1. Explain the significance of EMS.An Environmental Management
System (EMS) is a set of processes and practices that enable an
organization to reduce its environmental impacts and increase its
operating efficiency. This Web site provides information and
resources related to EMS for businesses, associations, the public,
and state and federal agencies.What is an EMS?An Environmental
Management System (EMS) is a framework that helps a company
achieves its environmental goals through consistent control of its
operations. The assumption is that this increased control will
improve the environmental performance of the company. The EMS
itself does not dictate a level of environmental performance that
must be achieved; each company's EMS is tailored to the company's
business and goals.Importance of EMSIs looking for strategies to
improve its environmental performance;Wants to achieve sustained
compliance in existing and forthcoming regulations;Recognizes its
environmental problems to be of significant liability;Lacks the
time and resources and is thus prevented from effectively managing
its environmental obligations;Has no established effective
environmental policy; andIs seeking a competitive edge.
2. What is environment ManagementEnvironmental Management offers
research and opinions on use and conservation of natural resources,
protection of habitats and control of hazards, spanning the field
of environmental management without regard to traditional
disciplinary boundaries.Environmental managementThe objective of
environmental management is improved human life quality. It
involves the mobilization of resources and the use of government to
administer the use of both natural and economic goods and services.
It is based on the principles of ecology. It uses systems analysis
and conflict resolution to distribute the costs and benefits of
development activities throughout the affected populations and
seeks to protect the activities of development from natural
hazards. Conflict identification is one of the more important tasks
in environmental management planning and the resolution of
conflicts is a fundamental part of what makes up "environmentally
sound development."In the complex and interdependent world that we
have been given, environmental management is required because the
activities of development in one sector affect in both positive and
negative ways the quality of life in others. Indeed, if one asks of
any "environmental impact" the questions "who caused it?" and "who
felt it?," sector/sector relationships are identified. For example,
a hydroelectric dam which reduces nutrient levels in the water and
thus destroys downstream fisheries is sector 410 causing problems
for sector 130 of the UN List of Economic Activities (UN, 1969). By
the same token, cutting down trees to produce grazing land for
cattle may cause sedimentation in a reservoir, and is a problem
between sectors 111 and 420. And, if a hotel sends its wastes out
to sea only to have them return to its beaches, a conflict is
caused within sector 632. It needs to be said in addition that such
"problems" are, in reality, conflicts between two activities. That
is to say, the problem is not only caused by promoting ranching
over fisheries since a decision in favor of fisheries will cause a
problem for ranching as well. It is the conflict that requires
solution.Such a concept of "environmental impact" may be seen to
have left out "the environment;" a very large black box exists
between cause and effect if one is only interested in those
sectoral activities which cause a problem and those which receive
the problem. There are two basic reasons, however, why this is not
a major concern here. First, the guidelines to be produced are
guidelines for planning development at the earliest possible stage
of the process. Time, funding, and expertise at this level do not
allow in-depth study of that black box. Second, the guidelines are
for planners in the humid tropics - a biome known for its lack of
available information. That is, the black box covering the humid
tropics is a very large one and efforts to reduce its size in any
significant way - though certainly necessary and welcomed by
planners - should not be undertaken by planners. The needs of
development planning should help orient research in
information-scarce areas. But, in the context of specific
development planning projects, neither science nor planning will be
advanced much by expenditures of large amounts of planning time and
funds for research.Conflicts between natural hazards and
development activities also exist and result from a confrontation
between hazardous natural events and human activity. So-called
"natural disasters" occur because we have not paid sufficient
attention to natural hazardous phenomena. Indeed, the term "natural
disaster" is misleading for this reason: it places the blame on
nature when, in fact, the blame belongs to those who decided that
projects be implemented under circumstances that jeopardize the
very objectives that the development activities were designed to
meet.The techniques of conflict resolution are well known and are
comparatively successful given man's continued existence on earth
for several thousands of years under very complex conditions. If
they had not worked there would be no life as we know it today.
Conflicts make up the matrix in which we live; it is a world of
uncertainties compounded by a shortage of technical information, a
large variety of values, interests and judgements, and overlapping
environments.Most writers on the subject of conflict resolution,
however, say that conflict can be positive as well as negative
(Boulding and Kahn, 1962; Coser, 1956; Deutsch, 1973). For example,
conflict tends to maintain valid group boundaries and needed group
structure and provides incentives for the formation of alliances to
combat exploitive elite.Planning, especially intersectoral planning
has a tremendous advantage over efforts in real life to resolve
conflicts because, in many ways, planning is a game; and, to play
the game one must cooperate. Within this context, individuals on a
planning team have a shared commitment to rules and procedures
which can be controlled. The various parties (sector specialists)
operate with a similar rationale, can be easily encouraged to focus
on criteria rather than on positions and, each can insist that
evaluation criteria be objective. The result is an opportunity to
invent options for conflict resolution that provide for mutual
gain.Many activities designed to use, improve, conserve, and
protect goods and services for development purposes support other
development activities. Development projects requiring the
conservation of ecosystems for purposes of wildlife management also
conserve the soil stabilization function of vegetation and, as a
result, downstream reservoirs receive less sediment. Development
policies that restrict construction in areas of natural flooding
create recreation possibilities and green space near urban areas
and lessen dependence on expensive flood control structures.
Enlightened systems engineering turns industrial wastes into
residuals that provide raw material for other development projects
(Bower, 1977).
