Q4. Why is there a need for participatory forest management? How does Forest Right Act, 2006
helps tribal and forest dwellers? Explain with suitable examples in about 200 words. (7)
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Ans. Participatory forest management has been considered as a practical and effective strategy for
sustainable forest management, especially in situations where land tenure is not securely settled. For
effective restoration projects, local communities, as the cornerstone of participatory management,
should be provided with incentives to facilitate their participation and active role. We postulate that
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participation in mangrove restoration projects can not only provide financial rewards but also yield
intangible benefits for communities, i.e., social capital upgraded. Our study with the case of coastal
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mangrove restoration in the Philippines concluded that local people’s participation is a viable option
for natural resource management that can create benefits and favorable conditions to communities.
Participatory management is a key strategy for natural resource conservation and management that
has been adopted in many countries. It recognizes the need to address social and environmental
concerns collectively, as one affects the other Theoretically, the participatory approach would lead to
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a “win-win” result: environmental sustainability and social development. However, its on-site
implementation encounters constraints and yields unsuccessful outcomes Providing benefits and
incentives for local communities is also problematic and calls for improvement.
Worldwide forest governance has adopted participatory approaches in the belief that this strategy
would lead to environmental sustainability while also accounting for social concerns. Previous
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studies concluded that long-standing strict and exclusionary conservation caused pressure on local
communities such as displacement and restrictions on the use of resources. Meanwhile, participatory
management, a more people-centered approach, would, in theory, produce “win-win” results: a
strategy for resource protection and conservation and for delivering benefits to local communities.
Local communities, as the cornerstone of the participatory approach, play a vital role in the success of
this management strategy, hence strengthening their participation is highly important. However,
local people’s participation is contingent on the incentives and benefits they will receive In contrast,
receiving no benefits means the social objective of participatory forest management is neglected,
consequently discouraging local people from participating. The studies of Cao et al. [14] stressed that
sudden and untimely discontinuation of benefits could cause local people to revert to their former
unsustainable practices in forest resource utilization. However, it is important to understand that a
perpetual supply of benefits for people is irrational and inefficient. The outcome of participation

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should function as a means to improve people’s capabilities to achieve self-reliance and self-
governance and thus, realize sustainability.
Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006
The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 recognizes the rights of the forest dwelling tribal communities and
other traditional forest dwellers to forest resources, on which these communities were dependent for

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a variety of needs, including livelihood, habitation and other socio-cultural needs. The forest
management policies, including the Acts, Rules and Forest Policies of Participatory Forest
Management policies in both colonial and post-colonial India, did not, till the enactment of this Act,

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recognize the symbiotic relationship of the STs with the forests, reflected in their dependence on the
forest as well as in their traditional wisdom regarding conservation of the forests.
The Act encompasses Rights of Self-cultivation and Habitation which are usually regarded as
Individual rights; and Community Rights as Grazing, Fishing and access to Water bodies in forests,
Habitat Rights for PVTGs, Traditional Seasonal Resource access of Nomadic and Pastoral community,

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access to biodiversity, community right to intellectual property and traditional knowledge,
recognition of traditional customary rights and right to protect, regenerate or conserve or manage any
community forest resource for sustainable use. It also provides rights to allocation of forest land for

