Environmental degradation and challenges

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<–2/”>a >The major causes of the Environmental Degradation are modern Urbanization, industrialization, over-Population Growth, deforestation etc. Environmental pollution refers to the degradation of quality and quantity of natural Resources.

Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of “enoughness” in his saying “the earth provides enough to satisfy every persons need but not for every person’s greed” According to World Commission on Environment and Development, Our Common Future (1987) , Sustainable Development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

It contains within it two key concepts:

  • the concept of needs, in particular the essential needs of the world’s poor, to which overriding priority should be given; and
  • the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment’s ability to meet present and future needs.”

Environmental influences are important both at the prenatal and postnatal stages of Human Development. At the prenatal stage, when a fetus is in the mother’s womb,  internal or external harmful agents, such as certain legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, lead and pollutants can harm the unborn baby’s development. The mother’s Nutrition, diseases and emotional Stress can also affect the development of the fetus.

The environment provides various resources to man-both renewable and nonrenewable. Renewable resources are those resources which are replenished easily over time, and hence can be used without the possibility of the resource becoming depleted or exhausted. Examples of renewable resources include trees in the forests, fishes in the ocean, etc. Non-renewable resources, on the other hand, are those resources which can get exhausted or depleted over time as they are used up. Examples of non-renewable resources include fossil fuels and Minerals like petroleum,natural gas, coal, etc. Thus these resources need to be used carefully, while keeping in mind the requirements of the future generations.

Economic Growth and Sustainability

  • Over-consumption has led to depletion of resources
  • Main environmental threats
    • Depletion of resources
    • Global Warming
    • Expansion of waste arising from production and consumption
    • Population pressure
    • Pollution
    • Loss of Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity and extinction of species.
  • Green NATIONAL INCOME Account
    • Conventional National Income Accounting does not capture the environmental degradation due to production and consumption
    • This omission leads to misrepresentation of improvements in social welfare
    • Since there is no market for many environmental resources, it is difficult to place monetary values on them
    • Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare: adjusts the national income to make an allowance for defensive spending (i.e. that incurred in cleaning up for pollution and other forms of environmental damage)
  • Economic Sustainability
    • Calls for reforms in the manner that we conduct our economic activity
    • Removing unfair trade barriers and subsidies that harm the environment
    • Upholding the polluter pays principle
    • Tax not on labour but on consumption <already there in the form of indirect taxes>
    • Pricing products in terms of value they have deducted from the common natural base
    • Increase resource productivity
  • Sustainable agriculture
    • Use of practices and methods to maintain/enhance the economic viability of agricultural production, natural resource base, and other Ecosystems which are influenced by agricultural activities
    • Minimizing the adverse impact on the Natural Resources base
    • Flexible Farming Systems to manage the risks associated with Climate and markets

