MODULE -

5
SOCIAL ISSUES AND THE
ENVIRONMENT
Social Issues and the Environment: Climate
change, global
warming. acid rain, ozone layer depletion, nuclear accidents and
holocaust. Case Studies. Wasteland reclamation,
Consumerism
and waste products, Environment Protection
Act, Air (Prevention
amd Control of Pollution) Act,
Water (Prevention and control of
Pollution) Act, Wildlife Protection Act, Forest Conservation Act,
Issues invoved in enforcement of
environmental legislation.
5.1 CLIMATE CHANGE
The average temperature in several regions has been
increasing
in recent decades. the worldwide average surface
temperature has
increased by 0.2° C to 0.6°C over the last century. Many nations
have experienced increases in rainfall, especially within the
international locations located inside the mid to high latitudes.
In a few regions, such as parts of Asia and Africa, the
frequency
and depth of droughts are found to increase in current decades. All
these are signs that the earth is unwell. Its weather is changing.
making it extra hard for mankind to survive. The earth is losing its
ability to balance itself owing to the imbalances created by human
activities. Studies conducted by Intergovernmental Panel on global
climate change (IPCC) have shown that within the elose to future,
the worldwide mean surface temperature can rise by 1.4° C to
5.8°C. Warming is greatest over land areas and at high latitudes.
The frequency of weather extremes is likely to increase tloods or
drought. Global mean sea level is projected to rise by 9 to 8 cm by
the year 2100.
 SocIAL IssUES AND THE ENVIRONMENT 93
Human societies are seriously tormented by extremes of climate
like droughts and floods. This is often a serious concern for human
nealth. To a large extent. public health depends
safe potable
on
water. plenty food, secure shelter, and sensible social conditions.
All these factors are
damaged by global climate change. Fresh
water
components can be significantly affected, reducing the
Supply of smooth water for consuming and washing in the course
of drought and floods.
Water can be infected and sewage systems
can be
damaged. The danger of increased spread of infectious
diseases increases. Food and water shortages may additionally lead
to conflicts with critical implications for
public health. Changes
in climate will boom the spread of sickness, including malaria to
regions which lack a strong public fitness infrastructure.

5.2 GLOBAL WARMING

ENERGY ROM

hot catecd fron earbon dlocide

ceeh dd to
cabon dade n

Fig 5.1 Global Warming

the Earth is absorbed on
About 75% of the sun power achieving
Whatever is left
the earth's surface which increases its temperature.
Some of the heat
the warmth transmits back to the atmosphere.
OI often by carbon dioxide. As
s
trapped through greenhouse gases,
numerous human activities,
Sreenhouse emission is discharged by
t's increasing and causing global warming. Human
quickly
 94 ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
activities for the duration of the last few decades of industrialization
and population boom have polluted the atmosphere and
affecting
the weather. Carbon dioxide within the surroundings has
expanded
by 31°o since pre-industrial times, inflicting greater heat to be
trapped inside the lower atmosphere.

5.3 ACID RAIN

When fossil fuels consisting of coal, oil and natural
gas are burnt,
chemical substances like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are
produced. These chemicals react with water and different chemical
substances in the air to form sulfuric acid, nitric acid and other
harmful pollution like sulfates and nitrates. These acid
unfold upwards into the atmosphere and are carried via air
pollutants
currents,
to eventually return to the
ground the form of acid rain, fog or
in
snow. The corrosive nature of acid rain
produces many forms of
environmental damage.

Acid rain cloud travels

Initial Pollution
WIND snow
Acid rain forms
Acid rain
Soil Affected Rivers
affected
Lakes affected 4
Dry Deposition
Vegetation affected