3. Explain the objectives of EPA 1986.Environment Protection
Act, 1986is anActof theParliament of India. In the wake of
theBhopal Tragedy, theIndia enacted the Environment Protection Act
of 1986 under Article 253 of the Constitution. The purpose of the
Act is to implement the decisions of theUnited Nations Conference
on the Human Environmentsthey relate to the protection and
improvement of the human environment and the prevention of hazards
to human beings, other living creatures, plants and property. The
Act is an umbrella legislation designed to provide a framework for
central government coordination of the activities of various
central and state authorities established under previous laws, such
as the Water Act and the Air Act.Objectives of the Act To
co-ordinate the activities of the various regulatory agencies
already in existence. Creation of an authority or authorities with
adequate powers for environmental protection. Regulation of
discharge of environmental pollutants and handling of hazardous
substance. Speedy response in the event of accidents threatening
environmental and deterrents punishment to those who endanger human
environment, safety and health.
(a) environment includes water, air and land and the
inter-relationship which exists among and between water, air and
land, and human beings, other living creatures, plants,
micro-organism and property;
(b) environmental pollutant means any solid, liquid or gaseous
substance present in such concentration as may be, or tend to be,
injurious to environment;
(c) environmental pollution means the presence in the
environment of any environmental pollutant;
(d) handling, in relation to any substance, means the
manufacture, processing, treatment, package, storage,
transportation, use, collection, destruction, conversion, offering
for sale, transfer or the like of such substance;
(e) hazardous substance means any substance or preparation
which, by reason of its chemical or physico-chemical properties or
handling, is liable to cause harm to human beings, other living
creatures, plants, micro-organism property or the environment;
(f) occupier, in relation to any factory or premises, means a
person who has control over the affairs of the factory or the
premises and includes, in relation to any substance, the person in
possession of the substance;
This Act is an umbrella legislation designed to provide a
framework for the co-ordination of central and state authorities
established under the Water (Prevention and Control) Act, 1974 and
Air (Prevention and Control) Act, 1981. Under this Act, the central
government is empowered to take measures necessary to protect and
improve the quality of the environment by setting standards for
emissions and discharges; regulating the location of industries;
management of hazardous wastes, and protection of public health and
welfare4. What is Kyoto Protocol?TheKyoto Protocolis an
international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change, which commits its Parties by setting
internationally binding emission reduction targets.
Definition of 'Kyoto Protocol'An international agreement that
aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and the presence of green
house gases. Countries that ratify the Kyoto Protocol are assigned
maximum carbon emission levels and can participate in carbon credit
trading. Emitting more than the assigned limit will result in a
penalty for the violating country in the form of a lower emission
limit in the following period.
Investopedia Explains 'Kyoto Protocol'The Kyoto Protocol
separates countries into two groups. Annex I includes developed
nations, while Non-Annex I refers to developing countries. Emission
limitations are only placed on Annex I countries. Non-Annex I
nations participate by investing in projects that lower emissions
in their own countries. For these projects, they earn carbon
credits. These credits can be traded or sold to Annex I countries,
which allow them a higher level of maximum carbon emissions for
that period.
5. What is green house gas effect?The exchange of incoming and
outgoing radiation that warms the Earth is often referred to as the
greenhouse effect because a greenhouse works in much the same
way.Incoming UV radiation easily passes through the glass walls of
a greenhouse and is absorbed by the plants and hard surfaces
inside. Weaker IR radiation, however, has difficulty passing
through the glass walls and is trapped inside, thus warming the
greenhouse. This effect lets tropical plants thrive inside a
greenhouse, even during a cold winter.A similar phenomenon takes
place in a car parked outside on a cold, sunny day. Incoming solar
radiation warms the car's interior, but outgoing thermal radiation
is trapped inside the car's closedwindows.What is green house gas
effect?Have you ever been inside a greenhouse on a cold winter day?
It might be cold outside, but inside the greenhouse lush green
plants flourish in the warmth and sunshine. Greenhouses are made of
glass and are designed to hold heat inside. Our planet's atmosphere
traps energy just like a greenhouse. Energy from the Sun can enter
the Earths atmosphere, but not all of it can easily find its way
out again.What blocks the Suns energy from escaping from the Earth?
Unlike a greenhouse, the Earth does not have a layer of glass over
it! Instead, molecules in our atmosphere called greenhouse gasses
absorb the heat. Greenhouse gasses include water vapor, methane,
ozone, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide. There may not be much of
some of these gasses in our atmosphere, but they can have a big
impact. Each greenhouse gas molecule is made of three or more atoms
that are bonded loosely together. These molecules are able to
absorb heat, which makes them vibrate. They eventually release the
heat energy and it is often absorbed by another greenhouse gas
molecule.The greenhouse effect is useful because trapping some
energy keeps the temperatures on our planet mild and suitable for
living things. Without its atmosphere and the greenhouse effect,
the average temperature at the surface of the Earth would be zero
degrees Fahrenheit. However, too many greenhouse gases can cause
the temperature to increase out of control. Such is the case on
Venus where greenhouse gases are abundant and the average
temperature at the surface is more than 855 degrees Fahrenheit (457
degrees Celsius).You might hear people talking about the greenhouse
effect as if it is a bad thing. It is not a bad thing, but people
are concerned because Earths greenhouse is warming up very rapidly.
This is happening because we are currently adding more greenhouse
gases to our atmosphere, causing an increased greenhouse effect.
