UNIT 2

EVS
1Q.Define global warming?
A.The term global warming refers to the increase in the average surface temperature of our planet due to
the effect of greenhouse gases such as carbondioxide, water vapour, nitrousoxide, chlorofluorocarbons,
methane, fluorinated gases etc.
Global warming has enormous adverse effects on human life, plants and animals worldwide. Some of the
effects include rising sea levels, changes in the precipitation patterns, increase in the frequency of
severe weather events, shrinkage of arctic ice due to melting, retreating mountain glaciers, loss of
species, scarcity of fresh water, bleaching and damage to the coral reefs, frequent occurrence
ofdiseases, collapse ofthe functioning ecosystems and drastic economic consequences.

Causes of Global Warming: The causes of global warming can be broadly categorized into two, (a)
Natural Causes: The natural causes of global warming include release of methane gases from Arctic
Tundra and Wetlands. (b) Anthropogenic or Man-made Causes: This group includes burning of fossil
fuels, deforestation, population explosion, urbanization, pollution of the environment, etc. Nearly three-
fourths of the sun's radiation falling on the earth is absorbed by the earth's surface. The remaining part
 of the heat energy reflects back to the space as infrared radiation. Some of the solar radiation is trapped
near the earth's surface through the heat-trapping properties of the Greenhouse Gases (GHGs). Since
the industrial revolution, anthropogenic activities have been pouring in huge amounts of greenhouse
gases into the atmosphere, mostly carbondioxide through the burning of Th fossil fuels. A recent report
indicates that human activities release nearly 28 billion tonnes ofcarbondioxide per year into the
atmosphere. And it has been estimated that by the end of this century, the concentration of
carbondioxide in the atmosphere will increase by about three times.

2Q. What is greenhouse effect? What are the harmful effects due to
the
presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?
The gases in the atmosphere such as carbondioxide (CO2), water vapour (H20), nitrous oxide (N20),
methane (CH.) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are referred to as 'greenhouse gases'. These
gases trap more of solar energy similar to the walls of a greenhouse and deflect back less
towards the outer space, thus making our planet warmer than it used to be, to produce what is called
the "Greenhouse effect". Increase in the greenhouse gases leads to increase in the earth's
temperature with a detrimental effect on its future.
Effects of Greenhouse Gases
The harmful effects due to the presence of green house gases in the atmosphere are: global
warming, climate change, ozone depletion, sea-level rise and the threats to biodiversity.
1. Global Warming
Global warming has enormous adverse effects on human life, plants and animals worldwide.
Some of the effects include rising sea-levels, changes in the precipitation patterns, increase in
the frequency of severe weather events, arctic ice shrinkage due to melting, retreating mountain
glaciers, loss of species, scarcity of freshwater, bleaching and damage of coral reefs, frequent
occurrence of diseases, collapse of functioning ecosystems and drastic economic
consequences.

2. Climate Change
Climate change caused by greenhouse gases leads to change in the average weather such
as temperature, wind patterns and precipitation.
3. Ozone Depletion
Ozone layer depletion allows the UV radiation of the sun to reach the surface of the earth. Exposure to
these harmful radiations can result in skin cancer, cataracts, weakened immune system, reduced
crop yield, disruption of marine food chain, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, eye and nose
irritations in the elderly, children, asthmatics and patients with chronic respiratory ailments.
4. Sea-level Rise
Increase in the sea-level will affect the coastal environment and infrastructure, coastal
erosion, flooding of wetlands and coastal plains, salt water
intrusion into bays, rivers and underground water resources, loss of varied habitats that support
different types of birds, fish, wildlife and plants.
5. Threats to Biodiversity
Increase in greenhouse gases prevents corals and many marine species from forming
calcium carbonate shells. Evidence further suggests that tropical animals, insects and plants
are sensitive to changes in temperature and rainfall, shifts in
genetic composition, changed migration patterns of birds, altered life cycles in some species
and reduced reproductive rates.

3Q. Ozone layer depletion. OR Write about ozone layer depletion.OR Depletion of
ozone layer.
Ozone or trioxygen gas, made up of three oxygen atoms, forms a layer of about 3 mm (0.12
inches) thick, over the entire earth, at approximately 10 to 30 miles above the earth's surface.
The ozone layer forms a natural shield or a protective layer, at high altitude regions of
stratosphere, by absorbing the portion of UV light called as UVB. This portion of UVB light has
many harmful effects including sunburns, skin cancers, cataracts, damage to plants,
animals and marine life.
Human activities have influenced the ozone layer significantly, especially by the use of
ozone depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), hydrochlorofluorocarbons
(HCFC), brominated hydrocarbons, chlorine containing compounds (methyl chloroform and
carbon tetrachloride), all of which destroy the stratospheric ozone layer. These chemicals are
released in the lower atmosphere (troposphere) and are carried to the stratosphere through
mixing, where they are broken down by ultraviolet radiation. This chemical reaction produces
highly reactive chlorine and bromine radicals that participate in catalytic destruction
of ozone. Thus, increased levels of UV radiation reach the earth's surface and cause several
health problems.
 4Q. Wildlife Protection Act

The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is a comprehensive legislation enacted by the government of
India with the sole aim to control poaching and illegal trade of wildlife (animals, birds and plants) as
well as its derivatives
and to generate environmental consciousness among the people.
The Act extends to all the states in the country, with the exception of Jammu and Kashmir (which
has its own Act). The Act comprises of six schedules which give varying degrees of protection to
plants and animal species of India.
The main aim of the Act :
(a) Impose ban on hunting of wild animals and birds, especially the rare and endangered
species.
(b) Establish sanctuaries and national parks.
(c) Regulate the commercial exploitation of wildlife and its derivatives (parts or products).
(d) Counsel the government regarding the wildlife affairs.
 5Q. Human Rights.
Human rights are the fundamental rights of humans for their normal existence, irrespective of
east; creme colour, race, sex, place of residence, nationality/ethnicity, religion, language or any
other status.
The Government of India has framed various laws in the Indian Constitution to preserve
and safeguar the basic human rights of Indian population regarding equality, distribution of
environmental resources, property,employment, education, right to worship etc.

