Unit 1 Environmental Studies Natural Resources and Associated Problems PDF

CHE110: Environmental Studies Environment (French word: Environer ) is the surrounding things. It includes living things and natural forces. The environment of living things provides conditions for development and growth, also causes danger and damage. Environment consists of the interactions amon...

CHE110: Environmental Studies Environment (French word: Environer ) is the surrounding things. It includes living things and natural forces. The environment of living things provides conditions for development and growth, also causes danger and damage. Environment consists of the interactions among plants, animals, soil, water, temperature, light, and other living and non-living things. Environment Environment is what surrounds us !! It is the sum total of all social, economical , biological , physical and chemical factors which constitute the surroundings of humans, who are both the creators and moulders of the environment. Environment is of two types: Natural Environment Components such as air, water, soil, land, forest, wildlife, flora , fauna, etc. constitute the Natural Environment Man - Made Environment Alteration of the natural environment to serve specific uses by the human beings is termed as Anthropogenic Environment. For eg agricultural field is an anthropogenic environment and so are the gardens and aquaculture farms. Realms of the earth :There are four realms of the Earth : Lithosphere, Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Biosphere Fig. Concept of Environment: air, water, land, living organisms and materials surrounding us and their interactions together constitute our environment Types of Environment (Realms of the Earth) Natural Environment Anthropogenic Environment (an environment that is created by humans) Lithosphere (the solid, outer part of the Earth.) Hydrosphere (the total amount of water on a planet.) Atmosphere (a layer or a set of layers of gases surrounding a planet or other material body, that is held in place by the gravity of that body.) Biosphere (The biosphere is a global ecosystem composed of living organisms (biota) and the abiotic (non living) factors from which they derive energy and nutrients.) Components of Environment There are two main components of Environment Biotic Components(all living things) Abiotic Components(Non living things) Physical rain, humidity, temperature Environment: etc. Chemical Organic, inorganic compounds, water acid, etc. Environment:  Biotic Components of Environment Producers (or autotrophs) Green plants and some bacteria which manufacture their own food. Consumers (or heterotrophs) Animals which obtain their food from producers Primary consumers Secondary consumers Tertiary consumers Decomposers Bacteria and fungi that decompose dead organic matter and convert it into simpler parts Abiotic Components(All non living things) Environmental Science It is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physical and biological sciences to address the environmental problems. Environmental Engineering It is the application of science and engineering principles to improve the quality of environment to provide healthy living conditions. Environmental Studies It is a broad interdisciplinary field of study which studies the interaction of human beings with the environment. Biotic Components Multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies Environmental Studies is a multidisciplinary subject that includes all other disciplines such as Arts, commerce, climatology, geography and other disciplines. Fig. Multidisciplinary nature of Environmental studies Importance of Environmental Studies  To understand current environmental problems  Helps to maintain ecological balance  Provides basic knowledge of environment and related issues  Helps to achieve sustainable development & understand the relationship between development & environment  Educate people regarding our duties  Environmental management  Relates environment with economy  Aims to protect biodiversity  Agriculture and design of sustainable products  information related to population explosion, growth & development  Scope of Environmental Studies Environmental Management Research and Ecosystem Development Structure and Function Environmental Pollution Control Natural resource conservation Scope of Environmental Studies  Ecosystem Structure & Function  Ecology and biodiversity  Natural Resource Conservation  Environmental Pollution Control  Environmental Management: CPCB, SPCB  Industry  Research & Development  Social development: NGOs  Environmental Journalism  Environmentalist  Green Advocacy  Green Marketing  Sustainable Development The term sustainable development refers to the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs.  