The increased Greenhouse Effect is causing changes in our planet
that can affect our lives.6. Describe suitable landfill management
system.7. Discuss provisions under Noise Pollution Act.Short title
and commencement. - (1) These rifles may be called the Noise
Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. (2) They shall come
into force on the date of their publication in the Official
Gazette. Definitions. - In these rules, unless the context
otlier7oise requires,- (a) Act means the Environment (Protection)
Act, 1986 (29 of 1986); (b) Area/zone means all areas which fall in
either of the of four categories given in the Schedule annexed to
these rules; (c) Authority means any authority or officer
authorised by the Central Government, or as the case may be, the
State Government in accordance with the laws in force and includes
a District Magistrate, Police Commissioner, or arm other officer
designated for the maintenance o the ambient air quality standards
in respect of noise under any law for the time being in force; (d)
Person in relation to any factory or premises means a person or
occupier or his agent, who has control over the affairs of the
factory or premises;' (e) State Government in relation to a Union
territory means the Administrator thereof appointed under Art. 239
of the Constitution.
Restrictions on the use of loud speakers/public address system.
(l) A loudspeaker or a public address system shall not be used
except after obtaining written permission from the authority. - (2)
A loud speaker or a public address system shall not be used at
night (between 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m.) except in closed premises
for communication within, e.g. auditoria, conference rooms,
conference rooms, community halls and banquet halls. Consequences
of any violation in silence zone/area.-Whoever, in any place
covered under the silence zone/area commits any of the following
offence, he shall be liable for penalty under the provisions of the
Act :- (i) Whoever, plays any music or rises any sound amplifiers,
(ii) Whoever, beats a drum or tom-tom or blows a horn either,
musical or pressure, or trumpet or beats or sounds any instrument,
or (iii) Whoever exhibits any mimetic, musical or other
performances of a nature to attract crowds. Complaints to be made
to the authority- (1) A person may, if the noise level exceeds the
ambient noise standards by 11) dB (A) or more given in the
corresponding columns against any area/zone, make a complaint to
the authority. (2) The authority shall act on the complaint and
take action against the violator in accordance with the provisions
of these rules and any other law in force.
8. Why are nonconventional sources of energy required in present
energy scenario?With high economic growth rates and over 15 percent
of the worlds population, India is a significant consumer of energy
resources. In 2009, 1.Thermal power - 64.6 per cent of the total
installed capacity, producing 1, 00,598 MW. 2. Hydel power plants
come next with 24.7 per cent of the total an installed capacity of
36,863 MW. 3. Renewable energy sources contribute around 10% to the
total power generation in the country producing 15,789 MW (as on
31.1.2010).II. POWER FROM NON CONVENTIONAL ENERGY India is one of
the fastest growing countries in terms of energy consumption.
Currently, it is the fifth largest consumer of energy in the world,
and will be the third largest by 2030. At the same time; the
country is heavily dependent on fossil sources of energy for most
of its demand. This has necessitated the country to start
aggressively pursuing alternative energy sources - solar, wind, bio
fuels, small hydro and more.Best Answer: In 1956 a man named M King
Hubbert came up with a theory about how natural resources are used.
Production increases steadily until a certain point, when the
resource begins to become scarce, and then production is less and
less each year. This is called Hubbert's Curve. Most experts
believe we are at the peak of oil production, and some believe we
are actually past the peak. In years to come, fossil fuels will
grow more and more scarce and therefore more and more expensive,
and less and less of them will be produced.
Development of civilization on earth will require MORE energy
over the years, not less! China and India are both gaining middle
class. People are doing better, which is good of course, but more
and more people want cars. In 30 or 40 years there could be twice
the number of automobiles on earth as there are now. Clearly we
need to find a new way to power them.
Here in North America we are arguing over 'tar sands', a source
of petroleum that is much more costly than simply sucking it out of
the ground through wells. It is not only expensive in terms of cost
per gallon of fuel, it also has serious environmental costs. It's
only a way to keep oil coming for another year or two, the final
results are still inevitable.
So we are developing wind and solar power, and hydro power, and
looking for more ways to generate electricity. It looks like in
years to come the internal combustion engine will become less and
less practical, and the electric motor will take over more and
more.
We have to move towards the non conventional source of energy
because conventional source of energy is limited on earth and it's
increment rate is slow. in future it may last. so we have to
conserve this and use non conventional.Weve spoilt the environment
to save conventional energy sources we need to use non conventional
energy sources.1. Non polluting 2. Though the initial cost is v.
high but later cost efficient 3. Recycling of resources can be done
4. Natural resources will never be exhausted, so there will never
ever be a scarcity of energy resources 5. Helps in sustainable
development (saving resources for future generation)9. Explain
Ecological Footprint?Ecological footprinting is a tool developed by
the Global Footprint Network that measures how much land and water
is needed to produce the resources we consume, and to absorb the
wastes we produce.For example, for every tonne of fish we consume,
we need 25 hectares of fishing grounds; for every cubic metre of
timber we need 1.3 hectares of forest.
We need 0.35 hectares of forest to absorb every tonne of carbon
dioxide from fossil fuels.
Using this tool helps us to measure sustainability.
We can work out how much bio-productive land and sea there is
around the world (ie areas capable of providing us with food, fuel
or fish, for example) and calculate what a fair share for everyone
is.
We can then also work out how much different people, countries
or businesses consume, and whether or not that is within our fair
share.
