ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

ANSWER 1 Sustainable Development refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs. To achieve this goal, societies must undergo significant
transitions in various sectors, ensuring environmental protection, economic growth, and social well-being.

1. Energy Transition: Moving from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro
power is crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

2. Resource Efficiency and Waste Management: Societies must shift towards a circular economy by
minimizing waste, promoting recycling, and using resources efficiently. This reduces environmental
degradation and ensures long-term resource availability.

3. Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems: Adopting organic farming, reducing chemical usage, and
promoting sustainable irrigation practices help in conserving soil health and biodiversity while ensuring food
security.

4. Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development: Sustainable cities must incorporate green buildings,
efficient public transport, and pollution control measures to reduce their environmental footprint.

5. Conservation of Biodiversity and Ecosystems: Protecting forests, wetlands, and wildlife is essential to
maintain ecological balance and prevent biodiversity loss.

6. Social and Economic Transitions: Societies should focus on inclusive economic growth, education, and
equitable resource distribution to reduce poverty and ensure a just transition for all.

ANSWER 2 (a) Primary and Secondary Succession

Ecological succession refers to the natural process of change in the structure and composition of a biological
community over time. Primary succession occurs in areas where no previous life existed, such as newly
formed volcanic islands, sand dunes, or areas exposed after glacier retreat. It begins with pioneer species
like lichens and mosses that gradually create soil for other organisms. Over time, larger plants establish,
leading to a stable ecosystem.

Example: The formation of a forest on newly cooled lava from a volcanic eruption.

Secondary succession occurs in areas where an existing ecosystem has been disturbed but soil remains
intact, such as after a wildfire, flood, or human activities like deforestation. The process is faster as seeds,
roots, and microorganisms are already present.

Example: Regrowth of a forest after a wildfire.

(b) Direct and Indirect Use Value of Biodiversity

Biodiversity provides both direct and indirect use values to humans.

Direct use value includes resources directly obtained from biodiversity, such as food, medicine, fuel, and
timber. These are tangible benefits that can be consumed or sold.

Example: Fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants like neem and tulsi are used directly by humans.

Indirect use value refers to ecosystem services that support human life but are not directly consumed. These
include climate regulation, pollination, soil fertility, and water purification. These services maintain
ecological balance and sustain human well-being.
Example: Mangroves protect coastal areas from storms, and bees pollinate crops, ensuring food production.

Both values highlight the importance of conserving biodiversity for present and future generations.

ANSWER 3 (a) A biodiversity hotspot is a region rich in biodiversity, particularly endemic species, but under
severe threat due to habitat destruction and other environmental pressures. Norman Myers first introduced
this concept, defining hotspots as areas with at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics and having
lost at least 70% of their original habitat.

India is considered a mega biodiversity hotspot because of its diverse ecosystems, ranging from the
Himalayas to coastal regions, forests, and deserts. The country has four biodiversity hotspots:

1. Himalayas (including the Indo-Burma region)

2. Indo-Burma

3. Western Ghats

4. Sundaland (including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands)

India is home to over 45,000 plant species and 91,000 animal species, including numerous endemic and
endangered species. Factors like climate variation, topography, and geographical diversity contribute to
India’s rich biodiversity, making it a global conservation priority.

(b) Life Forms in an Aquatic Ecosystem

Aquatic ecosystems have distinct zones where different life forms exist:

1. Littoral Zone (Nearshore) – Shallow water with abundant light, supporting rooted plants like water
lilies and algae, along with animals like frogs, insects, and fish.

2. Limnetic Zone (Open Water) – Sunlit surface water where plankton, fish like carp and trout, and
primary producers like phytoplankton thrive.

3. Profundal Zone (Deep Water) – Low-light region inhabited by decomposers, some fish species, and
scavengers like crabs.

4. Benthic Zone (Bottom) – Consists of detritivores like worms, bacteria, and fungi that decompose
organic matter.

Each zone plays a critical role in maintaining ecological balance by supporting diverse aquatic species.

(c) Difference Between Surface and Groundwater & Water Degradation Factors

Surface Water Groundwater

Found in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Found underground in aquifers.

Exposed to evaporation and contamination. Less exposed but can still be polluted.

Supports immediate human and ecological needs. Used for irrigation and drinking.

Factors Responsible for Water Degradation:

1. Pollution – Industrial waste, sewage, and chemicals pollute rivers and lakes.

2. Over-extraction – Excessive groundwater withdrawal depletes aquifers.

 3. Deforestation – Reduces groundwater recharge and increases surface runoff.

4. Climate Change – Alters rainfall patterns, causing droughts and floods.

5. Agricultural Runoff – Fertilizers and pesticides contaminate both water sources.

These factors contribute to water scarcity and reduced water quality, impacting both human and ecological
health.

