Get summaries, questions, answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDF and guides for Chapter 9 Role-Play in Sustainable Development: NBSE Class 12 Environment (Environmental Education) textbook, which is part of the syllabus of students studying under the Nagaland Board. These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified/changed.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Summary
Sustainable development means meeting the needs of today without harming the ability of future generations to meet theirs. People must understand that social and economic progress depends on the environment. Both individuals and groups play an important role in making this happen. Education is key. Women also have a strong role as they shape families and communities.
Two main problems are making the environment worse: one is consumerism, which means always wanting to buy more things; the other is population explosion, meaning too many people. These problems mostly come from people’s choices. We must think about what we leave behind for children. If we only care about our own comfort, someone else suffers.
Some people have shown how individuals can help. Rajendra Singh worked on water conservation. Sunderlal Bahuguna led the Chipko movement to save trees. Anna Hazare worked on village development. A village called Urja Gram uses clean energy like solar and biogas.
When people act together, their power increases. Consumers can change companies by choosing better products. Votes can choose better governments. Education helps people make better choices. Educated women now take part in businesses and politics, and help guide society towards better care for nature. Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring warned about chemicals harming nature. Her work started a big movement to protect the environment.
But individual effort is not enough. Organisations must also act. Governments make rules to stop pollution and protect nature. They work with other countries because pollution can cross borders. In India, the Ministry of Environment and Forests works for sustainability. It runs programmes in schools through centres like CEE in Ahmedabad, UKSN in Almora, and CPREEC in Chennai. These centres teach children and teachers about saving the environment.
TERI is a research centre that finds new ways to use energy wisely and reduce waste. International agencies also help. UNDP works to improve lives while saving nature. UNEP helps countries work together to face global problems. WCMC keeps data on wildlife. IUCN helps countries make rules to protect nature. WRI studies how forests, climate, and business affect the environment. GEF helps poor countries pay for environment projects.
NGOs also help. In India, groups like Chipko and Development Alternatives have done important work. International NGOs help too. They spread news and push governments to make better decisions. These groups work without seeking profit. Their only aim is to help people and the planet.
Textbook solutions
Short Answer Questions
1. What should steps towards sustainable society include?
Answer: In general, most of the efforts to protect the natural resources, wildlife, environment and building up of sustainable society must include Environmental education; Sustainable use of natural resources; Controlling pollution of environment and maintaining the balance of global chemical cycles; Stopping degeneration of biodiversity; and Checking population growth.
2. List two negative forces that have led to ongoing rapid depletion of natural resources.
Answer: The two most negative factors that have led to the ongoing rapid depletion of all form of natural resources are increasing “consumerism’ on the part of the affluent sections of society and population explosion.
3. List two ways in which individuals can contribute towards sustainability.
Answer: The power of the individuals to create change can work in two ways, the impact of individual actions combined or the action of an individual can begin change first. Individual actions when done as a group will have a powerful effect on the decisions of an organisation, whether it is a corporate or a governmental organisation. For example, individual consumers can have a significant influence on product packaging by their consumer purchasing decisions. Individuals can choose the government by their individual voting decisions. The second way in which an individual can initiate change, occurs when the actions of a single individual induce others to change.
4. Name three nodal agencies of EOSE.
Answer: There are three nodal agencies for funding voluntary agencies under the scheme of Environmental Orientation to School Education (EOSE) namely:
- Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad.
- Uttarakhand Seva Nidhi (UKSN), Almora,
- CPR Environmental Education Centre (CPREEC), Chennai.
5. Which international agencies are working for sustainable development?
Answer: Many international agencies are working towards sustainable development. These include United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Conservation Monitoring Centre, World Conservation Union, World Resources Institute, Global Environment Facility (GEF), World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) and Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD).
6. List any three aims of NGOs.
Answer: Some aims of NGOs include:
(i) To encourage forest conservation and the use of forest product for self-employment and to reduce soil erosion by encouraging volunteers to build embankments in the catchment areas and to plant trees, as seen with Dasholi Gram Swarajya Mandal.
(ii) To design options and promote sustainable development through programmes of economic efficiency, equity and social justice, resources conservation and self-reliance, as aimed by Development Alternatives.
(iii) To preserve and rehabilitate the environment, its forests, rivers and mountains, and act as a platform for voicing people’s grievances, like Friends of the Doon.
(iv) To promote ecological and sustainable development harmonious with the traditional cultures of an area, as done by Ladakh Ecology Development Group (LEDG).
