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Tutor Marked Assignment

Course Code: BEVAE-181

Assignment Code: BEVAE-181/TMA/2019-2020

PART-A

1. (a) Explain the importance of environment in day to day life by citing suitable examples in about 120 words.

(b) “Sustainable development is a goal toward which all human societies need to be moving.” Elaborate the
statement in about 120 words.

2. Differentiate between the following terms by giving suitable examples in about 120 words:

(a) Primary succession and secondary succession

(b) Direct and indirect use value of biodiversity

3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words.

(a) What is biodiversity hotspot? Why is India considered as a mega biodiversity hotspot?

(b) Distinguish between Biota of the Pelagic and Benthic zones of the Oceans with examples.

(c) Differentiate between the surface and ground water. Describe the factors responsible for degradation of
water.

(d) Write a short note on global carbon cycle with the help of diagram.

4. How does forest support ecological system and moderate global climate? Explain with suitable examples in
about 250 words.

5.“India has tremendous potential in non-conventional sources of energy.” Elucidate the statement with suitable
examples and arguments in about 250 words.
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PART-B

6. Explain the following terms in about 50 words:

a) Ecofeminism

(b) Agenda 21

(c) Global Warming

(d) Hazardous Wastes

7. Answer the following questions in about 150 words.

(a) How does Landfilling act as an important method of waste disposal? Explain.

(b) What is Acid rain? Describe its effect.

(c) Describe issues emerges in enforcement of national environment legislations.

(d) What is environmental ethics? Why do we need a set of ethics for the environment? Explain.

8. “Habitat destruction is recognised as most significant threat to global biodiversity?” Elucidate the statement
in present context with suitable examples in about 250 words.

9. Differentiate between the primary and secondary pollutants. Explain how these pollutants are harmful for
humans and environment in about 250 words.

10. Critically analyse a case of people’s movement in India against environmental degradation in about 300
words.
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ASSIGNMENT SOLUTION GUIDE(2019-20)

B.E.V.A.E-181
Ability enhancement compulsory course on Environment Studies

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PART-A

1. (a) Explain the importance of environment in day to day life by citing suitable examples in about 120
words.

SOLUTION

Environment is everything that is around us. It can be living (biotic) or non-living (abiotic) things. It includes
physical, chemical and other natural forces.In the environment there are different interactions between
animals, plants, soil, water, and other living and non-living things.

Things we Can Do to Save the Environment

 Stop eating meat (or at least reduce it). ...

 Stop eating dairy. ...
 Change your car driving habits. ...
 Notice how you use water. ...
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 Reduce the amount of paper in your life. ...

 Use a refillable water bottle and reusable lunch containers. ...
 Be mindful of what you throw in the trash. ...
 Bag it yourself

The condition of our environment is getting declined day by day because of the pollution and global warming.
We should celebrate and promote eco-friendly development in our country in order to save the environment for
better future.

(b) “Sustainable development is a goal toward which all human societies need to be moving.” Elaborate
the statement in about 120 words

SOLUTION

Sustainable development is the organizing principle for meeting human development goals while
simultaneously sustaining the ability of natural systems to provide the natural resources and ecosystem
services based upon which the economy and society depend. The desired result is a state of society where living
conditions and resources are used to continue to meet human needs without undermining the integrity and
stability of the natural system. Sustainable development can be defined as development that meets the needs of
the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

While the modern concept of sustainable development is derived mostly from the 1987 Brundtland Report, it is
also rooted in earlier ideas about sustainable forest management and twentieth-century environmental concerns.
As the concept developed, it has shifted towards focus more on economic development, social development and
environmental protection for future generations. It has been suggested that "the term 'sustainability' should be
viewed as humanity's target goal of human-ecosystem equilibrium, while 'sustainable development' refers to the
holistic approach and temporal processes that lead us to the end point of sustainability".[1] Modern economies
are endeavoring to reconcile ambitious economic development and obligations of preserving natural
resources and ecosystems, as the two are usually seen as of conflicting nature. Instead of holding climate
change commitments and other sustainability measures as a remedy to economic development, turning and
leveraging them into market opportunities will do greater good. The economic development brought by such
organized principles and practices in an economy is called Managed Sustainable Development (MSD).