Ecological Sustainability

  • Sustainable forest management
    • ‘Forest Principle’ adopted at the 1992 Rio Summit
    • In 2007, GA adopted the Non Legally Binding Instrument on All Types of Forests. The instrument is the first of its kind and is committed to promote SFM by bringing all stakeholders together
    • Ministerial Conference on Protection of Forests in Europe defined SFM as the attainment of balance between Society’s increasing demands for forest products and benefits, and the preservation of forest Health and diversity.
    • Forest managers must assess and integrate a wide array of sometimes conflicting factors to produce Sound forest plans
    • Ecosystems approachhas been adopted by the CBD. The CBD definition of Ecosystems Approach is known as the Malawi Principles.
    • Ecosystems Approach is a strategy of management of land, water and living resources in a way that promotes conservation and sustainable use in an equitable way. Focused on use of scientific methodologies for each level of biological organisation and their interaction.
    • SFM was recognised by the parties to CBD in 2004 to be a concrete means of applying the Ecosystems Approach to forest ecosystems
  • Objectives of SFM
    • Maintain environmental stability through preservation of ecological balance that has been adversely affected due to the depletion of forest cover
    • Preserve the natural heritage of the country
    • Improve productivity of forests
    • Protecting through cooperation with local communities on the principle of Joint Forest Management
  • The rapid pace of Population Growth has led to the excessive utilization of natural resources. Huge population also leads to huge production of wastes. The resultant outcomes are loss of biodiversity, pollution of air, water and Soil and increased pressure on arable land. All these have been putting great stress on the environment. If you take the case of India, it supports 17 percent of world population on just 2.4 per cent of the world land area.
  • The earth’s carrying capacity in terms of its food resource is approaching its limits. Oceanic supply of fish, rangelands which support Livestock, and the Hydrological Cycle to produce freshwater are strained. The backlog of unused agricultural technology is shrinking in industrial and developing countries alike, slowing the rise in cropland productivity. At the same time, soil erosion, Air Pollution, soil compaction, aquifer depletion, the loss of soil organic matter, and the waterlogging and salting of irrigated land are all slowing food production. At present, it appears that nothing can reverse the worldwide decline in grain output per person. The bottomline is that the world’s farmers can no longer be counted on to feed the projected additions to the present population. Attaining a humane balance between food production and population growth now depends more on family planners instead of farmers.
  • The Environment Protection Act is an important legislation that provides for coordination of activities of the various regulatory agencies, creation of authorities with adequate powers for environmental protection, regulation of the discharge of environmental pollutants, handling of hazardous substances, etc. The Act provided an opportunity to extend legal protection to non-forest habitats (‘Ecologically Sensitive Areas’) such as grasslands, wetlands and coastal zones.The Environment (Protection) Act was enacted in 1986 with the objective of providing for the protection and improvement of the environment. It empowers the Central Government to establish authorities charged with the mandate of preventing environmental pollution in all its forms and to tackle specific environmental problems that are peculiar to different parts of the country.
  • The Environment Protection Act is an umbrella legislation that consolidated the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of  Pollution) Act of 1981.  Within this framework of the legislations, the government established Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) in order to prevent, control, and abate environmental pollution.
  • Under the EPA, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification was introduced in 1994, it was modified in 2006 and the latest amendment was in 2009.  Under the EIA it has become mandatory to seek environmental clearance for several activities and industries with the involvement of the public as per procedure.
  • Main Features of The Environment Protection Act are:-
  • i) Co-ordination of actions by the State Governments, officers and other authorities
  • ii) Planning and execution of a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution.
  • iii) Laying down standards for the quantity of environment in its various aspects.
  • iv) Laying down standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources whatsoever. Provided that different standards for emission or discharge may be laid down under this clause from different sources having regard to the quality or composition of the emission lr discharge of environmental pollutants from such sources.
  • v) Restriction of areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries, operations or processes shall not be carried out or shall be carried out subject to certain safeguards.
  • vi) Laying down procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents which may cause environmental pollution and remedial measures for such accidents.
  • vii) Laying down procedures and safeguards for the handling of hazardous substances.
  • viii) Examination of such manufacturing processes, materials and substances as are likely to cause environmental pollution.
  • ix) Carrying out and sponsoring investigations and research relating to problems of environmental pollution.
  • x) Inspection of any premises, plant, equipment, machinery, manufacturing or other processes, materials or substances and giving, by order, of such directions to such authorities, officers or persons as it may consider necessary to take steps for the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution.
  • xi) Establishment or recognition of environmental laboratories and institutes to carry out the functions entrusted to such environmental laboratories and institutes under this Act.
  • xii) Collection and dissemination of information in respect of matters relating to environmental pollution.
  • xiii) Preparation of manuals, codes or guides relating to the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution.

 

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Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as air, water, and soil; the destruction of ecosystems; and the disruption of the natural cycles that support life.

Environmental degradation is caused by human activities such as deforestation, agriculture, mining, and pollution. These activities can lead to the release of harmful pollutants into the air, water, and soil. They can also damage ecosystems and disrupt the natural cycles that support life.

Environmental degradation has a number of negative consequences for human health and well-being. It can lead to respiratory problems, heart disease, cancer, and other health problems. It can also damage crops and livestock, leading to food shortages and famine. In addition, environmental degradation can contribute to Climate Change, which can lead to more extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and hurricanes.

There are a number of things that can be done to address environmental degradation. One important step is to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and switch to RENEWABLE ENERGY sources such as solar and wind power. We also need to reduce our consumption of resources and waste. In addition, we need to protect our forests and Oceans and restore damaged ecosystems.

Environmental degradation is a serious problem that threatens the health and well-being of all people. It is important to take action to address this problem and protect our planet.

Here are some specific examples of environmental degradation and the challenges they pose:

  • Air pollution: Air pollution is caused by the release of harmful pollutants into the air. These pollutants can come from a variety of sources, including cars, factories, and power Plants. Air pollution can cause a number of health problems, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. It can also damage crops and ecosystems.
  • Climate change: Climate change is caused by the release of greenhouse gases into the Atmosphere. These gases trap heat, causing the Earth’s temperature to rise. Climate change is already having a number of negative impacts, including more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and changes in plant and animal life.
  • Deforestation: Deforestation is the clearing of forests for other uses, such as agriculture or development. Deforestation can lead to a number of problems, including soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and climate change.
  • Desertification: Desertification is the process of land becoming desert. It is caused by a number of factors, including climate change, overgrazing, and deforestation. Desertification can lead to a number of problems, including loss of land for agriculture, food shortages, and Migration.
  • Drought: Drought is a period of time with little or no rain. Drought can lead to a number of problems, including crop failures, water shortages, and wildfires.
  • Ecosystem degradation: Ecosystem degradation is the decline in the health of an ecosystem. It can be caused by a number of factors, including pollution, climate change, and overexploitation. Ecosystem degradation can lead to a number of problems, including loss of biodiversity, climate change, and food shortages.
  • Eutrophication: Eutrophication is the process of an AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM becoming too rich in nutrients. This can lead to the growth of algae blooms, which can block sunlight and suffocate other plants and animals. Eutrophication can also lead to the release of toxins into the water.
  • Extinction: Extinction is the death of the last individual of a species. Extinction can be caused by a number of factors, including habitat loss, hunting, and climate change. Extinction is a serious problem, as it reduces the diversity of life on Earth.
  • Global warming: Global warming is the long-term heating of Earth’s climate system observed since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900) due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth’s atmosphere. The term is frequently used interchangeably with the term climate change, though the latter refers to both human- and naturally produced warming and the effects it has on our planet. It is most commonly measured as the Average increase in Earth’s global surface temperature.
  • Land degradation: Land degradation is the decline in the quality of land. It can be caused by a number of factors, including deforestation, overgrazing, and soil erosion. Land degradation can lead to a number of problems, including loss of agricultural land, food shortages, and migration.
  • Marine pollution: Marine pollution is the contamination of the ocean by human activities. This can include the release of pollutants into the water, the dumping of waste in the ocean, and the overfishing of marine life. Marine pollution can have a number of negative impacts on marine life, including death, disease, and reproductive problems. It can also damage coral reefs and other marine ecosystems.
  • Overpopulation: Overpopulation is the state of having a population that is too large in relation to the available resources. Overpopulation can lead to a number of problems, including food shortages, water shortages, and environmental degradation.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about the environment:

