Em QB 1

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 19

Environment Management

Module 1
Q1. Why is sustainable development so often associated with protecting the environment?
The concept of sustainable development was emphasized by the United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development (UNCED), which defined it as: ‘Development that meets the need of
the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own
needs’.
Sustainable development is often associated with protecting the environment because it recognizes the
interdependence between human well-being, economic development, and the health of the natural
environment. The concept of sustainable development emerged in response to the recognition that
traditional development practices, which focused solely on economic growth without considering
environmental and social impacts, were often unsustainable in the long run. Protecting the
environment is a crucial component of sustainable development for several reasons:
1. Resource Availability: Environmental conservation ensures the responsible use of natural resources,
preventing their depletion and ensuring they are available for future generations.
2. Ecosystem Services: The environment provides essential services such as clean air, water, and
fertile soil. Protecting these ecosystems ensures that they can continue to support life and human well-
being.
3. Biodiversity Conservation: Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem stability and resilience.
Sustainable development aims to protect and preserve the variety of species and ecosystems to
maintain ecological balance.
4. Climate Change Mitigation: Sustainable development addresses the impact of human activities on
the climate. Mitigating climate change is crucial for preventing severe environmental disruptions and
safeguarding human societies.
5. Human Health: A healthy environment is fundamental for human health. Pollution and
environmental degradation can lead to various health problems, so protecting the environment is a key
aspect of ensuring public health.
6. Social Equity: Sustainable development also emphasizes social equity and inclusivity.
Environmental protection helps prevent environmental degradation, which often disproportionately
affects marginalized communities.
7. Long-Term Economic Viability: Environmental degradation can have negative economic impacts,
such as reduced agricultural productivity, increased healthcare costs, and damage to infrastructure. By
protecting the environment, sustainable development aims to secure long-term economic viability.
Q2. State factors responsible for increase in the World Energy needs.
Several factors contribute to the increase in world energy needs. These factors are interconnected and
often driven by population growth, industrialization, technological advancements, and changes in
lifestyle. Some key factors include:
1. Population Growth: The global population has been steadily increasing, leading to higher energy
demand. More people require energy for basic needs such as housing, transportation, and electricity,
contributing to an overall rise in energy consumption.
2. Urbanization: The ongoing trend of urbanization, with more people moving to cities, results in
increased energy demands for infrastructure, transportation systems, and buildings.
3. Industrialization: Economic development and industrial growth drive up energy consumption.
Industries require substantial energy for manufacturing processes, and as countries industrialize, their
energy needs tend to escalate.
4. Technological Advancements: Advances in technology often lead to the development and adoption
of energy-intensive technologies. For example, the increasing use of electronic devices, data centers,
and other modern technologies contributes to higher energy requirements.
5. Changing Lifestyles: Changes in lifestyle patterns, such as increased use of electronic gadgets,
higher demand for air conditioning, and a shift towards energy-intensive diets, can result in greater
per capita energy consumption.
6. Transportation Needs: The growing demand for transportation, particularly in developing countries,
contributes significantly to the increase in energy consumption. The reliance on fossil fuels for
automobiles, ships, and planes is a major factor.
7. Energy-Intensive Agriculture: Modern agriculture practices, including the use of machinery,
fertilizers, and irrigation systems, contribute to higher energy needs in the food production chain.
8. Rising Standards of Living: As people around the world seek higher standards of living, there is an
increased demand for energy-intensive goods and services, such as electronic appliances, vehicles,
and air conditioning.
9. Globalization: Increased interconnectedness and globalization result in the transportation of goods
and people across long distances, leading to higher energy requirements for shipping, aviation, and
logistics.
10. Climate Change Mitigation Efforts: Ironically, efforts to address climate change, such as the
transition to renewable energy sources, may initially increase energy demand as new infrastructure is
built and as older, less efficient technologies are phased out
Q3. Explain Environmental issues in India which requires immediate attention.