2. Differentiate between the following terms by giving suitable examples in about 120 words:
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(a) Primary succession and secondary succession

SOLUTION

Definition of Primary Succession

Primary Succession is the initial stage of the development of any community. As it starts growing from the area
where there is no suitable condition for sustaining life. Gradually the advancement goes on, from the barren
area, rocks and non-vegetative fields to the expansion of the developed community. The evolution is so slow
that it takes thousands of years to build such area

Primary Succession is the first life form to appear in any environment, whether it is a terrestrial, marine or fresh
water. In this case, there is no previous living material present. And the organisms which establish themselves
in the initial stage are called the primary colonizers or pioneer and community of that species is called primary
community. Lichens and algae are the typical examples of this succession.

Definition of Secondary Succession

The community that existed previously, but has been removed due to the natural disturbances. Even the land
still marks the presence of the essential nutrition, which is required by all forms of life to grow. This kind of
succession occurs in the forest, which has been cut recently, plowing fields, flooded lands and the area which
were destroyed due to natural calamities.

Key Differences Between Primary Succession and Secondary Succession

Given below are the substantial points, for distinguishing between both kind of ecological succession:

1. Primary Succession is defined as the type of ecological succession, which occurs or start from the barren,
uninhabited and unoccupied areas, such as the newly formed pond, rock, dunes, etc., while such kind of
succession, which occurs in the area where there was the existence of life previously but got abandoned due
to natural disturbances like deforestation, natural calamities (flood, earthquake, tsunami), the field with no
vegetation is known as Secondary Succession.
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2. Primary Succession occurs in the lifeless or barren area while Secondary Succession occurs in an area,
which has been recently got deprive of life and was previously inhabited.

3. Time taken for the completion of the process in Primary Succession is more than 1000 years while
Secondary Succession takes place around 200 for its completion.

4. There is the absence of soil and humus at the starting of the process, and the condition is not suitable for
sustaining life, but in Secondary Succession soil and humus are present, along with some organisms.

5. Intermediary seral and pioneer community are present in number in Primary Succession whereas the
presence of intermediary seral community few in numbers and pioneer community gets develops from the
migrants and the previous occupants.

6. In the beginning, the environment is unfavorable for the growth in Primary Succession but in case of
Secondary Succession, the environment is favorable, since the beginning of development

(b) Direct and indirect use value of biodiversity

SOLUTION

it is often said that variety is a spice of life. No intelligent investor confines his money to one or two shares. No
one can sit stably and comfortably on a chair with two legs, No one remains fully healthy on a restricted diet.
These facts are obvious, but the larger analogy that a varied base is vital for human existence fails to achieve
recognition. The variety of living things around us is one of the greatest wonders of life on earth. This is the
reason why our ancestors were able to survive without industries, without the latest technologies, without the
guns, without the bulldozers and so forth. This clearly shows that the human race has been dependent on the
natural world ever since its existence on this planet.

Most of our country’s greatest wealth is contained in natural forests, plains, mountains, wetlands and marine
habitats. These biological resources are the physical manifestation of the globe’s biological diversity, which
simply stated is the variety and variability among living organisms and the ecological complexes in which
they occur. Effective systems of management can ensure that biological resources not only survive, but in fact
increase while they are being used, thus providing the foundation for sustainable development and for stable
national economies. But instead of conserving the rich resources of forest, wetland, and sea, current processes
of development in the country are depleting many biological resources at such a rate that they are rendered
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essentially non-renewable. Conservation of living natural resources - plants, animals and micro-organisms, and
the non-living elements of the environment on which they depend - is crucial for sustainable development.
Species and their genetic materials promise to play an expanding role in development, and a powerful economic
rationale is emerging to bolster the ethical, aesthetic, and scientific cases for preserving them. The genetic
variability and germ-plasm material of species make contributions to agriculture, medicine, and industry worth
many billion of dollars per year. If nations can ensure the survival of species, the world can look forward to new
drugs and medicines, and new raw material for industry. Equally important are the vital life processes carried
out by nature, including stabilization of climate, protection of watersheds and soil, preservation of nurseries and
breeding grounds, and so on. Conserving these processes cannot be divorced from conserving the individual
species within natural ecosystems. Species and natural ecosystems make many important contributions to
human welfare. Yet these very important resources are seldom being used in ways that will be able to meet the
growing pressures of future high demands for both goods and services that depend upon these natural resources.
Many ecosystems that are rich biologically and promising in material benefits are severely threatened. Vast
stocks of biological diversity are in danger of disappearing just as science is learning how to exploit
genetic variability through the advances of genetic engineering.

Direct values

Biological resources, therefore , are valuable. There are direct and indirect values of these resources. The direct
values include the consumptive use and productive use values. The consumptive use value is the value placed
on nature’s products that are consumed directly, without passing through a market. When direct consumption
involves recreation, as in sport fishing and game viewing, the consumptive use value is the whole recreational
experience. The productive use value, on the other hand, refers to products which are commercially harvested or
used. Productive use of resources such as timber, fish, medicinal plants, honey, construction materials,
mushrooms, fruits and so forth have a major impact on the national economy.

