NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Economics Chapter 7 Environment and Sustainable Development

1. What is meant by environment?

Answer: Environment means everything around us, which affects the lives of people. It's the sum total of the surroundings and resources that make up our existence and standard of living. Include Everything biotic and abiotic characteristics. Biological factors include all living things such as plants, animals, forests, etc. whereas abiotic things include all non-living things like air, water, earth, etc. are provided naturally free of cost. Both biotic and abiotic shape our environment and affect our appearance and quality of life. In other words, nature includes biotic and abiotic components and their relationships.

2. What happens when the rate of resource extraction exceeds renews it?

Answer: The environment performs many functions, but its vital role in maintaining health carries much importance. Nature provides us with life-sustaining resources such as sunlight, soil, water, and the spirit. In delivering resources at a faster rate than its renewal, the management capacity of nature is declining, leading to failure in its health-support function. This leads to environmental problems, one of the most common problems facing almost every country on earth. 

3. Next edit for renewable and non-renewable resources

(i) Wood (ii) Fish (iii) Fuel (iv) Coal (v) Metal (vi) Water

Answer: Non-renewable resources are those non-combustible materials that cannot be refilled simply water, trees and fish are renewable resources. They are non-renewable resources that do not expire or are not in use. Nonrenewable is petroleum, coal, and iron resources. The speed of iteration of these resources is slower than that of exploitation.

4. Two major environmental problems facing the world today and then.

Answer: The two major environmental issues facing the world today are global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer. Global warming means an increase in the temperature on the Globe as a result of pollution and deforestation causes the release of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide. One Earth's surface temperature rises as carbon dioxide levels rise, accelerating Snow melting in the white field. Sea level is rising due to this, thus, disturbed ecosystems. There is an increase in natural disasters, which become a threat to human existence as ozone is the earth's most important source of nutrients for life. It prevents harmful ultraviolet rays from entering the earth. But The decline will be a global concern these days. This is due to the overuse of cooling items in air conditioners and refrigerators. As ozone depletes, it is possible The ultra-violet radiation that enters the earth's surface is increasing, which is dangerous to the health of the earth.

5. The following factors contribute to an environmental crisis in India and how? What problems do they pose for the government?

(i) Increasing number of people

(ii) air pollution

(iii) water pollution

(iv) Level of consumption of the rich (v) Illiteracy

(vi) Industrial Establishments

(vii) urban migration

(viii) Reduction in forest area (ix) Poaching

(x) Global warming. 

Answer:

(i) Population growth- The increasing number of people has borne the brunt of the burden on the environment in terms of two basic factors. The powerful and widespread roll-out of renewable and non-renewable resources has led to critical resource shortages. In addition, the explosive population size has caused it to demand excessive habitat, thus causing widespread deforestation and rapid deforestation of other natural resources, leading to environmental inequality. Hence, it is high time that the Government of India has taken steps to prevent the explosion.

(ii) Air Pollution- Air contains oxygen which supports life. Air pollution means air pollution, eg. Lack of oxygen to breathe. Various pollutants like CO2, CO, SO2, SO etc pollute the air. Air pollution causes high blood pressure, asthma, respiratory and blood vessel problems. Therefore, the Government of India should take various measures to control air pollution, avoid deforestation, increase health investments and look for alternative sources of pollution-free technologies like CNG, etc.

(iii) Water Pollution- Water pollution or water pollution is a serious threat to human health. Diarrheas is one of the main causes of all fatal diseases like Hepatitis, Cholera, etc. It is caused by waste disposal of industrial waste, agricultural waste, and sewage. Therefore, the Indian government should conduct a check on wastewater disposal. This requires a high-cost investment in the installation and maintenance of cleaning equipment.

(iv) Rates of Expenditure- Rich levels in terms of resource provision and waste management have put a lot of pressure on the environment. Resources are exhausted and waste generation is beyond the ability of the environment to absorb which gives rise to environmental issues. In order to investigate some eco-friendly resources, the government is forced to spend a lot of money on research and development. In addition, the quality of environmental improvements incurs a high cost.

(v) Illiteracy- Man, if an illiterate person does not use resources wisely then eventually there will be overuse or misuse of scarce resources. Resources can be exploited wisely and efficiently (by small waste) only when people are skilled and know how to use the resources. Otherwise, lack of knowledge and skills can lead to excessive use of resources, and result in misuse. Therefore, the government should take steps to raise awareness and disseminate technical knowledge among the people in various practical and cost-effective ways.

