Role of Society in Development and Environment: NBSE Class 11

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Get notes, summary, questions and answers, MCQs, extras, and PDFs of Chapter 10 “Role of Society in Development and Environment” which is part of NBSE Class 11 Environment Education. However, the notes should only be treated as references and changes should be made according to the needs of the students.

Summary

The chapter discusses the role of society in development and the environment. It highlights that society is both the driver and the beneficiary of development. Development requires financial, human, and natural resources, all of which are provided by society. However, if development is not managed carefully, it can harm both society and the environment. For instance, the use of nuclear energy can be beneficial, but if misused, it can cause great destruction.

The concept of sustainable development is introduced as a way to ensure that development meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. This means that development should be in harmony with nature, maintaining a balance between economic growth and environmental protection. The chapter also outlines global development goals set by the United Nations and other international bodies, which include ending poverty and hunger, reducing child and maternal mortality, ensuring health services for all, promoting gender equality, and protecting the environment.

The role of society in environmental conservation is also emphasized. Society relies on natural resources for development, but this often leads to environmental degradation. Therefore, it is important to create public awareness about the need for sustainable development. This can be done through education, eco-clubs, campaigns, and public participation in decision-making processes. Environmental education is crucial in making people aware of their responsibilities towards the environment. Eco-clubs, for example, play a key role in promoting environmental awareness among young people.

The chapter stresses the importance of public participation in decision-making, especially in democratic systems where people have a say in decisions that affect them. This participation ensures that development projects are accepted and supported by the community, leading to more successful and sustainable outcomes.

Textbook solutions

Multiple-Choice Questions

1. Which of the following is not a kind of capital for development?

A. Financial Capital
B. Human Capital
C. Nature Capital
D. Functional Capital

Answer: D. Functional Capital

2. International Environmental Education Programme was launched at a global level in a conference,

A. Stockholm Conference, 1972
B. Rio de Janeiro Conference, 1992
C. Copenhagen Conference, 1995
D. New York Conference, 2001

Answer: A. Stockholm Conference, 1972

3. An international agency working for development of the human society is

A. International Environment Education
B. Centre for Environment Education
C. Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
D. Ecological Club

Answer: C. Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development

4. What are the primary goals of sustainability?

A. End of poverty and hunger along with gender equality
B. Better standards of education and healthcare
C. Promotion of jobs and stronger economies
D. All of these

Answer: D. All of these

5. UNESCO stands for

A. United Nations Energy, Science and Civilisation Organisation
B. United Nationals Educational, Scientific and Civilisation Organisation
C. Union Nationals Educational, Scientific and Civilisation Organisation
D. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation

Answer: D. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation

Short Answer Questions

1. How are society and development interrelated?

Answer: Human society is both the promoter and beneficiary of development. No development can take place without deployment by the society of input fund, technology, energy, policies, plans, etc. On the other hand, human society derives maximum benefits from developmental activities, which are often at the cost of natural resources like land, water, air, forests, fossil fuels, solar energy, and so on.

2. What are the three kinds of capital that are required for developmental activities?

Answer:

• Financial capital
• Human capital
• Nature capital

3. Define ‘Sustainable Development.’

Answer: Sustainable development is using, conserving, and enhancing the community resources so that ecological processes on which life depends are maintained and the total quality of life, now and in the future, can be increased.

4. What is the main aim of environmental education?

Answer: The main aim of environmental education is to make society aware of its responsibility towards achieving sustainable development through formal and informal methods of education.

5. When was the Stockholm Conference on Environment held?

Answer: The Stockholm Conference on Environment was held in 1972.

6. Through which method of education adults can be made aware of environmental problems?

Answer: The present adult generation can be educated through adult education programmes and informally through media, NGOs, and environmental activists.

7. What do you understand by an eco-club?

Answer: An eco-club or green club is a voluntary group which promotes the participation of people in learning about and improving their environment. Eco-club activities should aim at:

• Creating awareness and sensitivity among individuals and social groups to the total environment and its allied problems being created by the society’s developmental activities.
• Imparting knowledge to help individuals and social groups gain a variety of experiences in and acquire a basic understanding of the environment and its associated problems.
• Building attitudes to help individuals and social groups acquire a set of values and feelings of concern for the environment, and the motivation for actively participating in environmental improvement and protection.
• Imparting skills to help individuals and social groups identify and solve environmental problems.
• Leading the participants to participate in appropriate action to help solve these problems and avoid future problems.