Indirect values

Indirect values, which deal primarily with the functions of ecosystems , are not normally reflected in national
economic systems but they far outweigh direct values. These values tend to reflect the value of biological
diversity to society at large rather than to individuals or corporate entities. Direct values often derive from
indirect values, because plants and animals are supported by the services provided by their environments.
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Species without consumptive or productive use may play a very important role in the ecosystem, supporting
species that are valued for their consumptive and productive use. For example high densities of birds in a
certain area may limit the abundance of pests which would otherwise destroy crops; the birds themselves
require a natural forest for nesting. The indirect values include non-consumptive use value, option value and
existence value. The non-consumptive use value are those which deal with nature’s functions and services.
These include photosynthetic fixation of solar energy and thereby providing the support system for other
species, maintaining water cycles, regulating climate, production and protection of soil, absorption and
breakdown of pollutants, recreational, easthetic, socio-cultural , scientific, educational, spiritual , and historical
values of natural environments. The recreational value is very significant in tourism. People from all parts of the
world want to experience a different and variety of animals and plants and therefore for the tourism sector to
improve it is necessary that our biological diversity is maintained or improved.

Since the future is uncertain and extinction is forever, society should prepare for unpredictable events, both
biological and socio-economic. The best preparation in the context of wild life use is to have a safety net of
diversity- maintaining as many gene pools as possible especially within the species that are economically
significant or are likely to be. Option value, therefore is a means of assigning a value to risk aversion and in the
face of uncertainty. Many people also attach value to the existence of a species or habitat that they have no
intention of ever visiting or using; they might hope that their descendants (or future generations in general) may
derive some benefit from the existence of these species, or may just find satisfaction that the mountains hold
water, plants and animals, the rivers hold fish and the soil supports plant growth.

As a basis for applying economic incentives and calculating marginal opportunity costs , it is necessary to
estimate the economic contribution that biological resources make to the national economy. This requires:

1. ensuring that national accounting system makes explicit the tradeoffs and value judgements regarding
impacts on biological resources that may not be measured in monetary terms.;
2. conducting research on methodologies for assessing the cross-sectoral impacts- positive and negative- of
resource utilization;
3. collection of information on the physical properties of resources in specific environments and for specific
uses;
4. developing methodologies for assigning values to non-marketed biological resources, appropriate to the
needs of the country and;
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5. estimating the economic productivity of various ecosystems with various types of inputs.

It is the government’s responsibility to consider the concept of marginal opportunity cost in development
planning, as a means of assessing the true costs of allowing the depletion of biological resources to continue and
seeking alternative paths toward sustainable development. The sustainable levels of biological resources,
including fish, timber, wildlife, medicinal plants, and other goods and services, should be estimated and
demands upon benefits planned within those limits. This should be reflected in the prices of forest products and
other biological resources.

3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words.

(a) What is biodiversity hotspot? Why is India considered as a mega biodiversity hotspot?

SOLUTION

A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region with a rich biodiversity including endemic flora and fauna, that
is also threatened with destruction.

A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic area notable for sustaining significant levels of biological diversity
and which is threatened by destructive activities. Biodiversity hotspots are home to unique flora and fauna, most
of which are endemic to the particular environment. These regions have been identified as some of the world’s
most important ecosystems.
Origin Of The Concept

The biodiversity hotspot concept first appeared in an article written by the scientist Norman Myers in 1988.
Myers, together with other researchers, built up upon and revised the article culminating in “Hotspots: Earth’s
biologically richest and most endangered terrestrial ecoregion” in 1990. For a region to be recognized as a
biodiversity hotspot, it must meet two criteria. First, 1,500 or more of the vascular plant species found in the
territory must be endemic. Vascular plants are critical to the sustainability of the ecosystem since they allow the
circulation of water, photosynthetic product, and minerals. Secondly, the territory must have lost 70% or more
of its original habitat. This situation translates to the loss of some of the region’s living species. Only 36
territories around the world meet these requirements, and they are home to nearly 60% of the world’s flora and
fauna.
Examples Of Biodiversity Hotspots
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One of the most notable biodiversity hotspots in Africa is the Guinean forests of West Africa. The forests
stretch along the coast of West Africa through several nations including Guinea, Sierra Leone, Gabon,
Cameroon, Liberia, Benin, Equatorial Guinea, and Ghana. Nearly ten ecoregions have been identified in the
vast ecosystem. This hotspot is continuously threatened by agriculture, human encroachment, urban
development, and political instability. The Atlantic Forest in South America is another example of a
biodiversity hotspot. The forest is located along the Atlantic coasts of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. More
than 11,000 flora and fauna species found in the forest are threatened while about 250 species of mammals,
amphibians, and birds have been rendered extinct by human activity. The Mediterranean basin is another
hotspot, and it covers the continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It hosts different habitats ranging from forests,
grasslands, woodlands, scrublands, savanna, and shrubland. 22,500 vascular plants have been identified as
being endemic to the territory.
(b) Distinguish between Biota of the Pelagic and Benthic zones of the Oceans with examples.

