Climate change.

The average temperature in many regions has been increasing in recent decades. Globally, 1998 was
the warmest year and the 1990s the warmest decade on record. Many countries are experiencing extreme
fluctuations in rainfall, with very strong winds, lengthy drought, etc. Climatic fluctuations can make the
survival of mankind on earth impossible. Many scientists believe that the earth is losing its ability to balance
itself, against the man made imbalances.
Climate change refers to a broad range of global phenomena attributed mainly to burning of
fossil fuels and greenhouse effect. It is the greatest environmental threat humanity has ever faced. Climate
change is caused by the buildup of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels and the destruction of areas
like rain forests that store massive amounts of carbon. No one knows how much warming is "safe" but
everybody knows that climate change is already harming people and ecosystems around the globe.
Causes of Climate Changes
 Presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases the global temperature.
 Depletion of ozone layer increases the global temperature.
Effects of Climate Change
 Small climate changes disturb agriculture which leads to migration of animals and human.
 Climate change may upset hydrological cycle which results in floods and droughts in different parts of
the world.
 Global pattern of winds and oceans currents also gets disturbed by climate change.
 Relatively small climate changes can cause large water resource problems in many areas.
 Climate change leads to global warming, that will accelerate sea level rises, modify ocean circulation
and change marine eco-system with considerable socio-economic consequences.
Remedies to the problem of climate change
1. Reducing the consumption of fossil fuel and shifting to clean energy sources is the best alternative
remedy to reduce the menace of climatic fluctuations.
2. Energy saving practices like reducing the number of vehicles on the road, sharing of available resources,
etc., are the other options.
3. Make our energy production more efficient.
4. The transport system should be redefined by increasing the use of public transport, improving the
efficiency of our fossil fuel driven vehicles, replacing the old vehicles with new electric vehicles are also
suitable remedies.
Global warming and greenhouse effect
Global warming refers to rise in the average temperature of the Earth's climate system. About 75% of
the solar heat energy reaching the Earth is absorbed by its surface. The rest radiates back to the atmosphere.
Some of the heat is trapped in the atmosphere itself by certain gases like Carbon dioxide.
 The level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has started increasing since industrial revolution
period, causing more heat to be trapped in the lower atmosphere. The phenomenon is called greenhouse
effect. Along with the carbon dioxide (CO2), there are other gases like methane (CH4), nitrous oxide
(N2O), ozone (03) and, indirectly, water vapour (H2O) responsible for the greenhouse effect. Hence
these gases are collectively called greenhouse gases. In short, Greenhouse effect refers to a situation in
which heat is trapped in the atmosphere itself causing escalation in temperature. Thus the ultimate
result is global warming. Human activities during the last few decades, industrialization and population
growth have been polluting the atmosphere worsening the situation.
The increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is mainly due to burning of the fossil fuels to
produce energy. It has been estimated more than 75% of greenhouse gas emissions result from fossil fuels.
At the same time the increase in methane and nitrous oxide is mainly linked to the farming industry (about
16%).
Effects of Global Warming
⚫ Sea level increases as result of melting and thermal expansion of ocean.
 High carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere have a long term negative effect on crop production and
forest growth.
 Global rainfall pattern will change. Drought and floods will become more common. Raising
temperature will increase domestic water demand.
 Many plants and animal species will have a problem of adapting. Many will be at the risk of
extinction, more towering verities will thrive.
 As the earth becomes warmer the floods and drought becomes more frequent. There would be
increase in water-borne diseases.
Measures to Check Global Warming
 Carbon dioxide emission can be cut by reducing the use of fossil fuel.
 Plant more trees.
 Shifting from coal to natural gas.
 Stabilize population growth.
 Remove efficiently carbon dioxide from smoke stocks.
 Remove atmospheric carbon dioxide by utilizing photo synthetic algae.
Ozone layer depletion
The earth's atmosphere is composed of many layers, each playing a significant role The first layer
stretching approximately 10 kilometers upwards from the earth surface is called the Troposphere. The
Stratosphere is the next layer stretching approximately 15 to 60 kilometers. The Ozone layer is in the lower
region of the Stratosphere from about 20-30 kilometers above the surface of the earth. The thickness of the
ozone layer is about 3 to 5 mm, but it fluctuates depending on the season and geography Ozone layer is
composed of a naturally occurring molecule containing three oxygen atoms. The ozone molecules form a
gaseous layer in stratosphere. This lower region of stratosphere containing of ozone is called Ozonosphere.
The ozone layer was discovered in 1913 by the French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson.
Ultraviolet radiations from the Sun can produce long term devastating effects on humans beings as well as
plants and animals. The ozone layer has the capability to absorb almost 97-99% of the harmful ultraviolet
radiations from the Sun.
Certain human-made gases known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) reach up to stratosphere and
damage the ozone layer, through chemical reactions. The most common source of CFCs are refrigerators,
air conditioners and aircraft. Thy emit CFCs into the atmosphere. Ozone-depleting substances will continue
to stay in the atmosphere for many years.
Research findings related to Ozone layer led to the signing of a global treaty known as the Montreal
Protocol for the protection of the layer. This treaty provides for reducing the emission of harmful human-
made gases into the atmosphere.
ACID RAIN
When fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas are burned, chemicals like sulfur dioxide and
nitrogen oxides are produced. These chemicals react with water and other chemicals in the air to form
sulfuric acid, nitric acid and other harmful pollutants like sulfates and nitrates. These acid pollutants spread
upwards into the atmosphere, and are return to the ground in the form of acid rain, fog or snow. Technically,
acid rain is the rain that has a larger amount of acid in it than what is normal. Acid rain refers to the
decrease in the pH value of rain water caused by the presence in the atmosphere of sulphur and nitrogen
emission from the burning of fossil fuel like coal, oil in power plants, industrial boilers and car engines.
Effects
Acid rain is known to cause widespread environmental damage.
 Acid rain dissolves and washes away nutrients in the soil which are needed by plants.
 Acid rain that falls or flows as ground water to reach rivers, lakes and wetlands, causes the water in
them to become acidic. This affects plant and animal life in aquatic ecosystems.
 Acid rain also has far reaching effects on wildlife. By adversely affecting one species, the entire food
chain is disrupted, ultimately endangering the entire ecosystem.
 Acid rain and dry acid deposition damages buildings, automobiles, and other structures made of stone or
metal The acid corrodes the materials causing extensive damage and ruins historic buildings. For
instance the Parthenon in Greece and the Taj Mahal in India have been affected by acid rain.
 Injuries to the young plants.
 Depletion of forest productivity.
 Harmful to human beings. Lungs, skin and hair will be much affected.
Solutions: The best way to stop the formation of acid rain is to reduce the emissions of sulfur dioxide and
nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere by using less energy from fossil fuels in power plants, vehicles and
industry.
NUCLEAR ACCIDENTS AND HOLOCAUST
Energy released during a nuclear reaction is called nuclear energy. Nuclear energy was
researched and discovered by man as a Source of alternate energy which would be clean and cheap
compared to fossil fuels. Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion are used to prepare nuclear energy. During
nuclear accidents large amount of energy and radioactive products are released into the atmosphere.
Advantages of nuclear energy.
1. High Efficiency Level
One characteristic of nuclear energy is its higher efficiency level over other energy source. This is
mainly due to the volume of energy produced by nuclear power plants. Moreover, less fuel is required to
produce nuclear energy compared to fossil fuels like oil and coal.
2. Abundant Supply of Uranium
Uranium is the most preferred element in the process of nuclear fission. There
is abundant supply of Uranium so that the problem of depletion does not arise.
3. Environment-friendly
Unlike fossil fuels that are pollutants, nuclear energy does not release carbon dioxide or greenhouse
gases and hence considered as environment friendly.
4. Low Maintenance
Running and maintenance cost of nuclear plants is much low compared to other energy sources. In
spite of the above advantages, there are many good reasons to oppose the use of nuclear energy.
Types of Nuclear Accidents
 Nuclear Test- Nuclear explosions -release radioactive particles and radioactive rays into the atmosphere.
 Nuclear Power Plant Accidents: Nuclear power plants located in seismic vulnerable area may cause
nuclear accidents which releases radiation.
 Improper Disposal of Radioactive Wastes: Drums with radioactive wastes, stored underground rust and
leak radioactive wastes into water, land and air.
 Accidents during Transport: Trucks carrying radioactive waste (or) fuels in accidents.
Effects of Nuclear Radiation
Radiation affects DNA in cells. Exposure to low dose radiation, people suffer from fatigue, vomiting,
and loss of hair Exposure to high radiation, affect bone marrow, blood cells, natural resistance fail of blood
clot. Exposure to very high dose of radiation, kills organisms by damaging the tissues of heart and brain.
Nuclear Holocaust: Destruction of Biodiversity by nuclear equipments and nuclear bombs is called
nuclear holocaust.
Effects of Nuclear Holocaust
Nuclear winter, nuclear bombardment will cause combustion of wood, plastics, forests etc. Large quantity of
soot will be carried out into the atmosphere.
Black soot absorbs all UV radiation and will not allow the radiation to reach the earth. Therefore the
earth. Therefore cooling will result. This reduces evaporation of water In stratosphere there wont be wont be
significant moisture to rain out the black soot. Due to nuclear explosion a process opposite to global
warming will occur. This is called Nuclear winter.
Nuclear Holocaust in Japan
In 1945 two nuclear bombs were dropped in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. About 100000 people
were killed and the cities were badly destroyed.
POLLUTION
Pollution is defined as 'an undesirable change in physical, chemical and biological
characteristics of air, water and land that may be harmful to living organisms, Environmental pollution
may be defined as unfavorable alteration of our surroundings, wholly or largely as a byproduct of man's
actions. The Pollution Control Board, defined pollution as unfavorable alteration of our surrounding, largely
as a by-product of human activities. Pollutant is a substance which causes pollution. The major environment
pollutants are deposited matter, gases, metals, fluorides, acid droplets, agro chemicals, photo chemical
accidents, radioactive waste and solid waste.
CLASSIFICATION OF POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION
Air pollution is the resultant of direct or indirect change in physical, chemical and biological
characteristics of atmosphere, which mainly results from gases emission from industry, thermal power
station, auto mobile and domestic combustion, etc.