8. What are the factors that determine the content of a population education programme?

Answer: The content of the population education programme is influenced by the specific national as well as by political and educational goals.

9. Name the voluntary organisations who are promoting Eco-club.

Answer: There are voluntary organisations like WWF-India, Green Ray Foundation Goa, etc., that are working for the promotion of Eco-clubs. The help and guidance can also be obtained from the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad.

Long Answer Questions

1. Write a short note on the various kinds of capital that are essential for development programme?

Answer: Development needs investment of capital which is of three kinds, namely:

• Financial capital: This refers to the monetary resources required for development projects. It includes investments, funding from government bodies, private sector investments, and international financial aid. Financial capital is essential for purchasing materials, paying wages, and covering other expenses related to development initiatives.
• Human capital: This encompasses the skills, knowledge, experience, and labour that people contribute to the development process. It includes the workforce involved in planning, executing, and managing development projects. Human capital is critical as it drives innovation, improves efficiency, and ensures the successful implementation of development programmes.
• Nature capital: This refers to the natural resources that are used in development projects. It includes land, water, minerals, forests, and other environmental resources that are crucial for development. Nature capital must be used sustainably to ensure that development does not lead to the depletion or degradation of these resources, which are vital for future generations.

2. Describe the goals that have been identified jointly by the UN and other international agencies for international development.

Answer: The United Nations and a few international organisations like the World Bank and OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) have identified five goals which are to be the focus of international development strategy. These goals are:

• Poverty: By 2030, end malnutrition and hunger, ensure sustainable food production.
• Mortality: End the preventable death of infants and children under five and reduce the mortality rate for mothers by 2020.
• Health: Providing access to health services for all individuals of appropriate age and end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, etc. by 2030.
• Gender: Demonstrating progress towards gender equality and the empowerment of women by eliminating gender disparities in primary and secondary education, workplaces, and representation in political fields.
• Environment: Implementing national strategies for sustainable development to ensure that the current loss of environmental resources is reversed globally and nationally.

3. Write a note on the aims of eco-clubs.

Answer: Eco-club activities should aim at:

• Creating awareness and sensitivity among individuals and social groups to the total environment and its allied problems being created by the society’s developmental activities.
• Imparting knowledge to help individuals and social groups gain a variety of experiences in and acquire a basic understanding of the environment and its associated problems.
• Building attitudes to help individuals and social groups acquire a set of values and feelings of concern for the environment, and the motivation for actively participating in environmental improvement and protection.
• Imparting skills to help individuals and social groups to identify and solve the environmental problems.
• Leading the participants to participate in appropriate action to help solve these problems and avoid future problems.

4. What is the aim of population education in the Indian context?

Answer: In the Indian context, the concept of population education is designed to bring home to the students, both at school and university levels, the consequences of uncontrolled population growth, the benefits of small family norms, the economics, sociology, and statistics of population growth, its distribution and its relation to the levels of living. It should aim toward protection, conservation, and improvement of their environment. The importance of population education in the context of the environment needs no emphasis because population growth is one of the major causes of environmental degradation throughout the world.

5. What is the aim of population education in the Indian context?

Answer: In the Indian context, the concept of population education is designed to bring home to the students, both at school and university levels, the consequences of uncontrolled population growth, the benefits of small family norm, the economics, sociology and statistics of population growth, its distribution and its relation to the levels of living. It should aim toward protection, conservation and improvement of their environment.