SOLUTION

Differences:
Benthic : Referring to the sea, benthic zone start at the shoreline and extends into deep waters, away from
landmass. It is to be noticed that there isn’t a specified depth to this zone, as it could vary from few inches as in
a stream to several 1000's of meters as in the open ocean.
Since light cannot penetrate this depth, this zone lacks the ability to photosynthesis as its energy source.
Pelagic Zone : This zone is the uppermost layers of a water body, especially referring to the ocean, interacts
directly with the atmosphere. Physical and chemical properties of this zone vary greatly because of the vastness
of this area, which extends from the uppermost waters down to the deeper layers near the benthic zone of a
water column. This zone can be divided into several sub layers that extend from the top to bottom.
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(c) Differentiate between the surface and ground water. Describe the factors responsible for degradation
of water.

SOLUTION

In general: Groundwater is located underground in large aquifers and must be pumped out of the ground after
drilling a deep well. Surface water is found in lakes, rivers and streams and is drawn into the public water
supply by an intake.

Surface water is just what the name implies; it is water found in a river, lake or other surface cavity. This water
is usually not very high in mineral content, and is often called “soft water” even though it is probably not.
Surface water is exposed to many different contaminants, such as animal wastes, pesticides, insecticides,
industrial wastes, algae and many other organic materials. 
Even surface water found in what seems like
pristine mountain streams can be contaminated by wild animal waste, dead animals upstream or other decay.

Groundwater is water contained in or by a subsurface layer of soil or rock. There are many sources recharging
the supply of groundwater, including rain that soaks into the ground, rivers that disappear underground and
melting snow. Because of the many sources of recharge, groundwater may contain any or all of the
contaminants found in surface water as well as the dissolved minerals it picks up underground.

However, groundwater commonly contains less contamination than surface water because the rock tends to act
as a filter to remove some contaminants. Imagine that rain falls and the rainwater soaks into the ground. The
plants use as many nutrients as they can and then the water continues to filter down through clay, sand and
porous rock filtering the water much like a charcoal filter might clean your drinking water at home. Eventually
this groundwater finds a home in an aquifer or trapped between levels of rock creating a water table. This is the
water you most often drink from your well. Due to the minerals picked up while filtering through the rocks,
groundwater is typically considered to be “hard” water.

(d) Write a short note on global carbon cycle with the help of diagram.
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SOLUTION

The carbon cycle is the biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among
the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the Earth. Carbon is the main component
of biological compounds as well as a major component of many minerals such as limestone. Along with
the nitrogen cycle and the water cycle, the carbon cycle comprises a sequence of events that are key to make
Earth capable of sustaining life. It describes the movement of carbon as it is recycled and reused throughout the
biosphere, as well as long-term processes of carbon sequestration to and release from carbon sinks

4. How does forest support ecological system and moderate global climate? Explain with suitable
examples in about 250 words.

SOLUTION

(a) Temperate Forest Ecosystem:

The temperate forest ecosystem is very important on Earth. Temperate forests are in regions where the climate
changes a lot from summer to winter. Tropical rain forests are in regions where the climate stays constant all
year long. Temperate forests are almost always made of two types of trees, deciduous and evergreen. Deciduous
trees are trees that lose their leaves in the winter.
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Evergreens are trees that keep them all year long, like pine trees. Forests can either be one or the other, or a
combination of both. A fourth kind of forest is a temperate rain forest. These are found in California, Oregon
and Washington in the United States.

These forests are made of redwoods and sequoias, the tallest trees in the world. The amount of rainfall in an
area determines if a forest is present. If there is enough rain to support trees, then a forest will usually develop.
Otherwise, the region will become grasslands.