(vi) Industrial Establishment- Industrialisation improves our standard of living on one hand but, on the other hand, deforestation causes depletion of natural resources. Industrialization acts as an impetus in the blind race to achieve economic development. Environmental resources are increasingly used to speed up the industrial process. More trees are being cut again, an increase in the number of toxins from industries and pollutants are dumped into water bodies. All these findings are natural inequalities that threaten sustainable economic development. Therefore, the government should take steps to address the unnecessary and unnecessary industrial development to restore the environmental balance.

(vii) Urban migration- Urbanisation, on the other hand, affects the modern lifestyle but, on the other hand, leads to deforestation. To meet the growing demand for housing, more trees will be cut to reduce the individual rate. Moving to cities rapidly puts pressure on common resources, reducing them. Urban migration also reduces access to agricultural land and reduces agricultural outcomes. Therefore the government should take steps to reduce the impact of urban sprawl by promoting small and rural industries, developing rural infrastructure, therefore reducing the migration of people from rural to urban areas. In addition, the government should promote deforestation and most importantly adopt measures to control human explosions.

(viii) Decrease in forest area- The need for deforestation or deforestation exists because of the increasing demand for land, timber, population growth, and river systems. Deforestation causes deforestation, oxygen levels in the air, soil erosion, climate change, and global warming.

Due to the increase in CO2 levels. Therefore, measures are needed to increase the forest, open shrines, and open parks like Jim Corbett National Park.

(ix) Poaching – Poaching is the capture, killing, and poaching of poaching. As a result, many animals are in danger of extinction.

6. What are natural functions?

Answer: Prakriti performs the following four energy functions:

1. Providing Production Resources: Nature provides us with a wide range of resources like minerals, water, and soil. These are natural gifts. These resources act as a setting for turning natural resources into productive and viable resources. In other words, nature provides inputs that maximize human health.

2. Sustains Life: Nature provides us with vital elements like sun, soil, water, and air which are essential for the survival of the fittest. The absence of these essential elements means a lack of health. It supports biodiversity.

3. Waste Management Demonstration: Waste is generated from production and use activities. Nature automatically absorbs this waste as garbage.

4. Improving the quality of life: Nature includes areas such as rivers, seas, mountains, and deserts. It provides amazing beauty to human life.

7. Discuss the contribution of these six factors in land degradation in India.

Answer: Land degradation refers to the gradual but continuous loss of interest. This is a matter of major concern in the context of environmental problems in India. The following factors pay a role in land degradation in India:

Erosion: The removal of a layer of soil due to factors such as strong winds or floods is called erosion. The top layer of soil contains large and important nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. As a result, the destruction of this layer damages the quality and productivity of the land.

a. Alkalinity and Soil Salt: Salt and alkalinity are caused by the problem of waterlogging. Water entering the top layer of soil absorbs all the nutrients present in the soil, reducing its fertility.

b. Deforestation: Due to the increasing number of people and their ever-increasing demand, a large number of

Destruction of forest cover. Reduced deforestation causes soil erosion in rotation causes climate change

c. Transitional Farming: The practice of subsistence farming and subsistence farming allows small and medium-sized farmers to replenish the nutrients of the soil, which is why breeding takes place.

d. Excessive use of fertilizers: Excessive use of chemical fertilizers, insecticides and reducing soil quality and fertility.

e. Desert: The spread of desert into arid and semi-arid areas is called desertification. This is due to the overpopulation of animals. This results in a positive reduction in green areas thereby replenishing the soil fertility.

8. Explain how a negative environmental impact has an opportunity cost high.

Answer: Opportunity cost is the cost that we forego when making a choice or decision. If one piece of land is to be used for the production of wheat, then the production of rice is to be sacrificed. NS The disadvantage of rice production is the opportunity cost of producing wheat. Similarly, the cost of the negative environment is the opportunity cost of health and the huge expenditure on new options. It is explained in detail in the following paragraphs; When resources are removed at a faster rate than their regeneration, we say that the carrying capacity of the environment is reduced. In such a situation, the environment fails to perform its function of sustaining life, resulting in an environmental crisis. Therefore, the need arises to search for new alternative eco-friendly resources to avoid environmental crises. In addition, environmental hazards lead to a higher incidence of respiratory and water-borne diseases, High health expenditure, and investment requirement cost of new discovery. The greater health expenditure constitutes the opportunity cost of negative environmental impact, alternatively. Such opportunity cost is very high and requires huge financial commitments by the government. Thus the opportunity expenditure of negative environmental impact is higher.

