Journal Work / Seminar Work (जर्नल कार्य / सेमिनार कार्य)
Q. What are different environmental factors that affect human health?
Natural resources are a gift to human life. Good quality of air, water, soil, and biodiversity enhances human health and well-being. But when these resources degrade, it results in ill health, morbidity, and even a shorter life span.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being; not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
An unhealthy environment increases:
- Mental stress and anxiety
- Chances of cancer and chronic diseases
- Disabilities of body organs
- Strain on physical and reproductive capabilities
Industrialization and over-consumerism are the main causes of natural resource pollution. The destruction of natural habitats affects agriculture, animal husbandry, aquatic flora and fauna. It also increases malnutrition, poverty, and outbreaks of various diseases.
Key Environmental Factors:
- Water and Health
- Water resources and their quality are degrading rapidly in India.
- More than 50% of India’s population lacks access to potable water.
- 80% of diseases are water-borne (e.g., cholera, typhoid, diarrhea, hepatitis).
- Over 13 million people die each year due to unsafe water conditions.
- Air and Health
- Polluted air contains harmful primary and secondary pollutants.
- Inhalation of such air leads to respiratory, heart, and lung disorders.
- Long-term exposure increases cancer risk.
- Soil and Health
- Inappropriate agricultural practices contaminate food.
- Harmful chemicals and non-biodegradable compounds enter the food chain, causing bio-magnification.
- Consumption of contaminated food leads to diseases like cancer, infertility, and hormonal disorders.
👉 Preventive measures are necessary to reduce these impacts and protect human health.
Q. Explain the impacts of climate change.
Climate refers to the average weather pattern of a place over a long period. Climate changes may occur naturally, but human-induced changes have greater and more serious impacts.
By 2050, the world is predicted to warm by 1.5–4.5°C due to human activities like fossil fuel burning and deforestation.
Greenhouse Effect
- Normally, the Earth absorbs solar radiation, some heat is radiated back, and balance is maintained.
- Gases like CO₂, SO₂, and NO₂ trap heat in the troposphere, acting like glass in a greenhouse.
- This trapping of heat leads to global warming.
Major Impacts:
- Temperature Rise – Earth’s mean temperature may rise by 1.5–4.5°C by 2050.
- Sea Level Rise – Glacial melting has already caused sea levels to rise by 10–30 cm in the last century. Small islands (e.g., Maldives) are at high risk.
- Agriculture – Some regions may become hotter/drier, others wetter/cooler, affecting crop yield and food security.
- Human Health – More deaths due to heatwaves, vector-borne diseases (Malaria, Dengue, Encephalitis), and increase in water- and air-borne diseases.
Q. Explain the role of individuals and community for sustainable lifestyle.
Role of Individuals:
- Use resources like food, water, energy, land, and forests wisely.
- Follow the 4R principles: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover.
- Adopt eco-friendly habits in daily life.
Role of Community:
- A community can bring large-scale change through collective participation.
- Example: Ralegan Siddhi, a model village in Maharashtra, achieved prosperity through community-driven sustainable development.
Role of Government:
Government of India supports sustainable development through various policies and programmes:
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan – Sanitation and hygiene for all (SDG 6).
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana
- Ujjwala Yojana – Clean cooking fuel.
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Housing for all.
- Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan – Universal education.
- Namami Gange Abhiyan – River Ganga conservation.
Q. What is eco-labelling? What are its advantages?
In recent years, people have become more aware of environmental deterioration. There is a growing demand for eco-friendly goods and services.
Eco-labelling refers to the use of labels or logos on products to indicate their environmental friendliness. It informs consumers about a product’s sustainability and helps them make conscious choices.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed eco-labelling schemes globally, covering pollution control, energy consumption, and sustainability.
Benefits of Eco-Labelling:
- Informs customers about eco-friendly products (e.g., recycled paper, non-toxic cleaners).
- Promotes energy efficiency and waste minimization.
- Reduces environmental damage.
- Improves industry image and increases product sales.
- Enhances consumer awareness and encourages eco-friendly purchases.
- Makes industries more accountable for producing sustainable products.
Q. Explain water scarcity in India.
Water is vital for life. By 2025, over 50 countries (including India) will face water scarcity problems.
Causes of Scarcity in India:
- Uneven distribution of rainfall.
- India’s average rainfall is 117 cm, while Maharashtra receives less (≈100 cm).
- Konkan region gets over 300 cm rainfall, but parts of Sangli, Satara, Solapur, and Marathwada get less than 50 cm.
- Amboli and Gadchiroli receive heavy rainfall, but water scarcity occurs in summer due to poor storage and high surface runoff.
Future Concerns:
- Rising demand for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use.
- Possible water wars in future.
- Inter-state conflicts over river water sharing.
Major Water Disputes:
- Krishna River – Flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Disputes over water distribution led to a tribunal in 1969.
- Godavari River – Originates at Nashik (Maharashtra) and flows through Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. Multipurpose projects provide irrigation and power, but disputes arose over sharing benefits.
👉 Government tribunals were set up to resolve such disputes, but water scarcity remains a major challenge for India.
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