Class 12 : Poltical Science (English) – Lesson 6.Environment and Natural Resources

EXPLANATION & SUMMARY

🌍 Lesson Explanation

🔷 1. Introduction
The environment is the foundation of human life. It provides air, water, soil, energy, and other natural resources necessary for survival.
But human activities like industrialisation, deforestation, pollution, and overconsumption have created global environmental challenges.
This lesson explores how environment and natural resources have become key concerns in world politics.
💡 Key Idea: The environment is no longer just a national issue — it is a global concern requiring international cooperation.

🔷 2. Importance of Environment in Global Politics
Earlier, global politics focused mainly on security, trade, and power.
Now, environmental protection and sustainable resource management are central to international relations.

Reasons: 1️⃣ Rising global warming and climate change.

2️⃣ Increasing resource scarcity (water, oil, minerals).

3️⃣ Impact of industrial pollution on all nations.

4️⃣ Need for cooperative global response.
🧭 Conclusion: Environmental issues are interconnected and require collective action.

🔷 3. Global Environmental Concerns
Environmental issues cross national borders; hence they need international governance.
🌱 Main Global Concerns:
1️⃣ Global Warming – rise in Earth’s temperature due to greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄).

2️⃣ Climate Change – altered rainfall patterns, melting glaciers, rising sea levels.

3️⃣ Ozone Depletion – due to use of CFCs; leads to harmful UV radiation.

4️⃣ Loss of Biodiversity – extinction of species due to deforestation and pollution.

5️⃣ Deforestation – cutting of forests for urbanisation and agriculture.

6️⃣ Pollution – air, water, and soil pollution affecting health and ecosystems.
💡 Impact: These problems threaten human survival, food security, and economic stability.

🔷 4. Environmental Degradation and Its Causes
🔹 a. Industrialisation:
Factories emit greenhouse gases, cause deforestation and waste dumping.

🔹 b. Urbanisation:
Cities consume huge energy, produce pollution, and reduce green cover.

🔹 c. Population Growth:
More people = more resource consumption and waste.

🔹 d. Unsustainable Development:
Focus on economic growth without regard for ecological balance.

🔹 e. Overexploitation:
Intensive mining, fishing, and agriculture deplete resources.
🧭 Result: Earth’s carrying capacity is under stress, creating ecological imbalance.

🔷 5. Global Responses and Agreements
🌍 Stockholm Conference (1972):
First major international conference on environment.
Recognised link between development and environment.

🌍 Brundtland Report (1987):
Introduced concept of Sustainable Development:
“Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising future generations.”

🌍 Rio Earth Summit (1992):
Adopted Agenda 21 and Rio Declaration.
Led to UNFCCC and Convention on Biodiversity.

🌍 Kyoto Protocol (1997):
Set binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

🌍 Paris Agreement (2015):
Global commitment to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C.
Focuses on national contributions and renewable energy.
💡 Lesson: Environmental issues require cooperation, not competition.

🔷 6. Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)
This principle recognises: ✔️ All nations share responsibility to protect environment.
✔️ But developed countries should bear greater burden because:
They caused most historical pollution.
They have more resources and technology.
🧭 Developing nations argue for environmental justice and equity.

🔷 7. North–South Divide
The Global North (developed) and Global South (developing) differ in priorities.
Aspect Developed Countries Developing Countries
Focus Climate protection Development needs
Responsibility Historical polluters Lower contribution
Expectation Emission cuts by all More aid and technology
💡 Conflict: Development vs Environment — balance needed through sustainable development.

🔷 8. Sustainable Development
A model that integrates economic growth, social equality, and environmental protection.
🌿 Principles:
1️⃣ Use resources wisely.
2️⃣ Protect ecosystems.
3️⃣ Meet needs of poor.
4️⃣ Inter-generational equity.
🧭 Goal: Harmony between nature and human progress.