Air Pollutants
"Air Pollutant" can be defined as any solid, liquid or gaseous substance present in the
atmosphere in high concentration more than prescribed limits that may be harmful to the living
creatures. Pollutants can be classified as primary and secondary pollutants. Primary pollutants are carbon
dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and CFC. Secondary pollutants are acid rain
sulfuric acid, nitric acid. carbonic acid etc
Sources of Air Pollution
(i) Carbon Monoxide released from motor vehicles, engines, powered with petroleum derivates used for
transportation and heating.
(i) Hydrocarbons mostly discharged by motor vehicles and also from exhausts of industrial plants.
(iii) Nitrogen Oxides released by motor vehicles, power plants and industrial establishments.
(iv) Sulphur Oxides released mostly by motor vehicles, power generating plants, and industrial units.
(v) Particulate Matter coming out of power plants, industries and waste disposal.
(vi) Natural Pollutants like pollen, volcanic gases, marsh gas etc.
Effects of Air Pollution
Deteriorating air quality has important consequences on human beings, animals, flora and fauna,
properties and climate.
1. Effects on human beings
Polluted air enters the human body mainly through respiratory system and pollutants in the air make heir
access into the throat, lungs and other parts of the respiratory organs. Hence the person would have
respiratory diseases like bronchitis, tuberculosis, asthma, influenza etc... Air pollutants like Hydrogen
sulphide, Ammonia may cause headache, conjunctivitis, sleeplessness, pain in the eyes and also damaging
nerve tissues. Dust particular of silica, asbestos would cause pulmonary fibrosis, pleural calcification and
lung cancer.
2. Effects on animals
Farm animals would be affected by means of pollutants in the air. Fluorides, lead and arsenic pollutants are
very to livestock. Arsenic would create salivation, thirst in farm animals, leading to liver necrosis,
inflammation and the damage of the central nervous system. The milk yield of dairy animals would be
conspicuously reduced. Continued exposure would lead to death of farm animals.
3. Effects on plants and vegetation
The damages of air pollution can manifest in the form of visual injury, such as, yellowing, marking and
banding of the leaves resulting in retardation of plant growth and final extinction.
4. Effects on materials and goods
Textile goods, leather, paper, rubber, glass enamels, surface coating etc... would be affected by pollutants.
Ozone can react on rubber materials, particularly tyres and tubes of vehicles by creating cracks in them and
thereby reducing their life.
5. Effects on Historical monuments
Atmospheric pollutants may cause great damage to historical monuments like statues, memorial buildings,
temples, churches and tombs of architectural excellence etc. The obnoxious gases and corrosive fumes and
pollutants discharged from Mathura Oil Refinery are supposed to be attacking the marble surface of Taj
Mahal, and the monument is said to be losing its lusture.
6. Effects on climate
An increase in the Carbon dioxide (CO2) content of the atmosphere by air pollution activities may result in
more of the outgoing earth radiation being absorbed in the air and a warming of the earth's atmosphere. This
warming effect is known as 'green house effect.'
Air pollution. Control measures
1. The allowable emission rate should not be exceeded by individual plant.
2. A continuous air pollution survey should be conducted in the concerned area and its neighboring region.
3. Air pollution control technology should be incorporated through legal requirements into design of the
individual plant.
5. Meteorological conditions should be considered while deciding on the location of the industry.
NOISE POLLUTION
Noise can be defined as wrong sound in wrong place at wrong time. Sound at undesirable level
creates pollution because it cause discomfort to the people. There are two basic properties of sound i.e.
loudness and frequency. Loudness is strength of sensation of sound perceived by individual and is measured
in terms of decibel, whereas frequency of sound defined as number of vibrations per second and measured as
hertz (Hz).Human ear is sensitive to frequency between 20-20000 Hz whereas best range of hearing is 2000-
10000.
Sources of Noise Pollution
Major sources of noise pollution are industries, transportation, and community, religious and cultural
activities. Loudspeaker and amplifiers used in different occasions is another source of noise pollution
Effects of Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is harmful to body and mind. It causes irritation and headache. It may cause number
of physiological disorder like neurosis anxiety, insomnia, hipper tension, behaviour and emotional stress.
Lack of concentration & mental fatigue are significant health effects of noise. Excessive sound lervels can
couse damages to the circulatory system by raising BP & pulse rates. Physical damage to ear & the
temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Control of Noise Pollution
 Eliminate the noise at source by use of silencing devises.
 Control the noise transmission level using sound absorbers and acoustic tiles.
 Using self precaution measures such as ear plugs and earmuffs.
 Creating buffer zone between high noise level zone and residential areas by afforestation.
 Taking strict statuary measure to govern the noise level in sensitive areas like schools, hospitals, etc
WATER POLLUTION
Water pollution is referred as a presence of foreign substances or impurities which can contribute to
health hazards by lowering water qualities and making it unfit for use. It is a natural or induced change in
the quality of water which renders it unusable or dangerous as regards food, human and animal health,
industry, agriculture, fishing or leisure pursuits. Water pollution reduces the amount of pure fresh water that
is available for such necessities as drinking and cleaning and for recreation activities.
Causes of water pollutants.
i) Disease causing agents
The disease causing agents (pathogens) include bacteria, viruses, protozoa and parasitic worms that enter
into water from domestic sewages, human and animal wastes.
ii) Oxygen depleting wastes
Another category of water pollutant is oxygen depleting wastes. These are organic wastes decomposed by
bacteria. Large populations of bacteria use up the oxygen present in water to decompose these wastes. As a
result the oxygen level in the water depletes and thus degrades water quality. When too much organic matter
decays in water, all the available oxygen is used up which causes fish and other aquatic animals to die.
iii) Inorganic plant nutrients
A third class of pollutants are inorganic plant nutrients. These are water soluble nitrates and phosphates that
cause excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants. They gradually grow in water pipes, changing the
taste and odour of water. Decay of algae and plants also cause degradation of water quality.
iv) Fertilizers
The quantity of fertilizers applied in a field is often many times more than actually required. The chemicals
in fertilizers and pesticides pollute soil and water. Pesticides in water bodies are absorbed by the aquatic
plants. These plants become food to herbivorous aquatic animals. When such animals are eaten by
carnivorous fishes or animals, the chemicals affect all the links in the food chain.
v) Water soluble chemicals
Another cause of water pollution is water soluble inorganic chemicals like acids, salts, compounds of toxic
metals such as mercury and lead. High levels of these chemicals can make the water unfit to drink, harmful
to aquatic life, reduce crop yields. Similarly, chemicals including oil, plastics, cleaning solvents, detergents
and many other chemicals cause water pollution.
vi) Soil erosion and sediments.
Soil erosion increases the level of soil particles in water which is yet another reason for water pollution.
vii) Oil washes into surface water :
Oil washes into water through runoff from roads and parking places pollutes groundwater. Leakage from
underground tanks and accidental oil spills from large transport tankers at sea are the common reasons of
marine water pollution.
Effects of Water Pollution
1. Effects on Industrial Water Supplies
Water pollution may reduce the utility of water for industrial purposes. The polluted water can involve
substantially high costs for industries - the costs of purifying the water, of repairing damaged equipment or
of making extensive adjustments to industrial process themselves.
2. Water Pollution and Agriculture
Water pollution can adversely affect the productivity of the land.
3. Effects on Aquatic Resources
The effect of the water pollution on fisheries are well-known. Fish may be killed directly by specific toxins
or through oxygen depletion.
Prevention and Control of Water Pollution
 Prevent generation of pollutants at first place. Control the pollutants to minimize its effects on water
pollution.
 Domestic and industrial waste water should be disposed off only after treatment.
 Enforce pollution control laws strictly.
 Use treatment plants to clean discharged industrial waste water and utilize it for irrigation purpose.
 Discourage excess use of pesticide and insecticide.
 Water bodies should be regularly cleaned of aquatic weed and wild plants
 Create public awareness regarding water pollution
 Afforestation will help to reduce the pollution and water erosion
 Use methods of biological nitrogen fixation to improve soil health and adopt integrated pest
management to minimize chemical contamination in water.
THERMAL POLLUTION
Thermal pollution, also known as heat pollution, is releasing of heat in air or water causing undesired
changes to environment.
Sources of Thermal Pollution are thermal power plants, industries, release of domestic sewerage and nuclear
sources
Causes of Thermal Pollution
1. Using water as cooling agent: Factories and industrial units are the major sources of thermal
pollution. They draw water from nearby source to keep machines cool and then release back the same to the
source with higher temperature. When heated water returns to the river or ocean, the water temperature rises
suddenly, leading to thermal pollution.
2. Soil Erosion: Soil erosion is another major factor that causes thermal pollution. Frequent soil
erosion causes water bodies to rise, making them more exposed to sunlight. The high temperature could
prove fatal for aquatic plants and animals.
3. Deforestation: Trees and plants prevent sunlight falling directly on lakes, ponds or rivers. When
deforestation happens, these water bodies are directly exposed to sunlight, thus absorbing more heat and
raising the water temperature.
4. Runoff from paved surfaces: Runoff from paved surfaces like roads and parking places can
make the water hot. During summer seasons, the pavements get hot due to radiation from sun, which creates
warm runoff.
5. Natural Causes: Natural causes like volcanoes and geothermal activities would increase the
temperature of water bodies. Lightning can also introduce massive amount of heat into the oceans.
Effects of Thermal Pollution
1. Decrease in oxygen levels: The warm temperature reduces the levels of oxygen in water. This
causes suffocation for animals. Warmer water allows algae to flourish on surface of water and further
decreases oxygen levels in the water.
 2. Increase in toxins: Constant flow of high temperature discharges from industries, along with
toxic chemicals affect the aquatic life very badly.
3. Loss of biodiversity: Any abnormal deviation in temperature level will cause significant loss of
biodiversity.
4. Ecological Impact: A sudden thermal shock can result in massive killing of fish, insects, plants or
amphibians. Hotter water may prove favourable for some species while it could be lethal for some others.
Many aquatic species are sensitive even to small temperature changes.
5. Migration: Warm water would force many species of organisms to migrate to suitable
environment for survival. Such migrations have multiple impacts on other species because of interruptions
in food chain.
Considering the negatives of thermal pollution, the Government has framed strict rules and
regulations for treatment of water from plants and industries. However, effective implementation of the law
becomes difficult in many cases.
Control of Thermal Pollution
 Cooling Towers: Water from water body affected is directed pumped towards the cooling tower having
condensers, usually with temperature control. After bringing water temperature to desire level, it is
returned to the source. Use of condenser makes this method expensive.
 Cooling Ponds: These are the most cost effective way to tackle thermal pollution. In this method, heat
of heating effluents on surface of the water is dissipated in atmosphere.
 Artificial Lake: These are the man made bodies of water. Effluents are discharged into the lake and
heat is gradually lost to the atmosphere through evaporation.