Key aspects of sustainable development Proper distribution of renewable and non-renewable resources is the key of the concept of sustainable development. And it can be achieve by the use of following points. Inter-generational equity: The principle of intergenerational equity states that every generation holds the Earth in common with members of the present generation and with other generations, past and future. The principle is the foundation of sustainable development Intra-generational equity: Intra-generational equity deals with the distribution of resources between the members of the same generation. Measures for sustainable development Implementing effective planning for population control Using effective/appropriate Technology: “Design with Nature” Concept Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R’s) Approach: 9 R’s of Waste management/Circular Economy 12 R’s Circular Economy  Promoting Environmental Education and Awareness:  Resource Utilization as Per Carrying Capacity Carrying Capacity: Carrying capacity of a region/system could be described broadly as number of individuals of a species that it can sustain. In case of human beings, it is rather a complex situation, wherein the region/system has not only to bear the load of his basic needs but also all other associated activities including industrial/developmental projects which has direct impact on limited natural base and environmental quality. The carrying capacity can be divided into two parts (a) Supporting capacity (b) Assimilative capacity  Supportive Capacity refers to capacity of a region/system provides an assessment of the stock of available resources with their regenerative capacity on natural/sustainable basis. Assimilative capacity refers to the ability of the environment or a portion of the environment (such as a stream, lake, air mass, or soil layer) to carry waste material without adverse effects on the environment or on users of its resources. Pollution occurs only when the assimilative capacity is exceeded. The political process 1992: Agenda 21 (Rio) 2002: World Summit on Sustainable Development 2012: The Future we Want (Rio+20) 2015: Sustainable Development Goals The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or Global Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all“. The SDGs were set up in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly (UN-GA) and are intended to be achieved by the year 2030. They are included in a UN-GA Resolution called the 2030 Agenda or what is colloquially known as Agenda 2030 https://sdgs.un.org/goals  17 goals under the Sustainable Development Goals 1.End poverty in all its forms everywhere 2.End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture 3.Ensure healthy lives and promote well being for all at all stages 4.Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all 5.Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls 6.Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all 7.Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all  17 goals under the Sustainable Development Goals 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all 9. Built resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation 10. Reduce inequalities within and among countries 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production pattern 13. Take urgent actions to combat climate change and its impact  17 goals under the Sustainable Development Goals 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managed forests, combat desertification and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development https://dashboards.sdgindex.org/rankings Using effective planning for regeneration of natural resources: Improving quality of life including social, cultural and economic dimensions Fig. Multidimensional model for sustainable development Measures for Sustainable Development(Summary) Effective planning for population control Reducing per capita demand of natural resources Using efficient technological devices Following the 5Rs (Refuse. Reduce, Reuse, Repair and Recycling) approach Promoting environmental awareness through education Effective planning for regeneration of natural resources Problems of Sustainable Development Disagreements between stakeholders Ex- Problem between different communities(Development, economic growth ) Uncertainty Ex- Global environmental issue. Consumption and life style Ex- Comparison between developed and undeveloped countries. Arguments over cause and responsibility Ex-Pollution, Global warming etc. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEFwaQej_0E Natural Resources Natural resources are the substances which are inherent to earth and obtained from nature and utilized to create products and services which are useful for human beings. Forests, water, air, soil , etc. are natural resources.  Classification of Natural Resources Resources  Renewable Resources  Non Renewable Resources  Renewable and Non Renewable Natural Resources The resources that can be harvested continuously with proper planning and management are called renewable resources. Example: plants, animals, solar energy , wind energy, etc. Non Renewable resources are natural resources which are limited in supply and cannot be replenished by natural means. Once exhausted, they have very little chance of recovery or resynthesis. Coal, minerals, petroleum, etc. are Non Renewable resources.  Forest Resources A forest, a biotic community with predominance of trees is an important Renewable natural resource. It is highly complex, changing environment made up of a living and non living things. Living things include trees, shrubs, wildlife etc. and non-living things include water, nutrients, rocks, sunlight and air.  