PANIMALAR ENGINEERING COLLEGE CHENNAI CITY CAMPUS GE3451

SEMESTER : IV
BRANCH : CSE/AI & DS/IT
SUBJECT CODE & NAME : GE3451 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES & SUSTAINABILITY

NO. PART-A (2 Marks)

Unit IV Sustainability & Management
1. What is development? Give its main goal.
Development is a process that involves growth, progress and positive change in
economic and social aspects of life.
Goal of development: To improve the quality of life for the population and create
opportunities for income and employment without harming the environment.
2. What is GDP?
 GDP, or gross domestic product, is a measure of the market value of all the final

goods and services produced by a country in a specific time period.

 GDP is defined as
Y = C + I + G + (X - M)
Where
Y= Gross Domestic Product
C= Consumption
I = Investment
G= Government spending
X= Exports
M= Imports
3. Define sustainability or sustainable development.
It is defined as “development which meets our own needs without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
4. Why is sustainability important? Or Write any 5 needs of sustainability.
Or State about the salient features of sustainable development.
1. It is a key concept in preserving our planet.
2. It helps to reduce pollution and conserve resources.
3. It protects habitats of plants and animals.
4. It improves public health.
5. It creates job and stimulates the economy.
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5. What are the differences between sustainability and Unsustainability?

Aspects Sustainability Unsustainability
Definition Development which meets Degradation of the environment
our own needs without due to the over utilization and
compromising the ability of over exploitation of natural
future generations to meet resources.
their own needs.

Environmental Preservation of natural Exploitation of resources faster

sustainability resources than the planet can handle and
replenish.
Economic Long-term economic growth Ecosystem services are
sustainability without negatively impacting undervalued and increases
our environment or society crisis.
Social Equality, diversity, social Racism, gender inequality and
sustainability cohesion, and democracy poor treatment of indigenous
peoples.
6. What is meant by carbon credits? Give its purpose.
A carbon credit is a certificate that allows its holder to emit 1 tone of CO 2 (or) the
equivalent amount of green house gases. Carbon credit is also known as carbon
offsets
Kyoto Protocol introduced the concept of carbon credits as per which a country gets
credits to reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere.
1carbon credit =1 ton of carbon dioxide.
The purpose of carbon credits is to reward individuals or entities for reducing CO2
emissions or absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere.
7. Write briefly about Kyoto Protocol.
 Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement (under the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change, adopted in December 1997) that
aims to manage and reduce carbon dioxide emissions and greenhouse gases.
 It introduced the concept of carbon credits as per which a country gets credits to
reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere.
1carbon credit =1 ton of carbon dioxide
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8. What is a carbon footprint? How is it prevented?

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide and
methane that are generated by our actions.
Prevention
1. Consumption of local products.
2. Using sustainable means of transport, such as public transport, bicycle or on foot,
and buy vehicles that are environmentally friendly.
3. Choose a 100 % renewable energy consumption, buy energy-saving appliances, and
control heating and air conditioning to save energy.
4. Creating awareness of reducing the carbon footprint.
5. Reduce waste: Reuse your packaging, recycle it and if this is not possible, dispose of
it in the appropriate container.
9. What are the causes or sources of carbon footprint?
1. Energy Consumption: The burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heating, and
cooling in homes, offices, and industries.
2. Transportation: Emissions from cars, trucks, planes, and other means of
transportation that use fossil fuels.
3. Food Choices: The production, transportation, and consumption of food, with
animal-based products.
4. Waste Generation: The decomposition of organic waste in landfills, which
produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
5. Manufacturing and Industry: Emissions resulting from industrial processes and
the production of goods and services.
6. Land Use Change: Deforestation and land-use changes that release stored carbon in
forests and soil.
10. What is climate change?
Climate change is the significant variation of weather patterns over long periods.
Or
Climate change is the long-term increase in the earth's average surface
temperature and the large-scale changes in weather patterns.
11. What are the causes of climate change?
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A] Natural causes of Climate change

