Role-Play in Sustainable Development: NBSE Class 12 Environment

Summary

Sustainable development means meeting the needs of today without harming the ability of future generations to meet theirs. People must understand that social and economic progress depends on the environment. Both individuals and groups play an important role in making this happen. Education is key. Women also have a strong role as they shape families and communities.

Two main problems are making the environment worse: one is consumerism, which means always wanting to buy more things; the other is population explosion, meaning too many people. These problems mostly come from people’s choices. We must think about what we leave behind for children. If we only care about our own comfort, someone else suffers.

Some people have shown how individuals can help. Rajendra Singh worked on water conservation. Sunderlal Bahuguna led the Chipko movement to save trees. Anna Hazare worked on village development. A village called Urja Gram uses clean energy like solar and biogas.

When people act together, their power increases. Consumers can change companies by choosing better products. Votes can choose better governments. Education helps people make better choices. Educated women now take part in businesses and politics, and help guide society towards better care for nature. Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring warned about chemicals harming nature. Her work started a big movement to protect the environment.

But individual effort is not enough. Organisations must also act. Governments make rules to stop pollution and protect nature. They work with other countries because pollution can cross borders. In India, the Ministry of Environment and Forests works for sustainability. It runs programmes in schools through centres like CEE in Ahmedabad, UKSN in Almora, and CPREEC in Chennai. These centres teach children and teachers about saving the environment.

TERI is a research centre that finds new ways to use energy wisely and reduce waste. International agencies also help. UNDP works to improve lives while saving nature. UNEP helps countries work together to face global problems. WCMC keeps data on wildlife. IUCN helps countries make rules to protect nature. WRI studies how forests, climate, and business affect the environment. GEF helps poor countries pay for environment projects.

NGOs also help. In India, groups like Chipko and Development Alternatives have done important work. International NGOs help too. They spread news and push governments to make better decisions. These groups work without seeking profit. Their only aim is to help people and the planet.

Textbook solutions

Short Answer Questions

1. What should steps towards sustainable society include?

Answer: In general, most of the efforts to protect the natural resources, wildlife, environment and building up of sustainable society must include Environmental education; Sustainable use of natural resources; Controlling pollution of environment and maintaining the balance of global chemical cycles; Stopping degeneration of biodiversity; and Checking population growth.

2. List two negative forces that have led to ongoing rapid depletion of natural resources.

Answer: The two most negative factors that have led to the ongoing rapid depletion of all form of natural resources are increasing “consumerism’ on the part of the affluent sections of society and population explosion.

3. List two ways in which individuals can contribute towards sustainability.

Answer: The power of the individuals to create change can work in two ways, the impact of individual actions combined or the action of an individual can begin change first. Individual actions when done as a group will have a powerful effect on the decisions of an organisation, whether it is a corporate or a governmental organisation. For example, individual consumers can have a significant influence on product packaging by their consumer purchasing decisions. Individuals can choose the government by their individual voting decisions. The second way in which an individual can initiate change, occurs when the actions of a single individual induce others to change.

4. Name three nodal agencies of EOSE.

Answer: There are three nodal agencies for funding voluntary agencies under the scheme of Environmental Orientation to School Education (EOSE) namely:

Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad.
Uttarakhand Seva Nidhi (UKSN), Almora,
CPR Environmental Education Centre (CPREEC), Chennai.

5. Which international agencies are working for sustainable development?

Answer: Many international agencies are working towards sustainable development. These include United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Conservation Monitoring Centre, World Conservation Union, World Resources Institute, Global Environment Facility (GEF), World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) and Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD).

6. List any three aims of NGOs.

Answer: Some aims of NGOs include:

(i) To encourage forest conservation and the use of forest product for self-employment and to reduce soil erosion by encouraging volunteers to build embankments in the catchment areas and to plant trees, as seen with Dasholi Gram Swarajya Mandal.
(ii) To design options and promote sustainable development through programmes of economic efficiency, equity and social justice, resources conservation and self-reliance, as aimed by Development Alternatives.
(iii) To preserve and rehabilitate the environment, its forests, rivers and mountains, and act as a platform for voicing people’s grievances, like Friends of the Doon.
(iv) To promote ecological and sustainable development harmonious with the traditional cultures of an area, as done by Ladakh Ecology Development Group (LEDG).
(v) To promote conservation and enrichment of the environment; to carry out research on all aspects of sustainable living; to foster concern for the environment among the people, making its preservation a shared responsibility, which are aims of Srishti.

Long Answer Questions

1. What is the role of individuals in sustainable development?

Answer: Environmental degradation is a global concern, and a global change towards sustainability should be a common goal. The actions of both individuals and organisations working together are necessary to effect a positive change. A key element in achieving sustainability is education and the role of women. The power in the individual and groups of individuals can influence and change the direction of organisations that have the power to implement that change.

Both increasing “consumerism” and population explosion have resulted from the choices made by the individuals. We as individuals must decide what our children will inherit and if our personal benefit is someone else’s loss. Along with community, individuals also play a big role in protecting and conserving environment. Some individuals and the role played by them include Rajendra Singh, who worked on integrated watershed management; Sunderlal Bahuguna, who initiated the Chipko movement; and Anna Hazare, who worked on sustainable development of village and people.