Forest Resources The word forest is derived from a Latin word “Fores” means Outside Forests are the dominant terrestrial ecosystem of Earth, and are distributed across the globe. Forests account for 75% of the gross primary productivity of the Earth's biosphere, and contain 80% of the Earth's plant biomass Forest are one of the most important natural resources of the earth. Tree forests cover approximately 9.4 percent of the Earth's surface (or 30 percent of total land area i.e., Approximately 1/3rd of the earth’s total land area ).  Forest Types Types of forest on basis of tree density 1. Very dense – above 70% 2. Moderately dense – 41 – 70% 3. Open forest – 10 – 40%  As per Indian state of forest 2021. India has 7,13,789 square kilometres, 21.71% of the country’s geographical area, an increase from 21.67% in 2019. Source: https://fsi.nic.in/isfr-2021/chapter-2.pdf  Benefits of Forests Protective Function Forest Provide protection against Soil erosion, Droughts, floods, noise, radiations Productive Function Forest Provide various products like, gum resins, medicines, Katha, honey, pulp, bamboo, timber, and fruits Regulative Function The Forest regulates the level of Oxygen and carbon dioxide in atmosphere. The forests also help in regulating temperature conditions Accessory Function Forest provides aesthetics, habitat to various flora and fauna besides that it also has an recreational value  Over-exploitation of Forests Deforestation The permanent destruction of forest is called deforestation Forest are exploited since early times for humans to meet human demand  Causes of Deforestation Fuel requirement Raw material for industrial use Development projects Expansion of cities Construction of dams, canal & highways Growing food needs Overgrazing Shifting Cultivation Forest fire  Major developmental Process resulting in Forest losses Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/diu/story/india-forests-a-tale-of-growth-loss-and-revival-2429324- 2023-08-3  State wise Details of forest diversion among Indian states and union territories Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/diu/story/india-forests-a-tale-of-growth-loss-and-revival-2429324- 2023-08-3 Other causes Mining: River valley projects Natural forces 64  Effects of Deforestation Threatens the existence of wildlife Biodiversity and genetic diversity loss Effect of hydrological cycle Soil erosion Land slides on higher altitudes Air pollution and global warming Other consequences Loss of habitat Inc. intensity and frequency of flood Land degradation Loss of forest products Change in climatic condition Siltation of rivers and lakes Loss of revenue Change in water cycle Reduced rainfall Expansion of deserts 66  Afforestation “conversion of bare or cultivated land into forest” 67  Afforestation The conservation measure against the deforestation is afforestation. The development of forest by planting trees on waste land is called afforestation The main objective of afforestation: To control the deforestation To prevent soil erosion To regulate rainfall and maintain temperature To control atmospheric condition by keeping it clean To promote planned uses of wasteland To Protect forest ecosystem and to get benefits of forest products. 68  Initiative/policies National Mission for a Green India or the commonly called Green India Mission (GIM)- launched in February, 2014 focus on Enhancing quality of forest cover and improving ecosystem services from 4.9 million hectares (mha) of predominantly forest lands, including 1.5 mha of moderately dense forest cover, 3 mha of open forest cover, 0.4 mha of degraded grass lands. “National Afforestation Programme (NAP)” for regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining areas through people’s participation. The scheme is being implemented through a decentralized mechanism of State Forest Development Agency (SFDA) at State level, Forest Development Agency (FDA) at Forest Division level and Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) at village level. The Budget allocation for the current financial year under NAP is Rs. 100 crore. Free Seedling Distribution Jharkhand topped the compensatory afforestation list by planting compensating trees on almost 1.5 lakh hectares of land. Rajasthan planted on one lakh hectares. Other states like Karnataka were a little behind, making commendable efforts to boost their forest cover. States like Punjab and Bihar have achieved or maintained a balance between forest diversion and compensatory afforestation. (Under Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016). Water Resources Distribution of Water Water used by us in two forms: i. Water withdrawal ii. Water consumption 73  Sources of Fresh water 1. Surface water 2. Frozen water 3. Ground water 4. Rain water Surface water: Surface water is water in a river, lake, ponds or fresh water wetland. Surface water is naturally replenished by precipitation and naturally lost through discharge to the oceans, evaporation, and sub-surface seepage. Ground Water: Sub-surface water, or groundwater, is fresh water located in the pore space of soil and rocks. It is also water that is flowing within aquifers below the water table. Aquifer: A layer of sediment/rock that is highly permeable and contain water. Layer of sand and gravel: Good aquifers Clay and crystalline rocks (e.g. Granite): Not good aquifers  Overutilization of water and its effect Overutilization of water means extraction/consumption above the natural recharge rate of water sources. Effects: Subsidence: aquifer got compact (due to more withdrawal and less recharge) known as ground subsidence Lowering of water table  Water logging Water pollution Water shortage  Conflicts over Water Nile Water Conflict: Egypt vs. Ethiopia, Brahmaputra Water Conflict: China, India, Bangladesh etc. Indus river conflict: India & Pakistan. Inter-state disputes (e.g., Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over Caveri water) Industries vs. Communities (Coca-Cola Beaverage company in Kerala. 