Class 11 – Environment and Sustainable Development Notes

Class 11 – Environment and Sustainable Development Notes

Class 11 Economics Notes

Chapter 7: Environment and Sustainable Development

1. Meaning of Environment

Environment refers to the total surroundings that support life on Earth. It includes both living and non-living components.

Components of Environment

Biotic Components (Living)

  • Plants
  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Forests
  • Fisheries

Abiotic Components (Non-Living)

  • Air
  • Water
  • Land
  • Sunlight
  • Rocks

2. Functions of Environment

The environment performs four important functions:

1. Supply of Resources

Provides resources needed for production and consumption.

Renewable Resources

  • Forests
  • Fish
  • Water

Non-Renewable Resources

  • Coal
  • Petroleum
  • Natural Gas

2. Assimilation of Waste

Absorbs and decomposes waste generated by humans and industries.

3. Sustains Life

Maintains biodiversity and ecological balance.

4. Aesthetic Services

Provides natural beauty, scenery, recreation and tourism opportunities.

3. Environmental Crisis

An environmental crisis occurs when:

  • Resource extraction exceeds regeneration.
  • Waste generation exceeds the environment’s absorptive capacity.

Causes

  • Population growth
  • Industrialization
  • Urbanization
  • Excessive consumption
  • Deforestation

Effects

  • Pollution
  • Resource depletion
  • Climate change
  • Health problems

4. Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources

Renewable ResourcesNon-Renewable Resources
TreesCoal
FishPetroleum
WaterNatural Gas
ForestsIron Ore
Solar EnergyMinerals

5. Global Warming

Meaning

Global warming is the gradual increase in Earth’s average temperature due to greenhouse gases.

Major Greenhouse Gases

  • Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
  • Methane (CH₄)
  • Nitrous oxide

Causes

  • Burning fossil fuels
  • Deforestation
  • Industrial emissions
  • Vehicle pollution

Effects

  • Melting glaciers
  • Rising sea level
  • Floods
  • Droughts
  • Extreme weather events
  • Spread of diseases

6. Ozone Layer Depletion

Meaning

Reduction in the thickness of the ozone layer in the stratosphere.

Causes

  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
  • Halons
  • Industrial chemicals

Effects

  • Skin cancer
  • Eye diseases
  • Damage to crops
  • Harm to aquatic life

Solution

  • Ban on CFCs
  • Use eco-friendly refrigerants

7. State of India’s Environment

India has rich natural resources such as:

  • Fertile soil
  • Rivers
  • Forests
  • Minerals
  • Mountains
  • Oceans

However, developmental activities have created environmental problems.

8. Major Environmental Problems in India

1. Land Degradation

Loss of land productivity.

Causes

  • Deforestation
  • Overgrazing
  • Soil erosion
  • Excessive fertilizers
  • Improper irrigation

2. Biodiversity Loss

Reduction in plant and animal species.

Causes

  • Habitat destruction
  • Deforestation
  • Pollution

3. Air Pollution

Sources

  • Vehicles
  • Industries
  • Thermal power plants

Effects

  • Asthma
  • Respiratory diseases
  • Smog

4. Water Pollution

Sources

  • Industrial waste
  • Sewage
  • Chemicals

Effects

  • Cholera
  • Typhoid
  • Water-borne diseases

5. Solid Waste Management Problems

  • Plastic waste
  • Industrial waste
  • Urban garbage

9. Chipko and Appiko Movements

Chipko Movement

Started in Himalayan regions to protect forests.

Appiko Movement

Started in Karnataka.

Method

  • People hugged trees to stop cutting.

Objective

  • Forest conservation
  • Environmental protection

10. Pollution Control Boards (PCB)

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

Established to:

  • Monitor pollution
  • Set pollution standards
  • Conduct research
  • Create awareness

Functions

  • Control water pollution
  • Control air pollution
  • Inspect industries
  • Monitor environmental quality

11. Sustainable Development

Definition

Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Key Idea

“Development with environmental protection.”

12. Features of Sustainable Development

  • Conservation of resources
  • Environmental protection
  • Social justice
  • Economic growth
  • Intergenerational equity

13. Importance of Sustainable Development

  • Protects natural resources
  • Maintains ecological balance
  • Reduces pollution
  • Ensures future welfare
  • Supports long-term growth

14. Principles Suggested by Herman Daly

1. Control Population Growth

Population should remain within environmental carrying capacity.

2. Efficient Technology

Use resource-saving technologies.

3. Sustainable Use of Renewable Resources

Extraction should not exceed regeneration.

4. Controlled Use of Non-Renewable Resources

Use alternatives wherever possible.

5. Pollution Control

Reduce waste and environmental damage.

