Higher Order Thinking Skills - Environment and Sustainable Development | Economics Class 12 - Commerce PDF Download

Q1: Analyse the four functions of the environment and explain how exceeding its carrying capacity disrupts these roles. Provide examples from India to illustrate your points.
Ans: The environment performs four critical functions: supplying resources, assimilating waste, sustaining life, and providing aesthetic services. When human activities exceed the environment's carrying capacity, these functions are disrupted, leading to environmental degradation. 

1. Supplying Resources

• Function: The environment provides both renewable (e.g., trees, fish) and non-renewable resources (e.g., coal, petroleum). These resources are essential for economic development and human survival.
• Disruption: Excessive extraction depletes renewable resources faster than they can regenerate and exhausts non-renewable ones.
• Example: In India, deforestation for agriculture, urbanization, and industrialization has led to a significant loss of forest cover. According to the State of India’s Environment report, about 1.8 million hectares of forest land have been diverted for non-forest purposes since 1980. This disrupts the supply of timber, medicinal plants, and other forest-based resources.

2. Assimilating Waste

• Function: The environment absorbs and neutralizes waste generated by human activities, such as industrial effluents, sewage, and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Disruption: When waste generation exceeds the environment's assimilative capacity, it leads to pollution of air, water, and soil.
• Example: The Damodar River in Jharkhand, heavily polluted by industrial effluents from coal mines and steel plants, exemplifies this issue. The river is now considered an ecological disaster zone due to unchecked industrial waste discharge.

3. Sustaining Life

• Function: The environment sustains life by maintaining biodiversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystems that support all living organisms.
• Disruption: Overexploitation of natural resources and habitat destruction threaten biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
• Example: The Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, faces severe degradation due to mining, dam construction, and agricultural expansion. This threatens endemic species like the lion-tailed macaque and reduces ecological resilience.

4. Providing Aesthetic Services

• Function: Natural landscapes, forests, rivers, and mountains provide aesthetic value, recreational opportunities, and cultural significance.
• Disruption: Environmental degradation diminishes these services, impacting tourism and cultural heritage.
• Example: The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces discolouration and structural damage due to air pollution from nearby industries. This not only affects its aesthetic appeal but also impacts tourism revenue.

Q2: Assess the viability of replacing thermal and hydropower plants with non-conventional energy sources like wind and solar power in India. What economic and environmental trade-offs are involved?
Ans: India’s energy demand has been growing rapidly, and the current reliance on thermal (coal-based) and hydroelectric power plants poses significant environmental and economic challenges. Transitioning to non-conventional energy sources like wind and solar power is a viable solution but involves certain trade-offs.

Viability of Wind and Solar Power

1. Abundant Renewable Resources

• India is geographically well-positioned to harness solar and wind energy. With over 300 sunny days in many regions and vast wind corridors, renewable energy can meet a significant portion of the country's energy needs.
• The cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind turbines has decreased significantly over the past decade, making them economically competitive with conventional energy sources.

2. Government Initiatives 

• Programs like the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) and state-level policies have incentivized renewable energy adoption.
• Investments in grid infrastructure and energy storage systems are being made to integrate renewables into the energy mix.

3. Environmental Benefits 

• Unlike thermal power plants, solar and wind energy do not emit greenhouse gases or contribute to air pollution.
• Hydroelectric projects often lead to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and displacement of communities. Wind and solar power avoid these issues.

4. Energy Security 

• Reducing dependence on imported coal and fossil fuels enhances energy security and reduces vulnerability to global price fluctuations.

Economic Trade-Offs

• High Initial Costs: While operational costs for solar and wind energy are low, the initial capital investment for setting up solar farms and wind turbines is high. This requires significant funding from both the public and private sectors. Further, developing energy storage systems (e.g., batteries) to address intermittency issues adds to the cost.
• Land Use: Large-scale solar and wind projects require extensive land, which could compete with agricultural activities or disrupt local ecosystems if not managed sustainably.
• Job Creation vs. Displacement: Renewable energy projects create jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. However, they may displace workers employed in coal mining and thermal power plants, necessitating retraining programs.
• Grid Integration Challenges: Integrating intermittent renewable energy sources into the existing grid requires upgrades to transmission and distribution infrastructure, which is costly and time-consuming.

