Environmental concerns
A.6 Environmental Concerns
A.6.1 Pollutions
A.6.1.1 Air Pollution
- Definition: Presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere that can cause health and environmental issues.
- Main Pollutants:
- Particulate Matter (PM2.5, PM10)
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
- Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Ozone (O3)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Sources:
- Industrial emissions
- Vehicle exhaust
- Agricultural burning
- Construction activities
- Effects:
- Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases
- Acid rain
- Smog formation
- Climate change (e.g., greenhouse gases)
- Key Events:
- 1952: Great Smog of London (12,000 deaths)
- 1970: Clean Air Act (USA)
- 1987: Montreal Protocol (reduces ozone-depleting substances)
A.6.1.2 Water Pollution
- Definition: Contamination of water bodies by harmful substances.
- Main Pollutants:
- Industrial effluents
- Agricultural runoff (pesticides, fertilizers)
- Domestic sewage
- Oil spills
- Heavy metals (mercury, lead)
- Effects:
- Health issues (e.g., cholera, typhoid)
- Eutrophication
- Loss of aquatic biodiversity
- Key Events:
- 1969: Cuyahoga River fire (USA)
- 1972: Clean Water Act (USA)
- 2010: Deepwater Horizon oil spill (BP)
A.6.1.3 Land Pollution
- Definition: Contamination or degradation of land due to human activities.
- Main Causes:
- Industrial waste
- Plastic waste
- Agricultural chemicals
- Mining
- Urbanization
- Effects:
- Soil degradation
- Loss of arable land
- Water contamination
- Harm to flora and fauna
- Key Events:
- 1970s: Rise in plastic waste
- 2015: UN report on plastic pollution
- 2020: India’s Plastic Waste Management Rules
A.6.1.4 Noise Pollution
- Definition: Unwanted or excessive sound that disturbs the environment.
- Sources:
- Traffic
- Industrial machinery
- Construction
- Loudspeakers
- Effects:
- Hearing loss
- Stress and sleep disorders
- Impact on wildlife
- Key Events:
- 1970: Noise Pollution Act (India)
- 1980s: WHO guidelines on noise levels
- 2010s: Smart city initiatives to reduce noise
A.6.2 Change in Climatic Patterns
A.6.2.1 Global Warming
- Definition: Long-term rise in Earth’s average temperature, primarily due to human activities.
- Main Cause:
- Greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, CH4, N2O)
- Key Effects:
- Melting of polar ice caps
- Rising sea levels
- Extreme weather events
- Shift in ecosystems
- Key Events:
- 1880: Start of modern temperature records
- 1958: Establishment of Mauna Loa Observatory (Keeling Curve)
- 2016: Warmest year on record (NASA)
- 2023: 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels (IPCC)
A.6.2.2 Climate Change
- Definition: Broad term encompassing changes in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns.
- Key Differences:
- Global Warming: Focuses on temperature increase
- Climate Change: Encompasses all changes in climate systems
- Key Effects:
- Droughts and floods
- Shift in agricultural zones
- Migration of species
- Increased frequency of natural disasters
- Key Events:
- 1988: IPCC formed
- 1997: Kyoto Protocol
- 2015: Paris Agreement
- 2023: UN Climate Change Conference (COP28)
A.6.3 Causes and Effects of Environmental Concerns
A.6.3.1 Causes
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Industrialization | Emissions of pollutants and resource depletion |
| Urbanization | Increased waste, traffic, and land use |
| Deforestation | Loss of carbon sinks and biodiversity |
| Overpopulation | Strain on natural resources and waste generation |
| Agricultural Practices | Use of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation |
| Fossil Fuel Use | Major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions |
A.6.3.2 Effects
| Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Health Issues | Respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders |
| Biodiversity Loss | Extinction of species and ecosystem imbalance |
| Economic Impact | Loss of agricultural productivity and increased healthcare costs |
| Climate Disruption | Extreme weather, sea-level rise, and shifting climate zones |
| Social Impact | Migration, conflict over resources, and inequality |
A.6.3.3 Important Terms and Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Greenhouse Effect | Natural process where gases trap heat in the atmosphere |
| Carbon Footprint | Total greenhouse gas emissions from an individual, organization, or product |
| Sustainable Development | Meeting present needs without compromising future generations |
| Ecosystem Services | Benefits provided by ecosystems to humans (e.g., clean air, water) |
| Carbon Neutrality | Balancing emissions with removal of carbon dioxide |
A.6.3.4 Frequently Asked Questions (SSC, RRB)
-
Q. What is the main cause of global warming?
A. Increased emission of greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O) from human activities. -
Q. What is the Kyoto Protocol?
A. An international treaty adopted in 1997 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. -
Q. What is the Clean Air Act?
A. A U.S. law enacted in 1970 to control air pollution. -
Q. What is the Great Smog of London?
A. A severe air pollution event in 1952 that caused thousands of deaths. -
Q. What is the Montreal Protocol?
A. An international treaty adopted in 1987 to protect the ozone layer. -
Q. What is the main pollutant in the atmosphere?
A. Carbon dioxide (CO2). -
Q. What is the primary cause of water pollution?
A. Industrial and agricultural runoff. -
Q. What is the main source of noise pollution?
A. Traffic and industrial activities. -
Q. What is the main effect of deforestation?
A. Loss of carbon sinks and biodiversity. -
Q. What is the primary impact of climate change on agriculture?
A. Shift in crop zones and reduced productivity.
BETA