1. Rotation of earth around the sun.
2. Drastic weather changes.
Disasters like hurricanes or floods can affect the climate.
B] Man-Made Causes of Climate Change
 Green house gases: CO2, CH4, CFC, CO, NOx etc.
Industrialization, deforestation, modernization, and inconsistent emissions
controls combine to create the so-called "greenhouse effect," where greenhouse
gases prevent heat from escaping into space, warming the planet.
 Depletion of ozone layer also increases the global temperature.
12. Mention any five effects of Climate change.
1. Rising temperature
2. Rising sea level
3. Unpredictable weather patterns
4. Land degradation
5. Loss of wildlife & bio diversity
6. Ocean Acidification
13. What are the social impacts of climate change?
Displaced people, Poverty, Loss of livelihood, Hunger, Malnutrition, Increased risk of
diseases, Global food and water shortages.
14. What is environmental management?
Environmental management is a set of practices that protect the environment from being
degraded by business activities.
15. What are five solutions to climate change? Or What are the best practices of
environmental management?
1. Protecting forests and planting trees.
2. Avoiding the use of fossil fuels.
3. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, tidal and geothermal
power.
4. Recycling, recovery and re-use
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5. Switching to electric vehicles to stop climate change.

6. Reducing the use of disposable plastic items and silverwares.
7. Eating less meat in our diets.
8. Taking shorter showers and using water only when needed.
16. Write millennium development goals.
1. Eradicate Extreme Hunger and Poverty
2. Achieve Universal Primary Education
3. Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women
4. Reduce Child Mortality
5. Improve Maternal Health
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases
7. Ensure Environmental Sustainability
8. Develop a Global Partnership For Development
17. Write Intervention areas of sustainable development goals (Environmental issues)
1. Climate change 6. Over fishing
2. Use of natural resources 7. Poverty
3. Water pollution 8. Ocean acidification
4. Waste production 9. Air pollution
5. Deforestation
18. Write briefly on sustainability protocols.
Sustainability protocols are sustainability standards and certifications that define
sustainability for products or services in many industries. These protocols help ensure
that buildings and construction projects are environmentally friendly and reduce their
impact on the planet.
Few Sustainability protocols
1. LEED, 6. Passive house,
2. WELL, 7. National Green building Standard,
3. Fitwel, 8. Built green,
4. Living Building Challenge, 9. ESDS
5. BREAM,
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PART – B (13 Marks)

Unit IV Sustainability & Management
1. With a case study, elaborate on the achievement of sustainability from the
unsustainable levels.

Sustainability Vs Unsustainability

Aspects Sustainability Unsustainability

Definition Development which meets Degradation of the

our own needs without environment due to the over
compromising the ability of utilization and over
future generations to meet exploitation of natural
their own needs. resources.

Environmental Preservation of natural Exploitation of resources faster

sustainability resources than the planet can handle and
replenish

Economic Long-term economic growth Ecosystem services are

sustainability without negatively impacting undervalued and increases
crisis.
our environment or society

Social sustainability Equality, diversity, social Racism, Racism, gender

cohesion, and democracy inequality and poor treatment
of indigenous peoples.

Case Studies
Achievement of sustainability from an unsustainable level
Power station ash and flue gas desulphurization residue by-products as construction
material, USA(CONSOL ENERGY)
Objectives
(i) Find out the pollutants (flue gas) and waste by-products coming out from the power
station.
(ii) Convert the waste flue gases and by-products into useful products.
(iii) Reduce pollution and create sustainability from the unsustainable level.
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(iv) Reduce sulphur and fly ash emissions from coal-fired power stations to an acceptable
level.
(v) Economic recycling of the residue material, from the power plant is a further
contribution, to the sustainable use of coal in power generation.
Process
 CONSOL Energy commenced the development of a sustainable synthetic material from
an unsustainable mixture of flue gas desulphurization sludge and coal fly ash.
 This synthetic material can be used in
i. Road laying
ii. Manufacture of concrete blocks
iii. Manufacture of parking tiles
Coal fly ash + Flue gas desulphurization sludge → Synthetic material

