<–2/”>a >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
- India
- One of the 12 mega biodiversity countries of the world
- National Forest Policy 1988emphasizes environmental stability and maintenance of ecological balance
- Existing Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE for forest protection is inadequate
- Surveys not carried out in many areas. Question of tribal rights
- Protect from forest fires
- Integrated Forest Protection Scheme
- 10thFYP. In all States and UTs
- Formed by merger of two 9thFYP schemes: ‘Forest Fire Control and Management’ and ‘Bridging of Infrastructure Gaps in the Forestry Sector in the North Eastern Region and Sikkim’
- Components
- Infrastructure Development: survey and demarcation, strengthening the infrastructure for Forest Protection Division
- Forest fire control and management
- Implementing agencies
- Central Component: Forest Protection Division, MoEF; Forest Survey of India, Dehradun; Central institutions like Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (Dehradun), IIFM (Bhopal) etc shall be involved
- State Component: Forest dept of the concerned state/UT
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The Environment – development debate is a complex and multifaceted issue with a long history. Some of the key subtopics that have been debated include:
- The impact of Economic Development on the environment
- The role of government in protecting the environment
- The rights of indigenous peoples to their traditional lands and resources
- The ethics of consumption and production
- The role of technology in addressing environmental challenges
- The potential for conflict between environmental protection and economic development
These are just some of the many subtopics that have been debated in the Environment – development debate. The debate is ongoing, and there is no easy answer to the question of how to balance environmental protection with economic development.
The impact of economic development on the environment is a major concern. Economic development often leads to increased pollution, deforestation, and other environmental problems. In order to protect the environment, it is important to find ways to develop economically in a sustainable way.
The role of government in protecting the environment is another important issue. Governments can play a vital role in regulating pollution, protecting natural resources, and promoting Sustainable Development. However, governments can also be a major source of environmental problems, such as when they subsidize polluting industries or fail to enforce environmental regulations.
The rights of indigenous peoples to their traditional lands and resources are another key issue in the Environment – development debate. Indigenous peoples often have a deep connection to the land and a strong understanding of how to live in harmony with the environment. However, their rights are often threatened by economic development projects, such as logging, mining, and dam construction.
The ethics of consumption and production is another important issue. The way we consume goods and Services has a major impact on the environment. We need to find ways to consume more sustainably, such as by buying products that are made from recycled materials or that are produced in an environmentally friendly way.
The role of technology in addressing environmental challenges is another important issue. Technology can be used to develop new ways to produce energy, clean up pollution, and protect natural resources. However, technology can also be used to create new environmental problems, such as when it is used to develop new products that are harmful to the environment.
The potential for conflict between environmental protection and economic development is another important issue. In some cases, environmental protection can conflict with economic development. For example, protecting a forest from logging may prevent the construction of a new road or dam. In these cases, it is important to find ways to balance the needs of the environment with the needs of the economy.
The Environment – development debate is a complex and challenging issue. There is no easy answer to the question of how to balance environmental protection with economic development. However, it is important to have this debate and to find ways to develop in a sustainable way that protects the environment for future generations.
One way to address the conflict between environmental protection and economic development is to focus on sustainable development. Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development can be achieved by using resources efficiently, reducing pollution, and protecting natural resources.
Another way to address the conflict between environmental protection and economic development is to use market-based mechanisms. Market-based mechanisms are tools that use economic incentives to encourage people to behave in a more environmentally friendly way. For example, a Carbon Tax would put a price on carbon emissions, which would encourage businesses and individuals to reduce their emissions.
Finally, it is important to involve all stakeholders in the debate about environmental protection and economic development. Stakeholders include governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and the public. By involving all stakeholders, we can develop solutions that are fair and equitable.
What is the environment-development debate?
The environment-development debate is a complex and ongoing discussion about the relationship between economic development and environmental protection. Some people argue that economic development must come first, and that environmental protection can be sacrificed in order to achieve economic growth. Others argue that environmental protection is essential for long-term economic development, and that we must find ways to balance the two.
What are the main arguments in the environment-development debate?
The main arguments in the environment-development debate can be divided into two camps: those who believe that economic development must come first, and those who believe that environmental protection is essential for long-term economic development.
Those who believe that economic development must come first argue that environmental protection can be sacrificed in order to achieve economic growth. They argue that economic growth is necessary to create jobs, raise living standards, and improve people’s lives. They also argue that environmental protection can be expensive, and that resources should be spent on other priorities, such as education and healthcare.