Environmental Issues
Environmental issues are the harmful effects of human activities on the environment. These include
pollution, overpopulation, waste disposal, climate change, global warming, the greenhouse effect, etc.
Various environment protection programs are being practised at the individual, organizational and
government levels with the aim of establishing a balance between man and the environment.
Some of the current environmental issues that require urgent attention are:

Climate Change
Climate change is a great concern in today’s scenario. This problem has surfaced in the last few
decades. Greenhouse gases are the major cause of climate change. Environmental changes have
several destructive impacts such as the melting of glaciers, change in seasons, epidemics, etc.

Global Warming
The burning of fossil fuels, emissions from automobiles and chlorofluorocarbons add to the
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This has led to an increase in the earth’s temperature causing
environmental changes. This increase in temperature across the globe is known as global warming.

Ozone Layer Depletion


The ozone layer is a layer of concentrated ozone gas. It protects us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet
rays. This very important layer is being destroyed by CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), which are used in
industries and everyday life (e.g. aerosol cans).
The chlorine in these compounds destroys the ozone layer. The hole in the ozone layer leaves humans
and wildlife exposed to harmful UV rays resulting in several skin diseases including cancer.

Water Pollution
The introduction of harmful substances into rivers, oceans, lakes and ponds, which changes the
physical, chemical or biological condition of the water is called water pollution. The polluted water
lacks oxygen and therefore the organisms die.
Water is the main source of life and therefore it is our prime duty to prevent it from any kind of
pollution.

Air Pollution
Air pollution is the result of emissions from industries, automobiles, and the increasing use of fossil
fuels. The gaseous emissions have added to an increase in the temperature of the earth. Not only this,
but it had also increased the risk of diseases among individuals.
Solid Waste Management
Solid-waste management is defined as the discipline associated with the generation, storage,
collection, transfer and transport, processing, and disposal of solid waste in a manner that it does not
have a harmful effect on the environment.

Deforestation
Deforestation is the depletion of trees and forests at an alarming rate. The trees provide us with
oxygen, and several raw materials and also maintain the temperature of the earth. Due to the depletion
of trees for commercial purposes, there has been a drastic change in the earth’s climate.
Forests are an abode to a large number of wild animals and plants. Destruction of forests has led to the
elimination of a large number of plants and animal species affecting biodiversity.

Overpopulation
The earth’s population is increasing drastically. It is estimated to be more than seven billion. The
increasing population has led to a shortage of resources. If this continues, it will be very difficult to
sustain such a huge population. The other environmental issues including pollution, waste
management, deforestation, climate change and global warming are all associated with
overpopulation.

Acid Rain
Acid Rain, as the name suggests, can be said as the precipitation of acid in the form of rain in the
simplest manner. When atmospheric pollutants like oxides of nitrogen and sulphur react with
rainwater and come down with the rain, then this results in Acid Rain.

Acid rain is very harmful to agriculture, plants, and animals. It washes away all nutrients which are
required for the growth and survival of plants. Acid rain affects agriculture by the way it alters the
composition of the soil.

