Updated Unit 2 Environmental Impact on Human Activities PDF

UNIT 2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ON HUMAN ACTIVITIES By Ms.Yamini Bhatiya KCES’s IMR,Jalgaon  CONTENT 2.1 Population growth and its impact on the environment 2.2 Pollution (air,water,soil) and waste management 2.3 Climate Change and Global Warmi...

UNIT 2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ON HUMAN ACTIVITIES By Ms.Yamini Bhatiya KCES’s IMR,Jalgaon  CONTENT 2.1 Population growth and its impact on the environment 2.2 Pollution (air,water,soil) and waste management 2.3 Climate Change and Global Warming 2.4 Environmental Legislation and policy  SCENARIO Imagine a small city with a population of 100,000 people. Over the next two decades, the population doubles to 200,000 due to factors like better healthcare, job opportunities, and improved living conditions. So what will happen ? As a city’s population grows rapidly, the demand for housing, water, and energy increases. Forests are cleared to make space for new buildings, which destroys habitats and contributes to climate change. Water resources become strained as more people use rivers and groundwater, leading to shortages. The increase in vehicles and factories causes air pollution, impacting public health and contributing to global warming. With more people, waste generation also doubles, overwhelming waste management systems and causing pollution.  POPULATION GROWTH AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT Population In simple terms, a population is a group of individuals of the same species that live in a specific area and interact with each other. This term can apply to humans, animals, plants, or any living organisms. For example, the human population in a city like Tokyo consists of all the people living there. Populations can be small, like the number of deer in a forest, or very large, like the number of people on Earth. Population Growth Population growth refers to the increase in the number of individuals in a population over time. This growth happens when the number of births (and immigration into the area) is higher than the number of deaths (and emigration out of the area). When population growth is high, the number of individuals in that area becomes larger over time.  Key Factors Affecting Population Growth 1.Birth Rate: The number of births in a population over a specifi c time. Higher birth rates lead to faster population growth. 2.Death Rate: The number of deaths in a population over a specifi c time. Lower death rates (often due to better healthcare and living conditions) can lead to higher population growth. 3.Immigration and Emigration: When people move into an area or out of an area, it changes the size of the population. The above factors play the signifi cant role in Population growth. Population growth can have significant impacts on resources, such as food, water, and energy, and on the environment as a whole. Understanding population growth helps governments and organisations plan for resources, services, and environmental conservation, aiming to create a balance between human needs and environmental health. Examples: Rapid Population Growth: India and Nigeria are examples of countries with high population growth rates due to high birth rates and improved healthcare. Slow or Negative Growth: Some countries like Japan and Germany have low or negative growth rates because of lower birth rates and an aging population, leading to a shrinking or stable population size. The annual population growth in India increased by 0.1 percentage points (+14.71 percent) in 2023 in comparison to the previous year. This was the first time during the observed period that the population growth has increased in India. Population growth refers to the annual change in population, and is based on the balance between birth and death rates, as well as migration. https://www.statista.com/statistics/271308/population- growth-in-india/  ITS IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT 1.Resource Depletion With more people, the demand for resources such as food, water, land, and energy increases. This high demand puts pressure on resources, leading to overuse and, eventually, depletion. For example: Land and Forests: To create space for housing, agriculture, and infrastructure, forests are often cleared. This process, known as deforestation, reduces biodiversity and the ability of forests to absorb carbon dioxide, worsening climate change. Water: Freshwater is a limited resource. As populations grow, the need for water in households, agriculture, and industry rises, often resulting in water scarcity, particularly in dry or densely populated regions.  ITS IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT 2. Habitat Loss and Biodiversity Decline The expansion of cities, roads, and agricultural land takes away natural habitats from wildlife. As these habitats shrink or are destroyed, many animal and plant species face extinction. Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem health, so its reduction weakens ecosystems, making them less resilient to environmental changes. 3. Air and Water Pollution A larger population produces more waste, including air and water pollution. The burning of fossil fuels for transportation, electricity, and industry releases pollutants into the air, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen oxides, contributing to climate change and health issues.  ITS IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT 4. Climate Change As the population grows, so does the need for energy. Fossil fuels are still the primary source of energy globally, and burning them releases greenhouse gases like CO₂. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global temperatures to rise—a phenomenon known as global warming. This leads to: Extreme Weather Events,Melting Ice and Rising Sea Levels. 5. Waste Generation A growing population generates more waste, including plastic, electronic, and organic waste. Landfills quickly fill up, and improper waste disposal leads to pollution of soil and water sources. Plastic waste, in particular, is harmful because it takes centuries to decompose and can harm marine and wildlife. Many large cities face challenges in managing their waste.  ITS IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT 6. Soil Degradation and Desertifi cation Intensive farming practices to meet the food demands of a growing population can degrade soil quality. Over time, soil becomes less fertile and is prone to erosion. In dry regions, this process leads to desertification, where productive land turns into desert. 7.Health Implications and Disease Spread 8 Urbanisation and Infrastructure Overload 9.Increased Vulnerability in Low-Income Areas  Pollution and Waste Management Pollution is when harmful substances or waste are released into the environment, making the air, water, and land dirty and unsafe. It happens when things like chemicals, trash, and gases from factories, vehicles, or households are not properly managed, causing damage to nature and health. Pollution is primarily human-made, but nature can have an adverse effect also sometimes acts as a source of pollution.  Types of pollution Air Pollution comes from sources like factories, vehicles, and the burning of fuel, releasing harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants can cause respiratory diseases, contribute to global warming, and result in the formation of acid rain, which harms crops and buildings. Water Pollution arises from industrial discharge, untreated sewage, and plastic waste, contaminating rivers, lakes, and oceans. This harms aquatic life, making water unsafe for drinking, and disrupts entire ecosystems. Harmful chemicals like mercury and plastics find their way into marine organisms, affecting the food chain. Soil Pollution occurs due to the use of pesticides, industrial chemicals, and improper waste dumping. These pollutants reduce soil fertility, harm plant life, and affect biodiversity. When soil becomes contaminated, it disrupts agriculture and food production, posing risks to both animals and humans who rely on the Noise Pollution is caused by traffic, construction, and industrial activities. It creates an environment that disturbs both humans and animals. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can lead to hearing loss, increased stress levels, sleep disturbances, and even cardiovascular issues. Wildlife is also negatively impacted, as animals depend on sound for communication and navigation. Light Pollution is caused by excessive artificial light at night, which disrupts natural processes for both animals and humans. It disorients wildlife, affecting their migration patterns, feeding, and breeding. For humans, it disturbs sleep cycles, leading to health problems like sleep disorders, fatigue, and even an increased risk of chronic diseases.  Causes of Pollution Human activities (industrialization, deforestation, waste disposal). Urbanization and increased population. Use of non-renewable resources and burning fossil fuels. Lack of waste management and recycling. How will we prevent the environment from pollution? How it affects living beings: It causes health issues like respiratory diseases, poisoning, and even cancer in humans. Wildlife can suffer from toxic exposure, habitat destruction, and loss of food sources. Plants are harmed by pollution, reducing crop yields and biodiversity.  Waste Management Waste management is a system of actions and plans to deal with waste, starting from when it’s created to the point it’s either safely disposed of or reused. Its main purpose is to reduce the negative effects of waste on people’s health and the environment, making sure we use our resources wisely and protect nature. Waste management is about handling all kinds of waste—things we throw away or don’t need anymore—from homes, businesses, and industries. Without proper waste management, waste would pile up, leading to pollution, health problems, and a loss of natural resources. Waste is generated daily through activities like cooking, shopping, manufacturing, and cleaning. Understanding how waste is created helps us manage it better by finding ways to reduce or reuse it before it becomes a problem. Definition and Scope Waste management involves all activities and actions required to manage waste from its inception to its final disposal or recovery. It includes the collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of waste, along with regulation and monitoring. The scope is broad and covers waste from various sources, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Types of Waste Solid Waste Liquid Waste Hazardous Waste Recyclable Waste Organic/Biodegradable Waste Waste Generation Waste generation refers to the production of waste through daily activities in homes, businesses, and industrial operations. Understanding how and where waste is generated is crucial for designing effective management strategies. Waste Segregation Segregation involves separating waste into different categories based on type and disposal needs. For example, organic waste can be composted, recyclables can be processed for reuse, and hazardous waste can be treated separately. Proper segregation is essential for efficient waste handling and reduces the environmental footprint of waste disposal. Methods of Waste Disposal Landfills: The most common method, where waste is buried in designated landfills. However, it can cause environmental pollution if not managed properly. Recycling: Processing materials like plastics, metals, glass, and paper to be reused. Recycling conserves resources and reduces landfill burden. Composting: Organic waste is broken down into nutrient-rich compost that can be used as fertilizer. Incineration: Burning waste at high temperatures to reduce its volume, often used for hazardous waste. This method can produce energy, but it may also release harmful emissions. Energy Recovery: Waste-to-energy processes use waste as a fuel source, generating electricity or heat while reducing waste volume.  