SOIL POLLUTION OR LAND POLLUTION

Soil or land pollution is defined as the changes in the physical, chemical and biological conditions of
the soil due to man's intervention or misuse of land, resulting in degradation in the quality or productivity of
the soil.
Pollutants of land or soil
 Solid wastes
 Farm and animal manure
 Crop residues or agricultural wastes
 Garbage
 Industrial wastes such as chemicals, fly-ash etc.
 Paper, cardboards, plastic, rubber, leather, cloth etc.
 Construction rubbish, bricks, sand, metals, glass, wood etc.
 Dead animals
 Discarded manufactured products
 Fertilizers, pesticides etc.
 Excessive grazing
 Faulty drainage and sewage system
 Radioactive pollutants
 Surface mining and strip mining
 Large quantities of human, animal and bird excreta
Sources of Land or Soil Pollution
a) Domestic and Municipal Wastes
Domestic or household wastes include food scraps, waste papers, plastic items, glass pieces, wood, canes,
broken toys, tyres, broken household appliance, worn-out furniture, building wastes etc. Municipal wastes
comprise dried sludge of sewage.
b) Industrial Wastes
Industrial wastes are mainly discharged by industries, such as metal processing industries, engineering
industries etc. The industrial wastes contain toxic metals, such as lead, chemicals etc. having acids and are
responsible for soil pollution.
c) Mining Wastes
Mining wastes contain toxic metals and chemical having acid.
d) Agricultural Wastes
Agricultural wastes include manure, animal wastes, branches of plants, slash left over from water logging
etc.
e) Salinity and Desertification of Soil
Salinity and desertification of soil due to unscientific management of fertile land is also. responsible for soil
pollution.
f) Radioactive Wastes
Radioactive wastes produced by nuclear testing laboratories, nuclear reactors and industries are one of the
sources of soil pollution.
g) Deforestation
Deforestation is one of the factors responsible for soil erosion and land pollution.
h) Biological Agents
Biological agents such as excreta of human beings, animals and birds also are one of the sources of soil
pollution.
Causes of soil degradation
There are many reasons by which the soil gets degraded. The major reasons for soil degradation of recent
times can be summarized as follows.
i) Soil erosion
 Soil erosion refers to the movement of topsoil along with the surface litter, from one place to another.
Soil erosion is a natural process caused by rain, wind and flowing water. However, it is greatly accelerated
by human activities such as farming, construction, overgrazing by livestock, burning of grass cover and
deforestation. Soil erosion reduces the fertility and water holding capacity of the soil. It also contributes to
water pollution because the topsoil, when washed away, makes the rivers and lakes muddy, increases
turbidity of water and also causes loss of aquatic life.
ii) Excessive use of fertilizers
The use of chemical fertilizers has increased significantly over the last few decades and is expected
to rise in future too. Fertilizers help to replace the soil nutrients absorbed by the plants. However, excessive
application of fertilizers ultimately leads to soil degradation.
iii) Excessive use of pesticides
In addition to fertilizers a large amount of pesticides, insecticides and herbicides are used to control
unwanted fungi, animals and other creatures. Mice and rats are killed by rodenticides while herbicides are
used to destroy unwanted vegetation or weeds. Pesticides not only kill the pests but also a large variety of
living organisms.
Persistent pesticides once applied are effective for a very long time. However as they do not break down
easily they tend to accumulate in the soil and bodies of animals in the food chain. For example, DDT was
one of the first synthetic organic insecticides. Later it was found that DDT is a persistent pesticide harmful
to animals and hence banned in many countries including India.
iv) Excess salts
Irrigation helps to increase crop yields. However, it has certain evil effects too. Irrigation water
contains dissolved salts and in dry climates much of the water in the saline solution evaporates leaving the
salts on the topsoil. The process is called salinization, which can stunt plant growth, lower yields and
eventually kill the crop and render the land useless for agriculture.
v) Water logging
Water logging is another reason for soil degradation. Soil becomes unproductive or useless as a result
of water logging. Sustainable farming practices, preventing the above mentioned degradation of soil, is very
important for maintaining the quality, fertility and productivity of soil.
Effects of Soil Pollution
⚫ Industrial effluents containing toxic chemicals dumped on land cause soil pollution and enter in food
chain, which has adverse effect on human health.
 Solid waste dumped on land cause disruption in everyday life and destroys natural beauty of the
landscape.
 Dumped waste and organic waste give rise to foul odour.
 Pathogenic bacteria cause diseases like cholera.
 Reduces the amount of land available for cultivation.
 Adversely affects animal life.
 Soil pollution damages the thin layer of fertile soil that covers the earth's surface and reduces the
fertility of soil.
 Adversely affects the growth of plants and trees.
 Adversely affect human life.
 Spoil the beauty of the landscape.
Measures to Control Soil Pollution

The following measures may be undertaken for the prevention and control of soil pollution.
✓ Measures should be adopted to avoid water- logging and salt effervescence caused by over - irrigation.
✓ Careful use of fertilizers and pesticides.
 Organic wastes can be used as land fills
✓ Re-use or recycling of solid wastes
✓ Conversion of wastes into building blocks
✓ Chemical processing
✓ Ocean dumping
✓ Pesticides must be applied under proper supervision
✓ Provision of proper drainage
✓ Using salt-free water for irrigation
✓ Open dumping of soil wastes should be segregated
✓ Control of domestic and industrial wastes by burning them.
Marine Pollution
Large-scale agricultural activities and industrial operations have negative impacts not only on land
but in sea water also. Till the middle of the twentieth century, the majority of the scientists believed that
oceans were vast enough to absorb any type of pollution and hence harmless to the marine life. However, it
was later found that marine pollution of different types are causing much damages to aquatic ecosystems.
Causes of Marine Pollution
The marine environment is contaminated in different ways. Inflow of chemicals, solid waste,
discharge of radioactive elements, industrial and agricultural effluents, man-made sedimentation and oil
spills are the major causes of marine pollution.

This implies that major portion of marine pollution comes from the land. In addition wind-blown pesticides
and debris, agricultural runoff, pollution caused by ships, and deep sea mining of natural resources, etc.,
contribute heavily to marine pollution.
Types of Marine Pollution
i) Eutrophication
 When there is excess chemical nutrients like nitrates and phosphates in the water, it leads to
eutrophication or nutrient pollution. Eutrophication decreases the level of oxygen, reduces the quality of
water, makes the water harmful for fish and adversely affects the breeding process of marine animals.
ii) Acidification
Oceans act as a natural reservoir for absorbing the carbon dioxide from the Earth's atmosphere. But,
due to rising level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the oceans across the world are becoming acidic in
nature. This process would finally affect the aquatic organisms and corals.
iii) Toxins