15. Strategies for Sustainable Development

A. Use of Non-Conventional Energy Sources

Solar Energy

  • Clean energy
  • Renewable
  • Pollution-free

Wind Energy

  • Uses wind turbines
  • Eco-friendly

Mini Hydel Projects

  • Small hydroelectric plants
  • Suitable for hilly regions

B. LPG in Rural Areas

Benefits

  • Reduces deforestation
  • Reduces smoke pollution
  • Improves health

C. Gobar Gas Plants

Advantages

  • Produces clean fuel
  • Uses cattle dung
  • Provides organic manure

D. CNG in Urban Areas

Advantages

  • Cleaner fuel
  • Less air pollution
  • Better public health

E. Traditional Knowledge

Examples:

  • Ayurveda
  • Herbal medicines
  • Eco-friendly farming

Benefits

  • Environment friendly
  • Sustainable
  • Less chemical use

F. Biocomposting

Meaning

Conversion of organic waste into manure.

Benefits

  • Improves soil fertility
  • Reduces waste
  • Eco-friendly farming

G. Biopest Control

Meaning

Use of natural methods to control pests.

Examples

  • Neem-based pesticides
  • Mixed cropping
  • Biological predators

Benefits

  • Reduces chemical pollution
  • Safe for environment

16. Important Terms for Exams

Absorptive Capacity

Ability of environment to absorb waste.

Resource Depletion

Excessive use leading to exhaustion of resources.

Biodiversity

Variety of living organisms.

Soil Erosion

Removal of top fertile soil.

Affluent Consumption

High level consumption of goods and services.

Carrying Capacity

Maximum population that environment can support.

Intergenerational Equity

Fair use of resources for future generations.

Quick Revision (1-Mark Questions)

Q1. What is environment?

The total surroundings consisting of living and non-living components.

Q2. Name four functions of environment.

  1. Supply resources
  2. Absorb waste
  3. Sustain life
  4. Provide aesthetic services

Q3. What is sustainable development?

Development that meets present needs without harming future generations.

Q4. Give two renewable resources.

  • Water
  • Forests

Q5. Give two non-renewable resources.

  • Coal
  • Petroleum

Q6. What is global warming?

Increase in Earth’s average temperature due to greenhouse gases.

Q7. What causes ozone depletion?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

Q8. Name two clean fuels.

  • CNG
  • LPG

Q9. What is biocomposting?

Making organic manure from biodegradable waste.

Q10. What is biodiversity?

Variety of plants, animals and microorganisms.

Questions

PART A: MCQs (1–50)

1. Environment consists of:

A) Only living things
B) Only non-living things
C) Both living and non-living things
D) Only forests

✅ Answer: C

2. Which is a biotic component?

A) Water
B) Air
C) Rock
D) Forest

✅ Answer: D

3. Which is an abiotic component?

A) Fish
B) Tree
C) Air
D) Animal

✅ Answer: C

4. Environment performs how many major functions?

A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5

✅ Answer: C

5. Which is NOT a function of environment?

A) Resource supply
B) Waste assimilation
C) Sustaining life
D) Currency creation

✅ Answer: D

6. Trees are:

A) Non-renewable
B) Renewable
C) Exhaustible
D) Artificial

✅ Answer: B

7. Coal is:

A) Renewable
B) Inexhaustible
C) Non-renewable
D) Biotic

✅ Answer: C

8. Petroleum is:

A) Renewable
B) Non-renewable
C) Infinite
D) Natural fertilizer

✅ Answer: B

9. Environmental crisis occurs when:

A) Demand equals supply
B) Extraction exceeds regeneration
C) Rainfall increases
D) Population decreases

✅ Answer: B

10. Absorptive capacity means:

A) Capacity to produce resources
B) Capacity to absorb pollution
C) Capacity to increase rainfall
D) Capacity to grow forests

✅ Answer: B

11. Global warming is caused by:

A) Greenhouse gases
B) Rainfall
C) Earthquakes
D) Volcanoes only

✅ Answer: A

12. Major greenhouse gas:

A) Oxygen
B) Nitrogen
C) Carbon dioxide
D) Hydrogen

✅ Answer: C

13. Ozone layer is found in:

A) Troposphere
B) Stratosphere
C) Mesosphere
D) Lithosphere

✅ Answer: B

14. Ozone depletion is mainly caused by:

A) Oxygen
B) Nitrogen
C) CFCs
D) Water vapor

✅ Answer: C

15. Skin cancer may result from:

A) Ozone depletion
B) Floods
C) Earthquakes
D) Soil erosion

✅ Answer: A

16. Chipko Movement was related to:

A) Water conservation
B) Forest conservation
C) Wildlife conservation
D) Population control

