Perspectives in Environmental Studies

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of Unit 1 in the syllabus for Environmental Studies?

The effects of agriculture on food resources

The importance of renewable resources

The role of individuals in energy conservation

The multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies (correct)

Which of the following resources are considered non-renewable?

Minerals (correct)

Timber

Solar energy

Wind energy

Which factor contributes significantly to deforestation according to the syllabus?

Timber extraction (correct)

Reforestation projects

Community-based conservation

Sustainable farming practices

What is one of the main environmental effects of excessive mineral resource exploitation?

Habitat destruction Signup and view all the answers

Which issue is related to the over-utilization of water resources?

Conflicts over water Signup and view all the answers

What problem is associated with modern agricultural practices?

Water logging Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of land degradation mentioned in the syllabus?

Desertification Signup and view all the answers

What role does individual action play in environmental conservation?

Essential for conservation efforts Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of the Narmada valley project according to the content?

Massive loss of wildlife species Signup and view all the answers

Which group is predominantly affected by the displacement due to the Narmada valley project?

Poor, unprivileged scheduled castes and tribes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a unique feature of water mentioned in the content?

Ability to exist as a solid at any temperature Signup and view all the answers

What does the high specific heat of water allow for aquatic life?

Consistency of water temperature Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for project proponents and government to focus on rehabilitation?

To reduce cultural disruption Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by water?

97% Signup and view all the answers

What does the evaporative cooling effect of water influence?

Impacts meteorological patterns Signup and view all the answers

What role does water play as a solvent in the environment?

It acts as a carrier of essential nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What is a major environmental impact of acid mine drainage on aquatic life?

It can result in the death of many aquatic animals. Signup and view all the answers

What type of health issues do miners commonly face due to their working environment?

Respiratory and skin diseases Signup and view all the answers

Which biological method is suggested for minimizing the impacts of mining?

Microbial-leaching technique Signup and view all the answers

What chemical is known to be produced from the microbial action of sulphur present in ores?

Sulphuric acid Signup and view all the answers

What health hazard is associated with smelting operations in mining?

Release of air pollutants damaging vegetation Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical consequence for workers involved in the mining industry?

High rates of disabling accidents Signup and view all the answers

Which heavy metals are typically associated with water body contamination near mining areas?

Cadmium and lead Signup and view all the answers

What negative impact does surface water pollution from mining cause?

Harm to many forms of aquatic life Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of renewable energy resources?

They can be generated continuously and are inexhaustible. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a renewable energy source?

Natural gas Signup and view all the answers

Solar energy harvesting devices include _ and _.

Passive and active solar heat collectors Signup and view all the answers

Which energy source takes millions of years to form and is not renewable?

Coal Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of solar heat collectors?

To absorb heat during the day and release it at night. Signup and view all the answers

The energy received from the sun in near-earth space per unit area is known as:

Solar constant Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is NOT an application of solar energy?

Burning coal for steam. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes active solar collectors from passive ones?

Active collectors involve a heat absorbing medium that is pumped. Signup and view all the answers

What is the projection of available water according to the Eradi Tribunal's time-inflow data for 1960-80?

17.17 MAF Signup and view all the answers

Why has Haryana faced an acute shortage of water since becoming a state in 1966?

Punjab refuses to share water. Signup and view all the answers

Which role is considered a traditional water manager in southern India?

Neerkatti Signup and view all the answers

What was the Supreme Court's directive regarding the SYL project in 2002?

To complete and commission it within a year. Signup and view all the answers

In Ladakh, who is responsible for managing the water distribution system?

Churpun Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of traditional water management systems in India?

They ensure equitable distribution through public approval. Signup and view all the answers

Which water source primarily contributes to the water distribution in Ladakh?

Meltwater from glaciers Signup and view all the answers

What issue remains unresolved between Punjab and Haryana regarding water sharing?

Ravi-Beas water sharing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Environmental Studies Overview

Environmental Studies cover the multidisciplinary nature linking ecology, sociology, economics, and policy-making.
Importance lies in understanding human impact on natural resources and ecosystems.

Natural Resources

Classified into renewable and non-renewable resources, each with unique exploitation issues and environmental impacts.
Forest Resources:
- Concerns include over-exploitation, deforestation, and effects on tribal communities.
- Case studies highlight detrimental impacts from timber extraction and mining.
Water Resources:
- Approximately 97% of Earth's surface is water, essential for life and characterized by unique properties (e.g., highest specific heat).
- Water conflicts arise from over-utilization, with particular focus on the SYL canal and interstate water disputes in India.
Mineral Resources:
- Extraction poses environmental hazards through pollution, affecting water quality and health of nearby populations.
- Heavy metal contamination and acid mine drainage are significant issues.
Food Resources:
- World food problems linked to modern agriculture practices, over-grazing, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
- Soil degradation leads to issues like waterlogging and salinity.
Energy Resources:
- Growing global energy demands prompt exploration of both renewable (e.g., solar, wind) and non-renewable (e.g., coal, petroleum) sources.
- Renewable resources are considered sustainable as they replenish naturally.

Water Management Systems

Traditional village-level water management seen in regions like South India and Maharashtra, focusing on local ecological knowledge and equitable distribution.
Local managers (e.g., neerkatti, havaldars) play crucial roles in managing and resolving water conflicts based on community needs.

Health and Environmental Impacts

Mining leads to occupational health hazards (e.g., asbestosis, silicosis) due to exposure to pollutants.
Emissions from smelting operations harm the environment and public health through air pollution.
Efforts needed to adopt eco-friendly mining technologies and practices for sustainable resource extraction.

Renewable vs. Non-Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Sources:
- Inexhaustible resources like solar, wind, and geothermal, promising for sustainable energy generation.
- Examples include solar heat collectors, which can be passive or active, and photovoltaic cells for converting solar energy into electricity.
Non-Renewable Energy Sources:
- Include fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum, which cannot be replenished within a human timescale, posing sustainability challenges.

Case Studies and Examples

The Narmada Valley Project exemplifies the socio-economic impacts of displacement on tribal communities, highlighting the need for proper rehabilitation measures.
Water allocation disputes underscore regional tensions and the need for collaborative conflict resolution.

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Description

This quiz focuses on various perspectives related to environmental studies, examining the key concepts and issues that shape our understanding of the environment. Participants will explore essential topics such as sustainability, ecology, and human impact. Prepare to test your knowledge on this crucial subject area.