Green Skills Class 10 Notes PDF- Short Notes
Society and Environment
Over the years, with economic development, there has been an increase in environmental pollution. For example, with the introduction of high-input agriculture, we can grow more food by using fertilizers, pesticides, and hybrid crops. But it has led to soil and environmental degradation. We need to plan the use of resources in a sustainable manner so that we and our future generations can enjoy a good environment.
What is Sustainable Development?
Sustainable development is the development that satisfies the needs of the present without compromising the capacity of future generations, guaranteeing the balance between economic growth, care for the environment, and social well-being.
Importance of Sustainable Development
Sustainable development is defined as ‘development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’ (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987). For example, sustainable agriculture consists of environment-friendly methods of farming that allow the production of crops or livestock without damage to human or natural systems. It also involves preventing the use of chemicals to avoid adverse effects on soil, water, and biodiversity.
Problems Related to Sustainable Development
Three major problems related to sustainable development are:
(a) Food: The amount of rich, fertile land needed to grow crops, such as wheat, rice, etc., is becoming less as we are using up more and more land for other purposes. Soil nutrients are also getting depleted and lots of chemicals are spoiling the soil due to the use of chemical fertilizers.
(b) Water: We use freshwater from rivers and ponds for drinking and cleaning but dump garbage into them. The rivers and ponds are getting polluted. This way after several years, we will have no clean water for our use.
(c) Fuel: We are using a lot of wood from trees as fuels and for the construction of homes and furniture. As more and more trees are being cut, it is affecting the climate of the place. Extreme weather conditions, such as floods, extreme cold, or heat, are seen in many places, which affect the people living there.
Sustainable development includes
- reducing excessive use of resources and enhancing resource conservation;
- recycling and reuse of waste materials;
- scientific management of renewable resources, especially bio-resources;
- planting more trees; green grassy patches and trees to be interspersed between concrete buildings;
- using more environmentally friendly material or biodegradable material and
- use of technologies, which are environmentally friendly and based on efficient use of resources.
Green Skills Class 10 Notes PDF- Goals
Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were launched at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in New York in September 2015, forming the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It has set targets that the countries have should work towards and achieve by 2030.
Sustainable Development Initiatives
When plastics were banned by the municipal corporation of Mangalore, an innovator and entrepreneur Mr. Avasth Hedge found an eco-friendly alternative. He made a 100 percent bio-degradable bag that can dissolve in hot water and decompose in the natural environment. This is now being used in many countries and is going to help the environment.
Another innovative idea was to stop the use of plastics spoons, forks, etc. Narayana Peesapaty made edible cutlery made out of a grain — these spoons can be eaten and even if they are not eaten they will easily decompose in the soil enriching it
Sustainable Processes
Some practices, such as organic farming, vermicomposting and rainwater harvesting are being used to help preserve the environment. Organic farming is where farmers do not use chemical pesticides and fertilizers to increase their production. They use organic and natural fertilizers, such as cow dung to help in growing crops. This helps in better quality chemical-free crops while at the same time maintaining the soil quality for future use.
Our Role in Sustainable
Sustainable development can happen only when each one of us works towards it. We have to become responsible environmental citizens who can protect the environment through our efforts. Here are some basic ways in which people can help towards Sustainable Development Goals.
Quality Education
Education is the most important factor for sustainable development. Children who have gone to school will be able to do jobs so that they can take care of themselves and their families. Education helps us become aware of our role as responsible citizens. We should
- use the facilities present in our areas.
- take our friends to school.
- help friends study.
- stop friends from dropping out of school.
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