✅ Answer: B

17. Appiko Movement started in:

A) Punjab
B) Haryana
C) Karnataka
D) Rajasthan

✅ Answer: C

18. CPCB stands for:

A) Central Pollution Control Board
B) Central Public Control Bureau
C) Control Pollution Committee Board
D) None

✅ Answer: A

19. CPCB was established in:

A) 1947
B) 1956
C) 1974
D) 1991

✅ Answer: C

20. Vehicular pollution mainly causes:

A) Air pollution
B) Water pollution
C) Soil pollution
D) Noise only

✅ Answer: A

21. Sustainable development was emphasized by:

A) UNCED
B) WTO
C) IMF
D) RBI

✅ Answer: A

22. Sustainable development means:

A) Maximum production
B) Unlimited resource use
C) Development without harming future generations
D) Industrial growth only

✅ Answer: C

23. Brundtland Commission is associated with:

A) Inflation
B) Sustainable Development
C) Banking
D) Taxation

✅ Answer: B

24. Sustainable development focuses on:

A) Present generation only
B) Future generation only
C) Both present and future generations
D) Industries only

✅ Answer: C

25. Which fuel is cleaner?

A) Coal
B) Diesel
C) CNG
D) Firewood

✅ Answer: C

26. Gobar gas is produced from:

A) Coal
B) Petroleum
C) Cattle dung
D) Water

✅ Answer: C

27. Solar energy is:

A) Renewable
B) Non-renewable
C) Exhaustible
D) Polluting

✅ Answer: A

28. Wind energy is:

A) Conventional
B) Non-renewable
C) Renewable
D) Exhaustible

✅ Answer: C

29. Mini hydel plants are mainly suitable for:

A) Deserts
B) Mountainous areas
C) Plains only
D) Coastal areas

✅ Answer: B

30. Biocomposting uses:

A) Plastic waste
B) Organic waste
C) Metal waste
D) Electronic waste

✅ Answer: B

31. Neem is used in:

A) Chemical fertilizer
B) Biopest control
C) Mining
D) Thermal power

✅ Answer: B

32. Biodiversity means:

A) Variety of living organisms
B) Water resources
C) Minerals
D) Population

✅ Answer: A

33. Air pollution causes:

A) Asthma
B) Cholera
C) Malaria
D) Typhoid

✅ Answer: A

34. Water pollution causes:

A) Cholera
B) Asthma
C) Skin burns
D) Noise

✅ Answer: A

35. India’s biggest environmental challenge includes:

A) Land degradation
B) Biodiversity loss
C) Air pollution
D) All of these

✅ Answer: D

36. Deforestation causes:

A) Land degradation
B) Biodiversity loss
C) Pollution
D) All of these

✅ Answer: D

37. Per capita forest land in India is about:

A) 0.06 hectare
B) 0.6 hectare
C) 1 hectare
D) 2 hectare

✅ Answer: A

38. Global warming results in:

A) Melting glaciers
B) Sea-level rise
C) Climate change
D) All of these

✅ Answer: D

39. CNG stands for:

A) Carbon Natural Gas
B) Compressed Natural Gas
C) Common Natural Gas
D) Controlled Natural Gas

✅ Answer: B

40. LPG stands for:

A) Liquefied Petroleum Gas
B) Liquid Power Gas
C) Low Pressure Gas
D) Local Petroleum Gas

✅ Answer: A

41. Ozone layer protects us from:

A) UV rays
B) Rain
C) Dust
D) Wind

✅ Answer: A

42. Sustainable development aims at:

A) Environmental protection
B) Economic growth
C) Social welfare
D) All of these

✅ Answer: D

43. Which energy source is pollution-free?

A) Coal
B) Solar Energy
C) Diesel
D) Petrol

✅ Answer: B

44. Compost improves:

A) Soil fertility
B) Air quality
C) Population
D) Mining

✅ Answer: A

45. Renewable resources regenerate:

A) Naturally
B) Artificially
C) Never
D) Slowly only

✅ Answer: A

46. Non-renewable resources:

A) Regenerate quickly
B) Get exhausted
C) Increase automatically
D) Never deplete

✅ Answer: B

47. Environmental degradation affects:

A) Health
B) Economy
C) Environment
D) All of these

✅ Answer: D

48. Sustainable development became popular after:

A) Brundtland Report
B) Green Revolution
C) Liberalization
D) Planning Commission

✅ Answer: A

49. One important strategy of sustainable development is:

A) Biocomposting
B) Solar energy
C) CNG
D) All of these

✅ Answer: D

50. The chapter belongs to:

A) Microeconomics
B) Statistics
C) Indian Economic Development
D) Business Studies