6. What are the methods of launching of a campaign programme?

Answer: The campaign programme can be launched through –

1. Formal and informal meetings
2. Group discussions
3. Print media and electronic media
4. Films and documentaries

7. Why is public participation in decision-making significant for development?

Answer: Public participation in decision-making is useful on several counts. Firstly, through it, they will have a chance to voice their concerns that should be addressed in the implementation of a decision. Given such a chance, they will accept a programme willingly and extend their help in the execution of the decision. Generally, whenever a development project is initiated, some agricultural or forest land is requisitioned for it. The population living there is displaced. The affected persons have to leave their homes and professions and look for new jobs and a place to live on. This brings vast changes in living conditions, employment pattern and social organisations of a large population. In such a case, people’s participation in decision-making will remove many misgivings about the project and their willing cooperation will be available. Such cooperation goes a long way to make the project a success.

8. How can an Eco-club be constituted?

Answer: A group of concerned people can start an eco-club which gets involved in improving the environment. Clubs can be started by a group of students within a school or a college, by a group of persons in a neighbourhood, or a section within some other social organisation. The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India is the nodal agency at the national level which can render advice, guidance and even some financial assistance to the eco-clubs. There are voluntary organisations like WWF-India, Green Ray Foundation Goa, etc., that are working for promotion of Eco-clubs. The help and guidance can also be obtained from the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad.

Think and Answer

Though there are various government policies for the awareness programmes still NGOs play the most important role in this field. Why?

Answer: NGOs play a crucial role in public awareness programmes, often surpassing the impact of government initiatives for several reasons:

• Grassroots Engagement: NGOs typically work directly with communities at the grassroots level, understanding their specific needs and challenges. This close interaction allows them to tailor awareness programmes more effectively to the local context, ensuring higher levels of engagement and participation.
• Flexibility and Innovation: Unlike government programmes, which can be bound by bureaucratic processes, NGOs often have the flexibility to innovate and adapt their strategies quickly. This agility allows them to respond to emerging issues and incorporate the latest best practices in their awareness campaigns.
• Trust and Credibility: In many communities, NGOs have built strong reputations over time by consistently delivering on their promises. This trust often makes people more receptive to the messages and initiatives promoted by NGOs compared to government efforts, which may be viewed with skepticism or as less effective.
• Specialised Expertise: NGOs often focus on specific issues, such as environmental protection, health, or education, allowing them to develop deep expertise. This specialised knowledge enables them to design and implement highly effective awareness programmes that address the root causes of issues rather than just the symptoms.
• Advocacy and Policy Influence: NGOs not only educate the public but also advocate for policy changes at various levels of government. This dual role strengthens their impact, as they can push for systemic changes that complement their on-the-ground awareness efforts.
• Community Empowerment: NGOs frequently empower local communities by involving them in the decision-making process and encouraging them to take ownership of the initiatives. This participatory approach ensures sustainability and a stronger, more lasting impact of the awareness programmes.

Extras MCQs

1. What are the three kinds of capital required for development?

A. Financial, Human, Nature
B. Social, Human, Financial
C. Financial, Technological, Human
D. Nature, Financial, Technological

Answer: A. Financial, Human, Nature

Q. What does sustainable development aim to maintain?

A. Economic growth only
B. A balance between growth and environmental protection
C. Only environmental protection
D. Social well-being

Answer: B. A balance between growth and environmental protection

Q. What is the universally accepted definition of sustainable development?

A. Development that meets current needs without future sacrifices
B. Development focused on economic growth
C. Development with immediate benefits
D. Development that prioritizes natural resources

Answer: A. Development that meets current needs without future sacrifices

Q. Which international organization is involved in setting goals for international development strategy according to the text?

A. NATO
B. OECD
C. IMF
D. WHO

Answer: B. OECD

Q. By what year does the international development strategy aim to end malnutrition and hunger?

A. 2030
B. 2025
C. 2020
D. 2040

Answer: A. 2030

Q. What is identified as a significant role of human society in the text?

A. Accumulating wealth
B. Conservation and regeneration of natural environment
C. Expanding urban areas
D. Enhancing technological advancement

Answer: B. Conservation and regeneration of natural environment

Q. Which organization is the nodal agency for eco-clubs at the national level in India?

A. WWF-India
B. Ministry of Environment and Forests
C. Centre for Environment Education (CEE)
D. Green Ray Foundation

Answer: B. Ministry of Environment and Forests

Q. What year was the Stockholm Conference, which led to the launch of the International Environmental Education programme?