Pollutants
(Unsustainable) Unsustainable
Report
1. It is a zero-waste approach.
2. It reduces land disposal cost of wastes.
3. It creates a business opportunities.
4. It provides jobs and stimulates regional economic power.
5. It improves air quality and public health.
Conclusion
 It reduces the land-fill costs for more than 1, 00,000 tons of ash in a local landfill.
 It converts waste into raw material for concrete block manufacturing.
Thus, unsustainable flue gas and fly ashes are converted to sustainable concrete
blocks.
2. Explain the Goals /Target/Indicators of Sustainable Development.
 The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of targets and indicators that
aim to address global development challenges and promote sustainability.
 There are 17 SDGs in total, with 169 targets and 304 indicators to measure
progress.
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 The timeline for achieving the goals was set for 2030.
 One of the goals is to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for everyone. This
means making sure that everyone has clean water to drink and proper toilets to use.
 Another goal is to promote sustainable agriculture and end hunger. This means
making sure that everyone has enough food to eat and that it is grown in a way that
protects the environment.
 There are also goals to ensure good health and well-being for all. This means
making sure that everyone has access to healthcare and that they can live healthy
lives.
 Another goal is to ensure quality education for everyone. This means making sure
that everyone has the opportunity to go to school and learn.
 There is also a goal to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls. This
means making sure that everyone is treated equally, no matter their gender.
 By working towards these goals, we can create a more sustainable and equitable
world for all.

GOAL 1: No Poverty GOAL 10: Reduced Inequality

GOAL 2: Zero Hunger GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and
GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being Communities
GOAL 4: Quality Education GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and
GOAL 5: Gender Equality Production
GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation GOAL 13: Climate Action
GOAL 7: Affordable and Clean Energy GOAL 14: Life below Water
GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic GOAL 15: Life on Land
Growth. GOAL 16: Peace and Justice Strong
GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and Institutions
Infrastructure GOAL 17: Partnerships to achieve the
Goal

Target & Indicators

Each SDG typically has 8-12 targets, and each target has between one and four
indicators to measure progress.
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The targets can be outcome targets or means of implementation targets.

For Example
GOAL 1: No Poverty
Target Indicator
1.1 By 2030, eradicate extreme 1.1.1 Proportion of population below the
poverty for all people everywhere, international poverty line, by sex, age,
currently measured as people living on employment status and geographical
less than $1.25 a day location (urban/rural)
1.2 By 2030, reduce at least by half 1.2.1 Proportion of population living
the proportion of men, women and below the national poverty line, by sex
children of all ages living in poverty in and age
all its dimensions according to 1.2.2 Proportion of men, women and children
national definitions of all ages living in poverty in all its
dimensions according to national definitions
1.3 Implement nationally 1.3.1 Proportion of population covered by
appropriate social protection social protection floors/systems, by sex,
systems and measures for all, distinguishing children, unemployed persons,
including floors, and by 2030 older persons, persons with disabilities,
achieve substantial coverage of the pregnant women, newborns, work-injury
poor and the vulnerable victims and the poor and the vulnerable

Intervention areas of sustainable development goals

1. Climate change
2. Use of natural resources
3. Water pollution
4. Waste production
5. Deforestation
6. Over fishing
7. Poverty
8. Ocean acidification
9. Air pollution
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3. Explain the concept, need and social and economic challenges of sustainability.
Definition of sustainability
It is defined as “meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs.”
Need of sustainability
1. Sustainability is a key concept in preserving our planet.
2. It helps to reduce pollution and conserve resources
3. It protects habitats of plants and animals.
4. It improves public health.
5. It creates job and stimulates the economy.
Concept of Sustainability
3 pillars of sustainability
 Sustainability has three pillars: environmental,
social, and economic. (Known as “planet, people
and profit concept.”).
 The Sustainable development can be achieved only
when environmental protection, social equity, and
economic profitability coexist without one area
taking over any of the others.
The three sustainable development pillars are often also referred to as people, profit,
and the planet. They are also known as the 3 types of sustainability, 3 Ps of
sustainability, triple bottom line, or 3 principles of sustainability.
Venn diagram of sustainability
 According to this concept, sustainable development is at the intersection of the three
pillars of sustainability.
Hierarchy of sustainability
 According to many experts, protecting Environmental integrity is the core of
sustainability. It stresses a hierarchy. In this hierarchy, the environment includes
society, and society includes economic conditions.
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Venn diagram Hierarchy of sustainability