🔷 9. India’s Environmental Policy
🇮🇳 Main Features:
✔️ Constitutional duty under Article 48A and 51A(g).
✔️ Laws: Environment Protection Act (1986), Forest Conservation Act (1980).
✔️ National missions on climate change, renewable energy, afforestation.
✔️ Active role in Paris Agreement.
✔️ Focus on sustainable agriculture and clean energy.
💡 India advocates equity and justice in global environmental policies.

🔷 10. Resource Politics
Natural resources like oil, water, gas, coal, minerals are vital for survival.
Competition for resources often causes conflicts.
🛢️ Oil Politics:
West Asian countries control major oil reserves → geopolitical tensions.
💧 Water Conflicts:
Disputes over rivers (e.g. Indus, Jordan, Nile).
🌾 Food and Forests:
Overuse of soil, deforestation → ecological crises.
🧭 Solution: Promote shared management and resource diplomacy.

🔷 11. Global Commons
Certain resources belong to all humanity, not one country.
Examples:
🌊 Oceans, 🌬️ Atmosphere, 🏔️ Antarctica, 🌌 Outer Space.
🧭 Challenge: Overexploitation and lack of enforcement.
Need for international agreements to protect commons.

🔷 12. Role of NGOs and Civil Society
NGOs like Greenpeace, WWF, Friends of Earth raise awareness and pressure governments.
Local movements: Chipko, Narmada Bachao Andolan emphasise community-based conservation.
💡 Participation of people is crucial for effective environmental governance.

🔷 13. Environmental Movements in India
1️⃣ Chipko Movement (1970s) – villagers protected forests.
2️⃣ Narmada Bachao Andolan – against displacement and dam projects.
3️⃣ Appiko Movement – in Karnataka, inspired by Chipko.
🧭 These highlight link between ecology and social justice.

🔷 14. Climate Justice
Developing nations argue:
They suffer more from climate change.
They contributed less to emissions.
Hence, demand climate justice and financial support.
Mechanisms:
✔️ Green Climate Fund.
✔️ Technology Transfer from developed countries.

🔷 15. Role of United Nations
UN leads global environmental efforts:
UNEP – coordinates global environmental activities.
UNFCCC – framework for climate action.
IPCC – scientific assessment of climate change.
💡 UN plays mediator role to achieve global consensus.

🔷 16. Environmental Security
Environmental degradation leads to conflicts, migration, and disasters.
Hence, environmental protection = security strategy.
🧭 Example: Droughts, floods, and desertification create refugee crises.

🔷 17. Challenges Ahead
1️⃣ Balancing growth and ecology.
2️⃣ Ensuring fair global agreements.
3️⃣ Managing population pressure.
4️⃣ Adopting green technology.
5️⃣ Achieving sustainable lifestyle.

🔷 18. Way Forward
Strengthen international cooperation.
Invest in renewable energy.
Promote environmental education.
Implement strict laws and public participation.
🧭 Humanity must act collectively to ensure a green and secure planet.

🧾 Summary (≈200 words)
Environmental issues have become central to global politics. Problems like climate change, global warming, deforestation, and pollution threaten the planet. International efforts such as the Stockholm Conference (1972), Rio Earth Summit (1992), Kyoto Protocol (1997), and Paris Agreement (2015) aim to promote cooperation.
The principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) recognises that developed countries must take greater responsibility. Sustainable development is the guiding principle to balance growth with ecological protection.
India’s policy combines development and conservation, with strong environmental laws and international participation.
Resource politics and the protection of global commons are vital for peace and equity.
Environmental security, climate justice, and community participation are key for the future.
The world needs a shared vision to protect nature for present and future generations.

📝 Quick Recap (≈100 words)
✔️ Global concerns: climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss.
✔️ Key summits: Stockholm (1972), Rio (1992), Paris (2015).
✔️ CBDR principle: shared but unequal responsibility.
✔️ Sustainable development: harmony of growth and ecology.
✔️ India’s policy: laws + clean energy + global cooperation.
✔️ Resource politics: conflicts over oil, water, minerals.
✔️ Global commons: oceans, air, Antarctica, space.
✔️ Need: cooperation, justice, and public participation.
🧭 Conclusion: Protecting the environment is a global duty for survival and peace.