80 Brahmaputra Water Conflict: China, India, Bangladesh etc. Indus river conflict: India & Pakistan Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/burning-issue-groundwater-depletion-in-india/ Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal Conflict Inter-state disputes (e.g., Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over Caveri water)  Water Stress versus Water Scarcity Water scarcity is defined as the point at which the aggregate impact of all users impinges on the supply or quality of water under prevailing institutional arrangements to the extent that the demand by all sectors, including the environment, cannot be satisfied fully. Water scarcity is a relative concept and can occur at any level of supply or demand. Scarcity may be a social construct (a product of affluence, expectations and customary behaviour) or the consequence of altered supply patterns - stemming from climate change for example. Hydrologists typically assess scarcity by looking at the population-water equation. An area is experiencing water stress when annual water supplies drop below 1,700 m3 per person. When annual water supplies drop below 1,000 m3 per person, the population faces water scarcity, and below 500 cubic metres "absolute scarcity". Water stress occurs when the demand for water exceeds the available amount during a certain period or when poor quality restricts its use. Water stress causes deterioration of fresh water resources in terms of quantity (aquifer over- exploitation, dry rivers, etc.) Water stress = Ratio of water use versus water availability Water Scarcity can be: 1.Physical water scarcity is where there is not enough water to meet all demands, including that needed for ecosystems to function effectively. Ex. Arid areas like Central and West Asia, North Africa often suffer from physical water scarcity. 2. Economic water scarcity is caused by a lack of investment in infrastructure or technology to draw water from rivers, aquifers, or other water sources, or insufficient human capacity to satisfy the demand for water. Ex. Much of Sub-Saharan Africa has economic water scarcity. Water Scarcity : Facts Around 700 million people in 43 countries suffer today from water scarcity. By 2025, 1.8 billion people will be living in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world's population could be living under water stressed conditions. With the existing climate change scenario, almost half the world's population will be living in areas of high water stress by 2030, including between 75 million and 250 million people in Africa. In addition, water scarcity in some arid and semi-arid places will displace between 24 million and 700 million people. Sub-Saharan Africa has the largest number of water-stressed countries of any region. Water Stress Water Stress  Solutions to Water Crisis  Reduce demand.  Adopt agriculture practices that require less water.  Reduce industrial consumption through recycling, reuse and new water-efficient technologies.  Rainwater harvesting.  Retain water on land as long as possible through check dams and contour bunds allowing it to percolate into the ground.  Implement rain water harvesting in urban and rural areas  Restore traditional system of ponds and lakes.  Adopt fairer policies  National River Conservation Plan launched in 1995  The National Water Mission (NWM) launched in 2010  National water policy, 1987 (Amended in 2002 and 2012)  River Rejuvenation Plan 93  Water harvesting Water harvesting is collecting and storing rain water for future use. The common methods of water harvesting are :- i) Digging pits, ponds, lakes etc. ii) Building small earthen dams or concrete check dam. iv) Construction of reservoirs. v) Construction of rooftop collecting units in houses. 94 Advantages of underground storage of water i) It does not evaporate easily. ii) It spreads out and recharges wells. iii) It provides moisture for irrigation of crops. iv) It does not get polluted easily. v) It does not provide breeding ground for mosquitoes and houseflies. 95 Common Methods of Urban Rainwater Harvesting Some of the most familiar methodologies of urban rainwater harvesting and management are – 1. Surface Runoff Harvesting 2. Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting 3. Recharge Pits Rainwater Harvesting as State and Central Government Policy More or less all states in India, through various legislative decisions, have made rainwater harvesting mandatory in government institutions, commercial complexes, and residential high-rises. Some of these laws have already come into effect, and others are soon to follow. The Central Ministry for Drinking Water and Sanitation, in association with the Central Ground Water Board, and a battery of groundwater scientists and experts, has also prepared a conceptual document called the ‘Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Ground Water in India’. The master plan, related to rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge of groundwater, envisages the construction of about 23 lakh rainwater harvesting structures in rural areas, and close to 88 lakh artificial recharge and rainwater harvesting installations in urban centers. Different methods of water harvesting 97 RAINWATER HARVESTING 98 Land resources “Land resources include all those features and processes of the land, which can, in some way, be used to fulfill certain human needs”. “The solid portion of the earth’s surface”. The science dealing with land is known as pedology. Land resources Soil is defined as a natural body consisting of layers (soil horizons) that are composed of weathered mineral materials, organic material, air and water. https://www.fao.org/soils   Soil Formation:  Soil Profile: Horizons O, A, E, B, C  Function of soil:  nutrient cycle agriculture water storage emission of gases degrade pollutant clay foundation * C Horizon is also known as saprolite Function of soil Various functions of soil are They have a significant role in nutrient cycles. They are the basis of agricultural production. They store water and regulate water supplies. They regulate the emissions of trace gases. They degrade pollutants and filter ground water 103 World Land resources and its Usage 104  Land Degradation Land degradation is defined as “the persistent reduction of the production capacity of a land, which may be manifest through any combination of several interrelated processes, such as soil erosion, deterioration of soil nutrients, loss of biodiversity, deforestation or declining vegetative health” Globally, about 25 percent of the total land area has been degraded. When land is degraded, soil carbon and nitrous oxide is released into the atmosphere, making land degradation one of the most important contributors to climate change. Scientists recently warned that 24 billion tons of fertile soil was being lost per year, largely due to unsustainable agriculture practices. If this trend continues, 95 percent of the Earth’s land areas could become degraded by 2050. Land Degradation  Land Degradation Causes – Natural causes Heavy rainfall High speed winds Natural disasters: earthquake, landslide, flood, drought. Expansion of desert  Anthropogenic causes -Mining -Urbanization -Deforestation -Overgrazing -Water logging Mining Deforestation -Construction of dams -Extensive use of fertilizers -Dumping of industrial and municipal wastes Urbanization Overgrazing Excess use of Agrochemicals Land degradation :Indian Scenario Soil Erosion Soil erosion is removal of top soil from its resting place by various physical agencies like wind and water. It can be defined as “the detachment and transport of the fertile layer of soil by water or air.” It is also known as the creeping death of land.  Soil Erosion Soil erosion may be defined as the detachment and removal of the top soil layers from soil mass Types – Normal erosion or geologic erosion – Accelerated or Anthropogenic erosion Causes Climatic agents Water induced erosion – Splash erosion – Sheet erosion – Rill/Gully erosion – Stream bank erosion Wind induced erosion – Suspension – Saltation – Surface creep – Biotic agents Causes of Soil Erosion Large scale deforestation Floods Overgrazing Large Violent Winds Improper agricultural techniques Effects of soil Erosion 115  Method of controlling soil Erosion 1. Conservational till farming: no till farming 2. Contour farming 3. Terracing 4. Strip cropping 5. Alley cropping: Agroforestry 6. Wind breaks or shelterbelts 7. Stubble-mulching 8. Afforestation 9. Control overgrazing 10.Check dam 11.Equitable use of water sources  Soil Erosion Control – Conservational till farming. – Stubble mulching. – Contour farming. – Contour bunding. – Construction of check dams. – Terracing – Strip cropping. – Alley cropping (Agro-forestry) – Wind breaks. – Afforestation – Control overgrazing – Equitable use of water sources Conservational till farming: no till farming Contour bunding & cultivation Vegetative bunds Terracing Strip cropping Alley cropping: Agroforestry Wind breaks or shelterbelts Wind breaks or shelterbelts Stubble Mulching Afforestation  Check dam A check dam is a small dam constructed across a drainage ditch or channel to lower the velocity of flow 126  International approach to conserve soil World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources. An international day to celebrate soil was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002. Under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand and within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership, FAO has supported the formal establishment of WSD as a global awareness raising platform. The FAO Conference unanimously endorsed World Soil Day in June 2013 and requested its official adoption at the 68th UN General Assembly. In December 2013, the UN General Assembly responded by designating 5 December 2014 as the first official World Soil Day. Read out more about Global Soil partnership at https://www.fao.org/global-soil-partnership/en/  Desertification Desertification is the process by which the biological productivity of drylands is reduced due to natural or manmade activities Or the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture. 128  Desertification Types – Moderate (10 - 25%) – Severe (25 - 50%) – Very severe (more than 50%) Causes Natural causes