Economic and social challenges of sustainability

Economic Challenges of sustainability
1. Energy transformation challenge: Unreliable or low-quality energy sources do not
compromise economic growth.
2. Disruption of economic activities: The impact of climate change and pandemic
situations like covid 19 threatens to escalate in the absence of adequate safeguards.
3. Financial crises: Lack of necessary investments to achieve sustainable growth.
Recurrence of financial crises needs to be prevented.
4. Poverty: Due to lack of proper wages and good nutrition, poor health of workers affects
economic growth.
5. Cost of Production: Capital interest, taxes, amortization, employee cost, material cost
and technology cost increase the production cost which will reduce the consuming power
of people.
6. Consumerism: If the consumption power of the people decreases, the economic growth
will be completely affected. The decline of consuming power of people will lead to closing
of factories and lay off their employees.
7. Threat to business: If finished products' demand dried and inventory piled up will lead
to collapse of business.
Social challenges of sustainability
Social sustainability helps in the construction of a healthy community that can meet the
needs of the present as well as future generations.
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1. Population Growth: The larger the world’s populations the more resources are needed
to ensure that people remain out of poverty and have utilities such as fresh water and
electricity. Food security is a problem and may get worse due to population growth.
2. Unemployment: There are very few job opportunities or less pay in rural areas as
compared to a city.
3. Inequality: In many countries women lack access to well-paid employment or any
employment at all.
4. Corruption: Good projects that should be available to the people will not be
implemented due to corruption.
5. War and Instability: It is difficult to maintain a civil society and the well-being of
people when there is war or the threat of conflict over a country.
Ex: War in Ukraine Russia and Ukraine account for around 30% of all exports around the
world, which is a big figure and ultimately has a significant impact on food production and
availability.
Approaches for sustainable development
1. Developing appropriate technology
Utilization of advanced and appropriate technology can reduces the burden of labour,
uses less resource and produces minimum waste.
2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3-R approach)
It insists optimum use of natural resources and reduces waste generation and pollution.
3. Providing environmental education and awareness
We can inculcate in people the idea of protecting the earth and environment for our
future generations.
4. Consumption of renewable resources
Consumption of natural resources should not exceed its regeneration capacity. So we can
use renewable resources
5. Conservation of non-renewable resources
Consumption of natural resources should not exceed its regeneration capacity. So we
need to use our non-renewable natural resources in an optimal way. The best way to do this
is to follow either 3 R's principles or use of renewable resources.
6. Population control
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By controlling population growth, we can make sustainable development

4. Define sustainability. Explain the various aspects of sustainability.
Sustainability is defined as “meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs.”
Need of sustainability
1. Sustainability is a key concept in preserving our planet.
2. It helps to reduce pollution and conserve resources
3. It protects habitats of plants and animals.
4. It improves public health.
5. It creates job and stimulates the economy.
Aspects of sustainability
Sustainable development is composed of four aspects. They are
1. Environment,
2. Social,
3. Cultural and
4. Economy.
1) Environmental aspect
 This aspect acknowledges the need to enhance and maintain the biophysical
systems that sustain all life on Earth.
 It prevents over utilization and over exploitation of natural resources.
 It supports
i. Reducing Energy Consumption and CO2 Emissions
ii. Investment in renewable energy
iii. Waste Management
iv. Efficiency in freshwater usage
v. Population Control
vi. Urban planning
2) Social aspect
 This aspect acknowledges the need for equity within and between generations, and
within and between ethnic and social groups.
 The needs of individuals are identified and their well being is considered.
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 These include things such as

i. Fighting against Poverty,
ii. Social Justice,
iii. Gender equality
iv. Quality of Living,
v. Access To Healthcare,
vi. Education
3) Cultural aspect
 Indigenous knowledge is also a potential source for the conservation of
biodiversity.
 It aims for preserving and maintaining a culture (beliefs, values, practices, and
aspirations of a society) through time.
 This aspect acknowledges the political need for all people to express their views
freely and to participate in decision-making.
 This can be done by keeping language and customs alive, or by using technology to
document and share a culture with others.
(4) Economic aspect – Working within the capacity of natural environment
 Focuses on equal economic growth that generates wealth for all, without harming
the environment.
 Investment and equal distribution of economic resources.
 Eradicating poverty in all its forms.
 It further encourages innovation and creativity in developments that lead to a
sustainable future.
5. Write a short note on Unsustainability to sustainability.
Unsustainability: Unsustainability is defined as the degradation of the environment due to
the over utilization and over exploitation of natural resources.
Causes of Unsustainability:
The following facts cause sustainability under threats.
1. Rich countries have only 22% of world’s population consume more resources
(88%) with more income (85%). They are consuming more resources and
polluting more.
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2. Poor countries have 78% of world’s population consume too low resources (12%)
with low income (15%). Due to overpopulation they are polluting more.
Conditions for sustainable life style
1. Equal distribution of resources and equal income to everyone.
2. The rich countries should minimize the use of natural resources and provide
resources to poor countries.
3. Poor countries must control its population and utilize the resources in a sustainable
way.
Sustainability: Sustainability is defined as “meeting our own needs without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Few parameters for achieving sustainable growth
Whether our proposal achieves the goals of sustainability lies in finding the answer to the
following questions.
1. Does it protect our biodiversity?
2. Does it prevent soil erosion?
3. Does it slow down population growth?
4. Does it increase forest cover?
5. Does it cut off the emissions of CFC, SOx, NO and CO₂?
6. Does it reduce waste generation and does it bring benefits?
Dimensions of sustainable development
Derived from interactions between society, economy and environment aspects.