The power of the individuals to create change can work in two ways: the impact of individual actions combined or the action of an individual can begin change first. Individual actions when done as a group will have a powerful effect on the decisions of an organisation, whether it is a corporate or a governmental organisation. For example, individual consumers can have a significant influence on product packaging by their consumer purchasing decisions. Individuals can choose the government by their individual voting decisions. The choices of the individuals are influenced by education. Education is a strong factor in the changing role of women, who today are more educated, active in business and politics, and have a stronger voice in the sustainable development of communities. Women are key players in bringing change in how the environment is valued and the education of future generations. Women today play an important role as individuals in deepening the values placed on sustainable development by individuals and by organisations. The second way an individual can initiate change occurs when the actions of a single individual induce others to change, a notable example being Rachel Carson, author of ‘Silent Spring’.

Increased public awareness and education of individuals is not in itself sufficient to effect a change towards sustainability. Individuals and citizens can protect their own environment from the consequences of unsustainable projects. Individuals can join community action groups and develop a lobby to strengthen the environmental monuments in their country, state, town or village. As part of community groups, individuals can take actions when they see offenders damaging the environment. As a citizen, a person has the right to bring an environmental offence or nuisance to the attention of concerned authorities. An individual can also seek legal redress under the relevant statutes of law.

2. How can a community be aided on the road to sustainable development?

Answer: Concerted efforts and cooperation of individuals, small or larger communities, governments and international agencies are essential to solve environmental problems. Organisations and individuals must share a common goal to work cooperatively towards sustainable development.

Communities can be aided and can contribute in several ways:

Individuals can join community action groups and develop a lobby to strengthen the environmental monuments in the country, their state, town or village.
As part of community groups, individuals can take actions when they see offenders who for their own benefits are damaging the environment for others living in the area.
Community groups can resort to alternate means of pressure such as dharnas to draw attention to important environmental concerns.
Community groups can elicit public support on a large scale through the press and electronic media.
Individuals as well as communities can follow an environmental calendar to be active contributors to sustainable development through various activities.

Nodal agencies like Uttarakhand Seva Nidhi (UKSN) encourage active community organisations in villages. Village participation in educational and environmental activities is encouraged. Local workers are trained to become community environmental workers. Setting up of women community organisations in villages has provided opportunities for influencing attitude towards issues of management of natural resources like water, forests etc.

3. Write a note on role of national agencies in attaining sustainability.

Answer: In many countries, the concern for disappearing wildlife, deteriorating condition of environment and over-exploitation of resources led to the establishment of a body of laws with objectives to protect species. To these laws were added laws restricting practices which adversely affect human environment. These have been done by the effort of government agencies.

The role of Government Agencies includes the following:
The government agencies need to implement the changes in procedures that enhance sustainability, from long-term planning for future generations to long range with international partners.
Governmental agencies have the power to regulate the type and amounts of contaminants that enter the ecosystem and have an impact on future generations.
Governmental agencies have to account for contaminants that cross international boundaries and have an impact on other countries.

The Government of India has established the Ministry of Environment and Forest to work towards sustainable development. One of their major schemes is to spread environmental education through schools. There are three nodal agencies for funding voluntary agencies under the scheme of Environmental Orientation to School Education (EOSE):

Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad: It is a national institute involved in developing programmes and materials to increase awareness about the environment. Its thrust areas include EE in School, EE for colleges, Media, Eco-development, Training, Interpretation, Urban Programmes, Experiencing Nature, Decision making, and Industry Initiatives. CEE has integrated most of its school initiatives into the National Environmental Education Programme for Schools (NEEPS).
Uttarakhand Seva Nidhi (UKSN), Almora: It is a rural based organisation working in hilly areas, providing assistance, training and monitoring to smaller organisations. The emphasis is on practical educational activities that create awareness and give people confidence to find solutions. UKSN acts as a nodal agency to assist NGOs and as a resource centre for Environmental Education for training school teachers and NGOs. One of UKSN’s programmes has been to encourage active community organisations in villages.
CPR Environmental Education Centre (CPREEC), Chennai: Appointed as a nodal agency for the EOSE Scheme in October 1993, it has a network of about 400 NGOs and programmes for the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It acts as a nodal agency for mobilisation, investment and financial support to NGOs for innovative programmes in environmental orientation to school education; as a resource centre for local specific resource materials; conducts innovative programmes on environmental conservation; and organises school nurseries and plantation programmes.

Many voluntary organisations also have considerable expertise and implement innovative programmes to increase environmental awareness and improve the environment, with government assistance.

4. How have UNDP and UNEP contributed towards sustainable society?

Answer: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is an agency established within the UN in 1965 to aid developing nations in achieving sustainable human development. The UNDP has its headquarters in New York but maintains 136 offices worldwide from which it serves 175 nations. To achieve its goals, the UNDP tries to increase literacy, create jobs, reduce poverty and improve technical cooperation between industrialised and non-industrialised nations. UNDP’s approximately $1 billion annual budget is used to carry out many programmes, such as the United Nations Sudano-Sahelian office, the United Nations Revolving Fund for Natural Resources Exploration, the United Nations Capital Development Fund, the United Nations Fund for Science and Technology for Development, the United Nations Volunteer and the United Nations Development Fund for Women Programmes. These programmes are intended to help developing nations improve their social and economic standing in the world in a manner that protects and regenerates the environment.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is an agency established within the UN in 1973 to guide and coordinate environmental activities of nations and non-governmental organisations throughout the world. The UNEP is overseen by a 58 member governing council elected by UN General Assembly. The council makes policy recommendations that promote international environmental cooperation for concerns such as global warming, deforestation, preserving biodiversity and developing future energy resources. To meet its goals, the UNEP relies on research and information gathered through the international programme Earthwatch.