A. 1970
B. 1972
C. 1980
D. 1985

Answer: B. 1972

Q. What is the primary focus of population education as defined by the UNESCO Regional Office for Education in Asia?

A. Economic development
B. Study of population situation
C. Environmental protection
D. Technological advancement

Answer: B. Study of population situation

Q. Which voluntary organization in Nagaland is specifically working at the state or district level for public interest?

A. Naga Students Federation
B. Naga Mothers Association
C. Nagaland Gandhi Ashram
D. Naga Hoho

Answer: B. Naga Mothers Association

Q. What event or person is not mentioned as contributing to the public awareness of environmental education?

A. Medha Patkar
B. Sunderlal Bahuguna
C. Arundhati Roy
D. Mahatma Gandhi

Answer: D. Mahatma Gandhi

Q. What year was the Regional Workshop on Population and Family Education held in Bangkok?

A. 1965
B. 1970
C. 1975
D. 1980

Answer: B. 1970

Q. What is the purpose of eco-clubs?

A. Promote technological advancements
B. Increase economic profits
C. Learn about and improve the environment
D. Support political campaigns

Answer: C. Learn about and improve the environment

Q. What is identified as a major cause of environmental degradation in the context of population education?

A. Industrialization
B. Population growth
C. Deforestation
D. Urbanization

Answer: B. Population growth

Q. Which organization provides help and guidance for eco-clubs in India?

A. World Health Organization
B. Centre for Environment Education (CEE)
C. United Nations
D. Indian Red Cross Society

Answer: B. Centre for Environment Education (CEE)

Q. What system of management takes decisions at the top level and expects lower functionaries to implement them?

A. Democratic system
B. Command-and-control system
C. Panchayat system
D. Participatory system

Answer: B. Command-and-control system

17. In a democratic system, who is expected to have a say in decision-making?

A. Only top officials
B. Identified low functionaries
C. People at the grassroots
D. International organizations

Answer: C. People at the grassroots

Extra Questions and Answers

1. How does human society contribute to environmental degradation?

Answer: Human society is mainly responsible for environmental degradation through the constant depletion of natural resources and the release of pollutants into the environment. As society uses the environment and its elements for development, it also causes harm to these resources, leading to their degradation.

Q. What are the three kinds of capital provided by human society for developmental projects?

Answer: The three kinds of capital provided by human society for developmental projects are Financial Capital, Human Capital, and Natural Capital. These capitals are crucial for the successful implementation and sustainability of development initiatives.

Q. What is the importance of sustainable development?

Answer: Sustainable development is essential as it involves using, conserving, and enhancing community resources so that ecological processes, on which life depends, are maintained. This ensures that the quality of life can be increased now and in the future, while also meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Q. What is the universally accepted definition of sustainable development?

Answer: The most universally accepted definition of sustainable development is that it is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This definition highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social justice.

Q. What must human society ensure in its development process?

Answer: Human society’s development process must maintain a balance and harmony between economic growth, environmental protection, and justice at all levels—local, regional, and global. The development must also consider future generations and ensure that resources are used in a sustainable manner.

Q. How are development and environment interlinked?

Answer: Development and environment are inseparably interlinked, and human society cannot progress by overlooking either of the two components. Ignoring the environment in the pursuit of development can lead to unsustainable outcomes, while responsible development can enhance both society and the environment.

Q. What role does human society play in the conservation and regeneration of the environment?

Answer: Human society has a significant role in the conservation and regeneration of its natural environment. Society’s developmental activities draw natural resources from the environment, and it is responsible for ensuring these resources are managed sustainably. This includes balancing the needs for water, soil, energy, minerals, metals, food, fodder, and fuel with the need to preserve and regenerate these resources for future use.

Q. What are the consequences of focussing on only economic growth in development?

Answer: Focusing solely on economic growth in development, while ignoring social and environmental well-being, can have undesirable consequences. Such an approach is unsustainable because it overlooks the importance of maintaining a balance between economic benefits and the health of society and the environment.