Environmental Trade-Offs

• Reduction in Pollution: Shifting to renewables drastically reduces air pollution and carbon emissions, improving public health and mitigating climate change impacts.
• Avoidance of Ecological Damage: Unlike hydroelectric projects, which submerge forests and disrupt river ecosystems, wind and solar installations have minimal ecological footprints if planned carefully.
• Resource Extraction for Renewables: Manufacturing solar panels and wind turbines requires rare earth metals and other materials, leading to concerns about resource depletion and environmental degradation in mining areas.
• Waste Management: End-of-life disposal of solar panels and wind turbine blades poses a potential environmental hazard if not recycled properly.

Conclusion

Replacing thermal and hydropower plants with non-conventional energy sources like wind and solar power is a viable and necessary step toward sustainable development in India. While the transition offers significant environmental benefits, including reduced pollution and enhanced energy security, it also involves economic trade-offs such as high initial costs and grid integration challenges. A balanced approach that includes investments in technology, policy incentives, and capacity building can help mitigate these trade-offs. Additionally, addressing socio-economic concerns like job displacement through skill development programs will ensure a just transition. Ultimately, adopting renewable energy is essential for achieving long-term economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Q3: Using the example of vehicular pollution in urban India, propose a multi-faceted strategy to reduce air pollution while maintaining economic growth. How would you balance these competing priorities?
Ans: Vehicular pollution is a major contributor to air pollution in urban India, with personal transport vehicles accounting for a significant share of emissions. Addressing this issue requires a balanced approach that reduces pollution while supporting economic growth. Below is a proposed strategy:

1. Promote Public and Sustainable Transport

• Expand Public Transport: Invest in affordable, efficient, and accessible public transportation systems like metro rail, buses, and suburban trains to reduce reliance on personal vehicles.
• Encourage Non-Motorized Transport: Develop infrastructure for walking and cycling, such as dedicated lanes and pedestrian-friendly zones, especially in densely populated areas.
• Adopt Electric Vehicles (EVs): Provide subsidies and incentives for EV adoption, including tax breaks for manufacturers and buyers, and establish charging infrastructure across cities.

2. Implement Stricter Emission Norms

• Upgrade Fuel Standards: Enforce stricter Bharat Stage (BS) emission norms (e.g., BS-VI) to limit pollutants from vehicles.
• Regular Vehicle Inspections: Mandate periodic fitness tests for all vehicles to ensure compliance with emission standards and phase out older, polluting vehicles.

3. Leverage Technology and Innovation

• Adopt Cleaner Technologies: Encourage the use of hybrid engines, hydrogen fuel cells, and other low-emission technologies in public and private transport.
• Smart Traffic Management: Use AI and IoT-based systems to optimize traffic flow, reducing congestion and idle vehicle emissions.

4. Urban Planning and Policy Measures

• Decongest Cities: Promote decentralization by developing satellite towns and industrial hubs outside city centers to reduce daily commutes.
• Congestion Pricing: Introduce tolls or fees for driving in high-traffic zones during peak hours to discourage unnecessary vehicle use.
• Green Building Norms: Require new residential and commercial developments to include parking for EVs and facilities for non-motorized transport.

5. Raise Awareness and Involve Communities

• Public Campaigns: Launch awareness programs on the health impacts of air pollution and the benefits of sustainable transport.
• Community Participation: Engage local communities in initiatives like carpooling and "no vehicle" days to foster collective responsibility.

Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Protection

1. Job Creation through Green Initiatives

• Investments in public transport, EV manufacturing, and green infrastructure will create jobs in emerging sectors, supporting economic growth.
• Example: The EV industry can generate employment in manufacturing, R&D, and charging infrastructure development.

2. Incentivize Sustainable Practices 

• Offer tax incentives to industries adopting cleaner technologies and penalize polluting practices to align economic activities with environmental goals.

3. Long-Term Economic Benefits 

• Reducing air pollution lowers healthcare costs and improves productivity by minimizing diseases caused by vehicular emissions.
• Cleaner cities attract investments and tourism, boosting the economy.

4. Phased Implementation 

• Gradually phase out older vehicles and introduce EVs to avoid sudden economic disruptions.
• Provide financial support to low-income groups for transitioning to cleaner transport options.