★ Inter-generational equity: states to hand over safe, healthy & resourceful environment

to future generation.

★ Intra-generational equity: Technological development of rich countries should support

the economic growth of poor countries.

Approaches for sustainable development
1. Developing appropriate technology - locally adaptable, eco- friendly, resource
efficient and culturally suitable.
2. Reduce, reuse, recycle [3R] approach - reduces waste generation and pollution
3. Providing environmental education and awareness - changing attitude of the
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people
4. Consumption of renewable resources attain sustainability
5. Conservation of non-renewable resources -conserved by recycling and reusing
6. Population control.
7. Resource utilization as per carrying capacity:
Any system can sustain a limited number of organisms on a long-term basis which
is known as its carrying capacity

★ Carrying capacity has two basic components:

1. Supporting capacity: The capacity to regenerate

2. Assimilative capacity: The capacity to tolerate different stresses.
Consumption should not exceed regeneration and changes should not be allowed to occur
beyond the tolerance capacity of the system.
8. Improving quality of life including social, cultural and economic dimensions
Development should include sharing of benefits between the rich and the poor. The
tribal, ethnic people and their cultural heritage should also be conserved.
 Thus sustainable development can occur by integrating social, scientific and ecological
dimensions at regional and global level.
Sustainable development is possible by considering the earth and its resources as common
for all.
 Participatory role of public and different nations for growth, ecological balance, equity
evolving technological innovations and conservationist life style is equally important to
achieve economic and resource conservation.

Sustainability Vs Unsustainability

Aspects What is sustainable? What is unsustainable?

Definition Meeting our own needs Degradation of the environment

without compromising the due to the over utilization and
ability of future generations over exploitation of natural
to meet their own needs. resources.

Environmental Preservation of natural Exploitation of resources faster

 PANIMALAR ENGINEERING COLLEGE CHENNAI CITY CAMPUS GE3451

sustainability resources than the planet can handle and

replenish

Economic Long-term economic growth Ecosystem services are

sustainability without negatively undervalued and increases crisis.

impacting our
environment or society

Social Equality, diversity, social Racism, Racism, gender

sustainability cohesion, and democracy inequality and poor treatment of
indigenous peoples.

6. Explain the following (i) Carbon credit (ii) Carbon footprint

Carbon credit
 A carbon credit is a certificate that allows its holder to emit 1 tone of CO 2 (or)
the equivalent amount of green house gases. Carbon credit is also known as
carbon offsets
 Kyoto Protocol introduced the concept of carbon credits as per which a country
gets credits to reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere.
 1carbon credit =1 ton of carbon dioxide.
Types of carbon credits
There are two types of carbon credits.
1. Voluntary emissions reduction (VER)
It is a carbon offset that is exchanged in the over-the-counter (or) voluntary market
for credits.
2. Certified emissions reduction (CER)
It relies on emission credits created through a regulatory frame work with the
purpose of off-setting a project's emissions.
Advantages of Carbon Credit
1. Each carbon credit corresponds to one ton of carbon that was not emitted into
the atmosphere.
2. The company that does not have an alternative reduce its emission finds an
advantage in the purchase of this credit.
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3. The purchase of carbon credits by companies that are environmentally conscious