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developmental purposes to fulfil basic infrastructural needs of the community. In conjunction with
the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Settlement
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Act, 2013 FRA protects the tribal population from eviction without rehabilitation and settlement.
The Act further enjoins upon the Gram Sabha and rights holders the responsibility of conservation
and protection of bio-diversity, wildlife, forests, adjoining catchment areas, water sources and other
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ecologically sensitive areas as well as to stop any destructive practices affecting these resources or
cultural and natural heritage of the tribals. The Gram Sabha is also a highly empowered body under
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the Act, enabling the tribal population to have a decisive say in the determination of local policies and
schemes impacting them.
Thus, the Act empowers the forest dwellers to access and use the forest resources in the manner that
they were traditionally accustomed, to protect, conserve and manage forests, protect forest dwellers
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from unlawful evictions and also provides for basic development facilities for the community of
forest dwellers to access facilities of education, health, nutrition, infrastructure etc.
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Q5. Critically evaluate non-polluting energy systems in India. Elucidate your answer with suitable
examples in about 200 words.
Ans. In developing countries like India, the energy needs of rural poor are mostly met with by
burning firewood. Traditional methods of cooking are very unhealthy for the cook, as they emit a lot
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of smoke. Also the heat released in burning is not efficiency utilized. Indian energy scientists have
come up with smokeless (Chulhas) stoves specially designed for Indian conditions. These ‘Chulhas’
are smokeless, permit shorter cooking time and there is also saving of fuel.
(1) Smokeless Chulhas: The fuel in smokeless ‘chualhas’ is renewable. Wood and straw are
packaged solar energy that is used by plants as they grow. In the process, they absorb
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carbon dioxide from the air and thus help reduce green house effect. When plants parts
are burnt as fuel, the carbon dioxide is released again but it will be reabsorbed in an
endless cycle as long as trees keep growing and fields are replanted.
The improved ‘chulha’ has invoked tremendous response and positive action from all
concerned. Nearly 3,000 villages, either an improved ‘chulha’ or a biogas plant is used for
cooking food. A trained work force of more than 50,000 persons, mainly women, was
created to work as master craftsmen for constructing the improve chulhas.
(2) Gobar Gas: Another alternative is biogas, also known as gobar gas. Gobar gas, which is
largely methane, can also be generated from wood and straw, in specially built digesters.
These can be afforded by any farmer who owns two to three cattle heads. The dung is
collected and diluted with water along with straw, wood shavings or other agriculture or
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The range of raw materials that can be digested in gobar gas digesters in fact very wide,
kitchen wastes, human night soil, piggery refuse, waste newspapers, city sewage. Almost
any natural organic matter you can think of can be digested to produce gobar gas
(methane) which is collected in the dome above the digester, from where it is taken to the
kitchen through pipes and burnt in gas burners for cooking.

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Its other benefits include reduction of indiscriminate felling of trees for fuel, improvement
in sanitation, reduction in the incidence of eye disease among village women and easy and
efficient cooking. One of the greatest merits of gobar gas is its versatility. It can be used for

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cooking, lighting and power generation, running refrigerator, or tube well pumps sets.
Another advantage of biogas digester is that the material left over after digestion, which is
known as spent slurry, is a good fertilizer, rich in NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium). The spent slurry, if applied to fields, is known to increase yields because along
with the NPK it contains significant number of bacteria beneficial to the crops.

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There is only one difficulty with biogas digesters; their efficiency goes down during
winters when the atmospheric temperature is low and the need for energy is acute.
However, in tropical countries like India, this may not pose a serious problem. Moreover,

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this problem can be tackled by using initial traces of gas coming from the dome in heating
the digester itself.
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The Government of India provides subsidy and extends technical know-how for
installation and running of the gobar gas digesters. In view of the large social benefits of
biogas energy, the National Projects on Biogas Development (NPBD) was taken up the
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promotion of biogas production in the country.
(3) Energy from City Sewage: The city sewage treatment plants use anaerobic digestion units
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for extracting methane from human nightsoil, which is in the form of sludge. The gas
generated from the sludge is called sludge gas, which like biogas consists largely of
methane. The Department of Non-Conventional Energy Sources has supported setting up
sewage-based biogas plants in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi.
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One large size urban waste recycling plant is already operating at Okhla, Delhi. The plant
comprises 15 digesters connected to 15 gas collectors. The total gas generation from the
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plant is about 0.6 million cubic feet per day having a heat value of 700-800 “BTU” per
cubic foot (equivalent to 500-570 cal per m3). The gas is about 50 percent cheaper than the
LPG gas. Another such projects has been commissioned, recently at Pandraune in UP.
Plants are under construction at Ayodhya in UP, Eshaopur in Delhi, and at Bhopal in MP.
In Jabalpur, Municipal Corporation is setting up a garbage-based power plant which will
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generate 7 MW electricity daily.