9. Describe the steps involved in achieving sustainable development in India. 

Answer: Sustainable development refers to the achievement of economic development through care and flexible use of natural resources to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising for future generations. In line with the vision of the leadership, ecologist Herman Daly, India has taken the following steps to achieve this goal for sustainable development:

i. Human Control Measures- India has developed various methods to bind people to the explosion. Different types of people control measures also include spreading awareness and knowledge of birth control methods. Literacy use of the environment is conducive to the environment- Since fuels like oil and gasoline emit large amounts of carbon dioxide which leads to globalization, Therefore, the Government of India has encouraged the use of CNG and LPG. It's a clean environment- Friendly fuels emit less smoke.

ii. Use of Solar and Wind Energy- India being a balanced country is advised by sunlight and wind energy. These are both free endless natural gifts. It solves the problem of economic development with the right focus with continuous development.

iii. Reuse of recycled products and ban on plastic bags- Industrial and household debris accumulates daily. There is a need to improve the practice of recycling waste to save the environment. Household waste can be used as manure for organic farming. The latest step was taken by the Government of India is to stop the use of plastic bags. This is a good move as plastic bags are not easily damaged and get contaminated when reused.

iv. Pollution Taxes and Penalties- The government of India has taken several steps to control pollution. Some of the steps are general vehicle inspection, levying pollution tax on smoke-emitting industries. These are the steps that come with heavy fines and even arrests for offenders.

v. Using appropriate input technology- effective installation methods are designed not only to make the product productive again but also for efficient operation. Proper use of inputs, on the one hand, leads to less use of natural resources and, on the other hand, improves future economic growth prospects in India.

10. India has many natural resources – confirms this statement. 

Answer: North India is fortunate to have abundant natural resources. It has rich and fertile sand, many rivers and streams, lush green forests, deposits, mountains, etc. The Gangetic plains are the most fertile, densely populated, and cultivated plains in the world. The black soil of the Deccan plateau is ideal for growing cotton in the country. Indian lush green forests act as a natural cover for most people. India has a lot more than 20% of the global layers of steel resources. There are mountain peaks that make it easy to demonstrate small hydropower plants. It also contains a wide variety of 15,000 plant species. Earth is also rich in minerals like coal, natural gas, copper, diamonds, etc.

11. Why is the environmental crisis a phenomenon? If yes, Discuss why? 

Answer: Certainly, the environmental problem is very recent; never the spark of such devastation appears in the past. Population growth in the first centuries before industrialization was strong. The demand for natural resources was much less than what was offered. The environment has supported the world's population in the past because resource levels were low. Also, the resource upgrade rate is higher than the level at which the resources were available for exploitation. In other words, the threat of environmental crisis has not been realized in the past because the exploitation of natural resources was under the control of the environment. But, today, due to heavy industry, urban migration, man has started exploiting the environment completely. Nuclear waste and industrial wastewater, land, and air pollution affect the environment three times. At present, the level of exploitation of natural resources is lagging behind the rate of rehabilitation of natural resources. As a result, increasing pressure on the carrying capacity of nature gives way to environmental problems.

12. Give two examples of

(A) Excessive use of environmental resources 

(B) Misuse of environmental resources.

Answer:

(a) overuse of environmental resources

I. Drying of rivers: increasing irrigation and creation of flood storage reservoirs are as follows due to which the rivers are drying up. 

II. Second excessive deforestation: Increasing population and their ever-increasing demand is resulting in massive deforestation. This leads to soil erosion, which makes the soil barren.

(b) Misuse of environmental resources.

I. Use of rivers to discharge waste: Water is essential for life misuse of water as a resource is responsible for its pollution factors responsible for water pollution is the discharge of domestic sewage, industrial waste, and thermal power plants rivers.

II. The second use of wood for cooking: Wood is a non-renewable source of energy. It is received from trees. Using wood instead of an eco-friendly alternative fuel for cooking about deforestation.

13. Mention any four major environmental concerns of India. Corrections for environmental damage involve an opportunity cost. Explain. 

Answer: Air pollution, water pollution, soil erosion, deforestation, and wildlife extinction are the most pressing environmental concerns for India. But priority issues include global warming, land degradation, ozone depletion, and freshwater management. Opportunity cost is the cost we forgo when making a choice or decision. If a piece of land is to be used for the production of wheat, the production of rice would have to be sacrificed. The disadvantage of rice production is the opportunity cost of producing wheat. Similarly, the opportunity cost of improvements to make up for environmental damages refers to the enormous amount of expenditure incurred on the search for new efficient alternatives. The enormously intensive and widespread extraction of resources, both renewable and non-renewable, demands expenditure for the search for new alternative resources to avoid environmental crises. Exploration of such resources requires huge investment by the government. Furthermore, there is a very high cost involved in the implementation and maintenance of these alternative resources. The advent of CNG to reduce the growing problem of pollution in Delhi is the best example of this. The government has invested heavily to popularise CNG and make consumers aware of its use. Therefore, correction for environmental damage involves high opportunity costs.