Those who believe that environmental protection is essential for long-term economic development argue that we must find ways to balance the two. They argue that environmental degradation can have a negative impact on economic growth, such as by reducing agricultural productivity, increasing the risk of natural disasters, and damaging tourism. They also argue that environmental protection can create jobs and boost economic growth, such as in the renewable Energy sector.
What are the consequences of the environment-development debate?
The environment-development debate has had a significant impact on the way we think about the environment and economic development. It has led to a greater awareness of the need to protect the environment, and it has also led to the development of new technologies and policies that help to balance economic growth and environmental protection.
However, the debate has also led to some negative consequences. It has sometimes led to polarization and conflict between those who believe that economic development must come first and those who believe that environmental protection is essential. It has also led to some countries taking steps that have had a negative impact on the environment, such as cutting back on environmental regulations.
What are the solutions to the environment-development debate?
There is no easy solution to the environment-development debate. However, there are a number of things that can be done to address the issue. These include:
- Investing in RENEWABLE ENERGY and other sustainable technologies.
- Developing new policies that help to balance economic growth and environmental protection.
- Raising awareness of the need to protect the environment.
- Promoting sustainable lifestyles.
These are just some of the things that can be done to address the environment-development debate. It is a complex issue, but it is one that we must address if we want to create a sustainable future for our planet.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a major environmental problem?
(A) Climate Change
(B) Deforestation
(C) Pollution
(D) Overpopulation
Answer
(D) Overpopulation is not a major environmental problem. It is a social problem that can lead to environmental problems, but it is not an environmental problem in itself.
Question 2
Which of the following is not a major cause of climate change?
(A) Burning fossil fuels
(B) Deforestation
(C) Agriculture
(D) Overpopulation
Answer
(D) Overpopulation is not a major cause of climate change. It is a social problem that can lead to environmental problems, but it is not an environmental problem in itself.
Question 3
Which of the following is not a major way to reduce climate change?
(A) Reduce our reliance on fossil fuels
(B) Plant trees
(C) Eat less meat
(D) Overpopulation
Answer
(D) Overpopulation is not a major way to reduce climate change. It is a social problem that can lead to environmental problems, but it is not an environmental problem in itself.
Question 4
Which of the following is not a major way to protect the environment?
(A) Reduce our consumption of resources
(B) Recycle and compost
(C) Use renewable energy sources
(D) Overpopulation
Answer
(D) Overpopulation is not a major way to protect the environment. It is a social problem that can lead to environmental problems, but it is not an environmental problem in itself.
Question 5
Which of the following is not a major benefit of protecting the environment?
(A) Cleaner air and water
(B) More biodiversity
(C) A more stable climate
(D) Overpopulation
Answer
(D) Overpopulation is not a major benefit of protecting the environment. It is a social problem that can lead to environmental problems, but it is not an environmental problem in itself.
Question 6
Which of the following is not a major cost of not protecting the environment?
(A) More pollution
(B) More climate change
(C) More extinctions
(D) Overpopulation
Answer
(D) Overpopulation is not a major cost of not protecting the environment. It is a social problem that can lead to environmental problems, but it is not an environmental problem in itself.
Question 7
Which of the following is not a major goal of sustainable development?
(A) Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
(B) Reducing POVERTY and inequality
(C) Protecting the environment
(D) Overpopulation
Answer
(D) Overpopulation is not a major goal of sustainable development. It is a social problem that can lead to environmental problems, but it is not an environmental problem in itself.
Question 8
Which of the following is not a major way to achieve sustainable development?
(A) Reducing our consumption of resources
(B) Investing in renewable energy sources
(C) Protecting the environment
(D) Overpopulation
Answer
(D) Overpopulation is not a major way to achieve sustainable development. It is a social problem that can lead to environmental problems, but it is not an environmental problem in itself.
Question 9
Which of the following is not a major benefit of sustainable development?
(A) A cleaner environment
(B) A more equitable society
(C) A more stable climate
(D) Overpopulation
Answer
(D) Overpopulation is not a major benefit of sustainable development. It is a social problem that can lead to environmental problems, but it is not an environmental problem in itself.
Question 10
Which of the following is not a major cost of not achieving sustainable development?
(A) More pollution
(B) More climate change
(C) More extinctions
(D) Overpopulation
Answer
(D) Overpopulation is not a major cost of not achieving sustainable development. It is a social problem that can lead to environmental problems, but it is not an environmental problem in itself.