(b) The Tropical Rain Forest Ecosystem:

Tropical rain forests are one of the most important areas on Earth. These special ecosystems are homes to
thousands of species animals and plants. Contrary to popular belief, rain forests are not only densely packed
plants, but are also full of tall trees that form a ceiling from the Sun above. This ceiling keeps smaller plants
from growing. Areas where sunlight can reach the surface are full of interesting plants.

They are so named because they receive a lot of rain – an average of 80 inches a year. The temperature doesn’t
change very much during the year. It is always warm and muggy. The famous Amazon jungle is located in
Brazil, in South America. This particular forest is called the Neotropics. Other large blocks are located in
Central and West Africa.

(i) Insects of the Tropical Rain Forest:

The most feared and well known spider in the world resides in the jungle. Tarantulas are one of the creepiest
animals you will ever see. Most species of tarantula have poisonous fangs for killing prey and for protection.

Although some are life-threatening to humans, others are harmless. Army ants are just one species of ant in the
rain forest. They are called army ants because they march in a long, thick line through the jungle. They only
stop when the young larvae reach pupil stage. Once the queen lays its eggs, the ants start marching again.

Beautiful butterflies fill the forest, but at one time these insects weren’t so pretty. Butterflies start out as
caterpillars, which tend to be a tad on the ugly side. They go through metamorphosis, which is the process of
changing into a butterfly. Centipedes aren’t so lucky. They don’t turn into butterflies, but instead roam the
forest looking for food. Some centipedes use poison to kill their prey.

(ii) Tropical Rain Forest Birds:

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The birds of the rain forest are the most beautiful in the world. A wide range of colors can be seen darting
through the trees as the forest tops come to life. Many species of tropical birds are kept as pets because of their
looks.

Hundreds of species of parrot live in the rain forest. The scarlet macaw is just one of these. It is also one of the
longest, stretching to a length of 3 feet from its head to the tip of its tail. When these macaws eat a poisonous
fruit, they eat a special type of clay that neutralizes the poison.

Toucans are also very interesting birds. They have large beaks that they use to reach fruit they can’t get to.
Scientists estimate there are 33 species of toucan in the rain forest. Not every tropical bird was blessed with
looks. The hoatzin looks more like a peacock without the pretty tail.

Hoatzins are terrible flyers – crash landings are common practice. The brown kiwi is a flightless bird that looks
more like a rodent with a long beak and feathers. Kiwis live on the ground instead of the trees. They have
special claws used for running, digging and defence.

(iii) Tropical Rain Forest Mammals:

Birds aren’t the only creatures that fly through the rain forests. Several species of flying mammals live in the
jungle. From the harmless fruit bat to the unique flying squirrel, the tropical rain forests are full of surprises.

iv) Tropical Rain Forest Reptiles:

The tropical rain forests of the world are full of reptiles. Reptiles are cold blooded, which means their body
temperature depends on their environment. So, it is important for them to stay in warm climates. Snakes are
reptiles, and the rain forests are home to many. The mamba family is the most poisonous of all. They kill their
prey by injecting poison with their sharp fangs.

Anacondas make up another snake family. They are some of the longest creatures in the world, as they can
reach 30 feet in length. Anacondas prefer to wrap themselves around their prey and squeeze, rather than inject
poison. Anacondas swallow their prey whole and sleep while the food is digesting. Chameleons are interesting
lizards that can change color.

This enables them to blend in with their surroundings. Not only is this a great disguise from predators, it is also
an easy way to sneak up on their prey. Chameleons only eat insects. Geckos are very neat creatures. The flying
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gecko can glide from tree to tree to escape from predators. Their grip is so strong, that if you tried to pull one
off a window, the glass would break before the gecko would let go.

(v) Tropical Rain Forest Primates:

Monkeys and their cousins are all primates. Humans are also primates. There are many species of monkeys in
the tropical rain forests of the world. Monkeys can be divided into two groups: new world monkeys and old
world monkeys. New world monkeys live only in South and Central America. Spider monkeys live in the rain
forests in the Andes Mountains.

They look very strange with their long noses. Spider monkeys eat mostly fruit and nuts, so they are called
frugivores. They are joined by the howler monkeys. These primates are so named because they have a special
sac that makes their sounds louder.

Old world monkeys live only in Africa and Asia. The colobus monkey is one such kind. These monkeys are
called foliovores because they eat leaves. They live in small groups of 15, but other primates live in larger
groups of up to 200. There are too many species. Chimpanzees, orangutans and gorillas are all called pongids.
These primates are more famous than the others. Gorillas are too big to climb trees, so they are found on the
forest floor.