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QUESTIONS FROM TEXTBOOK

🔵 Question 1:
Which among the following best explains the reason for growing concerns about the environment?
🟡 a. The developed countries are concerned about protecting nature.
🟢 b. Protection of the environment is vital for indigenous people and natural habitats.
🔴 c. The environmental degradation caused by human activities has become pervasive and has reached a dangerous level.
🟠 d. None of the above.
🟢 Answer: c. The environmental degradation caused by human activities has become pervasive and has reached a dangerous level.
✏️ Explanation: Growing concerns stem from large-scale pollution, deforestation, and global warming threatening the planet’s survival.

🔵 Question 2:
Mark correct or wrong against each of the following statements about the Earth Summit:
a. It was attended by 170 countries, thousands of NGOs and many MNCs.
b. The summit was held under the aegis of the UN.
c. For the first time, global environmental issues were firmly consolidated at the political level.
d. It was a summit meeting.
🟢 Answer:
a. ✔️ Correct
b. ✔️ Correct
c. ✔️ Correct
d. ✔️ Correct
💡 Concept: The Earth Summit (Rio de Janeiro, 1992) was a major global meeting that addressed environmental protection and sustainable development.

🔵 Question 3:
Which among the following are TRUE about the global commons?
🟡 a. The Earth’s atmosphere, Antarctica, ocean floor and outer space are considered as part of the global commons.
🟢 b. The global commons are outside sovereign jurisdiction.
🔴 c. The question of managing the global commons has reflected the North–South divide.
🟠 d. The countries of the North are more concerned about the protection of the global commons than the countries of the South.
🟢 Answer: a, b, c
✏️ Explanation: Global commons are resources shared by all humanity beyond national control; their management reveals conflicts between developed and developing nations.

🔵 Question 4:
What were the outcomes of the Rio Summit?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Adoption of Agenda 21 for sustainable development.
✔️ Agreement on Rio Declaration linking environment and development.
✔️ Establishment of UNFCCC (climate change) and Convention on Biodiversity.
✔️ Recognition of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).
💡 Key Idea: It laid the foundation for future global environmental cooperation.

🔵 Question 5:
What is meant by the global commons? How are they exploited and polluted?
🟢 Answer:
🌍 Global commons refer to areas beyond national jurisdiction like atmosphere, oceans, Antarctica, and outer space.
They are shared resources meant for collective use.
But they face:
✔️ Overfishing and ocean pollution 🌊
✔️ Air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions 🌫️
✔️ Exploitation of Antarctica’s resources 🧊
✔️ Space debris in outer space 🛰️
💡 Conclusion: Lack of ownership leads to overuse and degradation.

🔵 Question 6:
What is meant by ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’? How could we implement the idea?
🟢 Answer:
💡 It means all nations share the duty to protect the environment, but developed countries must take greater responsibility because:
✔️ They caused more historical pollution.
✔️ They have more resources and technology.
🧭 Implementation:
✔️ Developed nations to reduce emissions more.
✔️ Provide finance and technology to developing countries.
✔️ Support Green Climate Fund and renewable energy programs.

🔵 Question 7:
Why have issues related to global environmental protection become the priority concern of states since the 1990s?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Rapid industrialisation and globalisation increased pollution.
✔️ Global warming and ozone depletion became major threats.
✔️ Earth Summit (1992) created awareness and commitments.
✔️ Environmental degradation began affecting economy and security.
💡 Result: States realised that environmental protection is essential for sustainable development and survival.

🔵 Question 8:
Compromise and accommodation are the two essential policies required by states to save planet Earth. Substantiate the statement in the light of the ongoing negotiations between the North and South on environmental issues.
🟢 Answer:
🌍 Explanation:
✔️ Developed nations (North) must compromise by accepting higher responsibility and emission cuts.
✔️ Developing nations (South) must accommodate by adopting eco-friendly practices.
✔️ Dialogue under UNFCCC and Paris Agreement reflects mutual cooperation.
✔️ Shared solutions ensure environmental justice and global equity.
💡 Conclusion: Collective compromise is vital to save Earth.

