Introduction To Environmental Science 2020
Introduction To Environmental Science 2020
Introduction To Environmental Science 2020
INTRODUCTION
TO
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
G.C University Faisalabad
ENV- 301 3(3-0)
BBA 4th Semester
Course Outline
Introduction
Nature, History, Scope and the Contribution to Society.
Environmental aspects
Physical, Chemical, Biological, Socio-economic, Socio-cultural, Moral and Ethical thinking.
Environmental problems
Local, Regional and Global level.
Pollution
1. Air
2. Soil
3. Water
4. Noise
5. Thermal
Urbanization
Over Population
Resource Depletion
Global Warming
Climate Change
Ozone Layer Depletion
Environmental Challenges
Sustainability of resources for development, Efficiency of energy and water resources, Current and
future trends in growth and resultant environmental pollution, Poverty and resource depletion,
Development in Industry, Agriculture and Urbanization.
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Environment
All the things and factors around us that affect us directly called environment.
Environmental Science
Environmental science is the systematic study of our environment and our proper place in it.
Major topics include: food, energy, human population, biodiversity and global change.
Segments of Environment
The environment consists of four segments as under:
1. Atmosphere:
The atmosphere implies the protective blanket of gases, surrounding the earth:
It sustains life on the earth.
It saves it from the unfriendly environment of outer space.
It absorbs most of the cosmic rays from outer space and a major portion of the electromagnetic
radiation from the sun.
It transmits only here infrared, visible, near infrared radiation (300 to 2500nm) and radio waves.
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2. Hydrosphere:
The Hydrosphere comprises all types of water resources oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, streams, reservoir,
polar icecaps, glaciers, and ground water.
Nature 97% of the earth‟s water supply is in the oceans,
About 2% of the water resources are locked in the polar icecaps and glaciers.
Only about 1% is available as fresh surface water-rivers, lakes streams, and ground water fit to be
used for human consumption and other uses.
3. Lithosphere:
Lithosphere is the outer mantle of the solid earth. It consists of minerals occurring in the earth‟s crusts
and the soil e.g. minerals, organic matter, air and water.
4. Biosphere:
Biosphere indicates the empire of living organisms and their interactions with environment, viz
atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere.
Elements of Environment
Environment is constituted by the interacting systems of physical, biological and cultural elements inter-
related in various ways, individually as well as collectively. These elements may be explained as under:
1. Physical Elements
Physical elements are as space, landforms, water bodies, climate soils, rocks and minerals. They
determine the variable character of the human habitat, its opportunities as well as limitations.
2. Biological Elements
Biological elements such as plants, animals, microorganisms and men constitute the biosphere.
3. Cultural Elements
Cultural elements such as economic, social and political elements are essentially manmade features,
which make cultural setting.
5. Guide Industries
It guides industries to operate in an eco-friendly mode by adopting clean and efficient technologies and
installing pollution control systems.
6. Guide to Solve Complex Problems
It guides us to solve complex global environmental problems such as climate change, ozone-layer
depletion, desertification, and energy crisis by using different interdisciplinary tools and approaches.
7. Equal Distribution of Natural Resources
It guides the entire development process to become sustainable by ensuring equal distribution of natural
resources between present and future generations, as well as by caring for nature in every walk of life in
a holistic manner.
Environmental Types/Aspects/
According to Kurt Lewin, environment is of three types which influence the personality of an individual
as under:
1. Physical Environment,
2. Social and Cultural Environment, and
3. Psychological Environment.
These may be explained as under:
1. Physical Environment:
Physical environment refers to geographical climate and weather or physical conditions wherein
an individual lives. The human races are greatly influenced by the climate. Some examples are as
under:
In the cold countries i.e. European countries the people have fair (lighter) complexions. Likewise,
in Asian and African countries, that is, in warmer countries people often have darker complexion.
The physique of an individual depends on climate conditions as the individual tries to adjust in his
physical environment.
The human working efficiency also depends on the climatic conditions.
2. Social and Culture Environment:
Social Environment includes an individual‟s social, economic and political condition wherein he lives.
The moral, cultural and emotional forces influence the life and nature of individual behavior.