The Earth has about 12 billion hectares of bio-productive land
thats about 2 hectares for every man, woman and child on Earth.
However, the amount of bio-productive land needed to produce what
is consumed by an average American citizen every year is about 10
hectares.
In other words, if everyone in the world had the same lifestyle
as an average American, the worlds population would need 5
planets-worth of bio-productive land in order to feed, clothe and
shelter everyone.
A sustainable lifestyle, or ecological footprint, is therefore
one where the rate of consumption can be sustained by 2 hectares of
bio-productive land.
10. What are the methods of treating MSW?As cities are growing
in size with a rise in the population, the amount of waste
generated is increasing becoming unmanageable. The local
corporations have adapted different methods for the disposal of
waste open dumps, landfills, sanitary landfills, and incineration
plants. One of the important methods of waste treatment
iscomposting.Open dumpsOpen dumps refer to uncovered areas that are
used to dump solid waste of all kinds. The waste is untreated,
uncovered, and not segregated. It is the breeding ground for flies,
rats, and other insects that spread disease. The rainwater run-off
from these dumps contaminates nearby land and water thereby
spreading disease. In some countries, open dumps are being phased
out.LandfillsLandfills are generally located in urban areas where a
large amount of waste is generated and has to be dumped in a common
place. Unlike an open dump, it is a pit that is dug in the ground.
The garbage is dumped and the pit is covered thus preventing the
breeding of flies and rats. At the end of each day, a layer of soil
is scattered on top of it and some mechanism, usually an
earth-moving equipment is used to compress the garbage, which now
forms a cell. Thus, every day, garbage is dumped and becomes a
cell. After the landfill is full, the area is covered with a thick
layer of mud and the site can thereafter be developed as a parking
lot or a park.Landfills have many problems. All types of waste is
dumped in landfills and when water seeps through them it gets
contaminated and in turn pollutes the surrounding area. This
contamination of groundwater and soil through landfills is known as
leaching.Sanitary landfillsAn alternative to landfills which will
solve the problem of leaching to some extent, is a sanitary
landfill which is more hygienic and built in a methodical manner.
These are lined with materials that are impermeable such as
plastics and clay, and are also built over impermeable soil.
Constructing sanitary landfills is very costly and they are have
their own problems. Some authorities claim that often the plastic
liner develops cracks as it reacts with various chemical solvents
present in the waste.The rate of decomposition in sanitary
landfills is also extremely variable. This can be due to the fact
that less oxygen is available as the garbage is compressed very
tightly. It has also been observed that some biodegradable
materials do not decompose in a landfill. Another major problem is
the development of methane gas, which occurs when little oxygen is
present, i.e. during anaerobic decomposition. In some countries,
the methane being produced from sanitary landfills is tapped and
sold as fuel.Incineration plantsThis process of burning waste in
large furnaces is known as incineration. In these plants the
recyclable material is segregated and the rest of the material is
burnt. At the end of the process all that is left behind is ash.
During the process some of the ash floats out with the hot air.
This is called fly ash. Both the fly ash and the ash that is left
in the furnace after burning have high concentrations of dangerous
toxins such as dioxins and heavy metals. Disposing of this ash is a
problem. The ash that is buried at the landfills leaches the area
and cause severe contamination.Burning garbage is not a clean
process as it produces tonnes of toxic ash and pollutes the air and
water. A large amount of the waste that is burnt here can be
recovered and recycled. In fact, at present, incineration is kept
as the last resort and is used mainly for treating the infectious
waste.11. What is conservation? How can we conserve Water
resources?Definition ofCONSERVATION: A careful preservation and
protection of something;especially: planned management of a natural
resource to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect: The
preservation of a physical quantity during transformations or
reactions
1. Consider the water footprint of your diet. Some foods require
a lot more water to produce than others. According to Water
Footprint, it takes 140 liters (35 gallons) of water to make just
one cup of coffee, 1,000 liters (270 gallons) to make one liter of
milk, and 16,000 liters to make one pound of beef. Check out this
online water footprint calculator to see how much water some common
foods need in order to be produced. The same principles of
decreasing the carbon footprint of your diet (eating local, eating
organic and eating less meat) are generally the same principles for
decreasing the water footprint.
2. Dont leave the tap running needlessly. If you are washing
your face and you need to get the tap warm, use that initial cooler
water to brush your teeth, and then wash your face afterwards when
the hot water starts coming out.
3. Choose and use your appliances wisely. Use energy star
appliances whenever possible and always use them at full capacity.
Choose economy settings and dont run the dishwasher half-full.
4. Convert your toilet to a dual flush, and dont flush it more
than necessary. If its yellow let it mellow, you know? But you
still have to flush. Thankfully, converting your toilet to a dual
flush is easier than ever, thanks to the Tap-n-Flush
5. Make sure every tap in your home has a high efficiency faucet
aerator. Faucet aerators are the little pieces of hardware that
screw into the bottom of faucets. High efficiency aerators can
reduce flow by 1.5 gallons per minute or moresaving you piles of
money and saving lots of water. Check out this high efficiency
faucet aerator product review from Green Living Ideas.
6. Stop that leaky toilet. Not only does it sound annoying, it
wastes loads of water. Leaks can often be fixed by making minor
adjustments. Test your toilet using some dye tablets, available in
this all-in-one water conservation kit.
7. Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. According to
American Water & Energy Savers, a faucet that drips at the rate
of one drop per second will waste 2,700 gallons per year.