(c) Boreal or Taiga Forests:

The boreal forest ecosystem is the contiguous green belt of conifer and deciduous trees that encircles a large
portion of the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, the boreal forest stretches across most of northern
Canada and into Alaska. It has long been identified as one of the world’s great forest ecosystems.

This forest ecosystem covers roughly 35% of Canada’s land mass and is the single largest land based ecosystem
in North America. It also contains a significant proportion of Canada’s biodiversity and has long been
recognized as an important global carbon sink.

Although the boreal is relatively unknown, it is important as the “great lung” of North America, “breathing in”
carbon dioxide and “exhaling” oxygen into the atmosphere. In short, the boreal forest manages to do what the
rain forest of the Amazon does but with only the fraction of the flora and fauna.
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This forest ecosystem houses the largest and smallest mammal species (wood bison & pygmy shrews) of the
North American continent. The Boreal forest has many things: great lakes and northern rivers; vast bogs, fens
and other organic wetlands. The rich wildlife diversity of the Boreal is a joy to behold: woodland caribou and
lynx; whooping cranes and wood bison; northern owls; woodpeckers with three rather than four toes; colorful
wood warblers.

5.“India has tremendous potential in non-conventional sources of energy.” Elucidate the statement with
suitable examples and arguments in about 250 words.

SOLUTION

As the consumption of energy grows, the population depends more and more on fossil fuels such as coal, oil and
gas day by day. There is a need to secure the energy supply for future since the prices of gas and oil keep rising by
each passing day. So we need to use more and more renewable sources of energy. For the effective exploitation of
non-conventional sources, there has been an establishment of a separate department namely “Department of non-
conventional sources of energy” by the government of India.

Renewable resources provide energy in four important areas like :

 Electricity generation

 Water heating or cooling

 Transporting

 Rural

Types of Non-convention sources

 Solar Energy

 Wind Energy

 Tidal Energy

 Geothermal Energy
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 Biomass

Solar Energy

Solar energy is harnessed by converting solar energy directly into electrical energy in solar plants. Photosynthesis
process carries out this process of conversion of solar energy. In photosynthesis, green plants absorb solar energy
and convert it into chemical energy. Solar energy is an essential energy of all non-conventional sources but its
usage amount is very less. It is the most important non-conventional source of energy and it gives non-polluting
environment-friendly output and is available in abundant.

Uses of Solar energy

 A solar cooker directs the solar heat into secondary reflector inside the kitchen, which focuses the heat to the
bottom of the cooking vessel. It has a covering of a glass plate. They are applicable widely in areas of the
developing world where deforestation is an issue, and financial resources to purchase fuel are not much.

 Solar heaters also use solar energy to heat water instead of using gas or electricity.

 Solar cells also use solar power to generate electricity from the sun.

Wind energy

Wind energy describes the process by which wind is used to generate electricity. As the wind increases, power
output increases up to the maximum output of the particular turbine. Wind farms prefer areas, where winds are
stronger and constant. These are generally located at high altitudes. Wind turbines use wind to make electricity.
There is no pollution because no fossil fuels are burnt to generate electricity. One of India’s largest windmill farm is
in Kanyakumari which generates 380mW of electricity.

Biomass energy

Biomass is the organic matter that originates from plants, animals, wood, sewage. These substances burn to
produce heat energy which then generates electricity. The chemical composition of biomass varies in different
species but generally, biomass consists of 25% of lignin, 75% of carbohydrates or sugar. Biomass energy is also
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applicable for cooking, lighting, and generation of electricity. The residue left after the removal of biogas is a good
source of manure. Biomass is an important energy source contributing to more than 14% of the global energy
supply

Tidal energy

Tidal power is a form of hydropower that converts the energy of tides into electricity. In areas where the sea
experiences waves and tides, we can generate electricity using tidal power. India may take up “ocean thermal level
conversion” by which it will be able to generate 50,000mW of electricity to meet the power requirements.

Geothermal energy

Geothermal energy is the heat energy that we get from hot rocks present in the earth’s crust. So Geothermal wells
release greenhouse gases trapped within the earth and but these emissions are much lower per energy unit than
the fossil fuels. This energy generally involves low running costs since it saves 80% on fossil fuels. Due to this,
there is an increase in the use of geothermal energy. It helps in reducing global warming and does not
create pollution.