3. Psychological Environment:
Although physical and social environment are common to the individual in a specific situation. Yet
every individual has his own psychological environment, in which he lives. Kurt Lewin has used the
term „life space‟ for explaining psychological environment. The psychological environment enables us
to understand the personality of an individual. Both the person and his goal form the psychological
environment. If a person is unable to overcome the barriers, he can either get frustrated or compelled
to change his goal for a new psychological environment. By adopting this mechanism, the
individual is helped in his adjustment to the environment.
3. Overpopulation:
The population of the planet is reaching unsustainable levels as it faces shortage of resources like water,
fuel and food. Population explosion in less developed and developing countries is straining the already
scarce resources. Intensive agriculture practiced to produce food damages the environment through use
of chemical fertilizer, pesticides and insecticides. Overpopulation is one of the crucial current
environmental problem
4. Natural Resource Depletion:
Natural resource depletion is another crucial current environmental problem. Fossil fuel consumption
results in emission of Greenhouse gases, which is responsible for global warming and climate change.
Globally, people are taking efforts to shift to renewable sources of energy like solar, wind, biogas and
geothermal energy. The cost of installing the infrastructure and maintaining these sources has
plummeted in the recent years.
5. Waste Disposal:
The over consumption of resources and creation of plastics are creating a global crisis of waste disposal.
Developed countries are notorious for producing an excessive amount of waste or garbage and dumping
their waste in the oceans and, less developed countries. Nuclear waste disposal has tremendous health
hazards associated with it. Plastic, fast food, packaging and cheap electronic wastes threaten the
wellbeing of humans. Waste disposal is one of urgent current environmental problem.
6. Climate Change:
Climate change is yet another environmental problem that has surfaced in last couple of decades. It
occurs due to rise in global warming which occurs due to increase in temperature of atmosphere by
burning of fossil fuels and release of harmful gases by industries. Climate change has various harmful
effects but not limited to melting of polar ice, change in seasons, occurrence of new diseases, frequent
occurrence of floods and change in overall weather scenario.
7. Loss of Biodiversity:
Human activity is leading to the extinction of species and habitats and loss of bio-diversity. Eco
systems, which took millions of years to perfect, are in danger when any species population is
decimating. Balance of natural processes like pollination is crucial to the survival of the eco-system and
human activity threatens the same. Another example is the destruction of coral reefs in the various
oceans, which support the rich marine life.
8. Deforestation:
Our forests are natural sinks of carbon dioxide and produce fresh oxygen as well as helps in regulating
temperature and rainfall. At present forests cover 30% of the land but every year tree cover is lost
amounting to the country of Panama due to growing population demand for more food, shelter and
cloth. Deforestation simply means clearing of green cover and make that land available for residential,
industrial or commercial purpose.
9. Ocean Acidification:
It is a direct impact of excessive production of CO2. 25% of CO2 produced by humans. The ocean
acidity has increased by the last 250 years but by 2100, it may shoot up by 150%. The main impact on
fish and plankton in the same way as human osteoporosis.
10. Ozone Layer Depletion
The ozone layer is an invisible layer of protection around the planet that protects us from the sun's
harmful rays. Depletion of the crucial Ozone layer of the atmosphere is attributed to pollution caused by
Chlorine and Bromide found in Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's). Once these toxic gases reach the upper
atmosphere, they cause a hole in the ozone layer, the biggest of which is above the Antarctic. The CFC's
are banned in many industries and consumer products. Ozone layer is valuable because it prevents
harmful UV radiation from reaching the earth. This is one of the most important current environmental
problem.
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Environmental Pollution
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into a natural environment that causes changes in many
ways. Pure and natural environment is inevitable for proper growth of all living organisms on the earth.
The increase in human population is directly proportional to the increase of human needs of life. It
means the more human population; the more human needs will be there. This is creating problems like
environmental pollution.
Types of Environmental Pollution
1. Air Pollution
2. Water Pollution
3. Soil Pollution
4. Noise Pollution
5. Thermal Pollution
1. Air Pollution
Pure air is essential for all the creatures and vegetation. But with every passing day, it is becoming
harder and harder to get pure air.
