What is Environmental Sustainability / Environmental Degradation?
Historical Background
Key Points
7 points- 1.
Pillars of Sustainability: Economic, Social, and Environmental, emphasizing a holistic approach.
- 2.
Key Challenges: Air pollution, water pollution, soil degradation, deforestation, biodiversity loss, climate change, and waste management.
- 3.
Impact of Degradation: Reduced agricultural productivity, health issues, loss of ecosystem services, increased natural disasters, and economic losses.
- 4.
Policy Tools: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), pollution control norms, afforestation programs, promotion of renewable energy, and sustainable resource management.
- 5.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A global framework (17 goals) adopted by the UN, with several directly addressing environmental sustainability (e.g., Clean Water and Sanitation, Life on Land, Climate Action).
- 6.
Circular Economy: A model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible.
- 7.
Role of Technology: Green technologies, remote sensing, and data analytics for monitoring and mitigation.
Visual Insights
Environmental Degradation: Causes and Impacts
Illustrates the causes and impacts of environmental degradation, linking it to various sectors.
Environmental Degradation
- ●Causes
- ●Impacts
- ●Mitigation
Recent Developments
6 developmentsIndia's commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.
Launch of National Green Hydrogen Mission to promote clean energy.
Increased focus on waste management (Swachh Bharat Mission) and plastic waste reduction.
Initiatives like Jal Jeevan Mission for water conservation and supply.
Growing emphasis on climate resilience and adaptation strategies.
Debate around environmental clearances and balancing development with conservation.