is favorable for their image.
4. Sometimes the company behaves sustainably, but it cannot stop emitting some
amount of carbon. In this case, the purchase of credit shows how much the company
activities cares about encouraging sustainable
5. It enables companies to support decarbonization beyond their own carbon footprint.
Disadvantages of Carbon Credit
1. Some institutions and countries can accommodate themselves in the exchange
market to continue emitting their greenhouse gases.
2. Companies do not invest in action to avoid emissions because they are able to
buy unlimited credits.
3. The reduction of ton of carbon that is 1 credit will never be enough.
4. It is an alternative for emergency needs, not to rest on the fact that the other has saved.
Main focus of carbon credit is to reduce green house gas emissions, but it is
not possible to stop the negative impacts caused by the global warming.
ii) Carbon foot print
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide
and methane that are generated by our actions.
Causes or sources of carbon footprint
1. Energy Consumption: The burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heating, and cooling
in homes, offices, and industries.
2. Transportation: Emissions from cars, trucks, planes, and other means of transportation
that use fossil fuels.
3. Food Choices: The production, transportation, and consumption of food, with animal-
based products generally having a higher carbon footprint than plant-based options.
4. Waste Generation: The decomposition of organic waste in landfills, which produces
methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
5. Manufacturing and Industry: Emissions resulting from industrial processes and the
production of goods and services.
6. Land Use Change: Deforestation and land-use changes that release stored carbon in
forests and soil.
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Components of carbon footprint

 Transport,
 food & household,
 electricity, phone & internet,
 water,
 Recycling,
 greenhouse gases, and
 Waste emissions.

Prevention
1. Consumption of local products.
2. Using sustainable means of transport, such as public transport, bicycle or on foot,
and buy vehicles that are environmentally friendly.
3. Choose a 100 % renewable energy consumption, buy energy-saving appliances, and
control heating and air conditioning to save energy.
4. Creating awareness of reducing the carbon footprint.
5. Reduce waste: Reuse your packaging, recycle it and if this is not possible, dispose
of it in the appropriate container.
7. What is climate change? Explain the causes, effects and control measures with any
one case studies.
Definition:
Climate change is the significant variation of weather patterns over long periods.
Or
Climate change is the long-term increase in the earth's average surface temperature
and the large-scale changes in weather patterns that are mainly caused by the use of fossil
fuels.
Causes of climate change
A] Natural causes of Climate change
3. Rotation of earth around the sun.
Rotation of the Earth on its axis causes night and day, but has no effect on climate.
Climate is affected by the rotation of the Earth around the sun. Any change in the
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sun's radiation - either an increase or decrease - will influence our surface

temperatures.
4. Drastic weather changes.
Disasters like hurricanes or floods can cause significant damage to the surrounding
environment, which in turn can affect the climate.
B] Man-Made Causes of Climate Change
 Green house gases: CO2, CH4, CFC, CO, NOx etc.
Industrialization, deforestation, modernization, and inconsistent emissions
controls combine to create the so-called "greenhouse effect," where greenhouse
gases prevent heat from escaping into space, warming the planet.
 Depletion of ozone layer also increases the global temperature.
Climate Change Effects
1. Rising temperature: Global warming often causes natural disasters such as forest
fires, prolonged droughts, melting glaciers, and hurricanes.
2. Rising sea level: As polar ice caps melt, sea levels begin to rise. This can
potentially displace millions of people worldwide as well as destroy various
ecosystems and natural landmarks.
3. Unpredictable weather patterns: As weather patterns become unpredictable, it
affects food production.
4. Extreme weather events: Extreme weather conditions like storms, floods, rains,
cyclones bring calamities like loss of property, business, diseases and life.
5. Land degradation: Heavy rain floods, landslides, intense tropical storms, severe
droughts create land degradation.
6. Loss of wildlife & bio diversity:
As the weather becomes warmer and sea levels rise, plant life moves higher or
further inland. This can result in problems for local animal life.
Many animals migrate or face extinction due to lack of food sources.
7. Ocean Acidification: As the oceans absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,
they become increasingly acidic, which can be dangerous to coral and marine life.
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Social impacts of climate change