Q4. What are the different career opportunities associated with Environment management?
A career in environmental management offers diverse opportunities for individuals who are passionate
about addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices. Here are some career
options associated with environmental management:
1. Environmental Consultant: Environmental consultants work with organizations to assess and
address environmental issues. They provide expertise on compliance with environmental regulations,
conduct impact assessments, and offer recommendations for sustainable practices.
2. Environmental Scientist: Environmental scientists conduct research to understand environmental
problems, assess the impact of human activities, and develop strategies for environmental
conservation. They may work in areas such as air quality, water quality, or ecosystem management.
3. Environmental Engineer: Environmental engineers design and implement solutions to
environmental problems. They may work on projects related to waste management, pollution control,
and sustainable infrastructure development.
4. Sustainability Manager: Sustainability managers focus on integrating environmentally friendly
practices into the operations of organizations. They develop and implement strategies to reduce
environmental impact, conserve resources, and promote corporate social responsibility.
5. Conservation Scientist: Conservation scientists work to protect and manage natural resources,
biodiversity, and ecosystems. They may be involved in developing conservation plans, conducting
research, and working with communities to promote sustainable land use.
6. Environmental Policy Analyst: Environmental policy analysts research and analyze policies
related to environmental issues. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or
research institutions to contribute to the development of effective environmental policies.
7. Renewable Energy Specialist: Professionals in this field focus on the development and
implementation of renewable energy projects, such as solar, wind, and bioenergy. They contribute to
the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
8. Waste Management Specialist: Waste management specialists work on developing and
implementing strategies for efficient waste disposal, recycling, and reducing the environmental impact
of waste. They may work for municipalities, private companies, or environmental organizations.
9. Climate Change Analyst: Climate change analysts study the impacts of climate change, assess
vulnerabilities, and develop strategies for adaptation and mitigation. They may work for government
agencies, research institutions, or non-profit organizations.
10. Environmental Educator: Environmental educators engage with the public, schools, and
communities to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable practices. They
may work for environmental organizations, museums, or educational institutions.
11. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager: CSR managers focus on integrating
environmental and social responsibility into corporate strategies. They develop and implement
sustainability initiatives to ensure ethical and responsible business practices.
12. Environmental Journalist/Communications Specialist: Professionals in this field communicate
environmental issues to the public through various media channels. They play a crucial role in raising
awareness and promoting environmental education
Q5. Why do people use fossil fuels, instead of alternative fuels if alternative fuels are supposed
to be better for the environment?
People use fossil fuels for various reasons, and the widespread reliance on them can be attributed to
historical, economic, and infrastructural factors. Despite the environmental drawbacks of fossil fuels,
several challenges have hindered the widespread adoption of alternative fuels. Here are some reasons
why fossil fuels are still extensively used:
1. Infrastructure and Inertia: Existing infrastructure is heavily invested in the production, distribution,
and utilization of fossil fuels. Transitioning to alternative fuels would require significant changes to
infrastructure, such as building new energy facilities, modifying transportation systems, and adapting
manufacturing processes. The inertia of established systems makes it challenging to quickly switch to
alternative sources.
2. Economic Considerations: Fossil fuels have historically been more economically viable due to their
relatively low production costs. The infrastructure for extracting, refining, and distributing fossil fuels
is well-established, making these energy sources more economically competitive in the short term.
Initial investments in alternative energy technologies can be higher, although costs are decreasing as
technology advances.
3. Energy Density: Fossil fuels have a high energy density, meaning they contain a large amount of
energy per unit of volume or weight. This high energy density makes them efficient for various
applications, such as transportation, where energy storage capacity is crucial. Some alternative fuels
may have lower energy density, requiring larger storage or more frequent refueling.
4. Transportation Challenges: The transportation sector heavily relies on liquid fuels, particularly
gasoline and diesel. While electric vehicles and biofuels are emerging alternatives, the transition to
widespread use faces challenges such as the need for extensive charging infrastructure, limited electric
vehicle range, and competition with established gasoline and diesel infrastructure.
5. Global Energy Dependence: Many countries are dependent on fossil fuels for their energy needs
due to the availability of domestic resources or geopolitical considerations. Breaking free from this
dependence requires strategic planning, investment, and often international cooperation.
6. Technological Development: Advances in alternative fuel technologies have been significant, but
the development and commercialization of these technologies take time. Some alternatives, such as
hydrogen fuel cells or advanced biofuels, are still in the early stages of deployment.
7. Policy and Regulation: The absence of comprehensive and stringent policies or regulations that
incentivize the transition to alternative fuels can slow down progress. Government incentives,
subsidies, and regulatory frameworks play a crucial role in encouraging the adoption of cleaner
energy sources.
8. Public Awareness and Perception: Limited awareness or misconceptions about alternative fuels can
influence public acceptance. People may be more comfortable with technologies they are familiar
with, and a lack of understanding or trust in new technologies can impede their adoption.
Q6. Write a short note on Indian Energy Scenario.
Q7. Write a short note on Sustainable development.
Sustainable development is defined as the development that meets the present needs without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
https://www.vedantu.com/commerce/sustainable-development
also read in notebook

Module 2
Q1. What are the different characteristics of Hazardous waste?