5. What have been the aims and achievements of World Conservation Monitoring Centre, World Conservation Union and World Resources Institute?

Answer: World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) is an organisation with headquarters in Cambridge, U.K. It serves as an international clearing house for data on conservation of natural resources particularly endangered and threatened wildlife. Working with the World Conservation Union, the WWF and the Global Environment Monitoring System of the UN, the WCMC aims to “provide information services on conservation and the suitable use of the world’s living resources.”

World Conservation Union (IUCN): It is an international organisation established in 1948 by the UN. It is established with the goal of encouraging and promoting the conservation of wildlife, wildlife habitats and natural resources as part of the national policies of the UN member nations and states. At the time of its inception, the World Conservation Union was called the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Although its name has changed, the goals of the organisation and its acronym have remained the same. Working through its members, IUCN helps to set up international meetings at which laws and policies affecting global conservation are established.

World Resources Institute (WRI): It is an independent centre for policy research on such topics as technology, forests, climate and economics that are related to global environmental issues. Founded in 1982, it provides objective information and practical proposals for policy and institutional change that will foster environmentally sound, socially equitable development.

6. What role have NGOs played in attaining sustainable development?

Answer: Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including non-profit organisations, possess well-established and diverse experience, expertise and capacity in fields related to sustainable development. Throughout Agenda 21, emphasis has been given to the implementation and review of environmentally sound sustainable development. The community of non-governmental organisations, therefore, offers a global network that should be tapped, enabled and strengthened in support of efforts to achieve these common goals. Many governments have helped NGOs and aim to aid them to:

(a) establish or enhance dialogue with NGOs and their networks to consider their rights and responsibilities, efficiently channel their inputs to policy, and facilitate coordination in implementing national policies.
(b) encourage partnership and dialogue between local NGOs and local authorities in activities aimed at sustainable development.
(c) involve NGOs in national mechanisms or procedures for Agenda 21, especially in education, poverty alleviation, and environmental protection and rehabilitation.
(d) take into account findings of NGO monitoring and review in policy design and evaluation concerning Agenda 21.
(e) review government education systems to include and expand NGO involvement in formal and informal education and public awareness.
(f) make data and information accessible to NGOs for their contribution to research, design, implementation and evaluation of programmes.

Examples of NGOs working in India include Dasholi Gram Swarajya Mandal (forest conservation, Chipko Movement), Development Alternatives (sustainable development programmes), Friends of the Doon (against illegal mining, tree felling), Ladakh Ecology Development Group (ecological and sustainable development in Ladakh), Srishti (conservation, research on sustainable living), and Vanarai (environmental protection, afforestation, rural development).

At the international level, NGOs have played a major role in pushing for sustainable development. Campaigning groups have been key drivers of inter-governmental negotiations, ranging from the regulation of hazardous wastes to a global ban on landmines and the elimination of slavery. Aided by advances in information and communications technology, NGOs have helped to focus attention on the social and environmental externalities of business activity. NGOs are often defined as organisations pursuing public interest or public good, rather than individual or commercial interests, and share a non-profit status. This allows them to devote themselves to long-term issues like climate change or malaria prevention. Public surveys reveal that NGOs often enjoy a high degree of public trust, which can make them useful, though not always sufficient, in reaching the goal of sustainable development.

Think and Answer

Q. You have read about many individual and community efforts being made towards sustainable development in this lesson. Other than these suggest some steps towards sustainability that individual and community can take.

Answer: Individuals and communities can undertake several other significant steps towards achieving sustainability.

For individuals, further steps include:

Practicing mindful consumption by choosing products with minimal environmental footprints, such as those with reduced packaging, items sourced locally, and goods from enterprises that adhere to sustainable practices, alongside a general reduction in overall material consumption.
Enhancing water stewardship through the installation of water-efficient fixtures in homes, adopting small-scale rainwater harvesting techniques, and ensuring the prompt and effective repair of all water leakages.
Improving personal waste management by implementing home composting systems for organic waste, which significantly lessens the burden on landfills, coupled with diligent segregation of dry and wet waste, and prioritizing the repair of items over their premature disposal.
Making sustainable mobility choices by giving preference to walking, cycling, or utilizing public transportation for daily travel instead of private vehicles, and considering options like electric vehicles or carpooling for necessary longer journeys.
Increasing energy efficiency within households by conducting regular maintenance of appliances to ensure their optimal performance, transitioning to energy-efficient lighting solutions such as LEDs, and consistently unplugging electronic devices when they are not in active use.

For communities, additional measures can be taken:

Developing green infrastructure through collective investment in, or advocacy for, the creation and diligent maintenance of green spaces, community gardens, and urban forests, which serve to improve the local microclimate and enhance biodiversity.
Initiating localised renewable energy projects by exploring and implementing small-scale renewable energy solutions, such as installing community solar panels on shared buildings or promoting the widespread adoption of solar water heaters.
Establishing collaborative waste reduction programs, which can involve setting up community-level recycling centers, organizing collection drives for specific categories of waste like electronic waste or textiles, and promoting repair workshops to extend product lifespans.
Strengthening local water resource management by implementing community-wide rainwater harvesting systems, actively protecting and rejuvenating local water bodies, and encouraging the use of water-wise landscaping practices in public and common areas.
Engaging in advocacy and policy influence, where communities can collectively interact with local governing bodies to champion stronger environmental regulations, call for improved public infrastructure that supports sustainability, such as dedicated cycling lanes and efficient public transport networks, and foster support for sustainable local businesses.