(4) Solar Energy: Biogas is a cheap and efficient fuel and its feedstock is renewable. More
recently, other renewable sources for energy generation are being explored. Systematic
efforts, for example, are being made to tap solar energy for meeting the demands of our
rural poor. It is a decentralized energy system, which can to meet versatile needs of the
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Indian masses. Solar cooking, water heating, water desalination, space heating, crop
dying, etc. are some of the modes of thermal conversion. Efforts are on to economically
develop solar collectors for high temperature applications. More than 380 solar water
heating systems are operating in the country. More than 1,000 large capacity water heating
systems are under installation.
(5) Wind Energy: Another renewable alternative source of energy is wind energy. Wind
energy holds promise for systematic utilization. The maximum exploitable potential has
been estimated at about 3.2 x 108 J/Year. It can be converted into mechanical and electrical
energies and would be particularly useful in remote areas. Wind energy can be made to
run turbine to generate electricity. According to Indian Meteorological Department,
average annual wind density of 3kWh/m2/day (read as kilowatt-hours per square metre
per day) is prevalent at a number of places in Peninsular and Central India. In some areas,

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the densities are higher than 10 kWh/ m2/day during winter when energy requirements
are very acute and 4 kWh/m2/day for 5-7 months in a year. At present, this energy is being
used to upwell groundwater at four locations in Ajmer in Rajasthan. DNES has installed
924 wind pumps throughout the country. Wind electricity generators at appropriate
locations (like Ladakh) are envisaged with aggregate capacity of 2 MW (Megawatts), for

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lighting and pumping water in additional to devising charging of batteries.

PART-B

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Q6. Explain the following terms in about 60 words each:
(a) Environmental Justice
Ans.
• Environmental justice affirms the sacredness of Mother Earth, ecological unity and the
interdependence of all species, and the right to be free from ecological destruction.

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• Environmental justice demands that public policy be based on mutual respect and justice for all
peoples, free from any form of discrimination or bias.
• Environmental justice mandates the right to ethical, balanced and responsible uses of land and

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renewable resources in the interest of a sustainable planet for humans and other living things.
• Environmental justice calls for universal protection from nuclear testing, extraction, production,
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and disposal of toxic/hazardous wastes and poisons and nuclear testing that threaten the
fundamental right to clean air, land, water, and food.
• Environmental justice affirms the fundamental right to political, economic, cultural, and
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environmental self-determination of all peoples.
• Environmental justice demands the cessation of the production of all toxins, hazardous wastes,
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and radioactive materials, and that all past and current producers be held strictly accountable to
the people for detoxification and the containment at the point of production.
• Environmental justice demands the right to participate as equal partners at every level of
decision-making including needs assessment, planning, implementation, enforcement, and
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evaluation.
• Environmental justice affirms the right of all workers to a safe and healthy work environment,
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without being forced to choose between an unsafe livelihood and unemployment. It also affirms
the right of those who work at home to be free from environmental hazards.
• Environmental justice protects the right of victims of environmental injustice to receive full
compensation and reparations for damages as well as quality health care.
• Environmental justice considers governmental acts of environmental injustice a violation of
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international law, the Universal Declaration On Human Rights, and the United Nations
Convention on Genocide.
(b) Agenda 21
Ans. Agenda 21 is a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally and locally by
organizations of the United Nations System, Governments, and Major Groups in every area in which
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human impacts on the environment.

Agenda 21, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and the Statement of principles
for the Sustainable Management of Forests were adopted by more than 178 Governments at the
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil, 3 to 14 June 1992.
The Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was created in December 1992 to ensure
effective follow-up of UNCED, to monitor and report on implementation of the agreements at the
local, national, regional and international levels. It was agreed that a five year review of Earth Summit
progress would be made in 1997 by the United Nations General Assembly meeting in special session.
The full implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and
the Commitments to the Rio principles, were strongly reaffirmed at the World Summit on Sustainable
Development (WSSD) held in Johannesburg, South Africa from 26 August to 4 September 2002.