Causes of Air Pollution
Some important causes of air pollution are given below:
Smoke
Harmful Gases
Dust
Effects of Air Pollution
The temperature of the earth is increasing. It is also feared that such climatic changes may occur as can
have serious harmful effects on human beings, animals and crops.
2. Water Pollution
Like air, water is also an essential element for life. Although three fourth of our earth is covered with
water yet according to a research, only 3 percent of it is drinkable. Day by day, water is becoming
polluted.
Causes of Water Pollution
Some important causes of this pollution are as under:
Releasing of Polluted Water
Sewerage System
Drainage Water
Use of Pesticides
Use of Chemical Fertilizers
Effects of Water Pollution
Water pollution is increasing the diseases in the open areas. People are suffering from the diseases
caused by water pollution such as cholera, hepatitis, typhoid, skin diseases, eye diseases and many other
diseases. Water pollution is not only harmful to human beings but also to the aquatic life. It may affect
the income of the people associated with fishing.
3. Soil Pollution
Any physical or chemical change in soil that adversely affects the health of plants and other organisms
living in and on it, and it disturb or alter its natural composition is called soil pollution.
Causes of Soil pollution
Major causes of this pollution are as under:
1. Releasing used water of houses and factories.
2. Spraying pesticides on crops and using chemical fertilizers.
3. Natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods etc.
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4. Noise Pollution
A loud or disagreeable sound, particularly when it results in physiological or psychological harm to
human and animals.
Causes of Noise Pollution
Unnecessary and unwanted sound is called noise. The noise produced by buses, wagons, cars, rikshaws,
aircrafts, drums, hawkers, loud-speakers, different types of horns, machines and other types of noise are
increasing noise pollution day by day. This type of pollution is more in cities as compared to villages.
Effects of Noise Pollution
Noise affects our faculties of hearing, thinking and working. Noise pollution has negative effects on
human health. Ii may cause high blood pressure, anxiety, rashness, and headache etc.
5. Thermal pollution
Power plants and nuclear power stations are the main sources of thermal pollution of water where water
is used for cooling and becomes hot. The hot water on entering the main water body raises its
temperature, which kills fishes and other water animals and increases the rate of respiration in water
plants.
Urbanization
Urbanization is a process whereby populations move from rural to urban area, enabling cities and towns
to grow. It can also be termed as the progressive increase of the number of people living in towns and
cities.
Causes of Urbanization
1. Industrialization
Through industrial revolution, more people have been attracted to move from rural to urban areas on the
account of improved employment opportunities. Industrialization has increased employment
opportunities by giving people the chance to work in modern sectors in job categories that aids to
stimulation economic developments.
2. Commercialization
Commerce and trade play a major role in urbanization. The distribution of goods and services and
commercial transactions in the modern era has developed modern marketing institutions and exchange
methods that have extremely given rise to the growth of towns and cities. Commercialization and trade
come with the general perception that the towns and cities offer better commercial opportunities and
returns compared to the rural areas.
3. Social Benefits and Services
There are numerous social benefits attributed to life in the cities and towns. Examples include better
educational facilities, better living standards, better sanitation and housing, better health care, better
recreation facilities, and better social life in general. On this account, more and more people are
prompted to migrate into cities and towns to obtain the wide variety of social benefits and services
which are unavailable in the rural areas.
4. Employment Opportunities
In cities and towns, there are sufficient job opportunities that continually draw people from the rural
areas to seek better income. Therefore, the majority of people frequently migrate into urban areas to
access well-paying jobs as urban areas have countless employment opportunities in all developmental
sectors such as public health, education, transport, sports and recreation, industries, and business
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enterprises. Services and industries generate and increase higher value-added jobs, and this leads to
more employment opportunities.
5. Modernization and Changes in the Mode of Living
Modernization plays a very important role in the process of urbanization. As urban areas become more
technology knowledge together with highly sophisticated communication, infrastructure, medical
facilities, dressing code, information, and other social facilities availability, people believe they can lead
a happy life in cities. In urban areas, people also hold changes in the modes of living namely residential
habits, attitudes, dressing, food, and beliefs. As a result, people migrate to cities and the cities grow by
absorbing the growing number of people day after day.
