Worksheet Solutions: Environment and Sustainable Development - 2 | Economics Class 12 - Commerce PDF Download

Section 1: Fill in the Blanks

Q1: Carrying capacity implies that resource extraction should remain below the rate of _______.
Ans: resource regeneration
Carrying capacity refers to the maximum population size of a species that a specific environment can sustain indefinitely, given the available resources. When discussing human activities and resource utilization, it's important to ensure that the rate at which resources are extracted (e.g., natural resources, energy, etc.) does not exceed the rate at which these resources can naturally regenerate or replenish. This concept aligns with the sustainable use of resources and maintaining a balance to avoid depletion and environmental degradation.

Q2: __________ is a gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth's lower atmosphere.
Ans: Global warming
Global warming is the gradual and sustained increase in the average temperature of the Earth's lower atmosphere (often referred to as the troposphere). This phenomenon is primarily attributed to human activities, such as the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, which trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to a warming effect commonly associated with climate change.

Q3: Ozone depletion is primarily caused by high levels of ________ used in air conditioners and refrigerators. 
Ans: CFC (chlorofluorocarbon)
Ozone depletion is the reduction in the concentration of ozone (O3) in the stratosphere, particularly in the ozone layer. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are synthetic compounds that were once commonly used in refrigerators, air conditioners, aerosol propellants, and foam-blowing agents. CFCs release chlorine and bromine atoms when they break down in the atmosphere, which are destructive to ozone molecules and contribute significantly to ozone layer depletion.

Q4: Land degradation refers to a decline in the overall quality of ______, water, or vegetation condition.
Ans: soil
Land degradation refers to the deterioration or decline in the quality and health of land resources, including soil, water, and vegetation. Specifically, in this context, land degradation pertains to the decline in the overall quality of soil, which may include processes like erosion, desertification, loss of soil fertility, salinization, and other forms of soil degradation that negatively impact its ability to support vegetation and sustainable agricultural practices.

Q5: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was established in ________ to address pollution concerns. 
Ans: 1974
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory organization in India that was established in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. The main purpose of the CPCB is to promote cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the country and to prevent water pollution. Over time, its role has expanded to address various forms of environmental pollution and work towards sustainable environmental management.

Q6: Sustainable development aims to meet the needs of the ________ generation without compromising the ability of future generations.
Ans: present
Sustainable development is a concept that aims to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It emphasizes achieving a balance between economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection to ensure that current actions do not deplete resources or harm the environment to the extent that future generations are disadvantaged.

Q7: Renewable resources should be extracted on a _______ basis to ensure sustainability.
Ans: sustainable
Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replenished over time through natural processes. To ensure sustainability, these resources should be extracted or utilized at a rate that allows them to naturally regenerate and maintain their abundance. This approach ensures that future generations can continue to benefit from these resources without depleting them.

Q8: Some long-term results of global warming include the extinction of species and ________ storms.
Ans: tropical
Global warming, driven by climate change, can have various long-term impacts. One significant consequence is the extinction of species as changing environmental conditions disrupt habitats and affect ecosystems. Additionally, global warming can lead to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including tropical storms and hurricanes, due to the warming of ocean waters, which fuel these weather phenomena.

Q9: The main features of sustainable development include a sustained rise in ________ and rational use of natural resources.
Ans: real per capita income
Sustainable development encompasses several key features, one of which is a sustained rise in real per capita income. This implies achieving economic growth and improving the standard of living for individuals while considering environmental sustainability and social equity. It emphasizes the responsible and efficient use of natural resources to support economic development without depleting resources or harming the environment in the long run.

Q10: ________ is a major environmental concern in India with reference to vehicular pollution in urban cities.
Ans: Air pollution
Air pollution is a significant environmental concern in India, particularly in urban cities, due to high levels of emissions from vehicles, industrial activities, and other sources. The pollution of the air with harmful gases, particulate matter, and other pollutants poses serious health risks to the population and has adverse effects on the environment, including air quality degradation and climate change. Efforts and regulations are in place to mitigate air pollution and improve air quality across the country.

Section 2: Assertion and Reason

Q1: Assertion: Global warming is caused by an increase in greenhouse gases.
Reason: Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

Q2: Assertion: Ozone depletion is primarily caused by CFCs.
Reason: CFCs break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

Q3: Assertion: Sustainable development aims to meet the needs of the present generation.
Reason: It is not concerned with the well-being of future generations.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.

Q4: Assertion: Land degradation can occur due to improper planning and management of irrigation systems.
Reason: Extraction of groundwater in excess of the recharge capacity contributes to land degradation.
Options:
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

Q5: Assertion: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was established in 1974 to address pollution concerns.
Reason: It is responsible for planning and executing a nationwide program for the prevention, control, or abatement of water and air pollution.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

Section 3: Very Short Answers 

Q1: What are the two types of elements in the environment?
Ans: Biotic and abiotic elements.

Q2:List the functions of the environment mentioned in the text.
Ans: Supplying resources, assimilating waste, sustaining life, enhancing quality of life.

Q3:What does carrying capacity of the environment imply?
Ans: Resource extraction should be below the rate of resource regeneration, and waste generation should be within the absorption capacity.

Q4: Name two reasons for environmental crises mentioned in the text.
Ans: Population explosion and the intensive extraction of resources.