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(c) Greenhouse Effect
Ans. The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface. When the Sun’s
energy reaches the Earth’s atmosphere, some of it is reflected back to space and the rest is absorbed
and re-radiated by greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse gases include water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone and some

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artificial chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
The absorbed energy warms the atmosphere and the surface of the Earth. This process maintains
the Earth’s temperature at around 33 degrees Celsius warmer than it would otherwise be, allowing

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life on Earth to exist.
Enhanced greenhouse effect
The problem we now face is that human activities – particularly burning fossil fuels (coal, oil and
natural gas), agriculture and land clearing – are increasing the concentrations of greenhouse gases.
This is the enhanced greenhouse effect, which is contributing to warming of the Earth.

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Greenhouse effect
• Step 1: Solar radiation reaches the Earth's atmosphere - some of this is reflected back into
space.

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• Step 2: The rest of the sun's energy is absorbed by the land and the oceans, heating the Earth.
• Step 3: Heat radiates from Earth towards space.
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• Step 4: Some of this heat is trapped by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, keeping the Earth
warm enough to sustain life.
• Step 5: Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, agriculture and land clearing are
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increasing the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.
• Step 6: This is trapping extra heat, and causing the Earth's temperature to rise.
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(d) Climate change

Ans. Climate is sometimes mistaken for weather. But climate is different from weather because it is
measured over a long period of time, whereas weather can change from day to day, or from year to
year. The climate of an area includes seasonal temperature and rainfall averages, and wind patterns.
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Different places have different climates. A desert, for example, is referred to as an arid climate
because little water falls, as rain or snow, during the year. Other types of climate include tropical
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climates, which are hot and humid, and temperate climates, which have warm summers and cooler
winters.
Climate change is the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.
Climate change could refer to a particular location or the planet as a whole. Climate change may
cause weather patterns to be less predictable. These unexpected weather patterns can make it
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difficult to maintain and grow crops in regions that rely on farming because expected temperature
and rainfall levels can no longer be relied on. Climate change has also been connected with other
damaging weather events such as more frequent and more intense hurricanes, floods, downpours,
and winter storms.
In polar regions, the warming global temperatures associated with climate change have meant ice
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sheets and glaciers are melting at an accelerated rate from season to season. This contributes to sea
levels rising in different regions of the planet. Together with expanding ocean waters due to rising
temperatures, the resulting rise in sea level has begun to damage coastlines as a result of increased
flooding and erosion.
The cause of current climate change is largely human activity, like burning fossil fuels, like natural
gas, oil, and coal. Burning these materials releases what are called greenhouse gases into Earth’s
atmosphere. There, these gases trap heat from the sun’s rays inside the atmosphere causing Earth’s
average temperature to rise. This rise in the planet's temperature is called global warming. The
warming of the planet impacts local and regional climates. Throughout Earth's history, climate has
continually changed. When occuring naturally, this is a slow process that has taken place over
hundreds and thousands of years. The human influenced climate change that is happening now is
occuring at a much faster rate.

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Q7. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each.
(a) Explain any four impacts of improper waste disposal with suitable examples.
Ans. 1. Soil contamination: Soil contamination is the No. 1 problem caused by improper waste
removal and disposal. Some wastes that end up in landfills excrete hazardous chemicals that leak into
the soil. Take the case of plastic bottles. When they eventually break down, they release DEHA, a

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carcinogen that affects our reproduction systems, causes liver dysfunction, and weight loss. Soil
contamination does not only affect plant growth, it is also unhealthy to humans and animals feeding
on those plants.

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It is therefore important that every household takes recycling to heart. Plastics, metals, paper, and
electronic wastes can be recycled at your local recycling centres. If everyone takes time to segregate
and sort their recyclable wastes and bring them to recycling centres, the bulk of waste that will be
removed from the landfills.
2. Air contamination: Waste that contains hazardous chemicals, such as bleach and acids, needs to be

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disposed of properly, and only in approved containers with correct labels.
Some papers and plastics are burned in landfills, emitting gas and chemicals that hurt the ozone
layer. Waste that releases dioxins are also dangerous and pose a health risk when they diffuse into the