Climate Change and Global Warming Climate Change is a broader term that refers to long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other aspects of the Earth’s climate system. It includes global warming as well as the wide-ranging effects that result from it, such as shifts in weather patterns, extreme weather events, and changes in ecosystems and wildlife populations. Climate change involves not only global warming but also shifts in rainfall, wind patterns, and ocean currents, affecting weather events and ecosystem functions.  Global Warming Global warming is when the Earth's temperature gets hotter over time. This happens mainly because of certain gases, like carbon dioxide, trapping heat in the atmosphere. These gases come from activities like burning coal, oil, and gas for energy, cutting down forests, and other industrial processes. During the past two centuries, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased dramatically. It cause Primarily from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. It effects Gradual increase in Earth's temperature. Global warming is one of the main drivers of climate change. As the Earth's temperature rises, it disrupts weather patterns, intensifies storms, and alters ecosystems, leading to broader changes in climate around the world. Consequences of Climate Change and Global Warming : 1.Intense Weather Events: Climate change leads to more frequent and severe weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves, which cause widespread damage to infrastructure and habitats. 2.Rising Sea Levels: Melting glaciers and expanding warm ocean waters contribute to rising sea levels, increasing the risk of coastal flooding and threatening communities and ecosystems. 3.Agricultural Impact: Shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns disrupt growing seasons, affecting food production, crop yields, and food security. 4.Biodiversity Loss: Many species struggle to adapt to rapid climate changes, leading to habitat loss and, in some cases, extinction, which disrupts ecosystems and food chains. 5.Health Risks: Higher temperatures and extreme weather events  Impacts on the Planet and Humanity Ecosystems and Wildlife: Species face survival challenges as habitats shift or disappear. Health Risks: Increased heat and pollution lead to health issues and disease spread. Rising Sea Levels: Coastal areas and islands are at risk due to rising ocean levels. Agriculture and Food Security: Crop yields drop, causing food shortages and higher prices. Economic Impacts: Extreme weather damages infrastructure, raising recovery costs.  Solutions and Mitigation 1.Reduce Emissions: Shift to renewable energy, improve efficiency, and use cleaner technologies. 2.Protect Forests: Preserve and restore forests to absorb CO₂. 3.Adapt to Changes: Build resilient infrastructure and sustainable water and farming systems. 4.Individual Actions: Save energy, conserve water, use public transport, and reduce waste.  Environmental legislation and policy Environmental Legislation and Policy involves a set of laws, regulations, and frameworks enacted by governments to protect the environment, manage natural resources sustainably, and address environmental challenges such as pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. These policies are vital for balancing economic development with environmental preservation. India is the first country, which has made provisions for the protection and improvement of environment in its Constitution  Environmental legislation and policy India has many environmental laws Including, The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 The National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995 The National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 199 The 42 Amendment to the Indian Constitution also made significant changes to environmental law.  Environmental legislation and policy The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 The Environment (Protection) Act was enacted in 1986 with the objective of providing for the protection and improvement of the environment. India is the first country, which has made provisions for the protection and improvement of environment in its Constitution. An Act to Provide for the Protection and Improvement of Environment and for Matters Connected therewith. WHEREAS the decisions were taken at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held at Stockholm in June, 1972, in which India participated, to take appropriate steps for the protection and improvement of human environment. It was introduced in response to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984, which underscored the need for strict environmental regulations to prevent industrial disasters. Objective The primary aim of the Act is: To provide protection and improvement of the environment. To prevent and control environmental pollution.  