(d) The Carbon Cycle

The carbon cycle is a biogeochemical process that regulates carbon exchange between the biosphere,
geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

Main Steps of the Carbon Cycle:

1. Photosynthesis – Plants absorb CO₂ and convert it into organic matter.

2. Respiration – Organisms release CO₂ back into the atmosphere.

3. Decomposition – Dead organisms decompose, returning carbon to the soil.

4. Ocean Absorption – Oceans absorb CO₂, forming carbonates used by marine organisms.

5. Fossil Fuel Combustion – Burning fuels releases stored carbon into the air, contributing to global
warming.

Human activities, especially fossil fuel burning and deforestation, disrupt the natural balance of the carbon
cycle, leading to climate change. Sustainable practices like afforestation and carbon sequestration can help
restore balance.

ANSWER 4 The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 is a landmark legislation that empowers tribal communities
and forest dwellers by recognizing their rights over forest land and resources. It aims to correct historical
injustices caused by the displacement and marginalization of these communities.

Key Provisions of FRA, 2006:

1. Individual Rights – Grants land ownership (up to 4 hectares) to forest dwellers who have been
cultivating it before December 13, 2005.

2. Community Rights – Allows access to minor forest produce (like tendu leaves, honey, bamboo) and
grazing lands.

3. Right to Protect & Conserve – Empowers communities to conserve and manage forests sustainably.

4. Protection from Eviction – Ensures that no one is evicted unless their claim is lawfully settled.

Example of FRA's Impact:

In Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district, tribal communities gained control over bamboo harvesting,
boosting their incomes significantly.

ANSWER 5 Non-conventional energy resources, including solar, wind, biomass, and small hydro, are gaining
prominence in India due to their sustainability and role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The country
has made significant progress in harnessing these resources, yet challenges remain.
Current Status:
India ranks among the top nations in renewable energy production, with an installed capacity of over 180
GW (as of 2023). The government aims to achieve 500 GW from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. Key
initiatives like the National Solar Mission and Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME)
are driving this transition.

Examples:

 Solar Energy

 Wind Energy

 Biomass & Waste-to-Energy

 Small Hydro

Challenges:
Despite progress, high initial costs, land acquisition issues, intermittency, and storage challenges hinder
large-scale adoption. Addressing these through policy support and technological advancements is crucial for
sustainable energy security.

ANSWER 6 (a) Ecofeminism

Ecofeminism links environmental issues with gender inequality, arguing that the exploitation of nature and
the oppression of women stem from patriarchal structures. It emphasizes that women, particularly in rural
areas, are more affected by environmental degradation. Ecofeminists advocate for sustainable development,
gender justice, and ecological balance to counter environmental destruction caused by industrialization and
capitalism.

(b) Geographical and Social Inequity

Geographical inequity refers to uneven distribution of environmental resources and hazards across different
regions, affecting rural and marginalized areas disproportionately. Social inequity highlights disparities in
access to clean water, air, and healthcare due to economic, racial, or class differences. Both lead to
environmental injustice, where vulnerable communities suffer more from pollution, climate change, and
resource scarcity.

(c) Ozone Layer Depletion

The ozone layer, located in the stratosphere, protects life by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Depletion occurs due to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and other ozone-depleting substances. This
results in increased UV exposure, leading to skin cancer, cataracts, and ecological harm. The Montreal
Protocol (1987) aims to phase out these chemicals to restore ozone levels and reduce environmental
damage.

(d) Acid Rain

Acid rain is precipitation with high levels of sulfuric and nitric acids, formed when sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and
nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) react with water vapor in the atmosphere. It harms soil, water bodies, plants, and
infrastructure. Acid rain disrupts ecosystems, reduces agricultural productivity, and accelerates the decay of
buildings. Controlling industrial emissions and using cleaner energy sources help mitigate its effects.

ANSWER 7 (a) Four Impacts of Improper Waste Disposal

1. Soil Contamination: Waste, especially hazardous chemicals, can seep into the soil, making it toxic.
For example, industrial waste containing heavy metals like lead and mercury affects soil fertility and
plant growth.
 2. Water Pollution: Improper disposal of waste near water bodies leads to contamination. For
instance, plastic waste and sewage dumped in rivers cause water pollution, harming aquatic life and
human health.

3. Air Pollution: Burning waste releases harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and dioxins,
contributing to air pollution. An example is open waste burning in landfills, which causes respiratory
diseases.

4. Threat to Wildlife: Plastic waste in oceans and forests poses a serious threat to animals. For
example, marine creatures like turtles ingest plastic, mistaking it for food, leading to fatal health
issues.

(b) Landfilling as an Important Method of Waste Disposal

Landfilling is a widely used waste disposal method where waste is buried under the ground. It is essential for
managing large amounts of waste, especially non-recyclable materials. Modern landfills are designed with
protective liners and gas extraction systems to reduce environmental harm.

1. Prevents Open Dumping: Landfills help in proper waste containment, preventing pollution from
open waste dumping.

2. Reduces Health Hazards: Properly managed landfills prevent the spread of diseases caused by
rotting waste and pests.

3. Methane Recovery: Decomposing organic waste in landfills produces methane, which can be
captured and used as an energy source.