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air that we breathe. Add to that the methane gases that decomposing wastes release.
Finally, landfill gas produced by the decomposing wastes, can be explosive and can harm nearby
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communities
3. Water contamination: Hazardous wastes in the environment leech into the ground, and ultimately,
into ground water. This water is used for many things, from watering the local fields to drinking.
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Toxic liquid chemicals from waste can also seep into water streams and bodies of water.
Untreated sewage can threaten marine life that comes into contact with the contaminated water. It can
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destroy and suffocate marine habitats, such as corals. Contaminated water is also dangerous and
harmful to humans who consume fish and other marine life.
4. Bad impact on human health: Improper disposal of waste can greatly affect the health of the
population living nearby the polluted area or landfills. Waste disposal workers and other employees
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in these landfill facilities are at a greater risk. Exposure to improperly handled wastes can cause skin
irritations, blood infections, respiratory problems, growth problems, and even reproductive issues.
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5. Impact on animals and marine life: It cannot be stressed enough: our carelessness with our waste
and garbage does not just affect us. Animals likewise suffer the effects of pollution caused by
improperly disposed wastes and rubbish. Styrofoam and cigarette butts have been known to cause
deaths in marine animals who consume them. Animals who consume grasses near contaminated
areas or landfills are also at risk of poisoning due to the toxins that seep into the soil.
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(b) What is Ozone Layer Depletion? Describe its effects.

Ans. The ozone layer acts as a natural filter, absorbing most of the sun's burning ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Stratospheric ozone depletion leads to an increase in UV-B that reach the earth's surface, where it can
disrupt biological processes and damage a number of materials.
The fact that UV-B can cause biological effects is well demonstrated by the familiar sunburn that
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follows overexposure to the sun. However the health impacts of excessive exposure to UV-B go
beyond just getting burned. Exposure to UV radiation has been linked to many human health
problems, including skin cancer. Scientists also indicate that increased exposure to UV-B rays affects
the human immune system and causes premature aging of the skin.
It is important to note, however, that UV-B radiation has always had these effects on humans. In
recent years these effects have become more prevalent because Canadians are spending more time in
the sun and are exposing more of their skin in the process. An increase in the levels of UV-B reaching
the Earth as a result of ozone depletion may compound the effects that sun worshipping habits have
already created.
Effects on the skin: Although fair-skinned, fair-haired individuals are at highest risk for skin cancer,
the risk for all skin types increases with exposure to UV-B radiation. The effects of UV-B on the
human immune system have been observed in people with all types of skin. There are three main

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types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Most
cases of skin cancer in Canada are either basal or squamous cell carcinoma. Basal and squamous cell
carcinomas progress slowly and rarely cause death because they usually don't spread to other parts of
the body. These cancers are easily removed by surgery. Melanoma is the most serious and fortunately
the least common form of skin cancer. Scientists strongly suspect that malignant melanoma, which

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can be fatal, is caused by exposure to UV light.
Scientists have confirmed that non-melanoma skin cancer is caused by UV-B radiation, and further
believe that a sustained 10% depletion of the ozone layer would lead to a 26% percent increase in non-

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melanoma skin cancer. This could mean an additional 300,000 cases per year world wide.
Effects on the eyes: UV-B radiation can damage several parts of the eye, including the lens, the
cornea, and the membrane covering the eye (conjunctiva). "Snow blindness" is the result of
overexposure to UV-B and occurs in areas of the world with high levels of UV exposure, including
snowy regions at high altitudes. Snow blindness is not unlike a sunburn, and if repeated, can cause

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damage to eye over the long term.
Cataracts are a clouding of the eye's lens and are the leading cause of permanent blindness world
wide. They are a result of overexposure to UV. A sustained 10% thinning of the ozone layer is

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expected to result in nearly two million new cases of cataracts per year globally.
Effects on the immune system: UV affects our ability to fight disease. The body's immune system is
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its first line of defense against invading germs. Recent research has shown that some viruses can be
activated by increased exposure to UV.
Effects on the environment: Ultraviolet radiation not only affects humans, but wildlife as well.
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Excessive UV-B inhibits the growth processes of almost all green plants. There is concern that ozone
depletion may lead to a loss of plant species and reduce global food supply. Any change in the
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balance of plant species can have serious effects, since all life is interconnected. Plants form the basis
of the food web, prevent soil erosion and water loss, and are the primary producers of oxygen and a
primary sink (storage site) for carbon dioxide.
(c) Describe the role of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as an institution for monitoring
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the pollution levels of environment.