Project Work & Activity

New City is a part of the growing Modern City. The population of the city is increasing rapidly causing increased demand for housing. Many housing complexes have come up in the last year itself. There is a two square kilometre shallow lake in New City which is a major source of earning for washermen and fishermen along the lakeside. Many people let their cattle graze on grass growing on the lake shores. During winter and rainy season many birds visit the lake which are watched by nature lovers and bird watchers. A rich and famous builder has proposed to drain the lake and build multistoreys on the land. He says that he would construct a bus stop in the area once the housing complex comes up. The people who are earning their livelihood from the lake are up in arms to protect the lake.

Divide the students into groups of 5. Discuss the story and find suitable ends to the problem keeping in mind the concept of sustainable development.

Answer: Do it yourself. Here are the instructions:

First, get into groups of 5.
Read the story about New City very carefully with your group. Make sure everyone understands:
- What the lake is important for (like jobs for washermen and fishermen, a place for cattle to graze, and a home for birds that nature lovers watch).
- What the builder wants to do with the lake.
- Why the local people who depend on the lake are upset and want to protect it.
In your group, talk about these things:
- Who are all the different people or groups involved in this situation? (For example, the builder, the fishermen, the washermen, the people who watch birds, people who might want new homes, and maybe even the city government).
- What does each of these groups want or need?
- What could be the good things about the builder’s plan? What could be the bad things, especially for the city, the local people, and the lake itself?
Now, think about what “sustainable development” means. It’s about finding ways for people to have what they need today (like homes and jobs) without messing things up for people in the future, and without harming the environment. It’s about balancing the needs of people, the economy, and nature.
Next, your group should brainstorm different ideas to solve the problem in New City. Try to think about:
- Are there ways to protect the lake? How?
- Can new houses still be built? If so, where or how could it be done without destroying the lake?
- What actions can the local people take to help save their lake and their way of making a living? (Think about what individuals and communities can do, like spreading awareness, talking to leaders, or organizing).
- How can New City grow and develop, but also make sure important natural places like the lake are kept safe for everyone?
For every solution your group comes up with, discuss:
- Is this solution fair to all the different people involved?
- Does this solution help protect the lake and the environment around it?
- Will this solution help the city develop in a good way that can last for a long time?
Finally, choose the best solution or set of solutions that your group thinks is truly sustainable for New City.
Be ready to share your group’s ideas and explain why you think these are good and sustainable ways to end the problem in New City.

Extras

Additional Questions and Answers

1. Define sustainable development.

Answer: Sustainable development is a process that needs a universal social value system that cares for the needs of people today and of future generations.

2. What is consumerism?

Answer: Consumerism is living for buying and using of goods and services.

3. What does TERI stand for?

Answer: TERI stands for Tata Energy Research Institute.

4. What does WCMC stand for?

Answer: WCMC stands for World Conservation Monitoring centre.

5. What does EOSE stand for?

Answer: EOSE stands for Environmental Orientation to School Education.

6. What does GEF stand for?

Answer: GEF stands for Global Environment Facility.

7. What does WSSD stand for?

Answer: WSSD stands for World Summit on Sustainable Development.

8. What does CSD stand for?

Answer: CSD stands for Commission on Sustainable Development.

9. What is Urja Gram?

Answer: Urja Gram is a village that is self-sufficient in its energy requirement through biogas, smokeless chulhas and solar cooking devices etc.

10. Who authored Silent Spring?

Answer: Rachel Carson is the author of ‘Silent Spring’.

11. When was the Tata Energy Research Institute established?

Answer: The Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI) was established in 1974.

12. When did TERI begin research activities in energy, environment and sustainable development?

Answer: TERI’s research activities in the fields of energy were part of its main focus in its initial period after its establishment in 1974, and its research activities in environment and sustainable development were started at the end of 1982.

13. Where is the World Conservation Monitoring Centre headquartered?

Answer: The World Conservation Monitoring Centre has its headquarters in Cambridge, U.K.

14. When was the Centre for Environment Education, Ahmedabad established?

Answer: The Centre for Environment Education, Ahmedabad was established in 1984.

15. What is the name of CEE’s umbrella programme for school environmental education?

Answer: CEE’s umbrella programme for school environmental education is called the National Environmental Education Programme for Schools (NEEPS).

16. Where is Uttarakhand Seva Nidhi based?

Answer: Uttarakhand Seva Nidhi is a rural based organisation working in the hilly areas of Almora (Uttaranchal).

17. When was the CPR Environmental Education Centre appointed as nodal agency for the EOSE scheme?

Answer: The CPR Environmental Education Centre, Chennai was appointed as the nodal agency for the EOSE Scheme in October 1993.

18. When was the United Nations Development Programme established?

Answer: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is an agency established within the UN in 1965.

19. Where are the headquarters of the UNDP located?

Answer: The UNDP has its headquarters in New York.

20. When was the United Nations Environment Programme established?

Answer: UNEP is an agency established within the UN in 1973.

21. How many members constitute the UNEP governing council?

Answer: The UNEP is overseen by a 58 member governing council elected by UN General Assembly.

22. When was the World Resources Institute founded?

Answer: The World Resources Institute was founded in 1982.

23. Who initiated the Chipko movement?

Answer: Sunderlal Bahuguna initiated Chipko movement.