  • What is the environment?
    The environment is the natural world that surrounds us, including the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the land we live on.

  • What are the main environmental challenges facing the world today?
    The main environmental challenges facing the world today are climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

  • What is climate change?
    Climate change is the long-term change in the Earth’s climate. It is caused by the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which trap heat and warm the planet.

  • What are the effects of climate change?
    The effects of climate change are already being felt around the world, and they are expected to get worse in the future. These effects include rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, and changes in plant and animal life.

  • What is pollution?
    Pollution is the contamination of the environment with harmful substances. Pollution can come from a variety of sources, including factories, cars, and agriculture.

  • What are the effects of pollution?
    The effects of pollution can be devastating to human health and the environment. Pollution can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, cancer, and other health problems. It can also damage ecosystems and wildlife.

  • What is biodiversity loss?
    Biodiversity loss is the decline in the variety of life on Earth. It is caused by a number of factors, including habitat loss, overexploitation, and pollution.

  • What are the effects of biodiversity loss?
    The effects of biodiversity loss are far-reaching. Biodiversity loss can lead to the extinction of species, the disruption of ecosystems, and the loss of ecosystem Services.

  • What can we do to address environmental challenges?
    There are a number of things we can do to address environmental challenges. These include reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, investing in renewable energy, and protecting our forests and oceans.

  • What is the importance of protecting the environment?
    The environment is essential to our survival. It provides us with the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the land we live on. Protecting the environment is essential to our own well-being and the well-being of future generations.

  1. What is the main cause of climate change?
    (A) Deforestation
    (B) Burning fossil fuels
    (C) Overpopulation
    (D) Overconsumption

  2. What is the Greenhouse Effect?
    (A) The trapping of heat in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases
    (B) The release of heat into the atmosphere by greenhouse gases
    (C) The cooling of the atmosphere by greenhouse gases
    (D) The warming of the atmosphere by greenhouse gases

  3. What is the ozone layer?
    (A) A layer of gas in the atmosphere that protects us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays
    (B) A layer of gas in the atmosphere that traps heat, causing global warming
    (C) A layer of gas in the atmosphere that contains CFCs, which are harmful to the environment
    (D) A layer of gas in the atmosphere that is responsible for the greenhouse effect

  4. What is Acid Rain?
    (A) Rain that is polluted with acids from factories and cars
    (B) Rain that is polluted with chemicals from farms
    (C) Rain that is polluted with salt from the ocean
    (D) Rain that is polluted with dust from the Sahara Desert

  5. What is desertification?
    (A) The process of land becoming desert
    (B) The process of land becoming forest
    (C) The process of land becoming Grassland
    (D) The process of land becoming Tundra

  6. What is biodiversity?
    (A) The variety of life on Earth
    (B) The number of species on Earth
    (C) The distribution of species on Earth
    (D) The abundance of species on Earth

  7. What is extinction?
    (A) The death of a species
    (B) The decline of a species
    (C) The spread of a species
    (D) The migration of a species

  8. What is pollution?
    (A) The contamination of the environment with harmful substances
    (B) The destruction of the environment
    (C) The degradation of the environment
    (D) The depletion of the environment

  9. What is waste?
    (A) Material that is no longer useful
    (B) Material that is thrown away
    (C) Material that is recycled
    (D) Material that is composted

  10. What is sustainability?
    (A) The ability to meet our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
    (B) The ability to live in harmony with the environment
    (C) The ability to protect the environment
    (D) The ability to conserve resources

Answers:
1. (B)
2. (A)
3. (A)
4. (A)
5. (A)
6. (A)
7. (A)
8. (A)
9. (A)
10. (A)