Effects of Urbanization
1. Housing Problems
Urbanization attracts people to cities and towns which lead to high population increase. With the
increase in the number of people living in urban centers, there is continued shortage of houses. This is
due to insufficient expansion space for housing and public utilities, poverty, unemployment, and costly
building materials which can only be afforded by few individuals.
2. Overcrowding
Overcrowding is a situation whereby a huge number of people live in a small space. This form of
overcrowding in urban areas is consistent because of overpopulation and it is an aspect that increases
day by day as more people and immigrants move into cities and towns in search of better life. Most
people from rural or undeveloped areas always have the wish of migrating into the city that normally
leads to overcrowding of people within a small area.
3. Unemployment
The problem of joblessness is highest in urban areas and it is even higher among the educated people. It
is estimated that more than half of unemployed youths around the globe live in metropolitan cities. And,
as much as income in urban areas is high, the costs of living make the incomes to seem horribly low.
The increasing relocation of people from rural or developing areas to urban areas is the leading cause of
urban unemployment.
4. Water and Sanitation Problems
Because of overpopulation and rapid population increase in most urban centers, it is common to find
there are inadequate sewage facilities. Municipalities and local governments are faced with serious
resource crisis in the management of sewage facilities. As a result, sanitation becomes poor and sewages
flow confusedly, and they are drained into neighboring streams, rivers, lakes, or seas. Eventually,
communicable diseases such as typhoid, dysentery, plague, and diarrhea spread very fast leading to
suffering and even deaths. Overcrowding also highly contributes to water scarcity as supply falls short
of demand.
5. Poor Health and Spread of Diseases
The social, economic and living conditions in congested urban areas affects access and utilization of
public health care services. The environmental problems such as urban pollution also cause many health
problems namely allergies, asthma, infertility, food poisoning, cancer and even premature deaths.
6. Traffic Congestion
When more people move to towns and cities, one of the major challenges posed is in the transport
system. More people means increased number of vehicles which leads to traffic congestion
and vehicular pollution.
7. Urban Crime
Issues of lack of resources, overcrowding, unemployment, poverty, and lack of social services and
education habitually leads to many social problems including violence, drug abuse, and crime. Most of
the crimes such as murder, rape, kidnapping, theft, robbery, and hijacking are reported to be more
prominent in the urban areas.
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Solutions of Urbanization
1. Building Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Cities
Governments should pass laws that plan and provide environmentally sound cities and smart growth
techniques, considering that people should not reside in unsafe and polluted areas.
2. Provision of Essential Services
Urban stakeholders must ensure all populations within the urban areas have access to adequate essential
social services namely education, health, sanitation and clean water, technology, electricity, and food.
3. Creation of More Jobs
To lessen the negative effects of rapid urbanization while at the same time conserving natural
ecosystems, private investments should be encouraged so as to utilize natural resources and create more
job opportunities. Tourism promotion and the sustainable exploitation of natural resources can create
more jobs for the urban populations.
4. Population Control
Key stakeholders in urban areas must provide campaigns and counseling for effective medical health
clinics and family planning to help reduce the high rates of population growth. Medical health clinics
oriented towards family planning options must be made accessible across the entire urban area with the
objective of controlling diseases and population growth.
Overpopulation
Overpopulation refers to a population which exceeds its sustainable size within a particular
environment.
Causes of Overpopulation
1. High Population Growth Rate
The birth rate is very high which shows that our country is over populated. Rapid growth rate of
population is 2.1 % in Pakistan.
2. Need for More Earning Hands
A single person cannot sport his large family in developing countries like Pakistan. He thinks to have
more children to be more earning hands.
3. Warm Climate
Due to the warm climate, youth and maturity is attained at an early age. It also results in rapid
population growth.
4. Absence of Family Planning
Effective family planning is not available in Pakistan. People are not familiar with the methods of
family planning. They feel hesitation to consult a doctor.