24. Who worked on sustainable development of village and people?

Answer: Anna Hazare worked on sustainable development of village and people.

25. What responsibility do corporate organisations have towards consumers?

Answer: Corporate organisations have the responsibility to provide consumers with environment-friendly products.

26. How can corporate organisations reduce environmental degradation?

Answer: Corporate organisations can reduce environmental degradation by changing production practices.

27. What must social organisations provide to the public to enable sustainable choices?

Answer: Social organisations need to provide the public with education and resources to make sustainable choices.

28. What right does a citizen have regarding environmental offences?

Answer: As a citizen, a person has the right to bring an environmental offence or nuisance to the attention of concerned authorities such as the Police, the Forest Department, the Collector or Commissioner of the area etc.

29. What legal remedy can an individual seek under the relevant statutes of law?

Answer: An individual can seek legal redress under the relevant statutes of law.

30. What form of direct action can community groups use to highlight environmental concerns?

Answer: Community groups can resort to alternate means of pressure such as dharnas to draw attention to important environmental concerns.

31. What can individuals and communities follow to contribute actively to sustainable development?

Answer: Individuals as well as communities can follow an environmental calendar to be active contributors to sustainable development through various activities.

32. What power do governmental agencies have over contaminants that affect the ecosystem?

Answer: Governmental agencies have the power to regulate the type and amounts of contaminants that enter the ecosystem and have an impact on future generations.

33. Which ministry did the Government of India establish to work towards sustainable development?

Answer: The Government of India has established the Ministry of Environment and Forest to work towards sustainable development.

34. Explain the role of women in promoting sustainable development.

Answer: Education is a strong factor in the changing role of women. Today, women are more educated, active in business and politics and have a stronger voice in the sustainable development of communities. Women are key players in bringing change in how the environment is valued and the education of future generations. Women in all countries should have the right to make informed decisions about family planning, higher education and career choices. Women today play an important role as individuals in deepening the values placed on sustainable development by individuals and by organisations.

35. Describe the two individual-level pathways through which change towards sustainability can be initiated.

36. Outline the key features of the Urja Gram model for village energy self-sufficiency.

Answer: Urja Gram is a village that is self-sufficient in its energy requirement through biogas, smokeless chulhas and solar cooking devices etc.

37. Describe the approaches used by non-governmental organisations at the international level to influence intergovernmental negotiations on environmental issues.

Answer: Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have played a major role in pushing for sustainable development at the international level. Campaigning groups have been key drivers of inter-governmental negotiations, ranging from the regulation of hazardous wastes to a global ban on landmines and the elimination of slavery. Aided by advances in information and communications technology, NGOs have helped to focus attention on the social and environmental externalities of business activity. Some NGOs are research-driven policy organisations, looking to engage with decision-makers. Still others see themselves as watchdogs, casting a critical eye over current events.

38. Discuss the functions and responsibilities of corporate organisations versus social organisations in achieving sustainable development.

Answer: Corporate organisations have the responsibility to provide consumers with environment-friendly products and to reduce environmental degradation by changing production practices. Social organisations need to provide the public with education and resources to make sustainable choices. Organisations and individuals must share a common goal to work cooperatively towards sustainable development.

39. Analyse the roles and contributions of the Centre for Environment Education, Uttarakhand Seva Nidhi and CPREEC as nodal agencies under the EOSE scheme.

Answer: The Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad, is a national institute involved in developing programmes and materials to increase awareness about the environment. Its thrust areas include EE in School, EE for colleges, Media, Eco-development, Training, Interpretation, Urban Programmes, Experiencing Nature, Decision making, and Industry Initiatives. CEE has integrated most of its school initiatives into an umbrella programme called the National Environmental Education Programme for Schools (NEEPS).

Uttarakhand Seva Nidhi (UKSN), Almora, is a rural based organisation working in the hilly areas of Almora. It provides assistance, training and monitoring to various smaller organisations. The emphasis is on practical educational activities which not only create an awareness of environmental issues but give people confidence in their own abilities to find solutions. UKSN acts as nodal agency to assist NGOs in the region and as a resource centre for Environmental Education for training school teachers and NGOs and the workbook programme in school. One of UKSN’s programmes has been to encourage active community organisations in villages.

CPR Environmental Education Centre (CPREEC), Chennai, was appointed as the nodal agency for the EOSE Scheme in October 1993. The centre has a network of about 400 NGOs in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Orissa and Pondicherry. It also has programmes for the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In keeping with the guidelines laid down by the Ministry for the nodal agencies under its scheme, the EEC (CPREEC) has since then been acting as a nodal agency for the mobilisation, investment and provision of financial support to NGOs for conducting innovative and experimental programmes in the field of environmental orientation to school education; acting as a resource centre for the production of local specific resource materials such as books, workbooks, posters, charts, models, AVs etc.; conducting specific innovative and experimental programmes on environmental conservation for schools in specific ecosystems; and organising school nurseries, plantation programmes, gardens, sustainable technologies, etc., in and around schools.