(v) To promote conservation and enrichment of the environment; to carry out research on all aspects of sustainable living; to foster concern for the environment among the people, making its preservation a shared responsibility, which are aims of Srishti.
Long Answer Questions
1. What is the role of individuals in sustainable development?
Answer: Environmental degradation is a global concern, and a global change towards sustainability should be a common goal. The actions of both individuals and organisations working together are necessary to effect a positive change. A key element in achieving sustainability is education and the role of women. The power in the individual and groups of individuals can influence and change the direction of organisations that have the power to implement that change.
Both increasing “consumerism” and population explosion have resulted from the choices made by the individuals. We as individuals must decide what our children will inherit and if our personal benefit is someone else’s loss. Along with community, individuals also play a big role in protecting and conserving environment. Some individuals and the role played by them include Rajendra Singh, who worked on integrated watershed management; Sunderlal Bahuguna, who initiated the Chipko movement; and Anna Hazare, who worked on sustainable development of village and people.
The power of the individuals to create change can work in two ways: the impact of individual actions combined or the action of an individual can begin change first. Individual actions when done as a group will have a powerful effect on the decisions of an organisation, whether it is a corporate or a governmental organisation. For example, individual consumers can have a significant influence on product packaging by their consumer purchasing decisions. Individuals can choose the government by their individual voting decisions. The choices of the individuals are influenced by education. Education is a strong factor in the changing role of women, who today are more educated, active in business and politics, and have a stronger voice in the sustainable development of communities. Women are key players in bringing change in how the environment is valued and the education of future generations. Women today play an important role as individuals in deepening the values placed on sustainable development by individuals and by organisations. The second way an individual can initiate change occurs when the actions of a single individual induce others to change, a notable example being Rachel Carson, author of ‘Silent Spring’.
Increased public awareness and education of individuals is not in itself sufficient to effect a change towards sustainability. Individuals and citizens can protect their own environment from the consequences of unsustainable projects. Individuals can join community action groups and develop a lobby to strengthen the environmental monuments in their country, state, town or village. As part of community groups, individuals can take actions when they see offenders damaging the environment. As a citizen, a person has the right to bring an environmental offence or nuisance to the attention of concerned authorities. An individual can also seek legal redress under the relevant statutes of law.
2. How can a community be aided on the road to sustainable development?
Answer: Concerted efforts and cooperation of individuals, small or larger communities, governments and international agencies are essential to solve environmental problems. Organisations and individuals must share a common goal to work cooperatively towards sustainable development.
Communities can be aided and can contribute in several ways:
Individuals can join community action groups and develop a lobby to strengthen the environmental monuments in the country, their state, town or village.
As part of community groups, individuals can take actions when they see offenders who for their own benefits are damaging the environment for others living in the area.
Community groups can resort to alternate means of pressure such as dharnas to draw attention to important environmental concerns.
Community groups can elicit public support on a large scale through the press and electronic media.
Individuals as well as communities can follow an environmental calendar to be active contributors to sustainable development through various activities.
Nodal agencies like Uttarakhand Seva Nidhi (UKSN) encourage active community organisations in villages. Village participation in educational and environmental activities is encouraged. Local workers are trained to become community environmental workers. Setting up of women community organisations in villages has provided opportunities for influencing attitude towards issues of management of natural resources like water, forests etc.
3. Write a note on role of national agencies in attaining sustainability.
Answer: In many countries, the concern for disappearing wildlife, deteriorating condition of environment and over-exploitation of resources led to the establishment of a body of laws with objectives to protect species. To these laws were added laws restricting practices which adversely affect human environment. These have been done by the effort of government agencies.
The role of Government Agencies includes the following:
The government agencies need to implement the changes in procedures that enhance sustainability, from long-term planning for future generations to long range with international partners.
Governmental agencies have the power to regulate the type and amounts of contaminants that enter the ecosystem and have an impact on future generations.
Governmental agencies have to account for contaminants that cross international boundaries and have an impact on other countries.
The Government of India has established the Ministry of Environment and Forest to work towards sustainable development. One of their major schemes is to spread environmental education through schools. There are three nodal agencies for funding voluntary agencies under the scheme of Environmental Orientation to School Education (EOSE):
- Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad: It is a national institute involved in developing programmes and materials to increase awareness about the environment. Its thrust areas include EE in School, EE for colleges, Media, Eco-development, Training, Interpretation, Urban Programmes, Experiencing Nature, Decision making, and Industry Initiatives. CEE has integrated most of its school initiatives into the National Environmental Education Programme for Schools (NEEPS).