There are persistent toxins that do not get dissolved in water. Toxins such as pesticides, DDT,
radioactive wastes, phenol, etc., get accumulated in the tissue cells of the marine bodies. Finally such toxins
hamper the life of aquatic animals and plants. In rare cases it would even lead to a mutations in aquatic life
forms.
iv) Plastics
The ever increasing use of plastic products is causing heavy damages to the aquatic bodies and eco
systems. Plastic from land constitutes more than of 80 percent of the debris found in the oceans. Plastic is
non degradable and its rising volume is a major threat to marine life. Big pieces of plastic entangle the sea
animals and birds whereas tiny pieces are clogging the stomachs of creatures who mistake it for food. Plastic
is now entering every level of the ocean food chain and even ending up in the seafood on our plates.
Effects of Marine Pollution
The contamination of water by excessive nutrients is known as nutrient pollution. When excess
nutrients like nitrates or phosphates get dissolved with the water, it causes the eutrophication of surface
waters and stimulates the growth of algae. Such toxins ultimately affect all the links in the ocean food
chains.
Pesticides reaching the marine ecosystem can damage the entire food web and finally cause harm to
the human beings. When toxic metals are dumped or flown into the oceans, it affects the marine life. Such
toxins could be transferred to several animals feeding on the fish.
Steps to Prevent Marine Pollution
i) Stop using plastic and littering garbage because they all finally reach the oceans.
ii) Ensure that harmful chemicals are not spilled any where near the streams of water.
iii) Farmers should switch from chemical fertilizers and pesticides towards organic farming methods.
iv) Precautionary steps should be taken to avoid spilling of oil in the oceans.
v) Clean up marines beaches and make the people aware about the deadly consequences of marine pollution.
NUCLEAR POLLUTION
Radioactive (nuclear) pollution is a special form of physical pollution related to all major life-
supporting systems - air, water and soil. It is always convenient to discuss radioactive pollution separately
because its nature of contamination is different from other types of pollution. Its effects are also of special
kinds.
Sources of Nuclear Pollution
 Source of energy of Sun and other stars is nuclear energy (nuclear fusion reaction taking place in the
core), therefore the cosmic rays emanating from sun and other stars are primary source of nuclear
hazards.
 Use and testing of nuclear weapons leads unprecedented loss to life and property as was the case in
Second World War.
 Natural emission of radiation from radioactive isotopes, such as Uranium present in earth's crust.
Mining, processing and extraction of radioactive ores.
 Use of radioactive isotopes in nuclear reactors.
 Problem associated disposal of nuclear waste from nuclear reactors.
 Accidental leakages in nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities.
Effects of Nuclear Hazards
 Effects of nuclear hazards are prolonged and can haunt civilizations for year and can have adverse effect
on generations to come.
 Exposure to nuclear radiations. can affect genetic make-up by breaking the chemical bonds that hold the
DNA together. Thus the effect can be transferred to future generations.
 Nuclear explosion and nuclear weapons can cause mass destruction to life and property of a scale
unprecedented in history of mankind.
 Nuclear hazards are transferred in food chains from bottom to top with transfer of nuclear elements
from prey to the predator.
 Continuous exposure to radiation can lead to cancer.
Nuclear Pollution Control
 Nuclear Power plants and research facilities should be set up after careful evaluation in less inhabited
areas.
 Nuclear Power Plants must be carefully designed to minimize risks of leakage.
 Strict vigilance bodies should be constituted and laws should be enforced to ensure nuclear safety.
 Summits and conferences must be organized to facilitate the evolution and exchange of new research
and ideas in field of nuclear safety.
 Efficient nuclear waste disposal mechanism should be evolved
 Preventive measures must be taken to minimize risks associated with occupation connected to
processing of nuclear material.
 Disarmament of nuclear weapons must be strongly advocated in the International Diplomacy
Practical Steps to Reduce Pollution
 Residential houses and industrial firms are the major sources of pollution. Therefore, each individual
has a role to play in the prevention of pollution of different types. No government machinery can prevent
pollutions without the support t individuals and institutions. Therefore creating proper awareness about the
role of individuals in environmental issues is the first step in prevention of pollution.
In fact, a natural way of life is the essence of all eco-friendly practices and it is the best solution for a
clean environment. Maintenance of water, air, forests. grasslands and wildlife in their natural purity and
order, maximum use of renewable energy sources, eco-friendly developmental practices, renewal of topsoil
using organic methods, scientific methods of processing of waste, etc., are the essentials of building up a
healthy and hygienic environment. As for individuals the following practices are extremely important.
Respect all forms of life including fellow human beings, animals and plants, realizing that every
living organism has equal role and value in our great biosphere. It is absolutely stupid to think about
economic prosperity without considering the biological existence of the present and future generations.
From the practical point of view, the following steps will help to make our planet cleaner, greener
and comfortable to live in.
[Link] trees wherever possible and protect them because they give us oxygen and reduce pollution.
2. Reduce the use of wood and paper products. Recycle paper, glass, aluminum and other products, as far as
possible.
3. Avoid furniture, doors and window-frames made of forest wood.
4. Use pesticides only when absolutely necessary and only in the manner suggested by experts. Remember
that some insects are helpful to check pest species.
5. Adopt organic farming and prefer organic products which will automatically help to reduce the use of
pesticides.
6. Reduce the use of fossil fuel by walking, using public transport system or sharing vehicles. Such steps
will help to reduce air pollution considerably.
7. Switch off lights and fans when they are not needed.
8. Avoid sprays and air fresheners because they are harmful to the ozone layer.
9. Do not pour pesticides, paints, solvents, oil or other products containing harmful chemicals down the
drain or on the ground.
10. Avoid the habit of 'use and throw'. Use consumer goods as long as possible, get them repaired instead of
disposing of.
11. Use own cloth bag for shopping purposes. Buy goods in refillable containers instead of plastic carry bags
and do not throw away bottles.
12. Use rechargeable batteries.
13. Use sponges, cloth napkins and towels instead of paper products.
14. Set up vermi compost plants to produce organic manure. Community composting plants should be set up
wherever possible.
15. Do not litter the roads and surroundings. Take care to put trash into dustbins only.
16. Extend support to organizations involved in environment friendly activities.
17. Organize awareness programmes focusing on environmental issues.
18. Understand the biodiversity of our own area. This will help to realize that each village, town or city is
ecologically significant in one way or the other.
19. Support the political parties, leaders and administrators who give due importance to environmental
issues.