Additional MCQs (Knowledge Based)

1. Which process needs a universal social value system caring for current and future needs?

A. Community action
B. Sustainable development
C. Environmental education
D. Wildlife conservation

Answer: B. Sustainable development

2. Which action involves the efficient utilisation of resources?

A. Mass production
B. Sustainable use
C. Consumerism promotion
D. Deforestation

Answer: B. Sustainable use

3. Which measure aims to maintain global chemical cycles?

A. Checking consumption
B. Controlling pollution
C. Forest clearing
D. Population growth

Answer: B. Controlling pollution

4. Which action focuses on biodiversity conservation?

A. Pollution control
B. Resource overuse
C. Biodiversity conservation
D. Population control

Answer: C. Biodiversity conservation

5. Which approach addresses unchecked demographic increase?

A. Subsidies
B. Population control
C. Wildlife protection
D. Recycling

Answer: B. Population control

6. Which is a negative factor leading to resource depletion?

A. Resource scarcity
B. Consumerism
C. Recycling
D. Biogas use

Answer: B. Consumerism

7. Which force exacerbates environmental degradation due to numbers?

A. Consumerism
B. Industrialisation
C. Population explosion
D. Urbanisation

Answer: C. Population explosion

8. Who initiated the Chipko movement?

A. Rajendra Singh
B. Sunderlal Bahuguna
C. Anna Hazare
D. Rachel Carson

Answer: B. Sunderlal Bahuguna

9. Who worked on integrated watershed management?

A. Rajendra Singh
B. Sunderlal Bahuguna
C. Anna Hazare
D. Rachel Carson

Answer: A. Rajendra Singh

10. Who promoted sustainable development of villages and people?

A. Rajendra Singh
B. Anna Hazare
C. Sunderlal Bahuguna
D. Urja Gram

Answer: B. Anna Hazare

11. What describes Urja Gram?

A. Energy centre
B. Solar plant
C. Self-sufficient village
D. Wildlife park

Answer: C. Self-sufficient village

12. Who authored Silent Spring?

A. Anna Hazare
B. Rachel Carson
C. Sunderlal Bahuguna
D. Rajendra Singh

Answer: B. Rachel Carson

13. In which year was the Centre for Environment Education established?

A. 1984
B. 1974
C. 1993
D. 1982

Answer: A. 1984

14. Where is the Centre for Environment Education located?

A. Pune
B. Ahmedabad
C. Delhi
D. Chennai

Answer: B. Ahmedabad

15. What is NEEPS?

A. School network
B. Eco-development fund
C. Training centre
D. Summit

Answer: A. School network

16. In which town is Uttarakhand Seva Nidhi based?

A. Almora
B. Ahmedabad
C. Chennai
D. New Delhi

Answer: A. Almora

17. What is a key role of Uttarakhand Seva Nidhi?

A. Training NGOs
B. Regulating pollutants
C. Wildlife conservation
D. Festival organiser

Answer: A. Training NGOs

18. In which year was the CPR Environmental Education Centre appointed nodal agency?

A. 1984
B. 1993
C. 1973
D. 1988

Answer: B. 1993

19. Where is the CPR Environmental Education Centre located?

A. Chennai
B. Almora
C. Delhi
D. Pune

Answer: A. Chennai

20. Approximately how many NGOs are in CPREEC’s network?

A. 100 NGOs
B. 250 NGOs
C. 400 NGOs
D. 500 NGOs

Answer: C. 400 NGOs

21. In which year was the Tata Energy Research Institute established?

A. 1974
B. 1982
C. 1984
D. 1965

Answer: A. 1974

22. When did TERI begin its research activities?

A. 1974
B. 1982
C. 1983
D. 1993

Answer: B. 1982

23. What was TERI’s initial focus?

A. Documentation
B. Renewable energy
C. Biodiversity
D. Legal reform

Answer: A. Documentation

24. Which summit does TERI host annually?

A. Technology fair
B. Sustainable Development Summit
C. Energy expo
D. Wildlife congress

Answer: B. Sustainable Development Summit

25. In which year was the United Nations Development Programme established?

A. 1965
B. 1973
C. 1948
D. 1982

Answer: A. 1965

26. Where are the headquarters of UNDP?

A. Nairobi
B. New York
C. Geneva
D. Paris

Answer: B. New York

27. How many offices does UNDP maintain worldwide?

A. 75
B. 100
C. 136
D. 175

Answer: C. 136

28. How many nations does UNDP serve?

A. 100
B. 120
C. 136
D. 175

Answer: D. 175

29. What is the approximate annual budget of UNDP?

A. $100m
B. $500m
C. $1bn
D. $5bn

Answer: C. $1bn

30. In which year was the United Nations Environment Programme established?

A. 1965
B. 1973
C. 1984
D. 1993

Answer: B. 1973

31. How many members are on UNEP’s governing council?

A. 58
B. 75
C. 100
D. 136

Answer: A. 58

32. Which issue is a primary concern of UNEP?

A. Global warming
B. Drop in literacy
C. Population growth
D. Financial crises

Answer: A. Global warming

33. Where is the World Conservation Monitoring Centre headquartered?

A. Oxford
B. Geneva
C. Cambridge
D. London

Answer: C. Cambridge

34. Which organisation works with WCMC?

A. IUCN
B. WHO
C. FAO
D. UNESCO

Answer: A. IUCN

35. What was the original name of IUCN?

A. World Conservation Union
B. International Union for the Conservation of Nature
C. Global Environment Union
D. United Nations Conservation