- Uttarakhand Seva Nidhi (UKSN), Almora: It is a rural based organisation working in hilly areas, providing assistance, training and monitoring to smaller organisations. The emphasis is on practical educational activities that create awareness and give people confidence to find solutions. UKSN acts as a nodal agency to assist NGOs and as a resource centre for Environmental Education for training school teachers and NGOs. One of UKSN’s programmes has been to encourage active community organisations in villages.
- CPR Environmental Education Centre (CPREEC), Chennai: Appointed as a nodal agency for the EOSE Scheme in October 1993, it has a network of about 400 NGOs and programmes for the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It acts as a nodal agency for mobilisation, investment and financial support to NGOs for innovative programmes in environmental orientation to school education; as a resource centre for local specific resource materials; conducts innovative programmes on environmental conservation; and organises school nurseries and plantation programmes.
Many voluntary organisations also have considerable expertise and implement innovative programmes to increase environmental awareness and improve the environment, with government assistance.
4. How have UNDP and UNEP contributed towards sustainable society?
Answer: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is an agency established within the UN in 1965 to aid developing nations in achieving sustainable human development. The UNDP has its headquarters in New York but maintains 136 offices worldwide from which it serves 175 nations. To achieve its goals, the UNDP tries to increase literacy, create jobs, reduce poverty and improve technical cooperation between industrialised and non-industrialised nations. UNDP’s approximately $1 billion annual budget is used to carry out many programmes, such as the United Nations Sudano-Sahelian office, the United Nations Revolving Fund for Natural Resources Exploration, the United Nations Capital Development Fund, the United Nations Fund for Science and Technology for Development, the United Nations Volunteer and the United Nations Development Fund for Women Programmes. These programmes are intended to help developing nations improve their social and economic standing in the world in a manner that protects and regenerates the environment.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is an agency established within the UN in 1973 to guide and coordinate environmental activities of nations and non-governmental organisations throughout the world. The UNEP is overseen by a 58 member governing council elected by UN General Assembly. The council makes policy recommendations that promote international environmental cooperation for concerns such as global warming, deforestation, preserving biodiversity and developing future energy resources. To meet its goals, the UNEP relies on research and information gathered through the international programme Earthwatch.
5. What have been the aims and achievements of World Conservation Monitoring Centre, World Conservation Union and World Resources Institute?
Answer: World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) is an organisation with headquarters in Cambridge, U.K. It serves as an international clearing house for data on conservation of natural resources particularly endangered and threatened wildlife. Working with the World Conservation Union, the WWF and the Global Environment Monitoring System of the UN, the WCMC aims to “provide information services on conservation and the suitable use of the world’s living resources.”
World Conservation Union (IUCN): It is an international organisation established in 1948 by the UN. It is established with the goal of encouraging and promoting the conservation of wildlife, wildlife habitats and natural resources as part of the national policies of the UN member nations and states. At the time of its inception, the World Conservation Union was called the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Although its name has changed, the goals of the organisation and its acronym have remained the same. Working through its members, IUCN helps to set up international meetings at which laws and policies affecting global conservation are established.
World Resources Institute (WRI): It is an independent centre for policy research on such topics as technology, forests, climate and economics that are related to global environmental issues. Founded in 1982, it provides objective information and practical proposals for policy and institutional change that will foster environmentally sound, socially equitable development.
6. What role have NGOs played in attaining sustainable development?
Answer: Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including non-profit organisations, possess well-established and diverse experience, expertise and capacity in fields related to sustainable development. Throughout Agenda 21, emphasis has been given to the implementation and review of environmentally sound sustainable development. The community of non-governmental organisations, therefore, offers a global network that should be tapped, enabled and strengthened in support of efforts to achieve these common goals. Many governments have helped NGOs and aim to aid them to:
(a) establish or enhance dialogue with NGOs and their networks to consider their rights and responsibilities, efficiently channel their inputs to policy, and facilitate coordination in implementing national policies.
(b) encourage partnership and dialogue between local NGOs and local authorities in activities aimed at sustainable development.
(c) involve NGOs in national mechanisms or procedures for Agenda 21, especially in education, poverty alleviation, and environmental protection and rehabilitation.
(d) take into account findings of NGO monitoring and review in policy design and evaluation concerning Agenda 21.