5. Early Marriages
The marriages take place usually between 16 to 22 years of age in Pakistan. The duration for re-
productivity is very lengthy.
6. Illiteracy
Due to lack of education, people are not aware of with the economic problems caused by high birth rate.
Literacy rate is 57.7 % in Pakistan.
7. Concept of Large Family
Large family size is considered as a source of power to influence people and to control the persons
around them. People feel pride to have a large family.
Effects of Overpopulation
1. Pollution
There is not any effective system to control the pollution. Capitalists install industries with billion
dollars of resources but do not install treatment plants of million rupees. The rapid growth of population
creates pollution, unplanned colonies and environment problems.
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2. No Clean Water
We may live on a water planet, but 97.5% of that water is ocean and other undrinkable salt-filled
sources. Only 2.5% of water is fresh water. Of that fraction, 1% is either polluted for consumption or
entirely unreachable. Much of it remains frozen in the form of polar ice caps. All told, less than 1% of
the planet‟s freshwater resources are available for consumption. Research has shown that, as a species,
we‟re consuming fresh water faster than the planet can replenish it.
3. Soil Depletion from Excessive Farming
Soil nutrition is a slight balance. Planting large numbers of crops can deplete the soil‟s natural resources,
making it difficult or even impossible to continue to farm in that area. As human populations continue to
grow, we will require increasing amounts of food, which requires more and more farmlands that could
potentially be depleted.
4. Climate Change
We have been seeing the results of climate change firsthand in the dramatic weather patterns of 2019
multiple category five hurricanes, dramatic wildfires and floods, and other atypical weather patterns that
are threatening both lives and property.
5. Low Per Capital Income
The population growth reduces per capita income of the people because national income is divided by a
big size of population.
6. Unemployment
It is impossible to provide jobs to such highly growing population in Pakistan. It results in
unemployment.
7. Low Growth of Agriculture Sector
Very fast growth rate of population is a pressure on land. It caused to use of agricultural products at
domestic level, increase in the landless workers and shortage of food. Growth rate of agriculture sector
is 1.2%.
8. Low Saving and Low Investment
The rapidly increasing population increases the expenditure of government. It reduces the saving and
investment. Low level of saving & investment means economic backwardness.
9. High Rate of Inflation
There is more demand for goods due to more population. More demand results in more prices and
inflation in the country.
Solutions of Overpopulation
1. Control the Birth Rate
The high birth rate i.e., 2.1% should be discouraged to reduce the population size. Effective and
successful family planning should be introduced.
2. Use of Medicines
More contraceptive medicines should be introduced to people. By using these medicines; people will
control the birth rate.
3. Late Marriages
Marriages should take place in late age to control the rapidly rising population. It will be helpful to
control the over population.
4. High Literacy Rate
Government should provide the more educational facilities to the backward population. This will
provide the true picture of the economy, resources and population growth rate. Literacy rate is 57.7% in
Pakistan.
5. Family Planning
Government should introduce the family planning to the population to control the high growth rate of
population.
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2. Oil depletion
Oil is a non-renewable resource that accounts for approximately 40 percent of the total energy used
globally. Research by EIA‟s International Energy Outlook in the year 2013 had shown that due to the
high rate of oil exploitation, the amount of oil remaining would last for only 25 years. Oil is an essential
commodity in manufacturing, planting, mining, and transportation among many activities, and its
depletion would be devastating. The adverse effects of oil depletion include fall of business, high cost of
living in developing countries, and uncertainty in the transport sector.
3. Loss of Forest Cover
Approximately 18 million acres of forest cover is destroyed annually. This means that half of the
world‟s natural forest cover has already been cleared.
4. Depletion of Minerals
There has been an increase in the exploitation of minerals such as phosphorus, gasoline, copper, and
zinc among others to sustain the seven billion people on earth. Studies by Global Phosphorus Research
Institute, for example, shows that the earth could run out of phosphorus which is an essential element for
plant growth, in the next 50 to 100 years. Studies by the United States Geological Survey also indicate
that there is an increase in non-renewable resources consumption of natural minerals and construction
materials such as copper, sand, gravel, and stone.