Fig 5.2 Acid Rain

5.3.1 EFFECTS
Acid rain is known to cause
widespread environmental damage.
Acid rain dissolves and washes
away vitamins in the soil
which are essential for
plants.
Acid rain indirectly affects
the soil during which
plants by removing nutrients trom
they grow.
Acid rain that falls
or flows as H,O to reach rivers, lakes and
wetlands, causes the water in them to become acidic. This
affects plant and animal life in
Acid rain also has far
aquatic ecosystems.
The entire food chain is
achieving effects on flora and fauna.
whole atmosphere. disrupted, in the end the endangering
SocIAL IssUES AND
THE ENVIRONMENT
Acid rain and dry
acid
yehicles, and other systenms deposition damages 95
buildings.
damages
made from stone buildings.
or steel.
5.3.2 PREVENTION
Way to stop the
formation of acid rain is to
of sulfur dioxide and lessen the emissions
nitrogen oxides into
may be achieved
by using the use of much the surroundings. This
fuels in power
plants, automobiles and less energy from fossil
cleaner burning fuels is the other industry. Switching to
way.
5.4 0ZONE LAYER
DEPLETION
Stratosphere Sun|

Ozone layer
Tropospher
CFCs, HCFs,
VOCs Sor Radialjon
Fig 5.3 Ozone Layer Depletion
Ozone is made by the action of daylight on O,. It forms a
layer 20 to 50 kms over the surface of the earth. This action takes
place naturally within the atmosphere, however is extremely slow.
Ozone gas is extremely toxic with a powerful odour. It is a type
of oxygen that has three particles in every atom. It is taken into
consideration as a pollutant at ground level and constitutes a health
risk by inflicting respiratory ailments like allergies and bronchitis.
It also causes harm to vegetation and leads to a deterioration of
certain materials like plastic and rubber. Ozone within the upper
environment isimportant to all existence because it protects the
The ozone layer
earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.
ultraviolet radiation,
within the upper atmosphere absorbs the sun's
from reaching the earth's surface. This layer within
preventing it
harmful UV radiation
the atmosphere protects life on earth from the
chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs, that were used as
from the sun.
96 ENERGYAND ENVIRONMENT
refrigerantsand aerosol spray propellants, expose a threat to the
is seen to cause
ozonosphere. The destruction of the ozone layer
increased cases of skin most cancers and cataracts. It also causes
harm to positive vegetation and to plankton, accordingly affecting
natures food chains and food webs. This in turn causes an increase
in carbon dioxide due to the decrease in vegetation.

5.5 NUCLEAR ACCIDENTS

Nuclear energy become researched and discovered via man as
source of alternative power which would be easy and cheap in
comparison to fossil fuels. A single nuclear accident can motive
loss of life, long-time period infection and destruction of belongings
on a big scale for a long time frame. Radioactivity and radioactive
fallout results in cancer, genetic issues and loss of life inside the
affected location for many years after, hence affecting all types of
life for generations to come.

5.6 NUCLEAR HOLOCAUST

The use of nuclear energy in war has had devastating effects on
man and earth. The best use of nuclear strength in conflict in history,
Hiroshima and Nagasaki incident in the course of World War I1, is
one of the worst disasters. These atomic bombs killed lots of people,
left many hundreds injured and devastated for miles around. The
results of the radiation from these nuclear bombs can nonetheless be
visible nowadays in the shape of most cancers and genetic mutations
in the affected children and survivors of the
incident.

5.7 WASTELAND RECLAMATION

Loss of vegetation cover leads to
loss of soil through erosion,
which ultimately creates
wastelands. Loss of soil has alreauy
ruined a massive amount of
cultivable land in our country. Unless
we
competently shield our 'cultivable
lands, we might also sooner
or later face a
extreme scarcity of meals
1odder and fuel timber.
grains, vegetables, frul,
the present
Hence, conservation of soil, defensive
cultivable land and reclaiming the already
Wastelands figures depletc
prominently of making plans for the future.
SoCIAL ISsUES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Wasteland can be classified into three forms: 97
(1) Easily reclaimable,
(2) Reclaimable with some
(3) difficulty,
Reclaimable with extreme
difficulty.
Easily reclaimable wastelands
may be used for
purposes. Those which may reclaimed with a fewagricultural
be
issue can
be applied for agro
forestry. Wastelands which are reclaimed
with severe trouble can be used for
ecosystems.
forestry or to recreate natural

