Unit 4 Arc 4511 Environmental Science PDF

Unit-IV ARC 4511: Environmental Science Prepared by Faculty Team (Dr. Sasmita Chand and Dr. Anoop Kumar Shukla)  ARC 4511: Environmental Science Current Environme...

Unit-IV ARC 4511: Environmental Science Prepared by Faculty Team (Dr. Sasmita Chand and Dr. Anoop Kumar Shukla)  ARC 4511: Environmental Science Current Environmental Issues Contemporary and emerging environmental issues of local, regional and global significance, impacts on environment, human health and welfares. Carbon footprint and Ecological Footprint. Disaster and management: floods, earthquakes, cyclones and landslides. Environmental movements; Environmental ethics. Contemporary and emerging environmental issues of local, regional and global significance, impacts on environment, human health and welfares Environmental issues affect local, regional, and global contexts with profound impacts on ecosystems, human health, and overall well-being. Understanding these issues is crucial for sustainable development and informed decision-making. Contemporary Environmental Issues 1.Air Pollution 1. Local Significance: High levels of particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) in urban areas. 2. Regional and Global Significance: Contributes to climate change and transboundary pollution. 3. Impacts: Respiratory diseases, reduced visibility, and ecosystem damage. 2.Water Scarcity and Quality 1. Local Significance: Depletion of groundwater resources, contamination of surface water by industrial and agricultural runoff. 2. Regional and Global Significance: Interference with aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity loss. 3. Impacts: Waterborne diseases, agricultural productivity decline, and socio-economic disparities. Contemporary and emerging environmental issues of local, regional and global significance, impacts on environment, human health and welfares Deforestation and Loss of Biodiversity 1. Local Significance: Clearing of forests for agriculture, urbanization, and logging. 2. Regional and Global Significance: Loss of habitat for wildlife and disruption of ecological balance. 3. Impacts: Decreased biodiversity, soil erosion, and reduced carbon sequestration. Climate Change 1. Local Significance: Erratic weather patterns, extreme events like floods and droughts. 2. Regional and Global Significance: Rising sea levels, shifts in agricultural productivity, and altered ecosystems. 3. Impacts: Threats to food security, displacement of populations, and economic instability. Waste Management 1. Local Significance: Improper disposal of solid waste leading to land and water pollution. 2. Regional and Global Significance: Marine debris and microplastics affecting ocean health. 3. Impacts: Public health risks, aesthetic degradation, and challenges for sustainable development. Contemporary and emerging environmental issues of local, regional and global significance, impacts on environment, human health and welfares Local Environmental Issues: Urbanization and Pollution: Rapid urban growth has led to air, water, and soil pollution in cities and towns. Waste Management: Improper disposal and management of solid waste contribute to environmental degradation and health risks. Deforestation: Clearing of forests for agriculture, infrastructure, and urbanization affects biodiversity and exacerbates climate change. Regional Environmental Issues: Water Scarcity: Uneven distribution of water resources and overexploitation of rivers and groundwater pose significant challenges in various regions. Land Degradation: Soil erosion, desertification, and salinization threaten agricultural productivity and livelihoods. Industrial Pollution: Concentration of industries in certain regions leads to pollution of air, water bodies, and soil. Contemporary and emerging environmental issues of local, regional and global significance, impacts on environment, human health and welfares Global Environmental Issues: Climate Change: Greenhouse gas emissions from human activities contribute to global warming, leading to sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and disruptions in ecosystems. Biodiversity Loss: Habitat destruction, overexploitation of species, and invasive species threaten biodiversity at a global scale. Ozone Depletion: Industrial chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have depleted the ozone layer, increasing ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface. Emerging Environmental Concerns: Plastic Pollution: Increasing use of single-use plastics leads to pollution of oceans and terrestrial environments, posing threats to marine life and human health. E-waste Management: Rapid technological advancement results in the generation of electronic waste, which contains hazardous materials. Food Security: Ensuring sustainable agriculture practices to meet the growing food demand while minimizing environmental impact is a critical global challenge. Contemporary and emerging environmental issues of local, regional and global significance, impacts on environment, human health and welfares Impacts on Environment, Human Health, and Welfare Environment: Degradation of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of ecosystems. Human Health: Increased incidence of respiratory diseases, waterborne illnesses, and heat-related disorders. Welfare: Socio-economic disparities, loss of livelihoods, and challenges to sustainable development goals.  