Anthropogenic causes Very low rain fall High salinity Excessive evaporation Deforestation Vast difference in diurnal temperature Topography related factor Overgrazing Conversion of pasture into arable land Excessive use of fertilizer Cause: Natural Factors: Low Excessive Rainfall Evaporation Salinity Temperature 130 Anthropogenic Factors: Mining Overgrazing 131  Desertification Effects – Rapid soil erosion – Poor soil quality – Unfavorable climate – Low water table, salty and hard water – Economic and human cost – Decreased productivity of land – Expansion of desert – Deposition of soil in water bodies – Reduction of agricultural land in around river banks  Desertification Control – Large scale plantation – Sustainable agricultural practices – Development of pasture land and controlling overgrazing – Development of water catchment – Rainwater harvesting Control: 134  What is Energy? “ capacity to do work” In physics, energy is the quantitative property that must be transferred to a body or physical system to perform work on the body, or to heat it. Energy is a conserved quantity; the law of conservation of energy states that energy can be converted in form, but not created or destroyed. SI unit of Energy is “Joule” Energy resources refer to “all renewable and non-renewable energy resources of both inorganic and organic origins discovered in the earth’s crust in solid, liquid and gaseous form.”  Earth Energy Balance Earth Energy Balance Renewable Sources of Energy Non Renewable Sources of Energy Solar Energy Coal Wind Energy Natural Gas and Oil Tidal Energy Nuclear Energy Geothermal Energy Biomass Based Energy Energy Resources: Global dependencies Energy Consumption Power Sector at Glance: India https://powermin.gov.in/en/content/power-sector-glance-all-india Renewable Sources of Energy Non Renewable Sources of Energy Solar Energy Coal Wind Energy Natural Gas and Oil Tidal Energy Nuclear Energy Geothermal Energy Biomass Based Energy 141  Energy Crises “An energy crisis is any significant bottleneck in the supply of energy resources to an economy. In literature, it often refers to one of the energy sources used at a certain time and place, in particular those that supply national electricity grids or those used as fuel in Industrial development and population growth have led to a surge in the global demand for energy in recent years.”  Reasons for Energy Crises  Over reliance on non renewable energy resources.  Overpopulation.  Poor infrastructure/distribution system.  Wastage/Lack of energy efficiency.  Major Accidents and Natural Calamities  Wars and Attacks  Miscellaneous Factors  Reasons for Energy Crises  Over reliance on non renewable energy resources.  Reasons for Energy Crises  Per capita energy consumption/Overpopulation  Production versus Consumption  Reasons for Energy Crises  Poor infrastructure/distribution system World electricity transmission losses to percent of total generation by selected countries and regions 2001 and 2013 Source: https://www.eia.gov/  Reasons for Energy Crises  Wars and Attacks https://www.oilandgasiq.com/strategy-management-and- https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/14/world/middleeast/saudi- information/whitepapers/cyber-war-us-and-eu-oil-gas- arabia-refineries-drone-attack.html under-attack-is-asia-n  Reasons for Energy Crises  Natural Calamities Effect of natural disaster on energy transmission system Damaged wind turbine due to wind storm  Reasons for Energy Crises  Miscellaneous Factors  Effects Energy Crises  Increase in fuel/resource demand  Increase in fuel price  Economic Slowdown  Political Disturbances  Effect on tourism and other activities Headlines: Increase in fuel prize  Move Towards Renewable Resources Renewables use in total energy consumption Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211467X19300082  Hydro-electric energy The potential energy in the water stored in dams is converted into electrical energy by releasing the water flow and rotating the turbine Advantages – Low operating and maintenance cost – Non-polluting – Reliable – Flexible – Safe Disadvantages – High setup cost – Affects fish population – Limited reservoirs – Affected by draught – Probable seismic activity  S.No. Name of Plant River State 1. Koyna Hydro Electric Power plant Koyna Maharashtra 2. Hirakund Hydro Electric Power plant Mahanadi Odisha 3. Idukki Hydro Electric Power plant Periyar Kerala 4. Nagarjuna Hydro Electric Power plant Krishna Andhra Pradesh 5. Tehri Hydro Electric Power plant Bhagirathi Uttarakhand 6. Bhakra Nangal Hydro Electric Power plant Sutlej Himachal Pradesh 7. Sardar Sarovar Hydro Electric Power plant Narmada Gujarat 8. Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Electric Power plant Sutlej Himachal Pradesh 9. Srisailam Hydro Electric Power plant Krishna Andhra Pradesh 10. Indirasagar Hydro Electric Power plant Narmada Madhya Pradesh 11. Sharavathi Hydro Electric Power plant Sharavathi Karnataka 12. Dehar Hydro Electric Power plant Beas Himachal Pradesh 13. Kalinadi Hydro Electric Power plant Kalinadi Karnataka 14. Teesta Hydro Electric Power plant Teesta Sikkim 15. Baira-Siul Hydro Electric Power plant Baira Himachal Pradesh 16. Salal Hydro Electric Power plant Chenab Jammu and Kashmir Andhra Pradesh, Orissa 17. Machkund Hydro Electric Power plant Machkund 18. Balimela Hydro Electric Power plant Sileru Odisha 19. Subarnarekha Hydro Electric Power plant Subarnarekha Jharkhand 20. Shivanasamudra Hydro Electric Power plant Kaveri Karnataka 21. Loktak Hydro Electric Power plant Leimtak Manipur 22. Rihand Hydro Electric Power plant Rihand Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh 23. Rangit Hydro Electric Power plant Rangit Sikkim 24. Bansagar Hydro Electric Power plant Sone Madhya Pradesh 25. Uri Hydro Electric Power plant Jhelum Jammu and Kashmir  Solar energy 1 hour solar energy can be used for 1 year Uses of solar energy – Solar heating of home (sunspace) – Solar water heating, solar cooker, solar furnace – Solar desalination system Photovoltaic energy: Silicon -> PV cells -> PV modules -> PV array -> solar panel Advantages – Easy to install – No pollution, no noise – Can be installed anywhere Disadvantages – Doesn’t work when light is not available – Requires energy storage device – Low efficiency – Damage easily Solar power in India is a fast developing industry. The country's solar installed capacity reached 33.730 GW as of 31 December 2019. In 2015 the target was raised to 100 GW of solar capacity (including 40 GW from rooftop solar) by 2022, targeting an investment of US$100 billion. As on Dec 2023 installed Solar capacity 73.31GW.  Wind energy One of the earliest renewable energy – sail ships, windmills India is the 4th largest producer of wind energy (after China, US and Germany). Advantages – Unlimited, free, renewable resource – Low maintenance cost – No pollution Disadvantages – High setup cost – Birds and bats get killed – Noise and signal reception problem India has the 4th largest installed capacity in wind power after China, U.S and Germany. The total installed capacity of wind power in India as on March 2017 is around 32 GW. A recent study by National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) has shown wind energy potential of 302 GW at 100 m hub-height in India. As on Dec 2023 installed wind energy capacity is 44.73GW.  Tidal energy Tidal power or tidal energy is a form of hydropower that converts the energy obtained from tides into electricity. To capture sufficient power from the tidal energy potential, the height of high tide must be at least five meters (16 feet) greater than low tide Advantages – Tides are more predictable than the wind and the sun – Uses less area. – No emission of gaseous or particulate pollutants – longevity of equipment Disadvantages Types – Electro-magnetic emission affects the aquatic life.  Tidal stream generator  Dynamic tidal power – High construction cost  Tidal barrage  Tidal lagoon Ministry of New and Renewable Energy estimated that the country can produce 7000 MW of power in the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat, 1200 MW of power in the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat and about 100 MW of power in the Gangetic delta of Sunderbans in West Bengal. The largest facility is the Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Station in South Korea. China, France, England, Canada, and Russia have much more potential to use this type of energy.  Geo-thermal energy The energy harnessed from the hot rocks present inside the earth is called geothermal energy. Sometimes natural geysers or artificially drilled holes can be used to released the water vapour underneath the earth surface. Advantages – No pollutant emission – Reliable source of renewable energy – Less operating cost – Less maintenance cost Disadvantages – Possibility of emissions of H2S, CO2, CH4 during extraction – High Investment Costs In India, by the time, geothermal energy installed capacity is experimental however, the potential capacity is more than 10,000 MW. Following are the six most promising geothermal energy sites in India − 1. Tattapani in Chhattisgarh 2. Puga in Jammu & Kashmir 3.Cambay Graben in Gujarat 4.Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh 5. Surajkund in Jharkhand 6. Chhumathang in Jammu & Kashmir  Ocean-thermal energy The energy available due to the difference in temperature of water at the surface of tropical oceans and deeper levels is called ocean-thermal energy. Ocean thermal energy conversion, or OTEC, uses ocean temperature differences from the surface to depths lower than 1,000 meters, to extract energy. A temperature difference of only 20°C can yield usable energy. The heat is used to vaporize ammonia (closed cycle) and rotate the turbine sing the vapour. Advantages – Continuous source of energy – No pollutant emission – Output shows very little seasonal variation Disadvantages – Capital investment is very high – High maintenance cost – Low efficiency – Pipes could damage coral reefs The total OTEC potential around India is estimated as 180,000 MW, considering 40% of gross power for parasitic losses. However, the cost estimates of ocean energy as against conventional energy is still being worked out, as the country is still in a nascent stage of development of the technology and start generation. Chennai-based National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) is setting up the world’s first self-powered desalination plant using the technology of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) in Kavaratti Island in Lakshadweep.  