8. You dont need to take shorter showers, necessarily, but some
hardware will help cut the water use every time you shower.
9. Never throw water away. If you pour too much out or have some
left in your glass, use it. Pour the surplus into your dogs water
dish, water a plant, or add it to your water kettle.
10. Set up a rain barrel this summer. You can collect rain water
from your eaves to water your garden.
There is so much that we as individuals can do to help conserve
water. Our collective conservation and advocacy efforts will not
only reduce our monthly water bills, but will go a long way towards
alleviating this growing problem.
12. How should green house gases be reduced to avert further
rise in temperature?The following is a list of 10 steps YOU can
take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions:1. Reduce, Reuse,
Recyclebuying products with minimal packaging will help to reduce
waste. By recycling half of your household waste, you can save
2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.2. Use Less Heat and Air
ConditioningAdding insulation to your walls and installing weather
stripping or caulking around doors and windows can lower your
heating costs more than 25 percent, by reducing the amount of
energy you need to heat and cool your home. Turn down the heat
while youre sleeping at night or away during the day, and keep
temperatures moderate at all times. Install a programmable
thermostat because setting it just 2 degrees lower in winter and
higher in summer could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide
each year.3. Replace Your Light Bulbswherever practical; replace
regular light bulbs with compact florescent light (CFL) bulbs.
Replacing just one 60-watt incandescent light bulb with a CFL will
save you $30 over the life of the bulb. CFLs also last 10 times
longer than incandescent bulbs, use two-thirds less energy, and
give off 70 percent less heat. If every Canadian family replaced
one regular light bulb with a CFL, it would eliminate 90 billion
pounds of greenhouse gases, the same as taking 7.5 million cars off
the road.4. Drive less and Drive Smartless driving means fewer
emissions. Besides saving gasoline, walking and biking are great
forms of exercise. Explore the York Region Transit system and check
out options for carpooling to work or school.When you do drive,
make sure your car is running efficiently. For example, keeping
your tires properly inflated can improve your gas mileage by more
than 3 percent. Every gallon of gas you save not only helps your
budget; it also keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the
atmosphere.5. Buy Energy-Efficient ProductsHome appliances now come
in a range of energy-efficient models, and compact florescent bulbs
are designed to provide more natural-looking light while using far
less energy than standard light bulbs.6. Use Less Hot WaterSet your
water heater at 120 degrees to save energy, and wrap it in an
insulating blanket if it is more than 15 years old. Buy low-flow
showerheads to save hot water and about 350 pounds of carbon
dioxide yearly. Wash your clothes in warm or cold water to reduce
your use of hot water and the energy required to produce it. That
change alone can save at least 500 pounds of carbon dioxide
annually in most households.7. Use the "Off" SwitchSave electricity
and reduce global warming by turning off lights when you leave a
room, and using only as much light as you need. And remember to
turn off your television, stereo and computer when you're not using
them. Its also a good idea to turn off the water when youre not
using it. While brushing your teeth, shampooing the dog or washing
your car, turn off the water until you actually need it for
rinsing.8. Plant a TreeIf you have the means to plant a tree, start
digging. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. A single
tree will absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its
lifetime.9. Get a Report Card from Your Utility CompanyMany utility
companies provide free home energy audits to help consumers
identify areas in their homes that may not be energy efficient. In
addition, many utility companies offer rebate programs to help pay
for the cost of energy-efficient upgrades.10. Encourage Others to
ConserveShare information about recycling and energy conservation
with your friends, neighbors and co-workers, and take opportunities
to encourage public officials to establish programs and policies
that are good for the environment.
13. Air Pollution results in accelerating respiratory problems.
Justify.Environmental pollution:One of the potent dangers is the
environmental pollution. The environment smog contains many
chemicals. Many of these chemicals are exhausted by the vehicles
and the industries. What is more, several household cleaning
products also emit such poisonous gases.Cigarette smoke:This is yet
another dangerous emission. The passive smokers are the hardest
hit. Burning fags pose a serious threat to our respiratory system.
Tobacco smoke contains over 40 chemicals including the dangerous
tar. Most of them are known causes of cancer. Approximately 90 per
cent of lung cancer cases among men, and more than 70 per cent
among women have been traced to smoking.Indoor air pollutionThis is
one of the most dangerous but often disregarded dangers. The
offices and homes are mostly bases of indoor air pollution. Many
cleaning compounds besides furniture and synthetic carpets, certain
construction materials, and even air fresheners emit hazardous
gases. These remain highly concentrated in unventilated or AC
rooms. The most vulnerable sections of people exposed to these
respiratory dangers are children, elderly people and those having a
history of respiratory illnesses. These people generally spend most
of their time within the four walls. The indoor air pollutants not
only weaken our lungs but also invite infections.Common cold,
running nose & stuffy nose:Viruses cause colds by targeting the
pharynx and the nasal passages. First, the viruses infiltrate the
body through the respiratory system. Then, they target the cells in
the nasal passage membranes. But before they can destroy the cells,
the bodys immune system fights back. The immune system increases
the flow of blood to the area. Such reinforcement of white blood
cells leads to swelling of the membranes. This causes the stuffy
nose. Increase in mucous secretions to neutralize the viral attack
leads to the runny nose. Mentionably, the infection can affect the
sinuses -- membrane-lined cavities located within the head, besides
the middle ear and the lower respiratory tract.