Carbon footprint and Ecological Footprint Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide, emitted directly or indirectly by human activities. Ecological Footprint: A measure of human demand on nature, reflecting the amount of biologically productive land and sea area necessary to support a given human population. Carbon Footprint in India Sources of Carbon Emissions: Energy Production: Coal-based power plants are predominant. Transportation: High dependence on fossil fuels, especially in urban areas. Industry: Heavy industries such as cement, steel, and manufacturing contribute significantly. Agriculture: Methane emissions from livestock and rice paddies.  Carbon footprint and Ecological Footprint Initiatives to Reduce Carbon Footprint: Renewable Energy: Increasing capacity in solar and wind energy. Energy Efficiency: Adoption of energy-efficient technologies in industries and households. Public Transportation: Promotion of electric vehicles and public transport systems. Afforestation: Programs to increase forest cover and carbon sinks. Challenges: Population Growth: Rapid urbanization and industrialization. Infrastructure: Aging infrastructure in need of modernization. Policy Implementation: Ensuring effective enforcement of environmental regulations. Ecological Footprint in India Components of Ecological Footprint: Consumption Patterns: Resource-intensive lifestyles in urban areas. Land Use: Agriculture, urban sprawl, and industrial development. Biodiversity Loss: Impact on biodiversity due to habitat destruction.  Carbon footprint and Ecological Footprint Examples of Ecological Pressures: Water Usage: Depletion of freshwater resources due to agriculture and industry. Land Degradation: Soil erosion and desertification. Waste Generation: Increase in solid waste and its management. Sustainable Practices: Water Conservation: Efficient irrigation methods and rainwater harvesting. Land Management: Sustainable agriculture and reforestation projects. Waste Management: Recycling programs and waste-to-energy initiatives.  Carbon footprint and Ecological Footprint Ecological Footprint Comparison India: 1. Challenges: India faces significant ecological challenges, including land degradation, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity. 2. Footprint Components: Agriculture, urbanization, and resource extraction contribute to India's ecological footprint. 3. Conservation Efforts: Conservation measures include afforestation programs, wildlife conservation efforts, and sustainable agricultural practices. World: 1. Global Impact: The world's ecological footprint exceeds the Earth's biocapacity, leading to environmental degradation and resource depletion. 2. Regional Variances: Different regions have varying ecological footprints influenced by consumption patterns, land use practices, and conservation efforts. 3. Sustainability Initiatives: Sustainable development goals advocate for reducing ecological footprints through conservation, sustainable consumption, and biodiversity protection. Carbon footprint and Ecological Footprint Ecological Footprint : In 2022, the average biologically productive area per person worldwide was approximately 1.6 global hectares (gha) per capita. The U.S. footprint per person was 7.5 gha, and that of Switzerland was 3.7 gha, that of China 3.6 gha, and that of India 1.0 gha. Carbon footprint of India India's GHG emissions have roughly doubled since the turn of the century, with the country now emitting approximately four billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO₂e) per year. During this time, India's fossil CO₂ emissions have nearly tripled, reaching a record high of 2.7 GtCO₂ in 2022. Disaster and management: floods, earthquakes, cyclones and landslides Disasters are sudden events that cause widespread destruction, endangering lives and property. Effective disaster management involves preparedness, response, and recovery efforts to mitigate their impact. Types of Disasters Floods 1. Definition: Overflow of water onto normally dry land. 2. Causes: Heavy rainfall, dam failure, or rapid snowmelt. 3. Impacts: Damage to infrastructure, loss of life, displacement of communities. 4. Management: Early warning systems, flood mapping, evacuation plans. Earthquakes 1. Definition: Sudden shaking of the ground caused by movements of Earth’s crust. 2. Causes: Tectonic plate movements. 3. Impacts: Structural collapse, tsunamis, landslides. 4. Management: Building codes, seismic monitoring, preparedness drills. Disaster and management: floods, earthquakes, cyclones and landslides Cyclones 1. Definition: Large-scale atmospheric systems characterized by low-pressure centers and strong winds. 