🔵 Question 9:
The most serious challenge before the states is pursuing economic development without causing further damage to the global environment. How could we achieve this? Explain with a few examples.
🟢 Answer:
🌱 Sustainable development is the key.
✔️ Promote renewable energy (solar, wind).
✔️ Adopt green technologies and reduce fossil fuels.
✔️ Enforce strict pollution control laws.
✔️ Encourage afforestation and resource recycling.
✔️ Examples: India’s National Solar Mission, Clean Energy Initiatives, Plastic bans.
💡 Goal: Achieve growth with ecological balance.

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OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMS

🌍 Section A – Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each)
(Each question carries 1 mark. Choose the correct option.)
🔵 Question 1: Which among the following best explains the reason for growing concerns about the environment?
🟣 a. The developed countries are concerned about protecting nature.
🟢 b. Protection of the environment is vital for indigenous people and natural habitats.
🟠 c. The environmental degradation caused by human activities has become pervasive and has reached a dangerous level.
🔴 d. None of the above.
🟩 Answer: c

🔵 Question 2: The Earth Summit was attended by —
🟣 a. 150 countries, NGOs and many MNCs
🟢 b. 170 countries, thousands of NGOs and many MNCs
🟠 c. 180 countries and 500 NGOs
🔴 d. 200 countries and 1000 MNCs
🟩 Answer: b

🔵 Question 3: The Earth Summit was held at —
🟣 a. Rio de Janeiro
🟢 b. Geneva
🟠 c. Kyoto
🔴 d. New York
🟩 Answer: a

🔵 Question 4: Which among the following is TRUE about the global commons?
🟣 a. The Earth’s atmosphere, Antarctica, ocean floor and outer space are considered as part of the global commons.
🟢 b. The global commons are outside sovereign jurisdiction.
🟠 c. The question of managing the global commons has reflected the North–South divide.
🔴 d. All of the above
🟩 Answer: d

🔵 Question 5: Which among the following is NOT a global common?
🟣 a. Antarctica
🟢 b. Ocean floor
🟠 c. Earth’s atmosphere
🔴 d. Himalayas
🟩 Answer: d

🔵 Question 6: The principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’ was adopted at —
🟣 a. Rio Summit
🟢 b. Kyoto Conference
🟠 c. Paris Summit
🔴 d. Montreal Protocol
🟩 Answer: a

🔵 Question 7: Which of the following statements is Correct regarding global environmental issues?
🟣 a. Developed countries are the main contributors to environmental degradation.
🟢 b. Developing countries are primarily responsible for global warming.
🟠 c. All countries contribute equally.
🔴 d. Environmental concerns are limited to industrialised nations.
🟩 Answer: a

🔵 Question 8: Which of the following is an Outcome of the Earth Summit?
🟣 a. Agenda 21
🟢 b. UNFCCC
🟠 c. Both a and b
🔴 d. None of the above
🟩 Answer: c

🔵 Question 9: Which of the following global commons faces threat due to overfishing?
🟣 a. Antarctica
🟢 b. Ocean floor
🟠 c. Outer space
🔴 d. Atmosphere
🟩 Answer: b

🔵 Question 10: Which principle ensures fairness between developed and developing countries?
🟣 a. Polluter Pays Principle
🟢 b. Common but Differentiated Responsibilities
🟠 c. Sustainable Development
🔴 d. Environmental Equity
🟩 Answer: b

🔵 Question 11: The Rio Summit took place in —
🟣 a. 1990
🟢 b. 1992
🟠 c. 1995
🔴 d. 1997
🟩 Answer: b

🔵 Question 12: The major global environmental issue in Antarctica is —
🟣 a. Mining
🟢 b. Ozone depletion
🟠 c. Deforestation
🔴 d. Industrialisation
🟩 Answer: b

🧠 End of Section A (12 × 1 = 12 Marks)

🌿 Section B – Short Answer Type (2 marks each)
(Answer each in 50–60 words)
🔵 Question 13: What were the outcomes of the Rio Summit?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ The Rio Summit (1992) produced Agenda 21, a blueprint for sustainable development.
✔️ It established the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).
✔️ Led to creation of key treaties: UNFCCC and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
✔️ Highlighted cooperation between North and South on environmental issues.

