Key Notes: Environment and Sustainable Development | Economics Class 12 - Commerce PDF Download

Environmental Functions:

• The environment comprises living and non-living components that influence our existence.
• It provides resources for production, including renewable and non-renewable resources.
• Essential for sustaining life, providing sun, soil, water, and air.
• Can absorb waste generated by human activities.
• Contributes to quality of life through aesthetic beauty.

Carrying Capacity:

• Sustainable development balances resource utilization with regeneration and waste absorption.
• Environmental crises occur when capacity to carry a load is exceeded due to resource exploitation or waste generation.

State of India's Environment:

Land Degradation:

• Decline in soil fertility due to various factors.
• Deforestation, over-extraction, shifting cultivation, etc.

Air Pollution:

• Harmful substances in the air from industries, chemicals, and vehicles.

Biodiversity Loss:

• Reduction or disappearance of living species due to climate change, pollution, etc.

Management of Freshwater:

• Issues like water pollution from industrial waste, household waste, and chemicals.

Solid Waste Management:

• Accumulation of waste in rural and urban areas.
• Need for proper waste management.

Sustainable Development:

• UNCED defines it as development that meets present needs without compromising future generations.
• Strategies include non-conventional energy sources, clean fuels, CNG in urban areas, wind and solar power, and mini-hydel plants.

Conclusion:

• Economic development strains the environment due to increased resource demand.
• Sustainable development aims to minimize environmental problems while fulfilling current and future needs.