Chapter 7: Environment and Sustainable Development

The environmental crisis is indeed a recent phenomenon. Before industrialisation, there was less demand for environmental resources as there was less population, and it was able to sustain itself with the resources; it was a surplus for the existing population. As there was less exploitation of resources, so the rate of regeneration was much faster. But in the present day, due to population explosion, rapid urbanisation and over-exploitation of natural resources, nature is unable to replenish the stocks, which is causing an ecological imbalance that is putting pressure on the environment’s carrying capacity, giving rise to an environmental crisis.

Solution coming soon.

The four most pressing environmental concerns of India are water pollution, air pollution, deforestation and soil erosion. In addition to global problems like global warming, ozone depletion, greenhouse gas reduction, etc., are also threats to India’s environmental concerns. The rapid and extensive use of both renewable and non-renewable sources has led to exploring alternative resources, which require high investment. These alternative resources are also high on maintenance. An imbalance in the environment brings about diseases which may be air or water-borne, which will increase the expenses. The cost of managing diseases and finding alternative resources are the opportunity costs associated with the environment. Therefore, correcting environmental damages involves opportunity costs.

Since the start of civilisation and till the rise of industrialisation, the rate at which natural resources were extracted was far less than their rate of regeneration. That means demand fell short of the supply of resources. At that time, nature exploitation was within limits. But, coming to the present-day scenario, the population has seen a great surge, and there has also been rapid progress in industries which means the rate of extracting natural resources is higher than the rate of regeneration therefore, the demand was far more than the supply. This created an ecological imbalance and brought about a crisis which can be referred to as the supply-demand reversal of environmental resources.

The increase in population and consumption of all natural resources has placed an excessive burden on the environment. Reserves are getting exhausted, but the regeneration is not on par which is causing a reduction in the carrying capacity of the environment, resulting in ecological imbalance. The current environmental crisis includes ozone layer depletion and global warming. Global warming is the result of an increase in greenhouse gases (particularly CO₂), and it is increasing the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere, causing the melting of polar ice, which is making water levels in the sea levels increase. Also, ozone layer depletion is caused due to excessive use of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbon). Increased UV radiation will cause skin cancer in individuals. Therefore, these factors are the most concerning of all issues currently.

Development has led to the following environmental consequences in India, which are air pollution and land degradation.

Air pollution: Air pollution is a major problem in India, with lots of industrial smoke, agricultural waste burning and exhaust fumes from automobiles. All these contribute to increasing the levels of harmful gases in the atmosphere, which is a major cause of global warming.

Land Degradation: Gradual and consistent loss of land fertility is known as the degradation of land. It is usually caused by factors such as soil erosion, the salinity of soil, deforestation and shifting cultivation which is practised by farmers.

Deforestation resulted from population explosion and poverty. People in rural areas, in order to earn a livelihood, cut down trees which resulted in deforestation and soil erosion. The widespread urbanisation also is robbing the nature of its green cover. More and more buildings are getting built, which is reducing the trees and causing harm to the environment. If both these factors are studied carefully, we see that the environmental problems are due to the combined effect of poverty and affluent living standards.

Sustainable development is referred to as the process of economic development that will meet the target of providing the basic needs of the current generation without compromising on the needs of future generations. It is aimed at developing both the present and future. In other words, it is achieving a quality of life without compromising the quality of life for future generations.

Sustainable development can be achieved using these strategies:

1. Using eco-friendly fuels like CNG and LPG will reduce CO₂ emissions, which will be beneficial for the environment.

2. India has an abundance of solar and wind power, which can reduce energy expenses. Using these sources will help in sustainable development.

3. Recycling waste products also helps to sustain the environment. Waste generated from households can be used as manure. Banning the use of plastic bags is a great step for reducing environmental pollution and attaining sustainable development.

4. Using input-efficient technology has resulted in higher production and productivity and lesser use of natural resources, which enhances growth opportunities for India.

Handing over of earth to its future generations in good condition becomes an obligatory requirement. It can only be achieved if resources are judiciously utilised. Overutilisation will result in reducing the productive capacity of future generations. Economic development that is being generated will not remain the same for the upcoming generations as the resources will be reduced. Sustainable development aims at the economic development of the present while not making a compromise on the resources available for future generations. It is welfare for both the present and future. It is achieved by the optimum use of resources so as to save for future generations and maintain inter-generational equity.

• Introduction
• Environment definition and functions
• Global warming
• Ozone depletion
• State of India’s environment
• Chipko or Appiko movement – What’s in a name?
• Pollution control boards
• Sustainable development
• Strategies for sustainable development