🔵 Question 14: What is meant by the term ‘global commons’?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Global commons are areas beyond the jurisdiction of any single nation.
✔️ They include Antarctica, high seas, outer space, and the atmosphere.
✔️ They are shared resources whose exploitation affects all nations.
✔️ Managing them requires international cooperation and collective responsibility.

🔵 Question 15: What is meant by ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Principle stating that all states share environmental responsibility, but not equally.
✔️ Developed nations bear greater responsibility due to historical pollution.
✔️ Developing countries get flexibility and support to balance growth with sustainability.
✔️ Adopted at Rio Summit (1992).

🔵 Question 16: Why have issues related to global environmental protection become a priority since the 1990s?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Due to rising global warming, ozone depletion, pollution, and deforestation.
✔️ Rapid industrialisation increased pressure on natural resources.
✔️ Global awareness through UN summits highlighted cross-border impacts.
✔️ Need for sustainable development made it a top global agenda.

🔵 Question 17: What is the main conflict between developed and developing countries over environmental issues?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Developed nations demand equal commitment; developing nations seek equity.
✔️ Disagreement on emission targets, funding, and technology transfer.
✔️ Developing countries stress historical responsibility of industrial nations.
✔️ Debate over balancing growth with sustainability.

🔵 Question 18: What was the Agenda 21?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ A comprehensive action plan adopted at the Rio Summit (1992).
✔️ Promoted sustainable development through global-local cooperation.
✔️ Covered areas like poverty reduction, resource conservation, and population control.
✔️ Encouraged public participation and global partnership.

🌳 Section C – Long Answer Type I (4 marks each)
(Answer each in 100–120 words)
🔵 Question 19: What were the outcomes of the Rio Summit (1992)?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ The Rio Summit (1992), also known as the Earth Summit, marked a turning point in international environmental diplomacy.
✔️ It adopted Agenda 21, a comprehensive plan for sustainable development globally and locally.
✔️ The summit introduced the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), recognising varying capacities of nations.
✔️ Two important conventions emerged:
🌿 UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)
🌿 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
✔️ It established the need for cooperation between North and South in addressing global environmental issues.

🔵 Question 20: What is meant by the term ‘global commons’? How are they exploited?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Global commons are resources that lie outside the jurisdiction of any one nation and belong to all humanity.
✔️ Examples: Antarctica, high seas, outer space, and atmosphere.
✔️ They are exploited through:
🔹 Overfishing in oceans
🔹 Excessive emission of greenhouse gases
🔹 Space debris due to satellite launches
✔️ Such exploitation leads to depletion, pollution, and climate imbalance, affecting all nations equally.
✔️ Hence, collective responsibility and international agreements are essential for their protection.

🔵 Question 21: Explain the idea of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’ with examples.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ The concept means that all nations share responsibility for protecting the environment, but their obligations differ based on capabilities and historical contributions.
✔️ Developed countries bear greater responsibility due to industrial pollution since the 19th century.
✔️ Developing countries focus on growth but must adopt sustainable practices.
✔️ Example:
🌍 Kyoto Protocol – binding emission targets for developed countries
🌍 Paris Agreement – allows nationally determined contributions
✔️ This principle ensures equity and fairness in global environmental governance.

🔵 Question 22: Why have issues related to global environmental protection become a priority since the 1990s?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ The 1990s saw an increase in awareness of global issues like climate change, ozone depletion, and deforestation.
✔️ Rapid industrialisation and population growth led to unsustainable exploitation of resources.
✔️ The Rio Summit (1992) made environmental protection a global agenda.
✔️ Media, NGOs, and international organisations like UNEP and IPCC highlighted global threats.
✔️ The need for sustainable development became central to ensure balance between progress and nature.