 Displaced people
 Poverty
 Loss of livelihood
 Hunger
 Malnutrition
 Increased risk of diseases
 Global food and water shortage.
Possible solutions to climate change
1. Protecting forests and planting trees
2. Avoiding the use of fossil fuels.
3. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, tidal and geothermal
power.
4. Switching to electric vehicles to stop climate change.
5. Reducing the use of disposable plastic items and silverwares.
6. Eating less meat in our diets.
7. Taking shorter showers and using water only when needed.
CASE STUDIES
1. Climate change on Chennai, East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram
Road (OMR)
 ECR and OMR are the Chennai’s landmark will receive the highest climate impact.
Due to Chennai's land use patterns, population stress and abuse of natural resources
climate has changed drastically in the last few years.
 Climate induced impacts like drought, floods, heavy rains and winds are becoming
increasingly evident in the city.
 On one end of the continuum are summer water crises and on the other end are
monsoonal flood disasters.
Reason for flood in Chennai
 Increasing population and Land use pattern have changed the natural hydrology of
the city.
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 The water which needs to naturally drain into the sea via, the regional watershed
is now blocked by buildings and artificial man-made structures.
Remedy
 Primarily, people need to take action to reduce the emission of green house
gases that is the root cause for climate change
 The Greater Chennai Corporation has initiated a massive storm water drain
project, funded by the German KfW Bank.
 This project involves the construction of storm water drains covering 122
kilometers, primarily along OMR) and ECR.
 It enhances the city's flood management capabilities and provides relief to
affected regions.
 It establishes a direct drain connection from Semmenchery to the Buckingham
Canal, which will help alleviate the burden on the Pallikaranai marshland.
 It revives lost streams and restoring connectivity with lakes to improve water
management and ecological conservation.
3. Severe water crisis in Chennai
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu in India has been facing water crisis due to various
factors, including climate change, population stress, and poor infrastructure planning.
Issues
 The city's reservoirs have dried up, and the lakes have turned into cracked
playgrounds.
 The demand for water is much higher than the supply.
 Despite mandatory rainwater harvesting, these systems are inefficient due to low
maintenance.
 Increasing population and changes in land use patterns have disrupted the natural
hydrology of the city, preventing water from draining into the sea.
Remedy
Researchers predict that Chennai's climate is more unpredictable and aggressive. Climate
change will affect people and the environment. People need to take action to reduce
the emission of green house gases that is the root cause for climate change
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Conclusion
To address the flood risks and mitigate future disasters, the Greater Chennai Corporation
has initiated a massive storm water drain project. It is crucial for the city to take action to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate. By implementing
effective water management strategies and restoring natural hydrology, Chennai can work
towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
3.Climate change on Chennai, Ennore
 Ennore, a coastal region in Chennai, is experiencing the impacts of climate change.
 Rising sea levels and erosion caused by climate change are affecting Ennore's
landscape.
 The fishers in the area have noticed changes in the landscape, such as the receding
sea water and the submergence of land due to the construction of sea-walls.
 Environmental activists in Chennai raise awareness about the threats of climate
change and rising sea levels to coastal regions because these regions act as
conduits for flood water, protecting the city from flooding when sea levels rise.
Reason
1. Ennore thermal power station
2. Coal-fired thermal power plant
3. CPCL's oil refinery,
4. Madras Fertilizers Ltd, Tamil Nadu
5. Petro products Ltd and
6. Madras Petrochemical Ltd.
These six factories are operating in violation of prescribed air pollution norms for nearly
60%, responsible for drastic climate change.
More than 56 lakh tonnes of coal ash is spread over the river bed with flash deposits
ranging in depth from 1 ft to 8 ft.
Issues
1.Ground-level particulate matter pollution
2. Ground-level SO2 and NO2 pollution exceeded the carrying capacity of the area.
3. In Ennore, children and women are particularly affected and gynecological problems
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were particularly reported by respondents.

4. Natural drainage pattern have been considerably altered due to fly ash pond construction
and ash contamination.
5. Climate change manifests in the form of rising sea levels, increased heat stress, intense
rain events and droughts and ocean desertification due to warming seas.
6. More than 120 million liters of hot waste water is discharged daily, which create
localized marine deserts.
Solution
The government should work towards completing the Coastal Zone Management Plan
and ensure that it effectively addresses the violations and protects the coastal wetlands.
By taking these steps, Ennore can become a model for sustainable development and
resilience in the face of climate change.
8. Define environmental management. Explain the objectives, principles and steps
involved in the environmental management with one case study.
Environmental management is a set of practices and processes that enable any organization,
to reduce its environmental impacts and increasing its operating efficiency.
Objectives
1. To prevent and solve environmental problems.
2. To suggest measures for resource conservation.
3. To evaluate the success (or) failure of environmental management measures.
4. To suggest long-term and short-term policies for sustainable development.
5. To identify new technology for sustainable development.
6. To protect your business from non compliance fines and penalties.
Principles
1. Precautionary principle – This principle emphasizes taking preventive action in
the face of uncertainty. In environmental management, it means addressing potential
environmental risks before they cause harm.
2. Polluter pays principle – Those responsible for pollution or environmental damage
should bear the costs of remedying the harm. This principle encourages accountability.
3. Integration of environmental considerations – A company’s activities, from trash
management to product creation, should incorporate environmental management.
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4. Continuous improvement – Environmental management is an ongoing process of