Ans. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), statutory organisation, was constituted in
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September, 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Further, CPCB was
entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,
1981.
It serves as a field formation and also provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and
Forests of the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Principal Functions of the CPCB,
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as spelt out in the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and
Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, (i) to promote cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the
States by prevention, control and abatement of water pollution, and (ii) to improve the quality of air
and to prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country.
Air Quality Monitoring is an important part of the air quality management. The National Air
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Monitoring Programme (NAMP) has been established with objectives to determine the present air
quality status and trends and to control and regulate pollution from industries and other source to
meet the air quality standards. It also provides background air quality data needed for industrial
siting and towns planning.
Besides this, CPCB has an automatic monitoring station at ITO Intersection in New Delhi. At this
station Resirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Sulphur
Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) are being monitored
regularly. This information on Air Quality at ITO is updated every week.
Water Quality Monitoring is an important part of the Water quality management. Fresh water is a
finite resource essential for use in agriculture, industry, propagation of wildlife & fisheries and for
human existence. India is a riverine country. It has 14 major rivers, 44 medium rivers and 55 minor
rivers besides numerous lakes, ponds and wells which are used as primary source of drinking water

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even without treatment. Most of the rivers being fed by monsoon rains, which is limited to only three
months of the year, run dry throughout the rest of the year often carrying wastewater discharges
from industries or cities/towns endangering the quality of our scarce water resources. The parliament
of India in its wisdom enacted the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 with a view
to maintaining and restoring wholesomeness of our water bodies. One of the mandates of CPCB is to

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collect, collate and disseminate technical and statistical data relating to water pollution. Hence, Water
Quality Monitoring (WQM) and Surveillance are of utmost importance.
(d) How do collective actions help in addressing environmental issues and concerns? Explain.

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Ans. Collective Action Problems: Two concepts from ethics that we did not touch on in Module 3 are
altruism (selflessness) and selfishness. Perhaps we should be altruistic and make personal sacrifices to
help others. But, for better or worse, people often are at least somewhat selfish. Collective action
problems arise when people are selfish and thus fail to achieve successful collective actions.
A collective action problem is a scenario in which there is conflict between the individual interest and

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the group interest. In the scenario, each individual in the group faces a choice to either act selfishly or
cooperate. In a collective action problem it is always in the individual’s best interest to act selfishly,
regardless of what the other individuals do. However, if all individuals act selfishly, then they all get

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worse outcomes than if they all cooperate. In other words, it is in the individual’s interest to act
selfishly, but it is in the group’s interest to have everyone cooperate. This is the conflict between the
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individual interest and the group interest.
Environmental Collective Action Problems: Collective action problems are widespread throughout
environmental issues. Usually, they involve scenarios in which individuals want to act selfishly in a
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way that would harm the environment, but groups would benefit from environmental protection.
Here are some examples:
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Individuals often want to do things that emit a lot of greenhouse gases, but society overall may be
better off with less climate change.
Individuals often want to drive cars so as to get around faster, but driving causes more air pollution
that harms the whole group. Additionally, driving can cause traffic jams, whereas public transit
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avoids traffic jams. The car/transit decision is often a collective action problem for travel time: each
individual travels faster by driving regardless of what other individuals do, but the group will overall
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travel faster if everyone takes transit than if everyone drives.