Environmental legislation and policy  Provisions of the Act Power of the Central Government 1. To Coordinate actions by state governments and authorities. 2. To Plan and execute nationwide environmental programs. 3. To Set standards for emissions or discharges of pollutants. 4. To Restrict the location of industries or processes to protect the environment. 5. To Handle and manage hazardous substances responsibly.  Penalties 1. For Non-compliance: If a person fails to adhere to the provisions, they may face imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine up to ₹1 lakh, or both. 2. Continuing Offense: An additional fine of ₹5,000 for every day the violation continues beyond the first conviction. 3. Extended Punishment: Imprisonment of up to 7 years if non-compliance  Environmental legislation and policy 2. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 is one of India’s earliest comprehensive environmental legislations. It was enacted to address the increasing levels of water pollution and to ensure the availability of clean water for human use, agriculture, industry, and aquatic ecosystems. It was enacted on March 23, 1974.  Objective of the Act The primary objectives of the Act are: To prevent and control water pollution. To maintain or restore the wholesomeness of water. To establish boards for the prevention and control of water pollution. To empower these boards to enforce environmental standards and penalize polluters.  Environmental legislation and policy 3. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 was enacted by the Government of India to prevent, control, and reduce air pollution. It provides a comprehensive framework for regulating emissions from industrial plants, automobiles, and other sources to ensure air quality.  Objective of the Act To provide for the prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution. To establish Central and State Pollution Control Boards for implementing measures to improve air quality. To ensure that air pollutants do not exceed permissible limits.  Definition of Air Pollution The Act defines air pollution as the presence of any solid, liquid, or gaseous substance, including noise, in the atmosphere in quantities that may harm human beings, other living creatures, plants, property, or the environment.  Significance of the Act 1) Public Health Protection 2) Environmental Conservation 3) Industrial Accountability 4) National Standards for Air Quality  Environmental legislation and policy 5. The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991, was enacted in India to provide immediate relief to victims of accidents caused by the handling of hazardous substances. This law ensures that industries handling such substances maintain insurance coverage to compensate affected individuals in case of accidents. It is a critical piece of legislation aimed at safeguarding the public and the environment from industrial To provide hazards. financial compensation to persons affected by accidents involving  Objective hazardous of thewithout substances Act the need for lengthy legal procedures. To hold industries accountable for the risks associated with handling hazardous materials. To reduce risks to human life, property, and the environment by ensuring proper safety measures.  Environmental legislation and policy 6. The National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995 The National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995, was enacted to provide an efficient mechanism for handling cases of environmental damage, particularly those involving hazardous substances. It ensures compensation for individuals affected by such incidents and establishes a Tribunal to adjudicate related disputes.  Objective To provide speedy justice for claims arising from environmental accidents involving hazardous substances.  Key Features Tribunal Establishment: Sets up a National Environment Tribunal. Compensation: Provides compensation for damages caused by environmental disasters. Strict Liability Principle: Applies the "no-fault liability" principle to ensure quick redressal.  Environmental legislation and policy 6. The National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995 The National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995, was enacted to provide an efficient mechanism for handling cases of environmental damage, particularly those involving hazardous substances. It ensures compensation for individuals affected by such incidents and establishes a Tribunal to adjudicate related disputes.  Objective To provide speedy justice for claims arising from environmental accidents involving hazardous substances.  Key Features Tribunal Establishment: Sets up a National Environment Tribunal. Compensation: Provides compensation for damages caused by environmental disasters. Strict Liability Principle: Applies the "no-fault liability" principle to ensure quick redressal.  Environmental legislation and policy 7. The National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997 The National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997 was enacted to create a mechanism for addressing grievances related to environmental clearances granted for developmental projects. It aimed to ensure that environmental concerns were balanced with developmental needs by providing a platform for appeals against decisions of the government or regulatory authorities.  Objective  To hear appeals against environmental clearances granted for developmental projects.  Significance  Enhances transparency in environmental decision-making.  Strengthens public participation in environmental governance. THAN K YOU