Q4: Develop a comprehensive policy framework for sustainable development in India that integrates traditional knowledge (e.g., Ayurveda, biocomposting) with modern technology. How would you ensure its adoption across diverse regions?
Hint: Draw from strategies like gobar gas plants and biopest control.
Ans: India’s sustainable development strategy must blend traditional knowledge with modern technology to address environmental, economic, and social challenges. Below is a concise policy framework:

1. Integration of Traditional Knowledge and Modern Technology

• Agriculture: Promote biocomposting, organic farming, and biopesticides. Scale up gobar gas plants and restore traditional water systems like johads and kulhs .
• Healthcare: Integrate Ayurveda and other traditional systems into mainstream healthcare and validate remedies scientifically.
• Urban Sustainability: Incorporate traditional designs (e.g., baolis ) into green buildings and mandate renewable energy use in urban areas.

2. Regional Customization

• Himalayan Region: Focus on eco-tourism, medicinal plants, and terraced farming.
• Desert Regions: Use solar-powered desalination and drought-resistant crops.
• Coastal Areas: Restore mangroves and promote aquaculture.
• Eastern/Northeastern Regions: Leverage bamboo industries and community-managed forests.

3. Implementation Mechanisms

• Community Participation: Involve local committees and SHGs in resource management.
• Incentives: Provide subsidies, tax breaks, and awareness campaigns.
• Technology Transfer: Set up innovation hubs and partner with institutions to document traditional practices.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Use satellite imagery, drones, and apps to track progress. Set measurable targets for organic farming, water conservation, etc.

5. Ensuring Adoption

• Decentralized Governance: Empower PRIs for grassroots implementation.
• Capacity Building: Train farmers and entrepreneurs through workshops.
• PPPs: Collaborate with private companies and CSR funds for scalable projects.

Conclusion

This framework integrates traditional knowledge with modern solutions to achieve sustainable development. Tailored strategies, community involvement, and innovative technologies ensure environmental sustainability, equitable growth, and resilience for future generations.

Q5: Debate the statement: "India’s rapid industrialisation justifies the environmental costs it incurs." Use evidence from India to argue for or against this view.
Hint: Weigh economic benefits against health and ecological costs.
Ans: The statement that India’s rapid industrialisation justifies the environmental costs it incurs is highly debatable. While industrialisation has brought significant economic benefits, the ecological and health costs cannot be overlooked. A balanced analysis of the costs and benefits reveals the need for a sustainable approach to development.

Arguments in Favour of the Statement

1. Economic Growth and Development

• Industrialisation has been a key driver of India’s GDP growth. For instance, the share of the industrial sector in GDP increased from 13% in 1950-51 to 24.6% in 1990-91.
• The post-1991 reforms further accelerated GDP growth, with an average of 8.2% during 2007-12, largely due to industrialisation and globalisation.
• Industrial growth has created jobs, reduced poverty, and improved living standards, particularly through sectors like manufacturing, textiles, and IT.

2. Infrastructure and Urbanisation

• Industrialisation has led to the development of infrastructure such as roads, power plants, and urban centers, which are critical for modern economies.
• Cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad have emerged as industrial and technological hubs, contributing significantly to India’s economy.

3. Technological Advancements 

Industrialisation has facilitated technological progress, including innovations in renewable energy, healthcare, and agriculture, which can potentially mitigate environmental damage.

Arguments Against the Statement

1. Environmental Degradation 

• Industrial activities have caused severe pollution. For example, the Damodar Valley, one of India’s most industrialised regions, is now an ecological disaster due to pollutants from heavy industries along the riverbanks.
• Air pollution, water contamination, soil erosion, deforestation, and biodiversity loss are pressing environmental concerns linked to industrialisation.

2. Health Impacts 

• Degraded environmental quality has led to increased health issues. Seventy percent of India’s water is polluted, resulting in waterborne diseases like cholera.
• Air pollution from industries and vehicles has caused respiratory illnesses such as asthma, imposing additional healthcare costs on individuals and the government.

3. Resource Depletion 

• Intensive extraction of both renewable and non-renewable resources has depleted vital resources. For instance, rivers and aquifers have been polluted or dried up, making water an economic good.
• Overuse of natural resources like forests, minerals, and fossil fuels has exceeded their regeneration capacity, leading to long-term ecological imbalances.

4. Opportunity Costs 

• Correcting environmental damages involves high opportunity costs. For example, the government spends vast amounts on technology, research, and healthcare to address pollution-related issues.
• Global environmental challenges like climate change and ozone depletion further increase financial commitments, diverting resources from other developmental priorities.

Conclusion: Need for Sustainable Development 

• Sustainable development, as defined in the document, ensures that the needs of the present generation are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
• Strategies like promoting renewable energy (e.g., wind and solar power), adopting cleaner technologies, and enforcing stricter emission norms can mitigate environmental damage while supporting industrial growth.