Radioactive wastes emit ionizing energy that can harm living organisms. Because
some radioactive materials can persist in the environment for many thousands of years
before fully decaying, there is much concern over the control of these wastes. However, the
handling and disposal of radioactive material is not a responsibility of local municipal
government. Because of the scope and complexity of the problem, the management of
radioactive waste—particularly nuclear fission waste—is usually considered an engineering
task separate from other forms of hazardous-waste management and is discussed in the
article nuclear reactor.
Q2. What are the factors responsible for loss of biodiversity?
 Biodiversity is the variety of life on the Earth. It includes all organisms, species and populations,
the genetic variations among these and their complex assemblages of communities and ecosystem.
 Biodiversity loss refers to the decline or disappearance of biological diversity, understood as the
variety of living things that inhabit the planet.
 Biodiversity, or the variety of all living things on our planet (Earth), has been declining at an
alarming rate in recent years, mainly due to human activities, such as rigorous use of land and
destruction of forests, mining, pollution, climate change etc.

1.Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: It is one of the major causes that drive the loss of diversity in an
ecosystem. Habitat loss meaning is understood in simple terms as losing your own home. A very
common cause or example of the reason for biodiversity depletion is reducing forest cover. The most
drastic and dramatic example is the loss of tropical rainforests. They are being destroyed fast. Once they
covered 14% of the earth’s land surface and now they cover only around 6%. Loss of biodiversity
definition is exemplified by the biodiversity decline in populations of migratory birds, mammals unique
to a particular region, etc. because of human activities and pollution leading to habitat loss meaning
destruction of their natural living conditions.

2.Over-Exploitation: Natural resources which seemed infinite some thousand years ago now seem
very much limited owing to the increased population of human beings alone. Also, the greed of many
human enterprises and endeavours over the past centuries has led to overexploitation of natural
resources which in turn has led to the destruction of biodiversity. Species like Steller's sea cow and
passenger pigeon have gone extinct in the last 500 years because of overexploitation. Land-use
intensification has been one of the major causes of biodiversity and ecosystem loss. Thus, the above-
mentioned habitat loss meaning is exemplified by the over-exploitation of the land resources. On an
alarming note, humans are using natural resources at 25% more than the planet.

3.Alien Species Invasion: Alien species for a particular region can be defined as the species that
originally didn't inhabit the particular habitat or have not evolved in that particular habitat. When a
foreign species is introduced knowingly or unknowingly in a given region, it can turn invasive and
cause biodiversity loss. Biodiversity depletion or biodiversity decline of more than 200 species of
cichlid fish in Lake Victoria of east Africa was caused due to the introduction of Nile perch. Not only
do the new species become invasive but also when they compete for the niche with the indigenous
species and replace them, the entire ecosystem based upon and surrounding the indigenous ones suffers.
It is not only the loss of biodiversity introduction in the local area but also the simultaneous biodiversity
and ecosystem loss.

Natural disasters
Droughts, floods and storms damage ecosystems and destroy habitats and food. They may also change
the food web, making it difficult for plants and animals to repopulate the area. Droughts can also
rapidly destroy vast areas and promote fires that can seriously damage biodiversity. Natural disasters
such as volcanoes, forest fires, floods, hurricanes, droughts, plagues and tsunamis can be devastating
to biodiversity.

Climate change

associated with global warming—which is the modification of Earth’s climate caused by the
burning of fossil fuels—is caused by industry and other human activities. Fossil
fuel combustion produces greenhouse gases that enhance the atmospheric absorption of infrared
radiation (heat energy) and trap the heat, influencing temperature and precipitation patterns.

Q3. What is the difference between endangered life species, threatened species, extinct species
and vulnerable species?

Extinct species
Q4. What are the major pollutants cause the acid rain? And why acid rain is harmful? Explain
it with a real life example.
Q5. What are the different manmade disasters? Write a short note on any one manmade
disaster of India.
Q6. What are the different factors responsible for ozone depletion?
Module 3
1.What examples can you find to show the interdependence between living organisms?
2. Explain your understanding of Food chain?
A food chain refers to the order of events in an ecosystem, where one living organism eats another
organism, and later that organism is consumed by another larger organism. The flow of nutrients and
energy from one organism to another at different trophic levels forms a food chain.