MODULE I
ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS
The term 'environment' is derived from the French word 'environer' which means to surround. It
refers to the sum total of the things or circumstances surrounding an organism including humans.
Environmental economics is a sub-field of economics that is concerned with environmental issues. It deals
with the economic aspects of interdependence and interactions between human beings and the environment,
Environmental economists perform studies to determine the theoretical or empirical effects of environmental
policies on the economy In the words of D.W. Pearce, "Environmental Economics brings the discipline of
economic analysis to environmental issues such as pollution, the rate of use of renewable and non-
renewable natural resources, conservation of living species and resources, and the choice of policy to
achieve environmental ends."
Nature, Scope and Importance
 Environmental economics deals with the application of the principles of economics to study why and
how human beings interact with their environment, how they use and manage the environmental resources,
and what are the impacts of human activities on the environment. It attempts to explain the economic aspects
of attitude and behavior of people with regards to the natural environment. Environmental economics has
become a widely studied social science discipline due to the growing concerns about the environment in the
twenty-first century.
1. Interdisciplinary base:
Environmental economics represents intersection of several social science and natural science
disciplines. It consists of an integration of many varied disciplines such as biology, ecology, physical
science, ethics and mainstream economics.
2. Failure of markets:
Environmental problems arise either from non-existence of market system or failure of markets.
Environmental economics deals with non-market goods, amenities and services provided by mother-nature.
wild life wiring.
3. Economic growth and environmental balance:
The main objective of environmental economics is to maintain a balance between economic
development and environmental quality. There is an inverse relationship between economic growth and
environmental quality? A sustainable mode of development is the only solution to overcome the resource
depletion in the name of economic growth.
4. Pollution Control:
Economic development leads to various forms of pollution. Pollution has harmful effects on health
and living conditions of people. Pollution control has social costs that ultimately fall upon the consumers of
goods and services.
5. Conservation of resources:
The renewable and non-renewable resources such as food, water, forest produces, minerals, metals
and oil resources are provided by the mother-nature. Nature's bounty and abundance are disappearing at a
faster rate in many regions of the world due to the human alterations of the environment. This resource
depletion must be checked and effective measures are required for the conservation of these resources.
6. Ethical base:
Environmental economics has a strong ethical base. Environment quality ensures welfare of all and
paves the way for sustainable development. Rational and optimum use of environmental resources are
ethical in nature and essential conditions for economic development.
7. International co-operation:
Environmental issues are nowadays discussed internationally and there are many countries who are
insisting on uniform standards and environmental regulations for all nations. There are many international
issues which are coming under the purview of environmental economics (eg: ozone depletion, marine
pollution, sharing of river water).
8. Positive and normative environment economics:
Positive environmental economics draws upon micro and macro economic theories to explain the
ways in which economic factors influence the consumption and production of environmental goods and
services. It is largely descriptive and predictive in nature. The normative environmental economics is largely
descriptive and it attempts to prescribe what ought to be done to protect and conserve the environment.
9. Limits to growth:
Economic growth has some environmental limits. Environment has limitations in its absorption
capacity and hence economic activities cannot be extended to indefinite levels. This 'limits to growth' leads
to many planning processes among economists and policy makers to ensure optimum input-output
combinations.
CLASSIFICATION OF RESOURCES
All things that are useful to us are called resources. Air, water, land, soil, forest etc are all resources.
Resources are useful raw materials that we get from nature. These are naturally occurring materials, They
are useful for us in many ways, and we keep developing new ways to use them or convert them into useful
things. Natural resources are valuable to us. The broadest classification of resources is done on the basis of
their replenishing ability.
There are two types of resources namely Renewable and Non- Renewable Resources.
1. Renewable Resources
The resources that can be replaced through rapid natural cycles are known as renewable resource.
These resources are able to increase their abundance through reproduction and utilization of simple
substances. Ex: Plants, (crops and forests) and animals. Some types of renewable resources though they do
not have life cycle but can be recycled. Ex: Wood and wood-products, pulp products, natural rubber, fibers
(e.g. Cotton, jute, animal wool, silk and synthetic fibers) and leather. In addition to these resources, water
and soil are also classified as renewable resources Solar water and soil are also classified as renewable
resources Solar energy although having a finite life, as a special case, is considered as a renewable resource,
in as much as solar stocks is inexhaustible on the human scale.
2. Non renewable Resources
The resources that cannot be replaced through natural processes are known as non-renewable resources.
These are available in limited amounts, which cannot be increased. These resources include fossil fuels
(petrol, coal etc.), metals (iron, copper, gold. silver, lead, zinc etc.), minerals and salts (carbonates,
phosphates, nitrates etc.). Once a non-renewable resource is consumed, it is gone forever.