Hay fever & asthma:These are allergic reactions of the
respiratory system. These conditions are caused when the immune
system is irritated by irritants like dust or pollen. The symptoms
of hay fever are sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. It is a
seasonal reaction when there is abundance of pollens in the air.
Asthma attacks are generally mild. But, they can be life
threatening too. A person suffering from asthma experiences
difficulty in breathing. It occurs as the bronchi and bronchioles
get inflamed and remain constricted
temporarily.Laryngitis:Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx.
Laryngitis is caused by various factors. They can be diverse like
voice overuse, cigarette smoke or viral infection. Laryngitis
leaves different effects on the voice. Till the inflammation
subsides, it can either get hoarse, or get reduced to a
whisper.
Bronchitis:Bronchitis refers to membrane inflammation. The
membranes lining the bronchioles or the bronchi get inflamed.
Bronchitis occurs due to bacterial or viral infection. Bronchitis
can also happen from irritating chemicals.Pneumonia:This infection
of the alveoli is caused by viruses or bacteria. Pneumonia is a
potentially serious state of the lungs. In pneumonia the alveoli
gets inflamed after fluid builds up. This gathering of fluid and
the consequent inflammation impedes the flow of carbon dioxide and
oxygen between the alveoli and capillaries.Tuberculosis:Also known
as TB, it is caused by the tuberculosis bacterium. The lungs are
primarily attacked in TB. At times, other body tissues also get
affected. Unaddressed, the lung infection can even destroy the lung
tissues. Earlier, tuberculosis was controlled by antibiotics.
However, the bacterium has evolved an antibiotic-resistant strain
posing a grave health problem.Emphysema:This non-contagious disease
affects alveolar tissue gets partially destroyed. The remaining
alveoli gets enlarged and weakened. During exhalation, the
bronchioles collapse. As a result, air remains trapped inside the
alveoli. In the long run, emphysema affects the patients ability
for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide. The circulatory system
also fails to function. This causes breathing problems. Emphysema
can occur due to genetic factors besides infection, smoke, smog,
and cigarette.Lung cancer:The main cancer causing agents are
uranium, asbestos, and tobacco smoke. Genetic reasons can also
cause cancer. The respiratory cancerous tumors are formed in the
lung tissue (alveolar), the bronchioles or the bronchi. Early
detection of such tumors can halt their progression to other parts
of the body. Then the treatments are more effective, and the
prognosis for recovery is rather good. Unfortunately, 85 per cent
of the lung cancers are diagnosed at a later stage when the tumors
have already spread. In such extreme cases, the prognosis is
poor.Respiratory Distress Syndrome:It is also called RDS. The
dysfunction refers to a cluster of symptoms. All point to severe
malfunctioning of lungs.IRDS:Premature infants may suffer from
Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome (IRDS). IRDS happens when the
alveoli fail to fully expand during inhalation. Alveoli expansion
needs a chemical called surfactant. However, among the premature
infants, the undeveloped alveoli fail to produce enough surfactant.
The common treatment for IRDS is administration of air and
surfactant through a breathing tube. This administration enables
the alveoli to produce surfactant.ARDS:Adult Respiratory Distress
Syndrome (ARDS) occurs when the lungs get severely injured. Many
automobile accidents, poisonous gases, or lung inflammation can
cause such a dysfunction. ARDS patients generally have to battle
for life with 50 per cent survival rate.14. Discuss significance of
sustainable development.Protect Technological ResourcesThe people
coming into this world are coming into an increasingly
technological age, where more people than ever are relying on
technology for nearly every aspect of their lives. Of course, these
technologies are not built out of thin air and good intentions.
They require a significant array of minerals and other other inputs
simply to be manufactured. This doesn't account for the amount of
resources required to develop them in the first place.Provide Basic
Human NeedsA rising population will also make use of the bare
essentials of life such as food, water, and shelter. The provision
of these essentials is based almost entirely around having an
infrastructure that can sustain them for the long-term. If energy
is continually developed on finite fossil fuels instead of
sustainable options, the cost and environmental toll of supplying
even basic needs can become staggering.Agricultural
NecessityAgriculture will have to catch up with that growing
population as well, figuring out ways to feed around 3 billion more
people than it currently does. If the same unsustainable tilling,
seeding, watering, spraying and harvesting methods are used into
the future, they can become very costly as fossil fuel resources
run out. Sustainable agriculture practices like crop rotation and
effective seeding practices can help to promote high yields while
protecting the integrity of the soil as it produces food for larger
amounts of people.Accommodate City DevelopmentAs populations rise,
cities will need to become larger to accommodate the influx of new
residents. If these cities are developed non-sustainably, they will
become more and more expensive to build and maintain over time.
This is because the resources being used to develop the cities will
be finite fossil fuels that will only get more expensive as they
run out over time. The higher volume of these fuels required to
produce energy for this larger population will also negatively
impact the air quality of cities. If cities use sustainable
development practices, they can conceivably make way for new
housing and business developments indefinitely.Control Climate
ChangeClimate change is another issue that can be at least
partially remedied through sustainable development. Sustainable
development practices would mandate a lower use of fossil fuels,
which are not sustainable and which produce greenhouse gases. As
the population rises, more people will be requiring more energy and
will be putting an even greater strain on the world climate.Provide
Financial StabilitySustainable development can also produce more
financially sustainable economies throughout the world.