Answer: B. International Union for the Conservation of Nature

36. In which year was IUCN established?

A. 1948
B. 1965
C. 1973
D. 1982

Answer: A. 1948

37. When was the World Resources Institute founded?

A. 1974
B. 1982
C. 1984
D. 1992

Answer: B. 1982

38. Which topic is researched by the World Resources Institute?

A. Space science
B. Forests
C. Medicine
D. Tourism

Answer: B. Forests

39. What does the Global Environment Facility handle?

A. Funding evaluations
B. Environmental management costs
C. Wildlife data
D. Human rights

Answer: B. Environmental management costs

40. Which bodies cooperatively run the GEF?

A. NGOs and UNDP
B. National governments, UNEP, UNDP, World Bank
C. IUCN and WWF
D. TERI and WCMC

Answer: B. National governments, UNEP, UNDP, World Bank

41. Who regulates ecosystem contaminants?

A. NGOs
B. Individuals
C. Government agencies
D. Private firms

Answer: C. Government agencies

42. Which scheme funds voluntary agencies for school environmental education?

A. NEEPS
B. EOSE
C. NODES
D. TERI

Answer: B. EOSE

43. Which ministry works towards sustainable development in India?

A. Health and Family Welfare
B. Environment and Forests
C. Human Resources
D. Agriculture

Answer: B. Environment and Forests

44. Which NGO spearheaded the Chipko Movement?

A. Srishti
B. Vanarai
C. Dasholi Gram Swarajya Mandal
D. Development Alternatives

Answer: C. Dasholi Gram Swarajya Mandal

45. In which year was Development Alternatives established?

A. 1964
B. 1983
C. 1988
D. 1992

Answer: B. 1983

46. When was Friends of the Doon founded?

A. 1983
B. 1964
C. 1993
D. 1988

Answer: A. 1983

47. In which year was the Ladakh Ecology Development Group set up?

A. 1983
B. 1964
C. 1988
D. 1992

Answer: A. 1983

48. When was Srishti established?

A. 1983
B. 1988
C. 1992
D. 1993

Answer: B. 1988

49. In which year was Vanarai founded?

A. 1988
B. 1992
C. 1993
D. 1982

Answer: B. 1992

Additional MCQs (Competency Based)

1. Which of the following best describes a process that necessitates a universal social value system focused on meeting the needs of both present and future generations?

i. Environmental remediation
ii. Economic development
iii. Sustainable development
iv. Resource exploitation

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: C. iii

2. Identify the key elements considered crucial for achieving sustainability, particularly emphasizing societal change and awareness.

i. Technological advancement and industrial growth
ii. Education and the role of women
iii. Political lobbying and legislative action
iv. Resource nationalization and global trade agreements

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: B. ii

3. What are identified as two primary negative factors contributing to the rapid depletion of natural resources globally?

i. Industrial pollution and agricultural runoff
ii. Deforestation and desertification
iii. Increasing consumerism and population explosion
iv. Climate change and loss of biodiversity

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: C. iii

4. Which of the following actions are essential components of efforts to protect natural resources and build a sustainable society?

i. Environmental education and sustainable use of natural resources
ii. Controlling pollution and maintaining global chemical cycles
iii. Stopping biodiversity degeneration and checking population growth
iv. All of the above

Options:

A. i and ii
B. ii and iii
C. i and iii
D. iv

Answer: D. iv

5. Match the following individuals with their primary area of environmental contribution:

A. Rajendra Singh
B. Sunderlal Bahuguna
C. Anna Hazare
D. Rachel Carson
i. Initiated Chipko movement
ii. Authored ‘Silent Spring’, raising concern about chemicals
iii. Worked on integrated watershed management
iv. Worked on sustainable development of village and people

Options:

A. A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii
B. A-i, B-iii, C-ii, D-iv
C. A-iv, B-ii, C-i, D-iii
D. A-ii, B-iv, C-iii, D-i

Answer: A. A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii

6. The concept of an “Urja Gram” refers to:

i. A village with advanced agricultural technology
ii. A community focused on preserving cultural heritage
iii. A village self-sufficient in its energy needs through renewable sources like biogas and solar devices
iv. A model urban settlement with green building codes

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: C. iii

7. In what two primary ways can the power of individuals manifest to create environmental change?

i. Through large-scale protests and civil disobedience
ii. By the combined impact of many individual actions, or by a single individual’s action inspiring others
iii. Through political campaigning and running for office
iv. By investing in green technologies and divesting from polluting industries

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: B. ii

8. Which of the following is NOT a method typically used by community groups to address environmental concerns?

i. Organizing dharnas to draw attention to issues
ii. Eliciting public support through media
iii. Seeking legal redress under relevant statutes
iv. Exclusively relying on governmental funding for all activities

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: D. iv

9. The scheme known as Environmental Orientation to School Education (EOSE) in India has designated nodal agencies for funding voluntary agencies. Which of the following are among these nodal agencies?

i. Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad
ii. Uttarakhand Seva Nidhi (UKSN), Almora
iii. CPR Environmental Education Centre (CPREEC), Chennai
iv. All of the above

Options:

A. i and ii
B. i and iii
C. ii and iii
D. iv

Answer: D. iv

10. The Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad, has an umbrella programme for its school initiatives called:

i. National Programme for Green India
ii. Environmental Education for All (EEFA)
iii. National Environmental Education Programme for Schools (NEEPS)
iv. School Environmental Action Network (SEAN)

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: C. iii

11. Which organization, established in 1974, initially focused on documentation, information dissemination, and research in energy, later expanding to environment and sustainable development?

i. World Resources Institute (WRI)
ii. Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI)
iii. Global Environment Facility (GEF)
iv. Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: B. ii

12. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was established in 1965 with the primary aim of:

i. Enforcing international environmental treaties
ii. Providing emergency relief in disaster-stricken areas
iii. Aiding developing nations in achieving sustainable human development
iv. Funding scientific research on climate change

