Get summary, textbook solutions, questions, answers, notes, pdf, and extras to the chapter “How to Save Our Environment,” which is a part of Class 10 English (Course Book) syllabus, chapter 1, for students studying under BSEM (Manipur Board). The notes should, however, only be seen as references only and changes should be made according to needs.
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Summary
Environmental pollution is a serious global issue that impacts both developed and developing nations. Pollution contaminates the natural environment – the air, water, and soil – by introducing harmful substances or energies like chemicals, waste products, noise, and radiation. These pollutants can be naturally occurring, but become problematic when they exceed natural levels and the environment cannot process and neutralise them effectively.
Pollution has negative consequences on crucial environmental resources like clean air and water. Factors like population growth, urbanisation, and industrialization place greater strain on natural resources, exacerbating pollution issues. Key pollutant types include air pollutants (sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulates), water pollutants (pesticides, industrial wastes, oils, heavy metals), and soil contaminants (hydrocarbons, solvents).
The combustion of fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal for energy, transportation, and manufacturing is widely recognised as a major cause of air pollution. Fossil fuel extraction, processing, and transportation also contribute to water and soil contamination from leaks and spills. The resulting emissions are the primary driver of global warming from increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
Other significant pollution sources include power plants, vehicles, shipping, aircraft, agriculture (fertilisers, livestock waste), residential waste, and certain industrial activities like mining and manufacturing. Pollution’s effects are wide-ranging – it can cause respiratory issues, immune disruption, neurological problems, cancer, and many other health impacts on humans. It also threatens ecosystems and biodiversity by driving animal species towards endangerment and extinction.
Given pollution’s trans-boundary nature, international cooperation is needed for effective management policies. While some pollutants can break down naturally over time through biological or chemical processes, many persist in the environment for extremely long durations, which is very concerning for toxic and radioactive contaminants.
To reduce pollution’s environmental toll, we must adopt a holistic view that recognises humanity’s integral relationship with nature. Simple daily practices can make a meaningful difference, such as:
- Reducing, reusing, and recycling household waste
- Planting trees to absorb carbon dioxide
- Conserving electricity to minimise fossil fuel usage
- Using fuel-efficient vehicles and not idling excessively
- Properly disposing of chemicals and hazardous materials
- Supporting renewable energy sources over fossil fuels
Ultimately, environmental pollution stems from human activities prioritising convenience and economic interests over sustainability. Mitigating it will require institutional reforms, technological innovations, and most importantly, a collective effort to modify wasteful habits and live more in balance with the planet’s ecology. Though an uphill battle, reducing pollution is critical for ensuring a clean, healthy environment for the current generation and those to come.
Textbook solutions
Based on your reading complete the following
(i) Among the air pollutants, radioactive pollutants are………………..
Answer: probably among the most destructive ones.
(ii) Combustion of fossil fuels produces high levels of air pollution……………..
Answer: and is widely recognized as one of the most important target areas for reduction and control of environmental pollution.
(iii) When oil is transported by tankers……………………
Answer: an oil spill may occur and pollute ocean water.
(iv) Perhaps the most important cause of global warming is…………………
Answer: fossil fuel combustion.
(v) Environment pollution is causing a lot of harm not only to………………….
Answer: humans but also to animals, driving many animal species to endangerment and even extinction.
(vi) Environmental pollution can be checked by planting trees………………….
Answer: near our houses, in our neighbourhood, and the premises of the educational institutions and offices, etc.
(vii) Electricity produces pollution……………………..
Answer: and harms the environment. The methods used for generating electricity also cause pollution.
(viii) Microwave is also a source of………………………
Answer: hidden pollution known as radiation, which is invisible to our eyes.
Answer in a word, phrase or sentence each
i. What are the most important environmental pollutions?
Answer: Air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution.
ii. Why is combustion of fossil fuels one of the most important target areas for control of pollution?
Answer: It produces extremely high levels of air pollution.
iii. What probably is the most important cause of global warming?
Answer: Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion.
vii. How do we recycle waste water?
Answer: For purposes like watering gardens.
viii. What happens when there is a malfunctioning of microwave oven?
Answer: It consumes more electricity and can destroy food nutrients, which will result in a waste of energy.
Answer each of the following question briefly
i. What are the types of environmental pollution?
Answer: Environmental pollution includes air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution.
ii. What are some of the major water pollutants?
Answer: Major water pollutants include insecticides and herbicides, food processing wastes, pollutants from livestock operations, volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, and chemical waste.
iii. How is combustion of fossil fuel harmful to the environment?
Answer: Combustion of fossil fuels produces high levels of air pollution, contributes to soil contamination and water pollution, and is a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions, aggravating global warming.
iv. How are power generating plants and transport a big source of environmental pollution?
Answer: Power-generating plants and transport are major sources of fossil fuel pollution, emitting pollutants that harm air quality and contribute significantly to global warming.
viii. ‘We should adopt a holistic view of nature.’ Explain.