Nuclear energy History: Nuclear energy has been used to produce electricity for decades. Nuclear fission was first experimented on by Enrico Fermi in 1934. The idea to use nuclear energy to produce electricity was not realized until 1951. A station near Arco, Idaho, was the first to produce electricity from a nuclear reactor in that year. In the years after, several countries were using nuclear energy to produce electricity. Types of nuclear reactions – Fission: Splitting of large nucleus into smaller nuclei. – Fusion: Joining of small nuclei into a large nucleus. Elements used in nuclear energy production: Uranium, Thorium, Plutonium Advantages – Less fuel offers more energy. – The cost of nuclear fuel is only 20% of the cost of energy generated. – The production of electric energy is continuous (almost 90% of annual time). Disadvantages Currently, there are 450 nuclear reactors in operation in 30 countries – Risk of unexpected event or nuclear accidents. around the world. One of the largest plants is situated in France, where – Difficulty in the management of nuclear waste. about 70 percent of total electricity generation was derived from – Nuclear plants have a limited life. nuclear sources in 2018. Most of those reactors are operating within a few countries, namely, the United States, France, Japan, Russia and Korea. As of March 2018, India has 22 nuclear reactors in operation in 7 nuclear power plants, with a total installed capacity of 6,780 MW. Nuclear power produced a total of 35 TWh and supplied 3.22% of Indian electricity in 2017.  List of Nuclear Power Plants in India S.No Name of the power station State Operator Total capacity 1. Tarapur Atomic Power Station Maharashtra NPCIL 1,400 2. Kakrapar Atomic Power Station Gujarat NPCIL 440 3. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Tamil Nadu NPCIL 2,000 4. Kaiga Nuclear Power Plant Karnataka NPCIL 880 5. Madras Atomic Power Station Tamil Nadu NPCIL 440 6. Rajasthan Atomic Power Station Rajasthan NPCIL 1,180 7. Narora Atomic Power Station Uttar Pradesh NPCIL 440 Log burning is a simple way use biomass energy Wood is the largest source of biomass energy. It can also be used in electricity production in wood- based power stations. Energy crop An energy crop is a plant grown as a low-cost and low-maintenance harvest used to make biofuels, such as bioethanol, or combusted for its energy content to generate electricity or heat. Example: Jatropha, Sunflower etc. Energy trapped inside biomass Biofuels Biodiesel Biopetrol Biogas Bio-ethanol Bio-methanol  Biomass Energy in India India has a potential of about 18 GW of energy from Biomass. Currently, about 32% of total primary energy used in India is derived from Biomass. More than 70% of the country’s population depends upon biomass for its energy needs. India has ~5+ GW capacity biomass powered plants: 83% are grid connected while the remaining 17% are off-grid plants. The leading states for biomass power projects are Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka each one having more than 1 GW of Grid interacted biomass power. Other states with favorable policy and opportunities in Biomass are Punjab and Bihar.  Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) RDF consists largely of combustible components of such waste, as non recyclable plastics , paper cardboard, labels etc. These fractions are separated by different processing steps in order to produce a homogeneous material which can be used as substitute for fossil fuels. Dehradun based Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in 2014, developed a unique process of converting plastic waste like polyethylene and polypropylene, both together accounting for 60 per cent of plastic waste, can be converted to either gasoline or diesel. The technology is capable of converting 1 kg of plastic to 750 ml of automotive grade gasoline. Due to nearly nil presence of Sulphur in the produced fuel, IIP’s plastic converted fuel is pure and meets the Euro-III standards. IIP also stated that a vehicle using this fuel would be able to run for at least two kilometres more per litre. The technology was developed by IIP after nearly a decade of research in hope of commercialising it for industrial usage. 166 As of Dec 2023, Renewable energy sources, including large hydropower, have a combined installed capacity of 180.79 GW. The following is the installed capacity for Renewables: Wind power: 44.73 GW Solar Power: 73.31 GW Biomass/Co-generation: 10.2 GW Small Hydro Power: 4.98 GW Waste To Energy: 0.58 GW Large Hydro: 46.88 GW India stands 4th globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity (including Large Hydro), 4th in Wind Power capacity & 4th in Solar Power capacity (as per REN21 Renewables 2022 Global Status Report).The country has set an enhanced target at the COP26 of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030. Limitations of Alternative Source of Energy Most of the technologies involve high installation cost and require maintenance. The material that find application in designing and manufacturing of device are not easily available. (Silicon example) Weather problem. Geographical problem.  Solutions Move Towards Renewable Resources Increasing Energy Efficiency Buy Energy-Efficient Products Lighting Controls Energy Simulation Perform Energy Audit Common Stand on Climate Change  Energy Conservation through individual actions Role of Individual in conservation of energy and natural resource Role of Individual in conservation of energy and natural resource Thanks