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: C. iii

13. Which UN agency, established in 1973, is tasked with guiding and coordinating environmental activities of nations and non-governmental organisations worldwide?

i. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
ii. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
iii. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
iv. World Health Organization (WHO)

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: B. ii

14. The World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) has its headquarters in:

i. New York, USA
ii. Geneva, Switzerland
iii. Cambridge, U.K.
iv. Nairobi, Kenya

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: C. iii

15. What was the original name of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) when it was established in 1948?

i. International Wildlife Protection Society
ii. Global Environment Conservation Body
iii. International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
iv. United Nations Conservation Taskforce

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: C. iii

16. The World Resources Institute (WRI), founded in 1982, is characterized as:

i. A governmental body setting environmental regulations
ii. An intergovernmental panel for climate assessment
iii. An independent centre for policy research on global environmental issues
iv. A funding agency for grassroots environmental projects

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: C. iii

17. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) primarily functions as:

i. An advocacy group for environmental protection
ii. A research institution studying biodiversity
iii. A financial mechanism to help developing countries with environmental management costs
iv. An international court for environmental disputes

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: C. iii

18. The Dasholi Gram Swarajya Mandal, set up in 1964, is renowned for spearheading which famous environmental movement?

i. Narmada Bachao Andolan
ii. Appiko Movement
iii. Chipko Movement
iv. Silent Valley Movement

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: C. iii

19. Which Delhi-based NGO, established in 1983, aims to promote sustainable development through programmes focusing on economic efficiency, equity, and resource conservation across India?

i. Srishti
ii. Kalpavriksh
iii. Development Alternatives
iv. Friends of the Doon

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: C. iii

20. The Ladakh Ecology Development Group (LEDG) primarily works to promote ecological and sustainable development in harmony with traditional cultures in which region?

i. The Western Ghats
ii. The Sunderbans Delta
iii. The Leh and Kargil Districts of Ladakh
iv. The Thar Desert

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: C. iii

21. Which Pune-based NGO, set up in 1992, focuses on environmental protection, afforestation, and sustainable integrated rural development, with activities in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan?

i. Green Future Foundation
ii. Vanarai
iii. BAIF Development Research Foundation
iv. Srishti

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: B. ii

22. A defining characteristic shared by diverse Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) pursuing public interest or good is their:

i. Reliance on government funding
ii. For-profit operational model
iii. Short-term project focus
iv. Non-profit status

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: D. iv

23. NGOs are often able to devote themselves to issues with long time horizons, such as climate change, primarily because:

i. They have access to unlimited international funding
ii. They are not hindered by short-term financial objectives due to their non-profit status
iii. They are mandated by inter-governmental treaties to address these issues
iv. They consist mainly of volunteer staff with no financial needs

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: B. ii

24. The term “consumerism” in the context of environmental impact refers to:

i. The act of consuming essential goods for survival
ii. A lifestyle focused on the buying and using of goods and services, often beyond basic needs
iii. The rights and protections afforded to consumers
iv. The study of consumer behavior in market economies

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: B. ii

25. Match the following NGOs with their primary location or area of operation as described:

A. Tarun Bharat Sangh
B. Ramakrishna Mission Lokashiksha Parishad
C. Darpan Academy of Performing Arts
D. Orissa Environmental Society
i. Gujarat
ii. West Bengal
iii. Bhubaneshwar (Odisha)
iv. Rajasthan

Options:

A. A-iv, B-ii, C-i, D-iii
B. A-i, B-iii, C-iv, D-ii
C. A-ii, B-iv, C-iii, D-i
D. A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv

Answer: A. A-iv, B-ii, C-i, D-iii

26. According to Agenda 21, what role is emphasized for non-governmental organisations regarding environmentally sound sustainable development?

i. Sole responsibility for funding all initiatives
ii. A passive observational role
iii. Active participation in implementation and review
iv. Primary focus on political lobbying only

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: C. iii

27. Which of the following is a key responsibility of corporate organisations towards achieving sustainability?

i. Maximizing shareholder profit irrespective of environmental impact
ii. Providing consumers with environment-friendly products and reducing degradation via production practices
iii. Outsourcing all environmental compliance to third-party agencies
iv. Focusing solely on philanthropic activities unrelated to their core business

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: B. ii

28. The Ministry of Environment and Forest in India established a scheme for spreading environmental education through schools. What is this scheme called?

i. National Green Corps
ii. Environmental Orientation to School Education (EOSE)
iii. Green School Programme
iv. Eco-Clubs Initiative

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: B. ii

29. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) relies on research and information gathered through which international programme?

i. Global Watch
ii. Earth Scan
iii. Planet Monitor
iv. Earthwatch

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: D. iv

30. Which of the following statements accurately reflects the relationship between individual choices and environmental degradation?

i. Individual choices have a negligible impact on large-scale environmental problems.
ii. Environmental degradation is solely the result of industrial activities, not individual actions.
iii. Factors like consumerism and population growth, which contribute to degradation, result from choices made by individuals.
iv. Only collective governmental action can address environmental degradation; individual choices are irrelevant.

Options:

A. i
B. ii
C. iii
D. iv

Answer: C. iii

31. Assertion (A): A comprehensive, multi-faceted approach is necessary to address environmental challenges effectively at both local and worldwide scales.
Reason (R): The successful resolution of environmental issues depends on the collaborative efforts of individuals, various community sizes, governmental bodies, and international organizations.