improvement and adaptation. Regular review and enhancement of environmental
performance are essential.
Elements/ Key steps involved in Environmental management

No. Elements/ Key steps General

1. Environmental policy Leads an organization by formulating
environmental protection principles.
2. Planning Facilitates the analysis of an organization’s
environmental aspects including its
processes, products, services as well as the
goods and services used by the
organization.
3. Implementation & operation Implementation of processes to improve
essential activities from an environmental
perspective.
4. Checking & corrective action Monitoring and implementing corrective
and preventive measures by identifying the
cause of the problems.
5. Management review Review of an EMS by an organization's top
management ensures the effectiveness of
corrective and preventive actions taken.
6. Continual improvement Completes the cyclical process of an EMS;
i.e. plan implement, check, and review and
continually improve.
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CASE STUDIES
1.Electronic waste (E-waste) Recycling, Dell company
Dell is one of the world’s largest computer manufacturers and technology companies.
This case study outlines how Dell uses the concepts of the circular economy to solve

environmental problems especially e waste management .

Objectives
1. Dell aims to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly practices.
2. They plan to incorporate recycled plastic and sustainable materials into their products.
3. Dell is focused on reducing packaging waste and inspiring others to view waste as a
valuable resource.
4. Dell replaces non-biodegradable, oil-base material with organic alternatives such as
bamboo and mushrooms.

Process
 Dell is taking proactive steps to address e-waste through Global Takeback program
that makes it easier for customers to dispose of their old electronics. Once a device is
returned, they maximize its reuse potential by taking the following steps:
1. Sanitize and secure data
2. Refurbish systems that can be resold or donated for continued use
3. Harvest all usable parts to extend the lifecycle
4. Extract key materials – like plastics, magnets and aluminum – to reuse in new
Dell products
5. Responsibly recycle all other materials.
 It plans to use 50 million pounds of recycled plastic and other sustainable materials. It
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creates 100% recyclable (or) compostable packaging. It recovers 2 billion pounds of

electronic waste. Dell sourced 45 m kilos of recycled plastic to make monitors and
desktops Dell eliminated 20 m pounds of packaging waste. It generates more than 18 m
in cost savings.
Conclusion
As a part of its effort to encourage others to see waste as a valuable resource. Finally, the
most appropriate environmental management strategy to control environmental pollution is
cleaner production where companies take preventive measures to reduce waste production
at source.
9. Write briefly on sustainability protocols.
Sustainability protocols are sustainability standards and certifications that define
sustainability for products or services in many industries. These protocols help ensure that
buildings and construction projects are environmentally friendly and reduce their impact
on the planet.
Few Sustainability protocols

1. LEED, 6. Passive house,

2. WELL, 7. National Green building Standard,
3. Fitwel, 8. Built green,
4. Living Building Challenge, 9. ESDS
5. BREEAM,

1. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

 LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement.
 It provides a framework for designing, constructing, and operating green buildings.
 LEED evaluates a building's environmental impact in categories such as sustainable
sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor
environmental quality, and innovation and design.
 By adhering to these protocols, buildings can reduce their contribution to climate
change, enhance human health, protect water resources, promote sustainable
material cycles, and enhance community quality of life.
2. BREEAM is a green building standard that originated in the UK and is now used
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internationally.
3. Passive House focuses on energy efficiency and reducing a building's energy
consumption.
4. WELL focuses on promoting human health and well-being in buildings.
5. Fitwel is a certification system that assesses the health and wellness impact of buildings.
6. The Living Building Challenge aims to create buildings that are self-sufficient and have
a positive impact on the environment.
7. National Green Building Standard, Built Green, and ESDS are other sustainability
protocols that promote environmentally friendly practices in the construction industry.