4. Land Reclamation: Closed landfills can be converted into parks or recreational spaces, making them
useful after waste degradation.

However, poorly managed landfills can cause groundwater contamination and methane emissions, making
proper regulation necessary.

(c) Role of CPCB in Monitoring Pollution Levels

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in India. It plays a crucial role in environmental protection and pollution control
through:

1. Monitoring Pollution Levels: CPCB tracks air, water, and noise pollution using real-time data from
monitoring stations across the country.

2. Setting Standards: It establishes pollution control standards for industries, vehicles, and urban areas
to ensure environmental safety.

3. Regulating Industrial Pollution: CPCB enforces pollution control measures in industries and issues
guidelines for waste management.

4. Public Awareness & Research: The board conducts studies on pollution trends and spreads
awareness about environmental issues.

CPCB works with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) to implement environmental policies effectively and
ensure compliance with pollution control laws.
(d) Collective Actions in Addressing Environmental Issues

Collective action refers to the efforts of individuals, communities, organizations, and governments working
together to solve environmental challenges. It is essential for tackling large-scale environmental problems
such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change.

1. Community Initiatives: Local groups can organize clean-up drives, afforestation programs, and waste
segregation campaigns to improve environmental conditions.

2. Government Policies: Effective environmental laws and policies, such as the Plastic Waste
Management Rules, are enforced through collective advocacy.

3. Corporate Responsibility: Businesses adopting sustainable practices, like reducing plastic usage and
using renewable energy, contribute to environmental protection.

4. Global Cooperation: International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement on climate change,
show how nations can work together to address global environmental concerns.

ANSWER 8 Habitat destruction is widely regarded as the most critical threat to global biodiversity. It occurs
due to deforestation, urbanization, agricultural expansion, and industrial activities. As natural ecosystems
are destroyed or fragmented, numerous species lose their habitats, leading to population decline and, in
many cases, extinction.

In the present-day context, large-scale deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, wetland drainage for urban
development, and coral reef degradation due to climate change are prime examples of habitat loss. The
expansion of monoculture farming and mining activities also contributes significantly to habitat destruction.
Additionally, infrastructure development such as highways and dams further fragments ecosystems, making
it difficult for species to survive and reproduce.

This loss of biodiversity disrupts ecological balance, affecting food chains, water cycles, and climate
regulation. It also threatens indigenous communities and reduces the availability of medicinal and economic
resources. Conservation efforts like afforestation, protected areas, and sustainable land-use planning are
crucial to mitigating habitat destruction. International agreements such as the Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD) and initiatives like the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration aim to reverse habitat loss and
protect global biodiversity.

Thus, habitat destruction remains the primary driver of biodiversity loss, necessitating urgent global and
local conservation efforts.

ANSWER 9 Water pollution is a serious environmental issue that poses a threat to human health and the
survival of various life forms. It occurs when harmful substances contaminate water bodies, making them
unsafe for consumption and aquatic life. The main agents of water pollution include:

1. Industrial Waste – Factories discharge toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and dyes into rivers and lakes,
leading to severe health hazards like cancer, organ damage, and developmental disorders.

2. Sewage and Domestic Waste – Untreated sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites
that cause waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.

3. Agricultural Runoff – Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides results in nitrate and phosphate
pollution, leading to eutrophication, which depletes oxygen levels and kills aquatic organisms.

4. Plastic and Microplastics – Non-biodegradable plastics pollute water bodies, harming marine life
through ingestion and entanglement. Microplastics further disrupt aquatic ecosystems and enter
the food chain, affecting human health.
 5. Oil Spills – Accidental oil spills form a thick layer on water surfaces, blocking oxygen exchange and
causing large-scale marine life mortality.

ANSWER 10 Natural disasters affect millions of people worldwide, but the ratio of fatalities to the total
number of affected individuals varies significantly. This variation depends on three key factors: the type of
calamity, the degree of preparedness, and population density.

1. Type of Calamity

Certain natural disasters have inherently higher fatality rates. For example, earthquakes and tsunamis often
cause sudden, large-scale destruction, leading to a high ratio of deaths. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami
killed over 230,000 people, despite affecting millions. In contrast, floods and droughts may affect vast
populations but cause fewer direct deaths. For instance, the 2013 Uttarakhand floods affected thousands but
had a lower death toll compared to earthquakes.

2. Degree of Preparedness

Countries and regions with better disaster preparedness experience fewer fatalities. For example, Japan,
which faces frequent earthquakes, has advanced early warning systems, strict building codes, and public
awareness programs that minimize deaths. In contrast, Haiti’s 2010 earthquake resulted in over 200,000
deaths due to weak infrastructure and poor preparedness.

3. Population Density

Densely populated regions experience higher casualties as more people are exposed to hazards. Urban areas
like Mumbai or Manila, when hit by cyclones or floods, report higher death tolls than sparsely populated
rural areas. The 2005 Mumbai floods caused significant loss of life because of overcrowding and inadequate
drainage.