Individuals may want to harvest scarce natural resources that are up for grabs, but society overall
may be better off if everyone avoids using too much of these resources.
This last example is closely related to the "tragedy of the commons". This concept has an important
connection to sustainability and is worth considering in greater detail.
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Q8. “Protected areas play a very important role in in-situ conservation of species.” Elucidate the
statement with respect to present day context in about 200 words.
Ans. Agriculture and protected areas are sometimes seen as opposite ends of a spectrum. But, in fact,
they can play important complementary roles, especially when the protected areas are managed in
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ways explicitly designed to support agricultural development. This paper begins with an overview of
the new IUCN system of categories of protected areas, which demonstrates that at least some
protected areas can make important direct contributions to agriculture, while even the most strictly
protected areas can make significant indirect contributions. It then discusses the function of protected
areas in providing water to agricultural systems, protected areas as reservoirs of genetic resources
and protected areas to conserve traditional farming techniques. It outlines possible conflicts between
protected areas and agriculture, and concludes with several recommendations.
Agricultural, grazing, forestry and other human-managed ecosystems cover at least two-thirds of the
terrestrial surface of the planet, whereas protected areas cover only about 6% (the remaining
percentage is wilderness, urban lands, etc.). Technological solutions to agricultural problems have left
a legacy of concentrated land ownership, marginalized indigenous people and small farmers, rural
impoverishment and other social problems. In many current agricultural development programmes,

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the traditional knowledge of farmers is ignored or lost, along with crop varieties and food plants that
are often far more suited than the modern varieties to local conditions and dietary preferences
(McNeely and Norgaard 1992).
Responding to global market forces, producers are now specializing in the relatively few crops that
provide an edge in the world economy, leading to the loss of diversity at the variety level (Table 1).

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As the number of crop species and varieties declines, local nitrogen-fixing bacteria, mycorrhizae,
predators, pollinators, seed dispersers and other species that co-evolved over centuries with
traditional agricultural systems die out. The use of fertilizers, pesticides and high-yielding varieties to

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maximize production and profits over the short term exacerbates this loss of biodiversity. In forest
areas, the rapid and total conversion to monocultural plantation cash crops is widespread. When the
price of coffee, cocoa or palm oil drops so that the plantation is no longer an economically viable
proposition, it cannot quickly revert to the biologically diverse forest that preceded it and which may
be more economically attractive when hidden subsidies to the commodities are removed (WRI, IUCN,

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UNEP 1992).
Maintaining this biological diversity is essential for productive and ecologically sustainable
agriculture (Pimentel et al. 1992). Diversity of crop species and the diversity of varieties within a

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species have traditionally strengthened the resilience of agriculture. Protected areas can contribute to
this effort through maintaining wild relatives of crops. The agricultural community should be seen as
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part of a larger and more comprehensive ecosystem which provides both goods and services from
nature through a well-managed protected system.
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Q9. ‘Polluted water is a threat to our health and survival of life forms” Explain it with respect to
different agents of water pollutants in about 200 words.
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Ans. Water is an essential resource for all life on Earth. If a water source becomes contaminated due
to pollution, it can lead to health issues in humans, such as cancer or cardiovascular conditions.
This article explores the causes of water pollution, how it can affect human health, and what people
can do to help prevent it.
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Water is a natural resource that all living creatures require. Clean water is also used in manufacturing
and for social and economic development.
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However, according to the United Nations (UN), 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water
services.
The UN and the World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source list the following statistics on
water pollution:
• Over half the global population do not have safely managed sanitation services.
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• Around 2 billion people live in countries with high levels of water stress, meaning the
amount of water available is less than the amount required.
• Experts estimate that by 2025, half the world’s population will live in a water-stressed
environment.
• Around 785 million people do not have basic drinking-water services.
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• Since the 1990s, water pollution has worsened in almost all rivers in Asia, Latin America, and
Africa.
Water pollution and human health
The following are some negatives ways that water pollution can directly affect human health.
Ingesting microplastics
A person may ingest microplastics via drinking water or through eating contaminated seafood. At
Tokyo Bay in 2016, scientists examined 64 anchovies for microplastic consumption — 77%Trusted
Source had microplastics in their digestive systems.
People have also discovered them within salt, beer, and other food items.
Studies show microplastics may cause oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, and metabolic
disorders in humans. However, further research is needed to confirm these effects.