5. Destruction of Species
Due to the changes in the living conditions of animals as a result of resource overexploitation
and habitat degradation, some species may go destroyed.
Conclusion
We have seen that the problem of natural resource depletion is indeed a very serious one. The increase
in population and excessive human desire for all amenities of life are some of the major reasons behind
it. Activities like deforestation, over-consumption and wastage of resources further lead to depletion. If
we do not pay heed to this problem now, soon the Planet Earth will be devoid of many of the natural
resources. This will have major impacts on human existence and also the environment.
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Global Warming
Global warming is a phenomenon of climate change characterized by a general increase in average
temperatures of the Earth, which modifies the weather balances and ecosystems for a long time. It is
directly linked to the increase of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.
Climate Change
Climate change is real, and it is really something serious that people downplay a whole lot. The problem
is that most people don‟t really understand what it really is, and what causes it. The truth is, the climate
is changing each and every day. There are many different problems that are leading to our climate
change, some of them having to do with the Greenhouse Effect, and other changes are occurring due to
human activity and solar irradiance. The earth is becoming hotter, whether we want to admit it or not.
Here is what is happening.
periods of stronger solar intensity and cool during periods of weaker solar intensity. Studies suggest that
solar variations have played a role in past climate change. For example, the period between
approximately 1650 and 1850 is known as “Little Ice Age” which may have been partially caused by
low solar activity.
5. Earth Orbital Changes
A slight change in the slope of the earth can lead to climatic changes. While less slope means cooler
summers and milder winters; more slope means warmer summers and colder winters. These small and
slow changes can lead to important changes in the strength of the seasons over tens of thousands of
years.
Ozone Layer
A layer of the earth's upper atmosphere that is characterized by high ozone(O3). The main function of
the ozone layer is to absorb the Sun's ultraviolet radiation, hence protecting the Earth from its harmful
effects.
such as refrigerators and air conditioners use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Over time, these substances
accumulate in the atmosphere are carried by wind action into the stratosphere.
2. The Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)
There are also other chemical substances that are generally grouped as Ozone Depleting Substances
(ODS). Examples are methyl bromide use in pesticides, methyl chloroform used on making industrial
solvents, and halons used in fire extinguishers. Just like the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), these
substances also chemically react with the ozone which starts a chemical cycle that break up the good
ozone.
Smog
The terminology refers to a mixture of liquid and solid fog and smoke particles. It is usually seen as
yellowish or blackish fog which suspends in the atmosphere or forms a ceiling in the air. It happens
when smoke, emissions, and particulates (nitrogen and sulfur oxides and volatile organic compounds)
react in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone.
Smog is a serious problem in most big urban areas. The emissions from vehicles and industries as well
as the burning of wood and coal together with the buildup of certain weather conditions are the main
causal agents of smog.
Causes of Smog
Following are the main causes of smog.
1. Using Coal as a Fuel
Use of coal as fuel in heating or in power-producing plants discharges high concentrations of sulfur
oxides in the atmosphere. The effects are degenerated by high levels of suspended particulate matter in
the air and wetness. Burning coal also generates significant amounts of smoke which lead to smoggy
environments.
2. Vehicular and Industrial Emissions
Emissions from the transportation sector resulting from fossil fuel burning in cars, trucks, buses,
motorbikes, and boats are the chief contributors of smog formation. Industries equally emit scores of
gaseous emissions and smokes which leads to smog formation. Most of the smog formed in large cities
are as a result of traffic emissions.
Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth‟s surface. When the Sun‟s energy
reaches the Earth‟s atmosphere, some of it is reflected back to space and the rest is absorbed and
re-radiated by greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone and some
artificial chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Greenhouse Effect
Step 1: Solar radiation reaches the Earth's atmosphere, some of this is reflected back into space.
Step 2: The rest of the sun's energy is absorbed by the land and the oceans, heating the Earth.
Step 3: Heat radiates from Earth towards space.
Step 4: Some of this heat is trapped by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, keeping the Earth warm
enough to sustain life.
Step 5: Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, agriculture and land clearing are increasing the
amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.
Step 6: This is trapping extra heat, and causing the Earth's temperature to rise.