Q. What is the challenge for development to sustain itself?

Answer: The challenge for development to sustain itself is to make economic growth, human well-being, and environmental well-being compatible. This idea has become an ideal for human society to follow in its quest for development and its awakened sense towards environmental conservation and regeneration.

Q. How can society be made aware of its responsibility towards sustainable development?

Answer: Society can be made aware of its responsibility towards sustainable development through education, eco-clubs, population education, campaigns, and public participation in decision-making. These methods help individuals and communities understand the importance of sustainable development and the need to balance economic, social, and environmental well-being.

Q. What role do voluntary organisations play in Nagaland regarding public awareness?

Answer: In Nagaland, voluntary organisations play a significant role in public awareness. Some important organisations include The Naga Mothers Association, Naga Hoho, and The Naga Students Federation. These organisations work at the state or district level, communicating with local people to make them aware of issues related to health, education, development, and the environment.

Q. How is environmental education important for sustainable development?

Answer: Environmental education is crucial for sustainable development because it helps society become aware of its responsibility towards achieving a harmonious life. It is imparted through both formal and informal methods of education and prepares future citizens who are environment-centric in their thoughts and actions, thereby fostering sustainable development.

Q. How can the adult generation be educated about environmental issues?

Answer: The adult generation can be educated about environmental issues through adult education programmes and informally through media, NGOs, and environmental activists. Public awareness programmes led by activists like Medha Patkar, Arundhati Roy, and Sunderlal Bahuguna have already created a favourable climate for environmental education at the social level.

Q. What is an eco-club? What are its activities?

Answer: An eco-club or green club is a voluntary group that promotes the participation of people in learning about and improving their environment. Eco-club activities aim at creating awareness and sensitivity among individuals and social groups about the environment, imparting knowledge, building attitudes, imparting skills, and leading participants to take appropriate action to solve environmental problems and avoid future issues.

Q. What is the purpose of the Population Education Programme?

Answer: The purpose of the Population Education Programme is to study the population situation in the community, nation, and world to develop rational and responsible attitudes and behaviour towards the situation. In the Indian context, it aims to educate students about the consequences of uncontrolled population growth, the benefits of a small family norm, and the relationship between population growth and environmental degradation.

Q. What is the importance of population education in the context of the environment?

Answer: Population education is important in the context of the environment because population growth is one of the major causes of environmental degradation worldwide. In India, uncontrolled population growth has led to significant environmental challenges. Therefore, population education programmes should be broad-based and aim to create awareness about the perils of population explosion and its impact on the environment.

Q. How can campaigns contribute to sustainable development?

Answer: Campaigns contribute to sustainable development by creating awareness in the target group about their responsibilities towards contributing to the sustainable development of their society and the protection, conservation, and improvement of their environment. Campaigns can be launched through formal and informal meetings, group discussions, and the use of print and electronic media, films, and documentaries.

Q. Why is public participation in decision-making important for development projects?

Answer: Public participation in decision-making is important for development projects because it allows people to voice their concerns, which should be addressed in the implementation of a decision. When people are involved, they are more likely to accept and support the programme, making the project more successful. Public participation also ensures that the development process considers the needs and impacts on the local community, leading to more positive and constructive outcomes.

Q. What are the three kinds of capital needed for developmental projects?

Answer: The three kinds of capital needed for developmental projects are provided by human society and include:

• Financial capital: The monetary resources required to fund development.
• Human capital: The skills, knowledge, and labour provided by people.
• Natural capital: The natural resources and ecosystem services that are essential for development.

20. What are the five goals identified by international organisations for global development?

Answer: The five goals identified by international organisations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the OECD for global development are:

• Poverty: By 2030, end malnutrition and hunger, and ensure sustainable food production.
• Mortality: End preventable deaths of infants and children under five and reduce the mortality rate for mothers by 2020.
• Health: Provide access to health services for all individuals of appropriate age and end epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, etc., by 2030.
• Gender: Demonstrate progress towards gender equality and the empowerment of women by eliminating gender disparities in primary and secondary education, workplaces, and political representation.
• Environment: Implement national strategies for sustainable development to ensure that the current loss of environmental resources is reversed globally and nationally.