Resource-poor economies will gain access to free and accessible
energy through renewables while also having the opportunity to
train workers for jobs that won't be displaced by the basic reality
of finite resources. Jobs built around the "old" model of
unsustainable development simply have no place in economies of the
future. This has nothing to do with politics or ethics, but rather
the bare mechanics of how economies price out finite resources over
time. Industries built around a reliance upon a resource that will
not be accessible into the future will ultimately fail, leaving
sustainable development as the only option moving forward.Sustain
BiodiversityBiodiversity suffers through overconsumption and
unsustainable development practices. Beyond the basic ethical
quandary presented by this fact, there is the further concern that
these species are a part of a foodweb that humans rely on.For
example, if unsustainable agricultural practices are used in regard
to pesticides, bees and other pollinators could be negatively
impacted. Without bees, at least 19 major food crops would suffer
and nearly 50% of the food in most grocery stores would be
non-existent. Also, unsustainable development pollutes the oceans,
which are home to a significant amount of algae species that humans
rely on for a significant amount of the oxygen they breathe.
15. ISO 14001 is significant for many organisations. Comment.It
is becoming more and more important to demonstrate that
organisations are thinking about their environmental impact and
putting in place systems that will not only benefit the environment
but will also reduce costs and improve efficiency within the
organisation.The benefits of showing conformance to the ISO 14001
standard are numerous:Cost savings in waste, recycling and
consumptionAdvantage over competitors when tendering for
businessManagement of environmental risksCompliance with individual
countries environmental regulationsDemonstrates your commitment to
improving the environmentShows you are a responsible future focused
organisationCan reduce insurance cover costsCan increase employee
engagement in the knowledge that they are working in an
environmentally friendly organisationHaving a well-defined Energy
Management System (EMS) framework will provide your organisation
with a systematic approach to compliance. In some cases regulatory
bodies are more flexible with companies with performance and public
accountability records.In addition, Officials from the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Health and
Safety Administration (OSHA) have indicated that certification may
lead to a reduction in the number of inspections required for
obtaining permits. In unique circumstances, the EPA has reduced
fines on the condition that financial resources are put into better
practices, including compliance to ISO 14001.Through the General
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), ISO 14001 is expected to
become a prerequisite for doing business worldwide. Experts say
that it is the market forces, which will drive acceptance of the
new global environmental standards.ISO 14001 is also compatible
with other management standards such as ISO 9001, OHSAS18001and ISO
27001.
16. What is the role of NGOs in creating awareness relating to
environment?Role of NGOS in Protection for the Environment in
IndiaThe NGOs constitute a worldwide net work interacting with
Governments and Internal intergovernmental organization in shaping
international environmental policies;- Creating awareness among the
public on current environmental issues and solutions. Facilitating
the participation of various categories of stakeholders in the
discussion on environmental issues. Conducting participatory rural
appraisal. Being involved in the protection of human rights to have
a clean environment. Protecting the natural resources and
entrusting the equitable use of resources. Data generation on
natural resources, time line history of villages. Analysis and
monitoring of environmental quality. Transferring information
through newsletters, brochures, articles, audio visuals, etc.
Organizing seminars, lectures and group discussion for promotion of
environmental awareness. Helping the villages administrative
officials in preparation, application and execution of projects on
environmental protection.
Narmada Bachao AndalonSet up in 1986 under the leadership of
Medha Patkar. It aims mainly to educate those directly affected by
large development projects, such as tribals, on the social and
environmental impact of such projects. To protest against the
construction of dams in the Narmada Valley in general; struggling
towards a right to information and new environmentally sustainable
water policy. To help the tribals get a substantial share of the
governments development schemes/services and to unable them to
undertake development activities themselves. They mainly educate,
mobilize and organize residents of the Narmada Valley on human
rights and justice, alternative development policies, environmental
issues related to big dams in general and the Narmada project in
particular. They undertake surveys of the affected villages,
protest against land and forest issues and government interference
in this regard. They are fighting against displacement and
disregard of the rights of the people.Publication: They come out
with a bi-monthly publication the Narmada Samachar.KalpavrikshIt is
a citizens action group set up to inculcate understanding and
concern on environmental issues, especially among the youth. It
also aims to conduct research in environmental problems, to
campaign on environmental issues and to evolve a holistic
environmental perspective. It imparts environmental education in
schools and colleges by forming a network of nature clubs,
conducting bird watching expeditions and nature trails and has
developed workbooks for the school level. Publications: The Little
Green Book. Narmada a campaign newsletter. What is that bird (An
illustrated guide)
17. Why is incineration preferred method of waste disposal?
Description:Also called combustion, this treatment option burns
waste under controlled conditions. As with landfills, different
incinerators are permitted for different kinds of waste. Hazardous
waste must be brought to an incinerator permitted to accept
hazardous waste. Municipal solid waste incinerators are permitted
to burn municipal solid waste, with some units having the ability
to recover energy. Medical waste incinerators are designed to
handle pathogenic wastes. Incinerators do not have to accept the
waste brought to them, even if the waste is within the scope of the
permit.Considerations:ProsCons
Reduces waste volume needing disposal Can inactivate disease
agents Can reduce the toxicity of waste Can produce energy Residues
still require proper testing and disposal May produce undesirable
by-products Transportation concerns/costs Capacity limitations
Facility indemnification may be an issue Reluctance of some
owners/operators/residents
Applicable Incidents:Biological Attacks; Food Contamination;
Foreign Animal Diseases (e.g., Chronic Wasting Disease); Chemical
Attacks; Natural DisastersPossible Waste Streams:Vegetative Debris;
Municipal Solid Waste; Hazardous Waste; Animal Carcasses;
Biological-Contaminated Waste
18. What are the objectives of EPA Act 1986? To co-ordinate the
activities of the various regulatory agencies already in existence.