Sustainable Development
Sustainable development is the organizing principle for meeting human development goals while at the
same time sustaining the ability of natural systems to provide the natural resources and ecosystem
services upon which the economy and society depend.
Examples of Sustainable Development
1. Solar Energy:
The greatest advantages of solar energy are that it is completely free and is available in 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.
2. Wind Energy:
Wind energy is another readily available energy source. Harnessing the power of wind energy
necessitates the use of windmills; 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.
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3. Crop Rotation:
Crop rotation is defined 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 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.
4. Efficient Water Fixtures:
Replacing current construction practices and supporting the installation of efficient shower heads, toilets
and other water appliances can conserve one of Earth‟s most precious resources: water. Examples of
efficient fixtures include products from the EPA‟s Water Sense program, as well as dual-flush and
composting toilets. According to the EPA, it takes a lot of energy to produce and transport water and to
process waste water, and since less than one percent of the Earth‟s available water supply is fresh water,
it is important that sustainable water use is employed at the individual and societal level.
5. Green Space:
Green spaces include parks and other areas where plants and wildlife are encouraged to thrive. These
spaces also offer the public great opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation, especially in dense, urban
areas. According to the UW-Madison Department of Urban and Regional Planning, advantages of green
spaces include, “helping regulate air quality and climate … reducing energy consumption by countering
the warming effects of paved surfaces recharging groundwater supplies and protecting lakes and streams
from polluted runoff.” Research conducted in the U.K. by the University of Exeter Medical School also
found that moving to a greener area could lead to significant and lasting improvements to an
individual‟s mental health.
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90. Acid rain is formed due to contribution from the following pair of gases
a). Methane and ozone (b) Oxygen and nitrous oxide
c) Methane and Sulphur dioxide (d) Carbon dioxide and Sulphur dioxide
91. Which of the following is a prime health risks associated with greater UV radiation through
the atmosphere due to depletion of stratospheric ozone?
(a) Damage to digestive system (b) Increased liver cancer
c) Neurological disorder (d) increased skin cancer
92. The most serious environmental effect posed by hazardous wastes is
a) air pollution. (b) Contamination of groundwater.
c) increased use of land for landfills. (d) Destruction of habitat.
93. The concentration of which gas is highest in our environment?
(a) Oxygen (b) Hydrogen (c) Nitrogen (d) Carbon dioxide
95. Which of the following is not a primary contributor to the greenhouse effect?
a) Carbon dioxide (b) carbon monoxide
c) Chlorofluorocarbons (d) methane gas
96. The increase in the concentration of CO2 in our environment in last fifty years; since 1960 is
about
a) 20% (b) 10% (c) 14% (d) 6%
97. The depletion in the Ozone layer is caused by
a) Nitrous oxide. (b) Carbon dioxide.
(c) Chlorofluorocarbons. (d) Methane.
98. A major in-stream use of water is for
a) producing hydroelectric power. (b) Dissolving industrial wastes.
c) agricultural irrigation. (d) Domestic use.
99. Which of the following are the example of Municipal and industrial discharge pipes
a) nonpoint sources of pollution. (b) Violations of the Clean Water Act.
c) point sources of pollution. (d) Irrigation.
100. The presence of high coliform counts in water indicate
a) contamination by human wastes. (b) Phosphorus contamination.
c) decreased biological oxygen demand. (d) Hydrocarbon contamination.
105. Groundwater mining in coastal areas can result into
a) increase in the salinity of groundwater. (b) Decrease in the toxicity of groundwater.
c) Decrease in the salinity of groundwater. (d) Increase in the water table.
106. Which of the following is not an important characteristic of the Green Revolution?
a) Mechanized agriculture (b) hybrid seeds
c) Slash and burn (d) monoculture
107. The three primary soil macronutrients are
a) carbon, oxygen, and water. (b) Copper, cadmium, and carbon.
c) Potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. (d) Boron, zinc, and manganese.
108. Which of the following is negative effects on the soil and water due to conventional,
mechanized farming practices?
a) Soil compaction (b) reduction in soil organic matter
c) Soil erosion (d) all of the above