14. Discuss the supply-demand reversal of environmental resources in brief.

Answer: The rate of extraction from the beginning of civilization to the advent of industrialization the number of natural resources was far behind their rate of regeneration. That is, in other words, the demand for resources becomes less than the supply of resources. The exploitation of nature by man was within the absorption capacity of the environment. But with the population explosion and industrial revolution, the requirement for resources for both production and distribution has grown very fast. However, their rate of regeneration resources is relatively less than the rate of their extraction. In other words, the rate of consumption (demand) of natural resources exceeds their supply. This is beyond the absorption capacity of the environment and has made the environmental crisis more probable. This reversal in the demand-supply relationship is known as the supply-demand reversal of environmental resources.

15. Account for the present environmental crisis.

Answer: Population explosion and affluent consumption have put undue and additional burdens on the environment. Resources are depleting fast day by day, but the regeneration of the resource is stable. Therefore, when resources are extracted at a faster rate than their regeneration, So the carrying capacity of the environment is reduced. Currently, there are two major global issues we are facing, namely global warming and ozone depletion. Global warming is the result of rising temperatures globally due to the emission of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide. An increase in temperature accelerates the melting of polar ice, leading to a rise in sea level. This creates an ecological imbalance. Ozone depletion is another major reason due to the excessive use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in air conditioners as well as refrigerators. As the ozone layer depletes, it is possible that ultraviolet radiation can penetrate Earth's global warming, posing a threat to biodiversity. The final result of these two reports on the serious concern of environmental problems in modern times.

16. Throw light on any two serious adverse environmental consequences of development in India. India's environmental problems present a dichotomy—they are driven by poverty and at the same time, because of the affluence in the standard of living. Is it true?

Answer: Two serious issues or consequences of development in India are land degradation and biodiversity loss. Developmental activities in India put immense pressure on natural resources and also affected human health and well-being. Land degradation: The gradual but continuous decrease in the fertility of the land is called land degradation. It is emerging as a serious concern in the context of environmental issues in India. Following below are the factors that pay the contribution to land degradation in India:

a. Soil Erosion: The removal of the top layer of soil due to strong winds or floods is called soil erosion. This top layer of soil carries key nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium which are essential for plant growth. Therefore the destruction of this layer reduces the productivity of the land.

b. Soil alkalinity and salinity: Salinity and alkalinity are caused by water problems. The water stored on the top layer of the logging soil absorbs all the nutrients present in the soil. Due to which the fertility of the land is getting depleted.

c. Deforestation: Due to the increasing population and their ever-increasing demand, there is the destruction of forests on a large scale. Removal of forest cover affects the ecological balance by reducing the level of oxygen in the air. This causes an increase in pollutants and various health hazards.

d. Shifted farming: The practice of shifting cultivation along with subsistence farming carried out by small and marginal farmers resulted in the replenishment of soil nutrients and fertility. Environmental problems point to a contradictory situation in the country. Deforestation in India is a rapid result of population explosion and widespread poverty. Poor people in rural areas are forced to fall trees to earn their livelihood. growing demand equally responsible for the current environmental degradation is the loss of natural resources for carrying out production activities in urban areas. There are two different views on the outcome of environmental activities. Another idea promotes India's prosperity through industrial production, and another sheds light on the danger of pollution caused by speed. A growing industrial sector. This is understandable in view of rapid urban development, the expansion of vehicles creates noise and air pollution.

17. What is sustainable development?

Answer: To meet the basic needs of everything that requires the allocation of a burden of our resources. However, it is well known that when the resources-(unavailable) are fully utilized they will be exhausted so quickly that they will not be able to meet the production capacity of the future generation. Thus the economic development achieved today is unsupported as long as the production capacity of future generations is reduced due to a lack of production resources. So thus, sustainable development is an economic process. It aims to meet the demand of the present generation without including the requirement of future generations. Sustainable development enhances the well-being of both present and future generations. In other words, it is the process of economic development that is sustained over a long period of time without deteriorating the quality of life of future generations.

18. Describe any one of the four sustainable development strategies to save your region.

Answer: Sustainable development means efficient and effective use of resources, how the rate of economic growth continues, and equality between generations.