Q5: Provide an example of a renewable resource.
Ans: Trees in forests.

Q6: Name a major form of pollution mentioned in the text.
Ans: Air pollution.

Q7: What causes global warming according to the text?
Ans: Man-made increase in carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases through fossil fuel burning and deforestation.

Q8: List two long-term results of global warming.
Ans: Melting of polar ice and an increase in the incidence of tropical diseases.

Q9: What is ozone depletion, as described in the text?
Ans: Reduction in the amount of ozone in the stratosphere.

Q10: What are Chipko and Appiko movements related to?
Ans: Protecting forests.

Section 4: Short Answers

Q1: Explain the concept of carrying capacity and its implications for the environment.
Ans: Carrying capacity refers to the environment's ability to sustainably provide resources and absorb waste without interruptions. It implies that resource extraction should not exceed the rate of resource regeneration, and waste generation should remain within the environment's absorption capacity. When these conditions are not met, environmental crises occur, leading to resource depletion and ecological imbalances.

Q2: Discuss the reasons for environmental crises as mentioned in the text.
Ans: The text outlines three main reasons for environmental crises:

• Population explosion: Rapid population growth increases the demand for resources and intensifies environmental pressure.
• Intensive and extensive resource extraction: Excessive exploitation of both renewable and nonrenewable resources depletes natural reserves and disrupts ecosystems.
• Affluent consumption and production standards: Developed countries with high consumption and production levels contribute significantly to environmental problems through their resource-intensive lifestyles.

Q3: Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources and provide an example of each.
Ans: Renewable resources can be used continuously without depletion, such as forests. Non-renewable resources, like fossil fuels, become exhausted with extraction and use.

Q4: Explain the major forms of pollution mentioned in the text and their consequences.
Ans: The text identifies four major forms of pollution:

• Air pollution: Harmful gases and particulate matter contaminate the air, leading to respiratory issues and environmental damage.
• Water pollution: Contamination of water sources by pollutants affects aquatic life and poses health risks to humans.
• Noise pollution: Excessive noise levels can cause hearing impairments and disrupt ecosystems.
• Land pollution: Land degradation from waste and harmful chemicals affects soil quality and vegetation.

Q5: Describe the impact of global warming on the environment according to the text.
Ans: Global warming, caused by increased carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, results in various long-term effects:

• Melting of polar ice, leading to rising sea levels and coastal flooding.
• Extinction of species due to disappearing ecological niches.
• More frequent tropical storms.
• Increased incidence of tropical diseases due to changing climate patterns.

Q6: Discuss the factors responsible for land degradation as mentioned in the text.
Ans: Several factors contribute to land degradation:

• Loss of vegetation through deforestation.
• Forest fires and overgrazing.
• Improper crop rotation and shifting cultivation practices.
• Encroachment into forest lands and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals.
• Poor planning and management of irrigation systems.
• Groundwater extraction exceeding recharge capacity.

Q7: Explain the functions and responsibilities of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in India.
Ans: The CPCB, established in 1974, focuses on preventing and controlling water and air pollution. Its functions include advising the central government on environmental matters, coordinating state boards, providing technical assistance, conducting research, and creating awareness about pollution. The CPCB sets standards, compiles data, and disseminates information to ensure the quality of air and water.

Q8: Outline strategies for achieving sustainable development as mentioned in the text.
Ans: Strategies for sustainable development include:

• Using non-conventional energy sources.
• Adopting cleaner fuels like LPG and CNG.
• Embracing solar and wind power.
• Shifting to organic farming and recycling waste.
• Promoting public transportation and traditional knowledge.
• Establishing mini-hydel plants and employing biopest control methods.

Section 5: Long Answers

Q1: Discuss the concept of sustainable development and its main features according to the text.
Ans: Sustainable development is a development process that meets present generation needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs. The main features are:

• Sustained rise in real per capita income and economic welfare.
• Rational use of natural resources.
• No reduction in the future generation's ability to meet their own needs.
• A focus on controlling pollution.

Q2: Analyze the dichotomy of environmental threats faced by India as outlined in the text.
Ans: India faces a dichotomy of environmental threats:

• Poverty-induced environmental degradation: The struggle for resources due to poverty leads to overexploitation and degradation of natural resources, exacerbating environmental issues.
• Pollution from affluence and industrial growth: Rapid industrialization and high consumption levels, particularly in urban areas, contribute to pollution and environmental deterioration.

Q3: Elaborate on the priority environmental issues identified in India and the strategies to address them.
Ans: Priority issues in India include land degradation, biodiversity loss, air pollution (especially vehicular pollution), management of freshwater, and solid waste management. Strategies to address these issues involve adopting renewable energy, cleaner fuels, promoting sustainable farming, recycling, improving public transportation, preserving traditional practices, and employing biopest control.

Q4: Describe the functions of the environment and the consequences of exceeding its carrying capacity.
Ans: The environment functions by supplying resources, assimilating waste, sustaining life, and enhancing quality of life. Carrying capacity is the environment's ability to perform these functions sustainably. If this capacity is exceeded, it leads to resource depletion, ecological imbalances, and environmental crises. Overexploitation of resources and exceeding waste absorption capacity result in declining resource availability, habitat destruction, and damage to ecosystems, affecting both present and future generations.