✅ Answer: C

PART B: FILL IN THE BLANKS (1–40)

  1. Environment consists of ______ and ______ components.
    ✅ Biotic, Abiotic
  2. Trees are ______ resources.
    ✅ Renewable
  3. Coal is a ______ resource.
    ✅ Non-renewable
  4. Environment performs ______ major functions.
    ✅ Four
  5. Global warming is caused by ______ gases.
    ✅ Greenhouse
  6. Carbon dioxide is a major ______ gas.
    ✅ Greenhouse
  7. Ozone layer is present in the ______.
    ✅ Stratosphere
  8. Ozone depletion is mainly caused by ______.
    ✅ CFCs
  9. Chipko Movement was started to protect ______.
    ✅ Forests
  10. Appiko Movement started in ______.
    ✅ Karnataka
  11. CPCB stands for Central Pollution Control ______.
    ✅ Board
  12. Sustainable development meets the needs of the ______ generation.
    ✅ Present
  13. Sustainable development protects ______ generations.
    ✅ Future
  14. CNG stands for Compressed Natural ______.
    ✅ Gas
  15. LPG stands for Liquefied ______ Gas.
    ✅ Petroleum
  16. Gobar gas is produced from cattle ______.
    ✅ Dung
  17. Solar energy is a ______ source of energy.
    ✅ Renewable
  18. Wind energy is a ______ source.
    ✅ Non-conventional
  19. Biodiversity means variety of ______ organisms.
    ✅ Living
  20. Air pollution causes ______.
    ✅ Asthma
  21. Water pollution causes ______.
    ✅ Cholera
  22. Deforestation leads to land ______.
    ✅ Degradation
  23. Environmental crisis results from overuse of ______.
    ✅ Resources
  24. CPCB was established in ______.
    ✅ 1974
  25. Sustainable development ensures long-term ______.
    ✅ Growth
  26. Neem is used in ______ control.
    ✅ Pest
  27. Compost improves soil ______.
    ✅ Fertility
  28. Environmental quality has become an economic ______.
    ✅ Good
  29. Global warming increases sea ______.
    ✅ Level
  30. Ozone layer protects from ______ rays.
    ✅ UV
  31. Industrialization increases ______.
    ✅ Pollution
  32. Population explosion puts pressure on the ______.
    ✅ Environment
  33. Renewable resources can be ______.
    ✅ Regenerated
  34. Pollution control boards monitor ______ quality.
    ✅ Environmental
  35. Forests provide green ______.
    ✅ Cover
  36. Soil erosion reduces land ______.
    ✅ Productivity
  37. Gobar gas is an eco-friendly ______.
    ✅ Fuel
  38. Solar cells convert sunlight into ______.
    ✅ Electricity
  39. Sustainable development is environment-friendly ______.
    ✅ Development
  40. Earthworms help in ______.
    ✅ Composting

PART C: TRUE/FALSE (1–20)

  1. Coal is a renewable resource. ❌ False
  2. Trees are renewable resources. ✅ True
  3. Environment provides aesthetic services. ✅ True
  4. Ozone depletion is caused by CFCs. ✅ True
  5. Global warming reduces temperature. ❌ False
  6. CNG is a clean fuel. ✅ True
  7. Solar energy is renewable. ✅ True
  8. Chipko Movement aimed to protect forests. ✅ True
  9. Biodiversity means variety of living organisms. ✅ True
  10. Pollution improves health. ❌ False
  11. Gobar gas is environment friendly. ✅ True
  12. Deforestation causes land degradation. ✅ True
  13. CPCB controls pollution. ✅ True
  14. Sustainable development ignores future generations. ❌ False
  15. Composting improves soil fertility. ✅ True
  16. Wind energy is pollution free. ✅ True
  17. Water pollution causes diseases. ✅ True
  18. Environmental resources are unlimited. ❌ False
  19. Industrialization can increase pollution. ✅ True
  20. Sustainable development is long-term development. ✅ True

Most Important Exam Questions

Very Short Answer

  1. Define environment.
  2. What is biodiversity?
  3. What is sustainable development?
  4. What is global warming?
  5. What is ozone depletion?

Short Answer

  1. Explain four functions of environment.
  2. Differentiate renewable and non-renewable resources.
  3. Explain causes of land degradation.
  4. Explain causes of environmental crisis.
  5. Explain any four strategies of sustainable development.

Long Answer

  1. Explain sustainable development and its features.
  2. Explain environmental challenges facing India.
  3. Discuss various strategies for sustainable development.
  4. Explain global warming and ozone depletion with causes and effects.