Agriculture: Wasteland be reclaimed for

can
reducing the salt contentand adding agriculture by
compost are added before Gypsum, urea, potash and
planting crops.
Agro Forestry: Agro forestry implies
integration of trees
agricultural crops or livestock management with
involves simultaneously. This
putting land to multiple uses. Its main purpose is to have
trees and crops inter- and /or under
planted to form an
system of biological production within a certain area. integr»

5.7.1 NEED FOR WASTELAND DEVELOPMENT

Wasteland development ensures a constant delivery of
gas,
fodder and wood for local use. It makes the soil fertile
SOil erosion and
by preventing
preserving moisture and enables hold an ecological
stability within the area. The trees help in protecting moisture and
reduce surface run off supporting in the control of soil erosion.

5.8 ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ACT

Passed in March 1986, it came into force on 19 November
.00.It has 26 sections. The purpose of the Act is improvement of
e human environment and the prevention of hazards to human
eings, other living creatures, plants and property. The spirit of the
rOclamation adopted by the United Nations Conference on Human
ronment was implemented by the Government of India by
ating this Act. The Act was last amended in 1991.
98 ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
The salient features of the act are:
1. The central government shall have the power to take all such
measure as itdeems necessary or uselul tor the
purpose of
protecting and improving the quality of the environment
and preventing. controlling and decreasing
environmental
pollution.
No person carrying on any industry, operation or processes
shall discharge or emit any environmental
or permit to do so in excess of such
pollutants
standards as may be
prescribed.
3. No person shall handle or cause to be handled
substances except in accordance with such
any hazardous
after complying with such
procedure and
safeguards may be prescribed.
as
4 The central government or
any officer empowered by it,
shall have power to take, for the
purpose of analysis, sample
of air, water, soil or other substances
from any premises,
factory etc. as may be prescribed.
5. Whoever fails to comply with or violate
of this Act any of the provisions
the rules made or orders or
or
there under shall in
directions issued
respect of each such failure or violation
be punishable with
imprisonment or with fine or with both.
5.9 THE AIR
(PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF
POLLUTION)
ACT
The Government
passed this Act in 1981
controlling pollution. The main objectives of the clean
to
up our air by
(a) To provide for the Act are as follows:
Prevention, Control and abatement of air
pollution.
(b) To provide for the
with a view to
establishment of Central and State Boards
(c) To confer on implement the Act.
the Boards the
provisions of the Act and powers to implement tne
relating to pollution. assign to the Boards function
SocIAL ISsUES AND THE ENVIRONMENT -9
The presence of pollution beyond certain limits due to various
industrial cmission are monitored by
pollutants discharged through
Boards set up in every State.
the Pollution Control

Board is to
Central Board: The main function of the Central
created to improve the of air and to
quality
implement legislation
the country. The Board advises
prevent and control air pollution in
the Central Government on matters concerning the improvement
technical
of air quality and also coordinates activities, provides
down standards
assistance and guidance to State Boards and lays
for the quality of air.

to advice the State

State Board: The State Boards have the power
and control
Government on any matter concerning the prevention
of air pollution. air pollution control areas at intervals
They inspect
or whenever necessary. They are provide standards
empowered to
different industrial plants with
for emissions to be laid down for
of emission of air pollutants
regard to quantity and composition recognize
a
Board may establish or
into the atmosphere. A State
laboratory to perform this function.

Penalties
be penalized if they produce
Persons managing industry are to
excess of the standards
laid down by
emissions of air pollutants in
also makes applications to the court
for
the State Board. The Board
air pollution.
restrainingpersons causing

AND CONTROLOF POLLUTION)

5.10 THE WATER (PREVENTION
ACT
this Act in 1974 to be able to
The Government has formulated
prevent pollution of water by industrial,
agricultural and household
water sources. The main
wastewater that can contaminate our
for prevention, control
objectives of the Water Act are to provide
or restoration
and abatement of water pollution and the maintenance
of water.