Non-renewable resources can further be divided into two categories, viz. a) Recyclable and b) Non-
recyclable
 Recyclable: These are non-renewable resources, which can be collected after they are used and can
be recycled. These are mainly the non-energy mineral resources, which occur in the earth's crust (Ex: Ores
of aluminum, copper, mercury etc.) and deposits of fertilizer nutrients (e.g. Phosphate sock and potassium
and minerals used in their natural state (asbestos, clay, mica etc.).
Non-recyclable: These are non-renewable resources, which cannot be recycled in any way. Ex:
Fossil fuels and uranium, which provide 90 per cent of our energy requirements.
CONSERVATION OF RESOURCES
The modern life-style and the advance in technology have had a very bad impact on the natural resources.
Natural resources like coal and petroleum are depleting at a very fast rate, and once they are depleted, we
will have to depend on other sources of energy. Therefore it is very necessary for us humans to act in a way
which ensures the conservation of natural resources. Resource conservation means usage, improvement and
protection of human and natural resources in a wise manner. We should conserve our resources not only for
the present generations but also for the future generations. There are thousands of ways of conserving
natural resources. The main idea of conservation is to use the natural resources with optimization, and do not
waste any natural resources. All you have to do is to act according to the situation so that the use of natural
resources is minimal. For instance, using bicycles or walking sometimes saves a lot of fuel. Using public
transport (city buses and metro trains) also helps in saving a lot of oil. Saving water while bathing, cleaning,
etc. helps in water conservation.
Important resource conservation methods are:
1. Material Substitution
We have to find out material substitution for non-renewable energy sources. Fossil fuels (petrol, coal),
metals (iron, copper, gold, silver, lead, zinc), minerals and salts are non-renewable Wherever the renewable
sources are applicable we can use them instead of non-renewable sources of resources.
2. Product Life Extension
It means extend the life of the product. Re-use the product and use the product for next time. In re-
use, the form of the resources is not changed. It helps conserve the natural resources in two ways. On the
one hand it helps reduce the use of raw materials and on the other hand, it helps to reduce environmental
pollution.
3. Recycling
Recycling is a series of activities that includes the collection of used, reused, or unused items that
would otherwise be considered waste, sorting and processing the recyclable products into raw materials, and
remanufacturing the recycled raw materials into new products.

Consumers provide the last link in recycling by purchasing products made from recycled content. Recycling
also can include composting of food scraps, yard trimmings, and other organic materials.
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.
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Glass, plastics, paper, aluminum, steel, and some electronics are considered recyclable products.
Even recycling cell phones helps the environment. It saves energy and keeps usable materials out of
landfills. Cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) are made of precious metals, copper, and
plastics, all of which require energy to mine and manufacture. Recycling conserves these materials so they
can be turned into new products. Recycling has a number of benefits that help both the environment and the
economy.
Best Ways to Conserve Water at Home
 Only wash full loads of laundry.
 Fill a bucket while showering and use it to water plants.
 Run the dishwasher only when full.
 Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth.
 Create a lawn watering schedule using a watering calculator.
 Harvest rainwater.
 Install water-efficient appliances and showerheads.
 Best way to Cut Packaging and Food Waste at Home
 Plan your weekly meals to waste less food.
 Only buy food on your shopping list.
 Start a compost pile.
 Cut down on processed foods in your cupboards.
 Pack your lunch with reusable containers.
 Skip fast food.
 Reuse water bottles and plastic bags.
 Use less straws, plastic silverware and paper plates.
 Start a community garden.
Best Way to Save Fuel
 Turn your engine off when idling longer than 15 minutes.
 Use ride-sharing services like Uber or Ola.
 Take public transportation like buses or trains.
 Carpool to work.
 Consider buying an electric vehicle if your budget allows.
 Walk or ride your bike.
 Pump regular fuel, unless your vehicle requires premium.
 Avoid idling in fast-food lanes.
 Keep tires fully inflated for better fuel economy.
 Only use A/C in your car when necessary.
Best Way to Use Less Paper
 Switch to online bill pay.
 Opt out of junk mail subscriptions.
 Think before you print.
 Recycle according to your local guidelines.
 Subscribe to digital magazine subscriptions.
 Donate boxes from online shopping or after moving.
Best Way to Use Less Electricity at Home
 Unplug chargers and appliances when not in use.
 Open your windows instead of running the A/C.
 Close shades during sunny hours.
 Turn lights off before leaving your home.
 Install timers or motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting.
 Replace your lightbulbs with LEDs.
Other Ways to Conserve Resources
 Plant flowers for birds, bees and other pollinators.
 Eat less meat or find meat from local farms.
 Plant a garden to harvest your own food.
 Plant and maintain trees, and harvest their fruit.
 Buy or sell furniture, clothing and household items using Let Go, Craigslist or your local thrift shop.
 Measure your detergent for laundry. Don't overload.
 Shop yard sales, garage sales and estate sales instead of large department stores.
 Use sustainably sourced beauty products.
 Buy ethically grown / harvested coffee and chocolate.
 Donate old appliances, tools or equipment when replacing, if in good condition.
 Join a local nonprofit focused on sustainability.
ENERGY RESOURCES
Growing Energy Needs
Energy means the capacity to work. The resources used to do work are called energy resources. The
demand for energy doubles every 14 years. So the consumption of energy is considered as the parameter of
progress.
India with 16% of the world's population consumes only 1.5% of the total energy produced in the
world in comparison to U.S.A. Which has 6.25% population of the world and utilizes 33% of the energy. In
2018, the World Resource Institute found that the average American uses 24 times the energy used by an
Indian. Even today about 80% of the Indian population depends upon fuel wood, dung and agricultural
waste as energy sources for cooking food.
Energy is an essential input for industrial development. Energy is produced from commercial sources
like coal, petroleum hydroelectric schemes as well as from non commercial sources like cow dung, fuel
wood and agricultural waste.
India's per capita consumption of commercial energy that is energy from coal, petroleum and
hydroelectric energy are very low. It is only one eighth of the world average.
In India commercial energy accounts for a little over half of the total energy used in the country, the
rest coming from non commercial sources. Share of agriculture in commercial energy consumption has risen
rapidly over the past 4 decades. Industry consumes about 80% of the coal and 70% of the electrical energy
in India. The transport sector accounts for 65% of the total oil consumption. The energy consumption of
household sector has also increased due to air conditioners, refrigerators and other electrical appliances.
India has to increase not only the indigenous availability but also aim at efficient utilization of energy.
Classification of Energy
Energy resources are classified as:

1. Nonrenewable or Conventional resources

2. Renewable or Non conventional resources

1. Nonrenewable or Conventional Resources

They are formed once in thousands of years hence they are on the verge of getting exhausted eg.-
Coal, Petroleum, L.P.G. and radioactive elements. Petroleum is expected to get exhausted within 30 years.
LPG within 50 years and coal within 100 years.
2. Renewable or Nonconventional Resources
These resources have a cycle hence they are non-exhaustible e.g. solar energy, wind energy,
hydroelectricity, biogas, thermal energy and tidal energy.
CONVENTIONAL AND NONCONVENTIONAL SOURCES OF ENERGY
Energy is one of the major parts of the economic infrastructure, being the basic input needed to
sustain the economic growth. There exists a strong relationship between economic development and energy
consumption.
The more developed is a country, higher is the per capita of energy consumption and vice-versa.
Human civilization relies on different sources of energy.
Major Sources of Energy can be Classified as:
 Conventional Sources
 Non-Conventional Sources
Conventional Sources of Energy
These sources of energy are also known as non-renewable sources of energy and are available in
limited quantity apart from hydro-electric power. Further it can be classified under commercial and non-
commercial energy.
Commercial Energy Sources
The coal, electricity and petroleum are known as commercial energy since the consumer needs to pay
its price to buy them.
a) Coal
Coal is the most important source of energy. There are more than 148790 Coal deposits in India. In
between 2005-2006, the annual production went up to 343 million tons. India is the fourth largest coal-
producing country and the deposits are mostly found in Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and Bengal.
b) Oil and Natural Gas
Today oil is considered to be the liquid gold and one of the crucial sources of energy in India and the
world. Oil is mostly used in planes, automobiles, trains and ships. It is mainly found in Assam, Gujarat and
Mumbai.
The total production of oil in India was 0.3 million tons in 1950- 51, which increased up to 32.4
million tons in 2000-01.
c) Electricity
Electricity is a common source of energy and used for domestic and commercial purposes. The
electricity is mainly utilized in electrical appliances like Fridge, T.V, washing machine and air conditioning.
The major sources of power generation are mentioned below:
 Nuclear Power
 Thermal Power
 Hydro-electric power
1. Thermal Power
Thermal power is generated at various power stations by means of oil and coal. It is a vital source of
electric current and its share in total capacity of the nation in 2004-05 was 70 percent.
2. Hydroelectric Power
The hydroelectric power is produced by constructing dams above flowing rivers like Damodar Valley
Project and Bhakra Nangal Project. The installed capacity of hydroelectric power was 587.4 mW in 1950-51
and went up to 19600 mW in 2004-05.
3. Nuclear Power
The fuel used in nuclear power plants is Uranium, which costs less than coal. Nuclear power plants
can be found in Kota (Rajasthan), Naroura (UP) and Kalapakam (Chennai).
Non-commercial Energy Sources
 Generally, the energy sources that are freely available are considered as the non-commercial energy
sources. The examples of non-commercial energy sources are, Straw, dried dung, firewood.
Non-Conventional Sources of Energy
These non-conventional sources are also known as renewable sources of energy. The examples
include solar energy, bioenergy, tidal energy and wind energy.
1. Solar Energy
This is the energy that is produced by the sunlight. The photovoltaic cells are exposed to sunlight
based on the form of electricity that needs to be produced. The energy is utilized for cooking and distillation
of water.
2. Wind Energy
This kind of energy is generated by harnessing the power of wind and mostly used in operating water
pumps for irrigation purposes. India stands as the second largest country in the generation of wind power.
3. Tidal Energy
The energy that is generated by exploiting the tidal waves of the sea is known as tidal energy. This
source is yet to be tapped due to the lack of cost-effective technology.
DIRECT AND INDIRECT OR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES OF ENERGY
The numerous existing energy sources can be classified in different way. Primary or direct sources
can be used direct, as they appear in the natural environment: coal, oil, natural gas and wood, nuclear fuels
(uranium), the sun, the wind, tides, mountain lakes, the rivers (from which hydroelectric energy can be
obtained) and the earth heat that supplies geothermal energy.

Secondary or indirect sources derive from the transformation of primary energy sources. For
example petrol that derives from treatment of crude oil and electric energy, obtained from the conservation
of mechanical energy (hydroelectric plants, Aeolian plants), chemical plants (thermoelectric), or nuclear
(nuclear plants), Electric energy is produced by electric plants, i.e. suitable installations that can transform
primary energy (non-transformed) into electric energy.
Atomic Energy
Atomic Energy is energy that is released through a nuclear reaction or radioactive decay process. Atomic
energy is energy carried by atoms. The term originated in 1903 when Ernest Rutherford began to speak of
the possibility of atomic energy. The term was popularized by H. G. Wells in the phrase, "splitting the atom",
devised at a time prior to the discovery of the nucleus. Atomic energy may include:
 Nuclear binding energy, the energy required to split a nucleus of an atom.
 Nuclear potential energy, the potential energy of the particles inside an atomic nucleus.
 Nuclear reaction, a process in which nuclei or nuclear particles interact, resulting in products different
from the initial ones; see also nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
 Radioactive decay, the set of various processes by which unstable atomic nuclei (nuclides) emit
subatomic particles.
 The energy of inter-atomic or chemical bonds, which holds atoms together in compounds.
Atomic energy is the source of nuclear power, which uses sustained nuclear fission to generate heat
and electricity.
ENERGY CRISIS AND ENERGY SCENARIO IN INDIA
With nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of USD 1847 billion, India was the tenth largest
economy in the world in 2011. In terms of purchasing power party (PPP), with constant 2005 USD 3976
billion, India ranked third after the United States and China in 2011. However, India's nominal per-capita
income of USD 1489 remained much lower than other large economies. The Indian economy is moving
towards a free market economy, albeit with remaining traces of a socialist economic model. Inspired by the
Soviet Union, after independence Indian policy makers infused many socialist elements into the Indian
economy, including central planning, large public sectors, an import substitution approach and strict
government regulations, which led to high inefficiency in the economy. Indian economic growth stagnated
around 3.5% to 4% per year until major economic reforms commenced in 1991. The economy has increased
at an average rate of approximately 7% since 2000. Amid the global economic recession in 2008, the Indian
economy quickly rebounded and grew over 9% between 2009 and 2010. In a series of economic reforms
implemented throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the most significant is the industrial reform, or often-called
New Economic Policy, effectuated in 1991.
Amid India's balance of payment crisis and following intervention by the International Monetary
Fund (IMF), the Indian government released a "Statement on Industrial Policy" access to energy is the
foremost goal in India's energy policy making, as nearly one-quarter of the population lacks access to
electricity. This implies ensuring the supply of adequate and reliable energy to the Indian population amid
growing energy demand, bolstered by economic growth. Second, energy security is driven by increasing
dependence on imported fuels, which is crucial to meet the India's huge energy demand. Increased import
dependence also exposes the country to greater geopolitical risks and international price volatility.
Finally, India is dedicated to the mitigation of climate change, although overcoming energy poverty
and ensuring economic and social development remains a top priority. Fulfilling all three objectives is not an
easy task, as they can stand in conflict with one another. For example, supplying an affordable and
considerable amount of energy using low-cost energy fuels, primarily coal, potentially undermines efforts to
tackle climate change and local pollution. Pursuing the utilization of domestic resources and promoting
indigenous energy technologies could help enhance energy security in the long term, but does not solve
India's energy problems in the short term.

India's real economic growth averaged around 8% in the past decade, leading to 6.5% growth in the
demand for energy. Given the projected economic growth levels, energy demand is expected to continue to
rise; rising energy needs, in turn, have drawn attention to the importance of energy security. Energy security
is ensured by guaranteeing three factors-availability, accessibility and affordability of energy resources.
Coal, oil and natural gas are the most important sources of primary energy in India. Inadequate domestic
supplies of these hydrocarbons are forcing the country to gas, increase its import bill. While the country
remains highly dependent on oil imports, it is saddening to note that supply of natural which was expected to
alleviate our energy security from the new domestic driven by accelerated capacity addition in power
generation and decline in domestic coal.
India's energy sector is one of the most critical components of an infrastructure that affects India's
economic growth and therefore is also one of the largest industries in India. India has the 5th largest
electricity generating capacity and is the 6th largest energy consumer amounting for around 3.4 % of global
energy consumption. India's energy demand has grown at 3.6% pa over the past 30 years.
The consumption of the energy is directly proportional to the progress of manpower with ever
growing population, improvement in the living standard of the humanity and industrialization of the
developing countries. Very recently smart grid technology can attribute important role in energy scenario.
Smart grid refers to electric power system that enhances grid reliability and efficiency by automatically
responding to system disturbances.
Causes of Energy Crisis
Overconsumption: The energy crisis is a result of many different strains on our natural resources,
not just one. There is a strain on fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal due to overconsumption which then in
turn can put a strain on our water and oxygen resources by causing pollution.