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Consuming water contaminated by sewage
The WHO note that, globally, around 2 billion Trusted Source people use a drinking water source
with fecal contaminants. Contaminated water can harbor bacteria, such as those responsible for
diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, hepatitis A, and polio.
According to the UN, every year, approximately 297,000 children under five die from diseases linked

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to poor sanitation, poor hygiene, or unsafe drinking water.
Drinking water containing chemical waste
Chemical pollutants, such as pesticides, fertilizers, and heavy metals can cause serious health

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problems if ingested.
In 2014, residents in Flint, Michigan, experienced water contamination due to inadequate testing and
treatment of their water supply. The contaminated water caused rashes, hair loss, and itchy skin.
Lead levels in the bloodstream of children who drank the water doubled.
A person who ingests chemical toxins in their water can be at risk of:

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• cancer
• hormone disruption
• altered brain function

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• damage to immune and reproductive systems
• cardiovascular and kidney problems
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Swimming in contaminated water can also trigger:
• rashes
• pink eye
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• respiratory infections
• hepatitis
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Q10. How do natural disasters as floods and cyclones adversely affect the lives and properties?
Explain your answer with suitable examples in about 250 words.
Ans. Natural disasters can have a life-altering impact on the individuals and families fortunate
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enough to survive them. But the effect of natural disasters can be felt at the community, city and state
level, or many times can impact an entire country. Natural disasters can have huge environmental
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impacts as well, even when human communities are relatively unaffected. How well the impact of a
disaster event is absorbed has much to do with the intensity of the impact and the level of
preparedness and resilience of the subject impacted.
Even before the industrialization of the modern world, natural disasters have been a fact of life. There
are records of the migratory travels of Native Americans away from coastal Florida specifically to
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avoid seasonal hurricanes. However, with the modernization of many societies worldwide and the
changes our industrial activities have brought to the environment, many weather related natural
disasters have gained in both frequency and intensity. This translates to in increased global impact of
natural disasters at all levels.
At the individual level, the impact can often be felt physically, mentally and emotionally. Natural
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disasters cause destruction of property, loss of financial resources, and personal injury or illness. The
loss of resources, security and access to shelter can lead to massive population migrations in lesser-
developed countries.
After experiencing a natural disaster, many individuals develop severe post-traumatic stress
disorders or withdraw into states of depression. Others develop negative associations with the
environment, in more developed nations; this can also lead to significant population migrations.
Communities that experience a natural disaster must also absorb the impacts of these destructive
events. Many local communities lose so much in economic resources that recovery becomes difficult,
if not almost impossible. Some communities find opportunity in the aftermath of a disaster to rebuild
better and stronger communities than before. Communities must often recognize population,
demographic, and cultural shifts as a result of the impact of the natural disaster on their individual
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In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Mississippi gulf coast. In New Orleans
alone, more than 200,000 homes were destroyed; over 70 percent of the resident population had to be
at least temporarily relocated outside of the greater New Orleans area. In addition, huge sums of
federal assistance were necessary to help jump start recovery efforts in the city and surrounding
region. Estimates of over $105 to $150 billion in reduced tax revenue, loss of infrastructure, expense of

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reclamation efforts, and loss of normal revenue were lost to the city. Beyond the economic losses to
New Orleans, it is estimated that the United States economy suffered a 2 percent loss of overall gross
domestic product within one year of the disaster as a direct result of the hurricane and its impact on

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this important international port city.
Just as a natural can change the landscape of our personal lives as well as aspects of our community,
so too can different types of disasters drastically alter the natural environment. The cyclones that
occurred in Myanmar in 2008, or the wildfires that spread throughout California in 2009 are examples
of how areas of land that detail whole ecosystems can be dramatically damaged or transformed from

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a single disaster event. On a larger scale, the debate regarding how to address global climate change
and the resulting natural impacts is further punctuated by estimates of sea level increases that will
completely swamp some island nations. Furthermore, the rapid desalination of salt water oceans

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caused by melting glaciers could deprive the world of 30 percent or more of its edible fish supply,
and the loss of coral reefs from the same cause would put numerous coastal regions in jeopardy of
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tidal waves and surges.
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