The Central Government and State Governments have set up

Pollution Control Boards that monitor water pollution.
100 ENERGYAND ENVIRONMENT
Salient Features
.The act also aims at restoration of wholesomeness of water
.The water act is designed to assess pollution levels and
punish polluters
. The central government and state governments have set-up
pollution control boards to monitor water pollution.
The water act of 1974 along with amendments in 1978 is
an extensive legislation with more than sixty sections for
prevention and control of water pollution.
Central and state boards have been created under this act for
preventing water pollution
The act empowers the board to take:
water samples for analysis
-govern discharge of sewage
- trade effluents

study or inspect appeals

revision of policies
set minimum and maximum penalties
publication of names of offenders
offences by companies or government departments
-

establish or recognize water testing laboratories and

standard testing procedures
-
Prevention and control of water pollution is achieved
through a 'permit or a 'consent administration' procedure
Discharging effluents is permitted by obtaining the consent
of state water boards

Penalties
Penalties are charged for acts that have caused pollution. This
includes failing to furnish information required by the Board, or
failing to inform the occurrence of any accident or other unforeseen
act. An individual or
organisation that fails to comply with the
directions given in the subsections of the law can be convicted or
punished with imprisonment for a term of three months or with a
fine of Rs10,000 or both and in case failure continues
an additional
fine of Rs.5,000
every day. If a person who has already been
SoCIAL ISsUES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
101
convicted for any offence is found guilty of the same
he/she after the second and every offence again,
punishable with imprisonment for subsequent conviction, would be
a term not less
than two years but
which may extend to seven years with fine.

5.11 THE WILDLIFE PROTECTION ACT

The wildlife act is aimed at
and came into effect in 1972.
and preserving protecting wildlife

Salient Features
This act envisages national parks and wildlife sanctuaries as
protected areas to conserve wildlife.
Under this act, wildlife populations are regularly monitored
and management strategies are formulated to protect them.
The act covers the rights of forest dwellers. The act permits
restricted grazing in sanctuaries but prohibits the same in
national parks. The act also prohibits collection of non forest
timber which might not ham the system.
The act provides a comprehensive list of endangered species
and prohibits hunting of the same.
The act provides for setting up national parks, wildlife
sanctuaries, etc.
The act provides for constitution of central zoo authority
The act imposes a ban on trade or commerce of commercial
animals
offenders.
The act provides legal powers to officers to punish
for endangered
Under the act, captive breeding programs
species have been initiated.

Penalties
The offence is punishable with imprisonment for a term which
or with a fine of Rs 25,000
or with both.
may extend to three years
use of meat of any such
An offence committed in relation to any
shall be punishable with
animal, or animal articles like a trophy,
less than one year and may extend to six
imprisonment for a term not
second or subsequent
and a fine of Rs 25,000. In the case of a
years
 ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
102
mentioned ion, tthe
in this sub-section
ho.
term
nature
offence of the same

extend to six years

and not less than two.
years
imprisonment may
of Rs. 10,000.
with a penalty of

CONSERVATION
ACT
5.12 FOREST
as follows:
The salient
features of the Act are
has been empowered under this Act to Use
T h e State Govt.
the forests only for forestry purposes.
conservation of types of forests
all
I t makes provision for
and for this purpose there
is an Advisory committee which
Central Government.
recommends funding for it to the

Any illegal non-forest activity within a forest area can be

Act.
immediately stopped under this
Forest officers and their staff administer
the Forest Act.
The Act deals with four categories of the forests, namely
reserved forests, village forests, protected forests and private
forests.
Reserved forests: These forests are under the direct
supervision of the government and no public entry is
allo ved for collection of timber or grazing of cattle.
Protected forests: These forests are looked after by the
government, but the local people are allowed to collect
fuel-wood/timber and graze their cattle without causing
serious damage to the forests.
Village forests: Reserved forests assigned to a village
community are called village forests.
Private protected forests: These forest lands refer to
protected areas inside India whose land rights are owned
by an individual or a corporation/ organization.
Penalties: A person who commits
any of the offences like fellng
of trees, or
strips off the bark or leaves from any tree or sets fire
Such forests, or
kindles a fire without taking
precautions to preven
Spreading to any tree
mentioned in the Act, whether standing or
or fells
any tree, drags timber, or reitree,
permits cattle
punishable with imprisonment for a term damage any
to
shall be
to
SIX
month or with a fine which may
which may extend to Rs.500, or Dou
SoCIAL IssUES AND THE ENVIRONMENT 103
5.13 ISSUES INVOLVED IN ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION
Environmental regulation is evolved to guard our surroundings
as a whole, our health, and the earth's assets. The presence of a
regulation to guard air, water, soil, etc. Does no longer necessarily
suggest that the hassle is addressed. For a success environmental
rules to be implemented, there has to be an powerful corporation to
gather relevant data. procedure it and bypass it on to a regulation
enforcement organization. If the law or rule is broken through a
individual or institution, this needs to be punished via the legal
process. The interested involved individual should file a Public
Interest proceeding (PIL) for the protection of the surroundings.
people need to keep an eye and inform the concerned and see to it
that actions are taken against offenders.