Answer: Adopting a holistic view of nature means recognizing that humans and nature are interconnected and that caring for the environment is essential for our well-being and survival.
ix. What can we do with our household wastes in order to improve the environment?
Answer: To improve the environment, we can sort household wastes into recyclable and non-recyclable categories, sending them to appropriate recycling facilities or proper disposal areas.
x. Why is tree planting important for the environment?
Answer: Tree planting is vital for the environment because trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to clean the air and combat climate change.
xi. Why should we use electricity wisely?
Answer: Wise use of electricity reduces the need for power generation, which often causes pollution, thereby protecting the environment and conserving resources.
xii. Why is it advisable that vehicle engines are turned off when they are not in use for more than 2-3 minutes?
Answer: Turning off vehicle engines when not in use for more than 2-3 minutes conserves fuel, reduces air pollution, and decreases carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.
Read and answer the questions that follow
Pollution became a popular issue after World War II due to radioactive fallout from atomic warfare and testing. A non-nuclear event, The Great Smog of 1952 in London, killed at least 4000 people. These prompted the enactment of the first major modern environmental legislation, The Clean Air Act of 1956.
Pollution began to draw major public attention in the United States between the mid-1950s and early 1970s, when congress passed the Noise Control Act, The Clean Air Act, The Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. Severe incidents of pollution helped to increase consciousness. Dumping of waste in the Hudson River resulted in a ban on consumption of its fish in Long term dioxin contamination at Love Canal starting in 1947 became a national news story in 1978 and led to the Superfund Legislation of 1980.
The pollution of industrial land gave rise to the name Brownfield, a term now common in city planning.
The development of nuclear science introduced radioactive contamination, which can remain lethally radioactive for hundreds of thousands of years. Lake Karachav, named by the Worldwatch Institute as the “most polluted spot” on earth, served as disposal site for the Soviet Union throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Second place may go to the area of Chelyabinsk, U.S.S.R. as the “most polluted place on earth”. Nuclear weapons continued to be tested in the Cold War, sometime near inhabited areas, especially in the earlier stage of their development. International catastrophes such as the wreck of the Amoco Cadiz oil tanker off the coast of Brittany in 1978 and the Bhopal disaster in 1984 have demonstrated the universality of such events and the scale on which efforts to address them needed to engage
i. Why did pollution become a popular issue after World War II?
Answer: Due to radioactive fallout from atomic warfare and testing after the war.
ii. What prompted the passing of the Clean Air Act of 1956?
Answer: The Great Smog of 1952 in London, which killed at least 4000 people.
iii. Between 1950s and early 1970s, why did pollution begin to draw major public attention in United States?
Answer: Severe pollution incidents and passing of significant environmental legislation drew attention.
iv. Why is consumption of fish from Hudson river banned?
Answer: Pollution from waste dumping in the river led to a ban on fish consumption.
v. What caused radioactive contamination?
Answer: Development of nuclear science, including atomic warfare, testing, and power generation.
vi. How did lake Karachav become the “most polluted spot” on earth?
Answer: It served as the Soviet Union’s disposal site for radioactive waste in the 1950s and 1960s.
vii. What was being done during the period of cold war?
Answer: Nuclear weapons were tested, sometimes near inhabited areas, during the Cold War.
viii. Find words in the text that means the following:
a. subject that the public discuss most
Answer: Popular issue refers to widely discussed public subjects.
b. caused something to happen
Answer: Prompted means caused something to happen or initiate action.
c. a disaster that causes many people to suffer
Answer: Catastrophe refers to a disaster causing widespread suffering.
Write a letter to the editor of the Eastern Chronicle
To
The Editor,
The Eastern Chronicle
Imphal
March 12, 2024
Subject: Collective Action for Environmental Sustainability
Sir,
I am writing to express my concern for our environment and to highlight how each of us can play a role in creating a healthier and more sustainable future. Environmental degradation is an issue that affects us all, and it is imperative that we take individual and collective action to mitigate its effects.
Firstly, opting to walk for short distances instead of using cars or other vehicles can significantly reduce carbon emissions. This simple change in our daily routine not only contributes to cleaner air but also promotes physical health.
Secondly, a small yet impactful action we can all easily adopt is to ensure that lights are switched off when rooms are not in use. This practice conserves energy and reduces unnecessary electricity consumption, further diminishing our carbon footprint.
Thirdly, the disposal of waste in rivers is a detrimental practice that harms aquatic ecosystems and pollutes our water sources. It is crucial that we halt this practice and advocate for proper waste disposal methods that protect our rivers and seas.
In addition to these points, I advocate for the use of reusable materials to decrease our reliance on single-use plastics, which are a major source of pollution. Encouraging local and national authorities to invest in renewable energy sources can also play a significant role in creating a healthier environment.
By adopting these practices, we not only contribute to a healthier environment but also set a precedent for future generations. It is through our collective efforts that we can make a significant impact.
Sincerely Yours,
[Your Name]
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