PART-B

6. Explain the following terms in about 50 words:

(a) Ecofeminism

SOLUTION

Ecofeminism is a branch of feminism that sees environmentalism, and the relationship between women and the
earth, as foundational to its analysis and practice. Ecofeminist thinkers draw on the concept of gender to analyse
the relationships between humans and the natural world .Ecofeminist theory asserts that a feminist perspective
of ecology does not place women in the dominant position of power, but rather calls for an egalitarian,
collaborative society in which there is no one dominant group. Today, there are several branches of
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ecofeminism, with varying approaches and analyses, including liberal ecofeminism, spiritual/cultural
ecofeminism, and social/socialist ecofeminism (or materialist ecofeminism). Interpretations of ecofeminism and
how it might be applied to social thought include ecofeminist art, social justice and political philosophy,
religion, contemporary feminism, and poetry.

(b) Agenda 21

SOLUTION

Agenda 21 is a non-binding action plan of the United Nations with regard to sustainable development. It is a
product of the Earth Summit (UN Conference on Environment and Development) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,
in 1992. It is an action agenda for the UN, other multilateral organizations, and individual governments around
the world that can be executed at local, national, and global levels.

The "21" in Agenda 21 refers to the 21st century. It has been affirmed and had a few modifications at
subsequent UN conferences. Its aim is achieving global sustainable development. One major objective of the
Agenda 21 initiative is that every local government should draw its own local Agenda 21. Since
2015, Sustainable Development Goals are included in the Agenda 2030

(c) Global Warming

SOLUTION

Global warming is the long-term rise in the average temperature of the Earth's climate system. It is a major
aspect of climate change, and has been demonstrated by direct temperature measurements and by
measurements of various effects of the warming.The terms global warming and climate change are often used
interchangeably.However, speaking more accurately, global warming denotes the mainly human-caused
increase in global surface temperatures and its projected continuation but climate change includes both global
warming and its effects, such as changes in precipitation.While there have been prehistoric periods of global
warming, many observed changes since the mid-20th century have been unprecedented over decades to
millennia.

(d) Hazardous Wastes

SOLUTION
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Hazardous wastes may be found in different physical states such as gaseous, liquids, or solids. A hazardous
waste is a special type of waste because it cannot be disposed of by common means like other by-products of
our everyday lives. Depending on the physical state of the waste, treatment and solidification processes might
be required.

7. Answer the following questions in about 150 words.

(a) How does Landfilling act as an important method of waste disposal? Explain.

SOLUTION

A landfill site (also known as a tip, dump, rubbish dump, garbage dump or dumping ground and
historically as a midden is a site for the disposal of waste materials by burial. Landfill is the oldest form
of waste treatment, although the burial of the waste is modern; historically, refuse was simply left in
piles or thrown into pits. Historically, landfills have been the most common method of organized waste
disposal and remain so in many places around the world.

Some landfills are also used for waste management purposes, such as the temporary storage,
consolidation and transfer, or processing of waste material (sorting, treatment, or recycling). Unless they
are stabilized, these areas may experience severe shaking or soil liquefaction of the ground during a
large earthquake

(b) What is Acid rain? Describe its effect.

SOLUTION

Acid rain, or acid deposition, is a broad term that includes any form of precipitation with acidic components,
such as sulfuric or nitric acid that fall to the ground from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms. This can include
rain, snow, fog, hail or even dust that is acidic.

An ecosystem is a community of plants, animals and other organisms along with their environment including
the air, water and soil. Everything in an ecosystem is connected. If something harms one part of an ecosystem –
one species of plant or animal, the soil or the water – it can have an impact on everything else.
Effects of Acid Rain on Fish and Wildlife
The ecological effects of acid rain are most clearly seen in aquatic environments, such as streams, lakes, and
marshes where it can be harmful to fish and other wildlife. As it flows through the soil, acidic rain water can
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leach aluminum from soil clay particles and then flow into streams and lakes. The more acid that is introduced
to the ecosystem, the more aluminum is released.
Some types of plants and animals are able to tolerate acidic waters and moderate amounts of aluminum. Others,
however, are acid-sensitive and will be lost as the pH declines. Generally, the young of most species are more
sensitive to environmental conditions than adults. At pH 5, most fish eggs cannot hatch. At lower pH levels,
some adult fish die. Some acidic lakes have no fish. Even if a species of fish or animal can tolerate moderately
acidic water, the animals or plants it eats might not. For example, frogs have a critical pH around 4, but the
mayflies they eat are more sensitive and may not survive pH below 5.5.
Effects of Acid Rain on Plants and Trees
Dead or dying trees are a common sight in areas effected by acid rain. Acid rain leaches aluminum from the
soil. That aluminum may be harmful to plants as well as animals. Acid rain also removes minerals and nutrients
from the soil that trees need to grow.
At high elevations, acidic fog and clouds might strip nutrients from trees’ foliage, leaving them with brown or
dead leaves and needles. The trees are then less able to absorb sunlight, which makes them weak and less able
to withstand freezing temperatures.
Buffering Capacity
Many forests, streams, and lakes that experience acid rain don’t suffer effects because the soil in those areas
can buffer the acid rain by neutralizing the acidity in the rainwater flowing through it. This capacity depends on
the thickness and composition of the soil and the type of bedrock underneath it. In areas such as mountainous
parts of the Northeast United States, the soil is thin and lacks the ability to adequately neutralize the acid in the
rain water. As a result, these areas are particularly vulnerable and the acid and aluminum can accumulate in the
soil, streams, or lakes.
Episodic Acidification
Melting snow and heavy rain downpours can result in what is known as episodic acidification. Lakes that do not
normally have a high level of acidity may temporarily experience effects of acid rain when the melting snow or
downpour brings greater amounts of acidic deposition and the soil can’t buffer it. This short duration of higher
acidity (i.e., lower pH) can result in a short-term stress on the ecosystem where a variety of organisms or
species may be injured or killed.
Nitrogen Pollution
It’s not just the acidity of acid rain that can cause problems. Acid rain also contains nitrogen, and this can have
an impact on some ecosystems. For example, nitrogen pollution in our coastal waters is partially responsible for
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declining fish and shellfish populations in some areas. In addition to agriculture and wastewater, much of the
nitrogen produced by human activity that reaches coastal waters comes from the atmosphere.
(c) Describe issues emerges in enforcement of national environment legislations.