5.13.1 ENvIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)

For all development projects, whether Government or Private,
the MoEF requires an impact assessment done by a competent
organisation. ElA Environmental Impact Assessment) does this work.
EIAs are expected to indicate what the likely impacts could be if the
and social
project is passed. The EIA must look into physical, biological
it would have on water,
parametes. The ElA must define what impact
and fauna articular
soil and air. It as well requires that a account of flora
breed
in the arena is accurate and to specify if there are any endangered
affected.
whose abode or activity could be abnormally

has identified
The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF)
that need clearance on environmental
a large number of projects
Environmental Protection Act of 1986 was
grounds. After the
environmental clearance for a project is
passed, an ElA to get an
mandatory.

To get an environmental clearance the proposer ofthe undertaking

Board. The PCB
is expected to apply to the State Pollution Control
exams and confirms that the ElA can
be initiated. The agency that
This report is
does the assessment submits a report to the proposer.
forwarded to the MoEF, which is the impact assessment authority
and grants the project clearance.
 ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
104
ACTIONS AND ACTION GROUPS
5.13.2 CITIZENS
moves after they have
or more viable
Individuals can take one
self-interest damage th
a look at
offenders who for their personal
in the location. The person has th
surroundings for others dwelling nuisance to the attentio
environmental offence or
right to bring an
individuals have rights as well as have an
of authorities. Educated
to their duties. They can accompany activity
perform
obligation movements.
groups to strengthen
the ecology
LIST OF QUESTIONS

1. Discuss how climate change is affecting human race.

2. Enumerate the impact of global warming on our mother
nature.
effects?
3. What is acid rain? What are its
4. Write a note on ozone layer depletion
wasteland and its
5. Express the need for reclaiming the
development features.
6. Discuss Environment Protection Act and its
7. Explain the salient features of Air Pollution act.
8. Whatare the regulations governing water pollution prevention
act?
9. Discuss (i) Wildlife Protection act (ii) Forest Conservation
act.
10.What are the issues involved in enforcement of environmental
legislation?
11.Explain about Environment Impact Assessment (ElA).
REFERENCE
1. Textbook for Environmental Studies for Undergradua
Courses of all Branches of Higher Education by Universiy
of
grant commission and Bharathi Vidyapeeth Institute
environment education and Research, Pune
w Hill
2. Environmental Studies, Raj Kumar Singh, Tata Mcura
India, 2012.
 1
CBCS Model Question Paper
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
Max. Marks: 80|
Time: 3 hrs
Note: Answer any FIVE full questions,
selecting ONE full question from each module.

MODULE - 1
to productioon
1. a. Interpret World Energy Scenario with respect (10 Marks)
and consumption using relevant statistics.
Differentiate the same. (06 Marks)
b. Define Energy and Power.
OR
the various key energy trends in India. (08 Marks)
2. a. Explain
India's energy development.
b. Outline the factors that affect (08 Marks)

MODULE -2
various phases of energy audit
3. Explain in the detail the
a. (08 Marks)
methodology.
various thermal energy storage methods. Explain
b. List the methods. (08 Marks)
sensible heat and
latent heat storage

OR
audit.
audit. Explain the need for energy
4. a. Define Energy (08 Marks)
on energy
demand estimation (08 Marks)
short note
b. Write a
MODULE -3
Discuss forest ecosystem. Explain
ecosystem?
a. What is
5. a. an
be done. (08 Marks)
conservation of forest can
how
utilized in the ecosystem.
b. Discuss how oxygen cycle is
(08 Marks)