🔵 Question 23: Why is cooperation between North and South necessary for environmental protection?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ The North (developed countries) has technology and finance, while the South (developing countries) holds biodiversity and resources.
✔️ Environmental challenges like climate change are global; no nation can tackle them alone.
✔️ Cooperation ensures technology transfer, funding, and shared knowledge.
✔️ It reduces mistrust and promotes equitable burden-sharing.
✔️ Example: Green Climate Fund supports developing countries in adopting clean energy.

🧠 End of Section C (5 × 4 = 20 Marks)

🌎 Section D – Source/Map-Based Questions (4 marks each)
🔵 Question 24:
Study the following data and answer the questions:
“Developed countries contribute 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions.”
🟢 Answer:
✔️ This reflects the historical responsibility of industrial nations.
✔️ Developed countries have high per capita emissions due to heavy industrialisation.
✔️ Developing countries, though increasing in emissions, contribute less historically.
✔️ Therefore, equity demands greater commitment from developed nations under agreements like Kyoto Protocol.

🔵 Question 25:
Observe the world map showing global warming vulnerability and answer:
Which regions are most vulnerable and why?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Regions like South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Small Island States are highly vulnerable.
✔️ They face rising sea levels, extreme weather, and agricultural losses.
✔️ Limited adaptive capacity increases their risk.
✔️ Global cooperation is essential to support these nations financially and technologically.

🔵 Question 26:
Interpret the given cartoon (industrial smoke choking the globe): What message does it convey?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ The cartoon highlights how industrialisation and unchecked pollution threaten Earth’s health.
✔️ It criticises developed nations for excessive emissions.
✔️ It symbolises the urgency for clean technology and collective action.
✔️ Message: Human greed is suffocating the planet; immediate reform is necessary.

🧠 End of Section D (3 × 4 = 12 Marks)

🌱 Section E – Long Answer Type II (6 marks each)
(Answer in 170–180 words)
🔵 Question 27: Why is sustainable development the biggest challenge before states today?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Sustainable development means meeting present needs without harming future generations.
✔️ Challenge arises from the tension between economic growth and environmental protection.
✔️ Developing nations aim for industrialisation to reduce poverty, often harming ecology.
✔️ Developed countries overconsume resources, worsening global warming.
✔️ Policies must integrate:
🌿 Renewable energy
🌿 Green technology
🌿 Waste reduction
✔️ International cooperation under Rio, Kyoto, and Paris agreements is vital.
✔️ Public awareness and global partnerships are essential for achieving sustainability.

🔵 Question 28: Discuss the North–South divide on environmental issues.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ The divide refers to the difference between developed (North) and developing (South) countries’ views.
✔️ The North demands uniform environmental standards; the South prioritises development.
✔️ The South argues the North caused historical pollution and should bear higher costs.
✔️ Example: Conflict over emission targets in Kyoto Protocol.
✔️ Solution: Equitable responsibilities, technology sharing, and financial aid.
✔️ This cooperation can ensure justice and mutual trust.

🔵 Question 29: How can economic growth and environmental protection be balanced?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Through sustainable development integrating economic and ecological goals.
✔️ Use of renewable resources, green technologies, and environmental taxes.
✔️ Industries should adopt eco-friendly production and waste recycling.
✔️ Governments must enforce strict laws and provide incentives for green innovation.
✔️ Public participation ensures accountability and conservation.
✔️ Thus, growth can be achieved without ecological collapse.

🔵 Question 30: Why is international cooperation necessary for protecting global commons?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Global commons like atmosphere and oceans are shared by all; no single nation can manage them alone.
✔️ Problems like climate change and ozone depletion are transboundary.
✔️ Treaties such as Montreal Protocol and UNFCCC exemplify joint action.
✔️ Cooperation enables data sharing, joint research, and funding for sustainability.
✔️ Ensures collective accountability and benefits all nations.

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