Environment and

sustainable development

Environment
What is meant by environment?
The total planetary inheritance and the totality of
resources is called environment. In simple language; our
surrounding is called our environment.
The environment is composed of two types of components,
viz. biotic and abiotic. The biotic components include all
the living beings, while the abiotic components include
non-living things like air, water, soil, etc.

Functions of the environment

Environment supplies resources
It assimilates wastes
It sustains life by providing biodiversity
It also provides aesthetic services like
scenery
Factors

contributing to land degradation in India

Loss of vegetation due to deforestation

Unsustainable firewood and fodder extraction
Shifting cultivation
Encroachment into forest lands
Non-adoption of adequate measures for soil
conservation
improper crop rotation

State Of Environment In
India
India Has Abundant Natural Resources In
Terms Of Rich Quality Of Soil, Hundreds Of
Rivers And Tributaries, Lush Green Forests,
Plenty Of Mineral Deposits Beneath The
Land Surface, Vast Stretch Of The Indian
Ocean, Ranges Of Mountains, Etc. Air
Pollution, Water Contamination, Soil
Erosion, Deforestation And Wildlife
Extinction Are Some Of The Most Pressing
Environmental Concerns Of India. The
Priority Issues Identified Are :(I) Land Degradation (II) Biodiversity Loss
(III) Air Pollution (Vehicular Pollution In
Urban Cities) (IV) Management Of Fresh

Ways to protect the environment

Use compact fluorescent light
bulbs
It is true that these bulbs are more
expensive, but they last much longer and
they can save energy and in the long term
your electricity bill would beWalk
reduced.
or cycle
Driving is one of the biggest causes of pollution.
If you want to use your car, ask yourself the
following question: do I really need my car? Walk
or use your bike if the journey is a short one

Turn off your devices

When you do not use a house device, turn it
off. For example, if you don't watch TV, turn
it off. Turn off the light when you leave a
room (even if you intend to return.) It's an
easy habit to take up which will help you
save a lot of money.

SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
The development that meets the needs of
the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs.
It contains within it two key concepts:

The concept ofneeds, in particular

the essential needs of the world's poor,
to which overriding priority should be
given.
> The idea oflimitationsimposed by
the state of technology and social
organization on the environment's
ability to meet present and future
>

Features Of Sustainable development

(1)Sustained rise in real per capita income and

economic welfare.
(2) Rational use of natural resources .
(3) No reduction in the ability of future generations
to meet their own needs.
(4) No increase in pollution.

Strategies for Sustainable development

The following strategies should be adhered to, for
sustainable development.
Use of Non-conventional source of Energy
India is mostly dependent on thermal and hydropower
plants which have adverse environmental impact. Nonconventional sources like wind and solar says are
cleaner and greener technologies, which can be
effectively used to replace thermal and hydropower.

Use of Cleaner fuels

Use of Compressed Natural Gas
(CNG) is being promoted to be used
as fuel. In Delhi, the use of CNG as
fuel in public transport system has
lowered air pollution and the air has
become cleaner. The use of LPG and
Gobar Gas is being promoted which
reduces air pollution.
Establishment of Mini-Hydel plants
Mountain regions and streams are
used to generate electricity through
mini Hydel plants. These are
environment friendly.
Traditional Knowledge and
Practices Traditionally all practices
relating to agriculture system, health
care system, housing, transport etc.
used to be environment friendly. The
shift from the traditional system has
caused large scale damage to the
environment as our social heritage.

Use of Bio-Compost
The use of chemical fertilizers to
increase the Agricultural production has
not only adversely affected the large
areas of productive land but also
contaminate the water bodies. Increases
in demand for organic food demand for
dung are in increased use which is an
important fertilizer and soil conditioner.
Control of Bio pest
A bio- effector method of
controllingpests(including insects,
mites, weeds and plant diseases) using
other living organisms.
Change in unsustainable patterns of
consumption and
production
India has taken large number of steps for
sustainable development.

Examples of Sustainable Development

Solar Energy
The greatest advantages of solar energy are
that it is completely free and is available in a
limitless supply. Both of these factors provide a
huge benefit to consumers and help reduce
pollution. Replacing non-renewable energy with
this type of energy is both environmentally and
financially effective.
Wind Energy
Wind energy is another readily available energy
source. Harnessing the power of wind energy
necessitates the use ofwindmills; however, due to
construction cost and finding a suitable location, this
kind of energy is meant to service more than just the
individual. Wind energy can supplement or even
replace the cost of grid power, and therefore may be a
good investment and remains a great example of
sustainable development.

Crop Rotation
The online dictionary defines crop rotation as the
successive planting of different crops on the same
land to improve soil fertility and help control
insects and diseases.This farming practice is
beneficial in several ways, most notably because it
is is chemical-free. Crop rotation has been proven
to maximize the growth potential of land, while
also preventing disease and insects in the soil. Not
only can this form of development benefit
commercial farmers, but it can also aid those who
garden at home.
Efficient Water Fixtures
Replacing current construction practices and
supporting the installation of efficient shower
heads, toilets and other water appliances can
conserve one of Earths most precious resources:
water. Examples of efficient fixtures include
products from the EPAsWater Sense program, as
well as dual-flush and composting toilets.

Conclusion
Economic development, which aimed at
increasing the production of goods and services
to meet the needs of a rising population, puts
greater pressure on the environment
.Sustainable development aims at promoting the
kind of development that minimizes
environmental problems and meets the needs of
the present generations without compromising
the ability of the future of the future generation
to meet their own needs.
Made by Kanwal Preet