Creation of an authority or authorities with adequate powers for
environmental protection. Regulation of discharge of environmental
pollutants and handling of hazardous substance. Speedy response in
the event of accidents threatening environmental and deterrents
punishment to those who endanger human environment, safety and
health.
Objective is, to provide the protection and improvement of
environment. In EPA, article 48A, specify that the State shall
protect and improve the environment.Also, to safeguard the forests
and wildlife of the country. Acc. to sec 51(A) every citizen shall
protect the environment. EPA is applicable to whole India,
including J&K.
19. Differentiate between Biosphere reserves and National
park..Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal
ecosystems which promote the conservation of biodiversity with its
sustainable use. They are internationally recognized with the
framework of UNESCO's Man & Biosphere (MAB) Programme &
nominated by national governments. While National Parks &
Wildlife Sanctuaries come under the category of "Protected Areas".
The Protected Areas are declared under Wildlife (Protection) Act,
1972. The Act provides for four type of protected areas viz.
Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks, Conservation Reserves and
Community Reserves. The boundaries of the all 4 kinds of Protected
Areas are notified by legislation.
2.) The difference between National Parks & Wildlife
Sanctuaries is that no human activity is allowed inside National
Parks while limited activities are permitted within Wildlife
sanctuaries. In biosphere reserves limited economic activity (sand
mining and stone mining) is permitted.A national park is just any
piece of land set aside by the government to not be touched. An
example would be the "Emerald Circle" that winds through the
Cleveland area.A biosphere is a specific ecosystem, including all
plants and possibly animals that exist in an area not normally
associated with this ecosystem. Because of the translocation and
possible interaction with local ecosystems, a biosphere must be
completely enclosed and self-sustaining. An example would be, say,
a rainforest that is maintained within a zoo.
20. What is Bio-Diversity Why is it important?
The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a
particular habitat, a high level of which is usually considered to
be important and desirable
Why is Biodiversity Important?Biodiversity is the variety of
life. It can be studied on many levels. At the highest level, you
can look at all the different species on the entire Earth. On a
much smaller scale, you can study biodiversity within a pond
ecosystem or a neighborhood park. Identifying and understanding the
relationships between all the life on Earth are some of the
greatest challenges in science. Most people recognize biodiversity
by species. A species is a group of living organisms that can
interbreed. Examples of species include, blue whales, white-tailed
deer, white pine trees, sunflowers and microscopic bacteria that
you cannot even see with your eye. Biodiversity includes
theBiodiversity has a number of functions on the Earth. These are
as follows:
Maintaining balance of the ecosystem: Recycling and storage of
nutrients, combating pollution, and stabilizing climate, protecting
water resources, forming and protecting soil and maintaining
ecobalance. Provision of biological resources: Provision of
medicines and pharmaceuticals, food for the human population and
animals, ornamental plants, wood products, breeding stock and
diversity of species, ecosystems and genes. Social benefits:
Recreation and tourism, cultural value and education and
research.
The Importance of BiodiversityBiodiversity is extremely
important to people and the health of ecosystems. A few of the
reasons are: Biodiversity allows us to live healthy and happy
lives. It provides us with an array of foods and materials and it
contributes to the economy. Without a diversity of pollinators,
plants,and soils, our supermarkets would have a lot less produce.
Most medical discoveries to cure diseases and lengthen life spans
were made because of research into plant and animal biology and
genetics. Every time a species goes extinct or genetic diversity is
lost, we will never know whether research would have given us a new
vaccine or drug. Biodiversity is an important part ofecological
servicesthat make life livable on Earth. They include everything
from cleaning water andabsorbing chemicals, which wetlands do,to
providing oxygen for us to breatheone of the many things that
plants do for people. Biodiversity allows for ecosystems to adjust
todisturbanceslike extreme fires and floods. If a reptile species
goes extinct, a forest with 20 other reptiles is likely to adapt
better than another forest with only one reptile. Genetic diversity
preventsdiseasesand helps species adjust to changes in their
environment. Simply for the wonder of it all. There are few things
as beautiful and inspiring as the diversity of life that exists on
Earth.
21. What is the role of modified automobiles engines and CNG
fuel in reducing smog?
What is Global Warming?Global Warming is the increase of Earth's
average surface temperature due to effect of greenhouse gases, such
as carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels or from
deforestation, which trap heat that would otherwise escape from
Earth. This is a type of greenhouse effect.1. Global Warming Cause:
Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel burning power plants2.
Global Warming Cause: Carbon dioxide emissions from burning
gasoline for transportation3. Global Warming Cause: Methane
emissions from animals, agriculture such as rice paddies, and from
Arctic seabeds4. Global Warming Cause: Deforestation, especially
tropical forests for wood, pulp, and farmland5. Global Warming
Cause: Increase in usage of chemical fertilizers on croplands6.
Global Warming Effect: Rise in sea levels worldwide7. Global
Warming Effect: More killer storms8. Global Warming Effect: Massive
crop failures49. Global Warming Effect: Widespread extinction of
species10. Global Warming Effect: Disappearance of coral reefs