Overpopulation: Another cause of the crisis has been the steady increase in the world's population
and its demands for fuel and products. No matter what type of food or products you choose to use - from fair
trade and organic to those made from petroleum products in a sweatshop - not one of them is made or
transported without a significant drain on our energy resources.
Poor Infrastructure: Ageing infrastructure of power generating equipment is yet another reason for
energy shortage. Most of the energy producing firms keep on using outdated equipment that restricts the
production of energy. It is the responsibility of utilities to keep on upgrading the infrastructure and set a high
standard of performance.
Unexplored Renewable Energy Options: Renewable energy still remains unused in our country.
Most of the energy comes from non-renewable sources like coal. It still remains the top choice to produce
energy. Unless we give renewable energy a serious thought, the problem of energy crisis cannot be solved.
Renewable energy sources can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and also helps to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions.
Delay in Commissioning of Power Plants: There is a significant. delay in commissioning of new
power plants that can fill the gap between demand and supply of energy. The result is that old plants come
under huge stress to meet the daily demand for power. When supply doesn't matches demand, it results in
load shedding and breakdown.
Wastage of Energy: In most parts of the India, people do not realize the importance of conserving
energy. It is only limited to books, internet, newspaper ads, lip service and seminars. Unless we give it a
serious thought, things are not going to change anytime sooner. Simple things like switching off fans and
lights when not in use, using maximum daylight, walking instead of driving for short distances, using CFL
instead of traditional bulbs, proper insulation for leakage of energy can go a long way in saving energy.
Poor Distribution System: Frequent tripping and breakdown are result of a poor distribution
system.
Major Accidents and Natural Calamities: Major accidents like pipeline burst and natural
calamities like eruption of volcanoes, floods, earthquakes can also cause interruptions to energy supplies.
The huge gap between supply and demand of energy can raise the price of essential items which can
give rise to inflation.
Miscellaneous Factors: Tax hikes, strikes, military coup, war, political events, severe hot summers
or cold winters can cause sudden increase in demand of energy and can choke supply. A strike by unions in
an oil producing firm can definitely cause an energy crisis.
Remedies
 Move Towards Renewable Resources
 Buy Energy Efficient products
 Lighting Controls Easier Grid Access
 Energy Simulation
 Perform Energy Audit
 Common Stand on Climate Change
There are many global initiatives that are working toward resolving the energy crisis. This has taken the
form of increased regulation and restriction on carbon emissions, the promotion of greener manufacturing
and construction projects, the funding of research into hybrid technologies and more sustainable
technologies and more. Locally, more communities are seeing beyond the recycle bin and recognizing that
how the community uses their local resources is important too. More community gardens, parks and farmer's
markets are springing up not only as a means of introducing more sustainable elements into people's, but as
an important part of educating the public about the importance of resources.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Our Mother Earth is currently facing lot of environmental issues. The environmental problems like
global warming, acid rain, air pollution, urban sprawl, waste disposal, ozone layer depletion, water
pollution, climate change and many more affect every human, animal and nation on this planet. Over the last
few decades, the exploitation of our planet and degradation of our environment have gone up at an alarming
rate. As our actions have been not in favor of protecting this planet, we have seen natural disasters striking
us more often in the form of flash floods, tsunamis and cyclones.
Different environmental groups around the world play their role in educating people as to how their
small actions when combined together can play a big role in protecting this planet. If you look at the
environment around us, you can see that there are a number of issues that come to our attention. Here are
some of the most important environmental concerns to keep an eye on today.
1. Air Pollution: Pollution of air, water and soil take a huge number of years to recover. Industry and engine
vehicle fumes are the most obvious toxins. Substantial metals, nitrates and plastic are poisons in charge of
pollution. While water contamination is brought about by oil slicks, acid rain, and urban sprawl; air
contamination is created by different gasses and poisons discharged by businesses and manufacturing plants
and burning of fossil fills; soil contamination is majorly created by mechanical waste that takes supplements
out of the soil.
2. Water Pollution: Clean drinking water is turning into an uncommon thing. Water is turning into a
monetary and political concern as the human populace battles for this need. Waste from industrial and
agricultural activities pollute the water that is used by humans, animals and plants.
3. Soil and Land Pollution Land pollution simply means : and degradation of earth's surface as a result of
human activities like mining, littering, deforestation, industrial, construction agricultural activities. Land
pollution can have huge environmental impact in the form of air pollution and soil pollution which in turn
can have adverse effect on human health.
4. Climate Change: Climate change is yet another environmental concern that has surfaced in last couple of
decades. Environmental change has different destructive impacts that include, but are not limited to, the
melting of polar ice, change in seasons, new sicknesses, and change in general climate situation.
5. Global Warming: Environmental asset abuse is also an important environmental concern. Fossil fuel
utilization brings about discharge of greenhouse gasses, which causes environmental change. However,
individuals are taking endeavors to move to renewable energy sources.
6. Deforestation: Our woodlands create new oxygen and additionally help in managing temperature and
precipitation. At present, timberlands cover 30% of the area, but wooded areas are being lost on a regular
basis because people are looking for homes, food, and materials. Deforestation is a huge problem and will
just continue to get worse.
7. Increased Carbon Footprint: Temperature increases, like climate change, are the consequence of human
practices, including the use of greenhouse gasses. When the atmosphere changes and the heat increases, it
can cause a number of problems and start to destroy the world we live in.
8. Loss of Biodiversity: Biodiversity is yet another casualty due to the impact of human beings on the
environment. It is the result of 3.5 billion years of evolution. Habitat destruction is a major cause for
biodiversity loss. Habitat loss is caused by deforestation. overpopulation, pollution and global warming.
9. Household and Industrial Waste: The over utilization of assets and formation of plastics are making a
worldwide emergency of waste transfer Developed nations are infamous for creating an unreasonable
measure of waste or junk and dumping their waste in the seas and, less created nations.
10. Ozone Layer Depletion: The ozone layer is an undetectable layer of protection around the planet that
secures us from the sun's unsafe beams. Depletion of the critical Ozone layer of the air is credited to
contamination brought about by Bromide and Chlorine found in Chlorofloro carbons (CFC's). When these
poisonous gasses each the upper parts of the atmosphere, they cause a gap in the ozone layer, the greatest of
which is over the Antarctic.
11. Resource Depletion: Non-renewable resources are limited and will get expired one day. Consumption of
fossil fuels at an alarming rate can lead to global warming which can further result in melting of polar ice
caps and increase in sea levels.
12. Nuclear Issues: Radioactive waste is a nuclear fuel that contains radioactive substance and is a by-
product of nuclear power generation. The radioactive waste is an environmental concern that is extremely
toxic and can have devastating effect on the lives of the people living nearby, if not disposed properly.
Radioactive waste is considered to be harmful for humans, plants, animals and surrounding environment.
13. Loss of Endangered Species: Human overpopulation is prompting the elimination of species and
environmental surroundings and the loss of various biomes, Environmental frameworks, which took a huge
number of years to come into being, are in risk when any species populace is huge.
14. Acid Rain: Acid rain happens because of the vicinity of specific poisons in the climate. Corrosive
downpour might be brought about because of use of fossil fuels or volcanoes or spoiling vegetation which
discharge sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the air.