Here are four strategies for achieving sustainable development:

1. Fuel State Use- Increase in consumption of fuels like petrol and diesel emits large amounts of carbon dioxide. The use of CNG and LPG should be consistent to control pollution and promote the greenhouse effect. These fuels are clean, smokeless, and air-conditioned.

2. Use of non-renewable resources- India is well represented by sunlight, water, and wind energy. These are natural gifts in that they are timeless and free from pollution. Therefore, efforts should be made to use solar energy forever through various technologies. It is not only about solving the development of the economic crisis but also the problem of sustainable economic development.

3. Reuse- Industrial and domestic waste should be collected daily. This waste requires that it be classified as easily perishable and indestructible. Perishable waste is the germ that can decompose and be used as organic farming therefore, waste like plastic, etc can be recycled and reused.

4. Use of Active Installation Technology- Appropriate installation methods and techniques should be developed for the additional product possible for each input unit. This efficient use of natural resources leads to less exploitation of natural resources.

19. Explain the importance of generation equality in the definition of sustainable development.

Answer: We have a moral obligation to meet the basic requirements of all resource allocation. It becomes an obligation to pass the earth on to the next generation in a positive way. However, it is known that if (non-recoverable) resources are fully utilized, it will be depleted very quickly and it will reduce the productive capacity of future generations. Thus the economic growth achieved today cannot be supported unless the production capacity for future generations is reduced by the scarcity of production resources. Therefore, sustainable development is the process of economic development that aims to meet the needs of the present generation without including the needs of future generations. Sustainable development enhances the well-being of those present and future generations. This development does not mean looking at the current pace of economic development. It means smart or optimal use of resources in such a way that economic development continues at a crossroads between generations.

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Indian Economic Development Chapter 7 Environment and Sustainable Development

Environmental Concerns

Chapter 7 Economics Class 11 explains the threats to the environment, out of which two major environmental concerns that the world is facing now are global warming and ozone layer depletion. Global warming is the phenomenon of the rise in global temperature because of environmental contamination and deforestation. The radiation of GreenHouse Gases notably, carbon dioxide causes it. The rise in the level of carbon dioxide increases the temperature of the earth’s surface, stimulating the melting of polar ice caps. Thus, disrupted ecological stability leads to increased natural disasters, posing a threat to the human race.

Class 11 Economics Chapter 7 NCERT Solutions discusses how ozone acts as a blanket for the earth’s surface that is essential for the sustenance of life. It prevents harmful ultraviolet radiation from entering the earth's surface. However, its destruction is becoming a global concern these days, and this is due to the overuse of cooling appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators. As ozone exhausts, the possibility of ultraviolet radiation entering the earth’s surface increases and poses a threat to life on earth.

Sustainable Development

Sustainable development refers to the attainment of economic development by conservative and judicial use of natural resources so that the present generations' requirements are fulfilled without compromising that of the future generations. India has taken the below-mentioned steps to achieve the aim of sustainable growth.

Population Control Measures: India has promoted several measures to check the population explosion. The different population control measures involve the spread of awareness and knowledge of birth control measures and education.

Utilization of Environment Supportive Fuel: As the fuels such as diesel and petrol emit a massive amount of carbon dioxide that causes global warming, so, the Indian government has favoured the use of CNG and LPG. These clean, eco-friendly fuels release lesser smoke.

Usage of Solar and Wind Energy: India is a country blessed with sunlight and wind energy. These two offerings of nature are non-exhaustible. It resolves the difficulty of economic growth with a proper focus on sustainable development.

Why Choose Vedantu NCERT Solutions Class 11 Economics Chapter 7?

Economics is majorly a theoretical subject. Still, it is more than just remembering, you also need to get a good grasp on the topics, and this is where Vedantu's NCERT Class 11 Economics Chapter 7 Solutions, designed by top Social Science educators have got you entirely covered. NCERT Class 11 Economics Chapter 7 Solutions for all the questions given in the book are available on Vedantu in PDF format, and you can download it for free. Highly experienced teachers at Vedantu prepare these NCERT Solutions to provide you with a clear understanding of the various social science topics covered in the chapter.

Solved Examples

1. Which of the following is not included as sustainable development parameters?

a. Gender inequality and diversity

b. Carrying capability

c. Inter and Intra-generational equity

d. None of the above

Answer: (d) None of the above

2. Any Contaminated Elements Leak Into the Ground and Are Carried Into Groundwater Reserve Is Known As

a. Land Contamination

b. Water Pollution

c. Noise Pollution

d. Air pollution

Answer: (A) Land contamination

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