(e) review government education systems to include and expand NGO involvement in formal and informal education and public awareness.
(f) make data and information accessible to NGOs for their contribution to research, design, implementation and evaluation of programmes.
Examples of NGOs working in India include Dasholi Gram Swarajya Mandal (forest conservation, Chipko Movement), Development Alternatives (sustainable development programmes), Friends of the Doon (against illegal mining, tree felling), Ladakh Ecology Development Group (ecological and sustainable development in Ladakh), Srishti (conservation, research on sustainable living), and Vanarai (environmental protection, afforestation, rural development).
At the international level, NGOs have played a major role in pushing for sustainable development. Campaigning groups have been key drivers of inter-governmental negotiations, ranging from the regulation of hazardous wastes to a global ban on landmines and the elimination of slavery. Aided by advances in information and communications technology, NGOs have helped to focus attention on the social and environmental externalities of business activity. NGOs are often defined as organisations pursuing public interest or public good, rather than individual or commercial interests, and share a non-profit status. This allows them to devote themselves to long-term issues like climate change or malaria prevention. Public surveys reveal that NGOs often enjoy a high degree of public trust, which can make them useful, though not always sufficient, in reaching the goal of sustainable development.
Think and Answer
Q. You have read about many individual and community efforts being made towards sustainable development in this lesson. Other than these suggest some steps towards sustainability that individual and community can take.
Answer: Individuals and communities can undertake several other significant steps towards achieving sustainability.
For individuals, further steps include:
- Practicing mindful consumption by choosing products with minimal environmental footprints, such as those with reduced packaging, items sourced locally, and goods from enterprises that adhere to sustainable practices, alongside a general reduction in overall material consumption.
- Enhancing water stewardship through the installation of water-efficient fixtures in homes, adopting small-scale rainwater harvesting techniques, and ensuring the prompt and effective repair of all water leakages.
- Improving personal waste management by implementing home composting systems for organic waste, which significantly lessens the burden on landfills, coupled with diligent segregation of dry and wet waste, and prioritizing the repair of items over their premature disposal.
- Making sustainable mobility choices by giving preference to walking, cycling, or utilizing public transportation for daily travel instead of private vehicles, and considering options like electric vehicles or carpooling for necessary longer journeys.
- Increasing energy efficiency within households by conducting regular maintenance of appliances to ensure their optimal performance, transitioning to energy-efficient lighting solutions such as LEDs, and consistently unplugging electronic devices when they are not in active use.
For communities, additional measures can be taken:
- Developing green infrastructure through collective investment in, or advocacy for, the creation and diligent maintenance of green spaces, community gardens, and urban forests, which serve to improve the local microclimate and enhance biodiversity.
- Initiating localised renewable energy projects by exploring and implementing small-scale renewable energy solutions, such as installing community solar panels on shared buildings or promoting the widespread adoption of solar water heaters.
- Establishing collaborative waste reduction programs, which can involve setting up community-level recycling centers, organizing collection drives for specific categories of waste like electronic waste or textiles, and promoting repair workshops to extend product lifespans.
- Strengthening local water resource management by implementing community-wide rainwater harvesting systems, actively protecting and rejuvenating local water bodies, and encouraging the use of water-wise landscaping practices in public and common areas.
- Engaging in advocacy and policy influence, where communities can collectively interact with local governing bodies to champion stronger environmental regulations, call for improved public infrastructure that supports sustainability, such as dedicated cycling lanes and efficient public transport networks, and foster support for sustainable local businesses.
Project Work & Activity
New City is a part of the growing Modern City. The population of the city is increasing rapidly causing increased demand for housing. Many housing complexes have come up in the last year itself. There is a two square kilometre shallow lake in New City which is a major source of earning for washermen and fishermen along the lakeside. Many people let their cattle graze on grass growing on the lake shores. During winter and rainy season many birds visit the lake which are watched by nature lovers and bird watchers. A rich and famous builder has proposed to drain the lake and build multistoreys on the land. He says that he would construct a bus stop in the area once the housing complex comes up. The people who are earning their livelihood from the lake are up in arms to protect the lake.
Divide the students into groups of 5. Discuss the story and find suitable ends to the problem keeping in mind the concept of sustainable development.
Answer: Do it yourself. Here are the instructions:
- First, get into groups of 5.
- Read the story about New City very carefully with your group. Make sure everyone understands:
- What the lake is important for (like jobs for washermen and fishermen, a place for cattle to graze, and a home for birds that nature lovers watch).