OR
on (i) ecological
succession (ii) foocd chain,
short note
6. a. Write a (08 Marks)
web and ecological pyramid
food
Elaborate how the nitrogen
cycle ecosystem operates
b.
(08 Marks)
 ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
L06-
MODULE -4
the causes, effects and control measures of air
Discuss brietly
7. a.
a.
pollution
(10 Marks)
Solid Waste Management techniques. (06 Marks)
b. Discuss
OR
effects and control measures of Gi
S. a. Elaborate the causes, Soil
Thermal Pollution
Pollution (ii) Noise Pollution (ii)
(08 Marks)
b. Enumerate the role of an individual in prevention of pollution.
(08 Marks)
MODULE -5
9. a. What is acid rain? What are its effects? (06 Marks)
b. Explain the salient features of Air Pollution act. (10 Marks)
OR
10. a. Explain about Environment Impact Assessment (ELA).
(08 Marks)
b. Discuss (i) Wildlife Protection act (ii) Forest Conservation
(08 Marks)
act.
 MoDEL QUESTION PAPERS 107
Fifth Semester B.E. Degree Examination
CBCS Model Question Paper 2
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
Time: 3 hrs. Max. Marks: 80
Note: Aswer any FIVE full questions,
selecting ONEfull question from each module.

MODULE - 1
1. a. With relevant statistics, enumerate the primary energy
production trend for our country India (08 Marks)
b. Explain the various key energy trends in India (08 Marks)

OR
2. a. Outline the factors that affect India's energy development.
(10 Marks)
(06 Marks)
b. Define Energy and Power. Differentiate the
samne.

MODULE - 2

kWh for a power station

3. a. Calculate the cost of generation per
having the following data:
200 MW
Installed capacity ofthe plant

Capital cost Rs 400

= crores

12%=

Rate of interest and depreciation

salaries and taxation =Rs 5
crores
Annual cost of fuel,
Load factor 50%
=

annual load
estimate the saving in cost per kWh if the
Also (08 Marks)
factor is raised to
60%.
(08 Marks)
Management
b. Discuss the Principles Of Energy
OR
have to decide which
A Company owns a premium plot. They
4. a. to obtain a desirable
alternatives to select in trying
of the several and calculation, they
his investment. A fter much study
on
as given in the following
return
that the two best alternatives are
decide (08 Marks)
table:
 ENERGY AND
ENVIRONMENT
108
Build Solar Build Hydro
power plant power plant
20.00,000 36,00,000
First cost (Rs.)
Annual property taxes (Rs.) 80,000 1,50,000
8.00,000 9,80,000
Annual income (Rs)
Life of land(years)
20 20
0 0
Salvage value (Rs.)
storage. (08 Marks)
b. Elaborate the benefits of thermal energy
MODULE -3
in (08 Marks)
5. a. Enumerate the utilization of carbon ecosystem.
b. Describe grassland ecosystem. What
are its types? How
conservation of grassland can be made. (08 Marks)
OR
6. a. Discuss how oxygen cycle is utilized in the ecosystem.
(08 Marks)
b. Define Environment. Mention its scope. Discuss the need for
public awareness. (08 Marks)
MODULE -4
7.
7. a.
a. Enumerate the water pollution causes and its effects. Mention
the control measures that can be initiated for mitigating the
same. (08 Marks)
b. Discuss any two case studies related to pollution ofenvironment
in detail. (08 Marks)
OR
8. a. Elaborate the causes, effects and control measures of (i) Soil
Pollution (ii) Noise Pollution (i) Thermal Pollution (08 Marks)
b. Discuss Solid Waste Management techniques. (08 Marks)
MODULE -5
9. a. Write a note on ozone layer depletion (08 Marks)
b. Express the need for reclaiming the wasteland and its
development. (08 Marks)
OR
10. a. What the
are regulations governing water pollution prevention
act? (08 Marks)
Enumerate the impact of global warming on our mother nature.
(08 Marks)