2. Causes: Warm ocean waters and atmospheric conditions. 3. Impacts: Wind damage, storm surges, heavy rainfall. 4. Management: Storm tracking, shelters, evacuation plans. Landslides 1. Definition: Movement of rock, soil, and debris down a slope. 2. Causes: Heavy rainfall, earthquakes, deforestation. 3. Impacts: Damaged infrastructure, loss of life, blocked roads. 4. Management: Slope stabilization, early warning systems, land-use planning. Disaster and management: floods, earthquakes, cyclones and landslides Principles of Disaster Management Preparedness: Planning, training, and drills to respond effectively. Response: Immediate actions to save lives and reduce suffering. Recovery: Restoration and reconstruction of affected communities. Phases of Disaster Management: Mitigation: 1. Strategies for reducing disaster risks. 2. Importance of land-use planning and building codes. Preparedness: 1. Developing emergency plans and procedures. 2. Conducting drills and simulations. Disaster and management: floods, earthquakes, cyclones and landslides Response: 1. Immediate actions during and after a disaster. 2. Coordination of emergency services and resources. Recovery: 1. Long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. 2. Addressing psychological and social impacts. Key Principles of Disaster Management: Comprehensive Approach: Involves all stakeholders and sectors. Considers all phases of disaster management. Risk Assessment and Planning: Identifying hazards and vulnerabilities. Developing tailored response plans. Disaster and management: floods, earthquakes, cyclones and landslides Coordination and Collaboration: Establishing effective communication channels. Coordinating efforts among various agencies. Community Participation: Engaging local communities in preparedness and response. Leveraging local knowledge and resources. Flexibility and Adaptability: Adjusting strategies based on evolving situations. Learning from past experiences to improve future responses. Environmental movements; Environmental ethics Definition and scope: Environmental movements encompass collective actions and initiatives aimed at addressing environmental issues and promoting sustainability. Origins in the 19th and 20th centuries, evolving in response to industrialization, pollution, and resource exploitation. Key Environmental Movements 1. Conservation movements: Early efforts to preserve natural resources and wildlife (e.g., establishment of national parks). 2. Environmental justice movements: Addressing disproportionate environmental burdens on marginalized communities. 3. Climate activism: Advocacy for policies and actions to mitigate climate change (e.g., youth climate strikes, international agreements like the Paris Agreement). Environmental movements; Environmental ethics Impact and Achievements 1. Policy influence: Contributions to environmental legislation and regulations (e.g., Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act). 2. Public awareness: Shaping public discourse on environmental issues and fostering global environmental consciousness. 3. Technological advancements: Promoting innovations in renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable practices. Environmental Ethics Introduction to Environmental Ethics 1. Definition and significance: Branch of philosophy concerned with the moral relationships between humans and the environment. 2. Ethical frameworks: Utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics applied to environmental issues. Environmental movements; Environmental ethics Major Ethical Theories 1. Anthropocentrism vs. ecocentrism: Debates over human-centered vs. ecosystem-centered ethical perspectives. 2. Deep ecology: Advocates for intrinsic value of non-human entities and biodiversity. 3. Ecofeminism: Intersectional approach linking environmental ethics with gender and social justice. Practical Applications 1. Sustainability ethics: Ethical considerations in sustainable development practices. 2. Environmental stewardship: Responsibilities towards future generations and ecosystems. 3. Environmental policy: Integrating ethical principles into decision-making processes (e.g., precautionary principle, intergenerational equity). Environmental movements; Environmental ethics Cause of Environmental Movements The increasing confrontation with nature in the form of industrial growth, degradation of natural resources, and occurrence of natural calamities, has resulted in imbalances in the bio-spheric system. Major reasons for the emergence of environmental movements in India are as follows: Control over natural resources False developmental policies of the government Right of access to forest resources Non-commercial use of natural resources Social justice/human rights Socioeconomic reasons Environmental degradation/destruction and Spread of environmental awareness and media Environmental movements; Environmental ethics Major Environmental Movements in India The Silent Valley Movement The silent valley is located in the Palghat district of Kerala. It is surrounded by different