- What the builder wants to do with the lake.
- Why the local people who depend on the lake are upset and want to protect it.
- In your group, talk about these things:
- Who are all the different people or groups involved in this situation? (For example, the builder, the fishermen, the washermen, the people who watch birds, people who might want new homes, and maybe even the city government).
- What does each of these groups want or need?
- What could be the good things about the builder’s plan? What could be the bad things, especially for the city, the local people, and the lake itself?
- Now, think about what “sustainable development” means. It’s about finding ways for people to have what they need today (like homes and jobs) without messing things up for people in the future, and without harming the environment. It’s about balancing the needs of people, the economy, and nature.
- Next, your group should brainstorm different ideas to solve the problem in New City. Try to think about:
- Are there ways to protect the lake? How?
- Can new houses still be built? If so, where or how could it be done without destroying the lake?
- What actions can the local people take to help save their lake and their way of making a living? (Think about what individuals and communities can do, like spreading awareness, talking to leaders, or organizing).
- How can New City grow and develop, but also make sure important natural places like the lake are kept safe for everyone?
- For every solution your group comes up with, discuss:
- Is this solution fair to all the different people involved?
- Does this solution help protect the lake and the environment around it?
- Will this solution help the city develop in a good way that can last for a long time?
- Finally, choose the best solution or set of solutions that your group thinks is truly sustainable for New City.
- Be ready to share your group’s ideas and explain why you think these are good and sustainable ways to end the problem in New City.
Extras
Additional Questions and Answers
1. Define sustainable development.
Answer: Sustainable development is a process that needs a universal social value system that cares for the needs of people today and of future generations.
39. Analyse the roles and contributions of the Centre for Environment Education, Uttarakhand Seva Nidhi and CPREEC as nodal agencies under the EOSE scheme.
Answer: The Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad, is a national institute involved in developing programmes and materials to increase awareness about the environment. Its thrust areas include EE in School, EE for colleges, Media, Eco-development, Training, Interpretation, Urban Programmes, Experiencing Nature, Decision making, and Industry Initiatives. CEE has integrated most of its school initiatives into an umbrella programme called the National Environmental Education Programme for Schools (NEEPS).
Uttarakhand Seva Nidhi (UKSN), Almora, is a rural based organisation working in the hilly areas of Almora. It provides assistance, training and monitoring to various smaller organisations. The emphasis is on practical educational activities which not only create an awareness of environmental issues but give people confidence in their own abilities to find solutions. UKSN acts as nodal agency to assist NGOs in the region and as a resource centre for Environmental Education for training school teachers and NGOs and the workbook programme in school. One of UKSN’s programmes has been to encourage active community organisations in villages.
CPR Environmental Education Centre (CPREEC), Chennai, was appointed as the nodal agency for the EOSE Scheme in October 1993. The centre has a network of about 400 NGOs in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Orissa and Pondicherry. It also has programmes for the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In keeping with the guidelines laid down by the Ministry for the nodal agencies under its scheme, the EEC (CPREEC) has since then been acting as a nodal agency for the mobilisation, investment and provision of financial support to NGOs for conducting innovative and experimental programmes in the field of environmental orientation to school education; acting as a resource centre for the production of local specific resource materials such as books, workbooks, posters, charts, models, AVs etc.; conducting specific innovative and experimental programmes on environmental conservation for schools in specific ecosystems; and organising school nurseries, plantation programmes, gardens, sustainable technologies, etc., in and around schools.
Additional MCQs (Knowledge Based)
1. Which process needs a universal social value system caring for current and future needs?
A. Community action
B. Sustainable development
C. Environmental education
D. Wildlife conservation
Answer: B. Sustainable development
49. In which year was Vanarai founded?
A. 1988
B. 1992
C. 1993
D. 1982
Answer: B. 1992
Additional MCQs (Competency Based)
1. Which of the following best describes a process that necessitates a universal social value system focused on meeting the needs of both present and future generations?
i. Environmental remediation
ii. Economic development
iii. Sustainable development
iv. Resource exploitation
Options:
A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv
Answer: C. iii
45. Assertion (A): The organization Srishti, based in Delhi, was founded with the objective of advancing environmental preservation and conducting studies into sustainable lifestyles.
Reason (R): Srishti has played a significant role in efforts to protect the Delhi Ridge area, emphasizing the involvement of the local community in these conservation activities.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Get notes of other classes and subjects