SOLUTION

Some of the important issues involved in enforcement of environmental legislation in India are as follows: 1.
The precautionary principle, 2. The polluter-pays principle, 3. Freedom of information!

The environmental issue in India looks gloomy despite so many Legislations and Acts. The rivers and lakes
continue to be choked with industrial waste and sewage. The air in many cities of India is heavily polluted.
Deforestation takes place quite normally. The protection of wildlife is not carried out in its true spirit, despite
the enforcement of Acts

The people must be guided and helped to establish the trend of acceptance of preventing the environment as a
whole, our health and Earth’s resources, The presence of legislation to protect the air, water, soil etc., doesn’t
necessarily mean the problem is addressed.

Once the legislation is made at the global, national or state level, it has to be implemented. For environmental
legislation to be successfully implemented there has to be an effective agency to collect relevant data, process it
and pass it on to a law enforcement agency. If the law or rule is broken by an individual or institution, this has
to be punished through the legal process.

The Government of India constituted a Central Board for prevention and control of water pollution after the
Water Act, 1974 was passed. Subsequently Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1986 was passed. The
Central Board for prevention and control of water pollution was entrusted to manage the affairs enumerated in
Air Act, 1986 and Environment Act, 1986.

Several other acts and rules were enacted. All the state governments also constituted pollution central boards in
their respective states and accepted the central legislation in their respective legislative assemblies. Some of the
pollution monitoring is carried out by other agencies, e.g., vehicular pollution is monitored by transport
department. This is a real drawback because several agencies cannot control pollution.

(d) What is environmental ethics? Why do we need a set of ethics for the environment? Explain
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SOLUTION

Environmental ethics is the part of environmental philosophy which considers extending the traditional
boundaries of ethics from solely including humans to including the non-human world. It exerts influence on a
large range of disciplines including environmental law, environmental sociology, ecotheology, ecological
economics, ecology and environmental geography.

There are many ethical decisions that human beings make with respect to the environment. For example:

 Should humans continue to clear cut forests for the sake of human consumption?
 Why should humans continue to propagate its species, and life itself?
 Should humans continue to make gasoline-powered vehicles?
 What environmental obligations do humans need to keep for future generations?
 Is it right for humans to knowingly cause the extinction of a species for the convenience of humanity?
 How should humans best use and conserve the space environment to secure and expand life?
 What role can Planetary Boundaries play in reshaping the human-earth relationship?

The academic field of environmental ethics grew up in response to the works of Rachel Carson and Murray
Bookchin and events such as the first Earth Day in 1970, when environmentalists started urging philosophers to
consider the philosophical aspects of environmental problems. Two papers published in Science had a crucial
impact: Lynn White's "The Historical Roots of our Ecologic Crisis" (March 1967) and Garrett Hardin's "The
Tragedy of the Commons" (December 1968). Also influential was Garett Hardin's later essay called "Exploring
New Ethics for Survival", as well as an essay by Aldo Leopold in his A Sand County Almanac, called "The
Land Ethic," in which Leopold explicitly claimed that the roots of the ecological crisis were philosophical
(1949).