The food chain also explains the feeding pattern or relationship between living organisms. Trophic
level refers to the sequential stages in a food chain, starting with producers at the bottom, followed by
primary, secondary and tertiary consumers. Every level in a food chain is known as a trophic level.

The food chain consists of four major parts, namely:

 The Sun: The sun is the initial source of energy, which provides energy for everything on the
planet.
 Producers: The producers in a food chain include all autotrophs such as phytoplankton,
cyanobacteria, algae, and green plants. This is the first stage in a food chain. The producers
make up the first level of a food chain. The producers utilise the energy from the sun to make
food. Producers are also known as autotrophs as they make their own food. Producers are any
plant or other organisms that produce their own nutrients through photosynthesis.
 Consumers: Consumers are all organisms that are dependent on plants or other organisms for
food. This is the largest part of a food web, as it contains almost all living organisms. It
includes herbivores which are animals that eat plants, carnivores which are animals that eat
other animals, parasites that live on other organisms by harming them and lastly the
scavengers, which are animals that eat dead animals’ carcasses.
Here, herbivores are known as primary consumers and carnivores are secondary consumers. The
second trophic level includes organisms that eat producers. Therefore, primary consumers or
herbivores are organisms in the second trophic level.

Primary Consumers (Herbivores): Primary consumers are organisms that feed directly on producers.
These are herbivores that consume plant material to obtain energy. Examples include insects,
herbivorous mammals, and some types of zooplankton in aquatic ecosystems.

Secondary Consumers (Carnivores): Secondary consumers are organisms that feed on primary
consumers. These are carnivores that obtain energy by consuming herbivores. Examples include
predators such as birds of prey, snakes, and carnivorous mammals.
Tertiary Consumers (Top Carnivores): Tertiary consumers are organisms that feed on secondary
consumers. They are typically top predators in the food chain. Examples include large carnivores like
lions, wolves, and sharks.

Quaternary Consumers (Top Predators): In some ecosystems, there may be a level of quaternary
consumers that feed on tertiary consumers. These are apex predators at the highest trophic level.
Examples can include top predators like apex predators, which have few or no natural predators.

 Decomposers: Decomposers are organisms that get energy from dead or waste organic
material. This is the last stage in a food chain. Decomposers are an integral part of a food
chain, as they convert organic waste materials into inorganic materials, which enriches the
soil or land with nutrients.
Decomposers complete a life cycle. They help in recycling the nutrients as they provide nutrients to
soil or oceans, that can be utilised by autotrophs or producers. Thus, starting a whole new food chain.

Types of Food Chain


There are two types of food chains, namely the detritus food chain and the grazing food chain. Let’s
look at them more closely:

 Detritus food chain: The detritus food chain includes different species of organisms and
plants like algae, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, mites, insects, worms and so on. The detritus food
chain begins with dead organic material. The food energy passes into decomposers and
detritivores, which are further eaten by smaller organisms like carnivores. Carnivores, like
maggots, become a meal for bigger carnivores like frogs, snakes and so on. Primary
consumers like fungi, bacteria, protozoans, and so on are detritivores which feed on detritus.
 Grazing food chain: The grazing food chain is a type of food chain that starts with green
plants, passes through herbivores and then to carnivores. In a grazing food chain, energy in
the lowest trophic level is acquired from photosynthesis.
In this type of food chain, the first energy transfer is from plants to herbivores. This type of food chain
depends on the flow of energy from autotrophs to herbivores. As autotrophs are the base for all
ecosystems on Earth, the majority of ecosystems in the environment follow this kind of food chain.
3. How will you apply the concept of ecology in understanding the interdependence between
living organisms?
4. Draw a diagram of a Food Web.

Food Web:
Several interconnected food chains form a food web. A food web is similar to a food chain but the
food web is comparatively larger than a food chain. Occasionally, a single organism is consumed by
many predators or it consumes several other organisms. Due to this, many trophic levels get
interconnected. The food chain fails to showcase the flow of energy in the right way. But, the food
web is able to show the proper representation of energy flow, as it displays the interactions between
different organisms.

When there are more cross-interactions between different food chains, the food web gets more
complex. This complexity in a food web leads to a more sustainable ecosystem.

You might also like