hills of the State. The idea of a dam on the river Kunthipuzha in this hill system was conceived by the British in 1929. The technical feasibility survey was carried out in 1958 and the project was sanctioned by the Planning Commission of the Government of India in 1973. In 1978, the movement against the project from all corners was raised from all sections of the population. The movement was first initiated by the local people and was subsequently taken over by the Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP). Many environmental groups like the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and Silent Valley Action Forum participated in the campaign. Environmental movements; Environmental ethics Major Environmental Movements in India Chipko Movement Chipko Movement started on April 24, 1973, at Mandal of Chamoli district of Gharwal division of Uttarakhand. The Chipko is one of the world-known environmental movements in India. The movement was raised out of ecological destabilisation in the hills. The fall in the productivity of the forest produces forced the hill dwellers to depend on the market, which became a central concern for the inhabitants. Forest resource exploitation was considered the reason behind natural calamities like floods, and landslides. On March 27 the decision was taken to ‘Chipko” that is ‘to hug’ the trees that were threatened by the axe and thus the chipko Andolan (movement) was born. This form of protest was instrumental in driving away the private companies from felling the ash trees. Environmental movements; Environmental ethics Bishnoi Movement This movement was led by Amrita Devi, in which around 363 people sacrificed their lives for the protection of their forests. This movement was the first of its kind to have developed the strategy of hugging or embracing the trees for their protection spontaneously. Year of the Movement: 1700s Place:Rajasthan Leaders: Amrita Devi Bishnoi Reason/Aim of the Movement: To stop the destruction of the village’s sacred trees for building a new palace for the king Environmental movements; Environmental ethics Appiko Movement It is a movement inspired by the Chipko movement by the villagers of Western Ghats, In the Uttar Kannada region of Karnataka, the villagers of Western Ghats started the Appiko Chalewali movement during the month of September – November 1983. Here, the destruction of forest was caused due to commercial felling of trees for timber extraction. Natural forests of the region were felled by the contractors, which resulted in soil erosion and drying up of perennial water resources. In the Saklani village in Sirsi, the forest dwellers were prevented from collecting usufructs like twigs and dried branches and non-timber forest products for the purposes of fuelwood, fodder, honey etc. They were denied their customary rights to these products. In September 1983, women and youth of the region decided to launch a movement similar to Chipko, in South India. The agitation continued for 38 days, and this forced the state government to finally concede to their demands and withdraw the order for the felling of trees. Environmental movements; Environmental ethics Narmada Bachao Andolan Narmada is one of the major rivers of the Indian Peninsula. The scope of the Sardar Sarovar project, a terminal reservoir on Narmada in Gujurat in fact is the main issue in the Narmada Water dispute. Year of the Movement: 1985 Place:Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra Leaders” Medha Patkar and other activists Reason/Aim of the Movement” To question the rationale behind the developmental projects, especially dam construction across the river. Environmental movements; Environmental ethics Jungle Bachao Andolan Jungle Bachao Andolan began in the 1980s in the Singhbhum district of Bihar (presently in Jharkhand). It was a movement against the government’s decision to grow commercial teak by replacing the natural Sal forests. The tribal community is the most affected by this decision as it disturbs the rights and livelihood of Adivasis of that region. This movement was widely spread in states like Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha in various other forms. Year of the Movement: 1982 Place:Singhbhum district of Bihar (now Jharkhand) Leaders: Tribals of Singhbhum Reason/Aim of the Movement: To oppose the government’s decision to replace natural Sal forest with commercial teak plantations. References https://www.ipcc.ch/reports/ https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/monthly- report/global/202405#:~:text=The%20May%20global%20surface%20temperature,previous%20r ecord%20from%20May%202020. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/reports https://sdg.iisd.org/events/2024-un-climate-change-conference-unfccc-cop-29/ https://climate.copernicus.eu/copernicus-global-temperature-record-streak-continues-april- 2024-was-hottest-record https://www.statista.com/topics/8881/emissions-in-india/#topicOverview http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/IndiaEcological_Footprint_Report08.pdf