6Q. Women Welfare.

Introduction : Women welfare refers to the process that helps the women to
gain control over their lives. It aims at eliminating sexual discrimination against
women and strengthen their spiritual, political, social and economic aspects.
Many women welfare programmes have been promoted by the Government of
India with the aim of advancing women's welfare.
Objectives of Women Welfare Systems :
The main objectives of Women Welfare Systems are,
1.To protect the constitutional rights of women and children.
2.To enhance the social, economical, health and nutritional status of women.
3.To enhance the physical, mental, intellectual and nutritional status of children.
4.Empowerment of women by implementing programmes like:
 (|i) Support to Training cum Employment for Women (STEP)
(ii) Condensed Courses of Education, and Vocational Training (CCE and VT).
(iii) Rural Women's Development and Empowerment Project (Swashakti Project).
(iv) Indira Mahila Yojana.
(v) Balika Samridhi Yojana.
(vi) Rashtriya Mahila Kosh, etc.

7Q. Role of information technology on health and environment?

Role of Information Technology in Environment & Human Health Information technology, has a
significant hand in improving the status in the fields of environmental education and human health as
compared to that of the other respective areas such as business, economics, and culture or politics. The
emerging growth of the internet services and facilities, geographic information system or GIS, and the data
that gets transmitted through satellites, etc. have generated a higher affluence of the updated information
on several aspects of the environment as well as health. When you look for the variety of software in the
market, you will come across a number of them that created for the health and environment studies in a
better way. They are quite user-friendly and certainly help a learner to understand the respective subject
with ease.
Database on the Environment System :database is a collection of connected data on some
subjects. It comes in a computerized form, and you can retrieve the data at any hour of the day whenever
needed. The information of database can easily extract in a computer. When it comes to comprehensive
databases, things that include in it are wildlife database, forest cover database, and conservation
database, etc. the databases are also available for some diseases which include malaria, fluorosis,
HIV/AIDS, etc.

 National management information system (NMIS)

. Environmental information system (ENVIS).

 Remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS).
 Geographical information system (GIS).
 The World Wide Web (WWW).
1. National Management Information System (NMIS) According to NMIS of the department of
science and technologythat has compiled a database on research and development projects, as well as
information that is related to research scientists and personnel, are included.
2. Environmental Information System (Envis) According to the ministry of environment and
forests, the government of India has developed an information system known as environmental information
system or ENVIS. It has its headquarters based in Delhi and has its branches all over India. The centers of
ENVIS implement the work hours in generating a new network for databases in areas such as clean
technologies, pollution control, biodiversity, wildlife, environmental management, remote sensing, and
renewable energy.
3. Geographical Information System (GIS) The process of remote sensing that accesses through
satellites can be used to get through the ongoing alterations in the environment as well as to predict the
natural hazards before time such as floods, droughts, volcanic eruptions, starvation, etc. It is one of the
most useful techniques in exploring the availability of mineral deposits, crude oil, and locating other
geothermal powerhouses.
4.The World Wide Web (WWW) With the availability of resources on every aspect, things like
classroom activities, digital files of photos, web-exercises, animations, PowerPoint lecture presentations,
and quiz competitions have proved to be more helpful for both the students as well as the teachers who
pursue environmental studies.
 8Q. .Write about the Harmful effects of Fireworks ?
The SPM (Suspended Particulate Matter) levels rise to a large extent during Diwali. ➢It can
cause throat, nose and eye related problems which can later develop into
adverse health hazards.
1 ) It can lead to headaches and reduced mental acuity when it reaches the level of
100gm.
2) It has much more severe effects in people with heart, respiratory or nervous
system disorders.
3) It can aggravate problem for people suffering from cold, allergies or coughs and
can also cause congestion of throat and chest.

Increase amount of noise has harmful effects on animals as well as -humans,

Standard decibel level for humans is 60dB.

Increase in the decibel level can lead to : Restlessness, Temporary or permanent

hearing loss, fidgetiness, high blood pressure, anger, heart attack sleep
disturbance, impulsivness, can lead to withdrawal behaviour or hyper activity in pregnant
women, children and those suffering from respiratory problems.
Fire works can also cause health problems like .Chronic bronchitis, common cold,
Allergic Bronchitis, bronchial Asthma, Sinusitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease (COPD) E physumo, Pineumonia, Laryngitis.
It results in smog which can reduce visibility thereby leading to accidents as well as is toxic
if inhaled.
It is said that one big firecracker like "1000 walas" and 'hydrogen bombs" can produce
upto 250cc of smoke.
It can also cause water contamination and acid rains.
It results in air pollution that creates carcinogenic sulphur compounds and air borne arsenic
effect.
Use of "rockets" near houses give rise to many injuries each year. There is no law
pertaining to the same.
Harmful effects of fireworks displays:
1) Green light produced in fireworks displays comes from Barium that is radio-

active and poisonous.

2) Blue colour produced from copper cor inds comes from dioxins linked to
cancer.,
3) Different effects are produced by using different chemicals that are linked to a
loss of health and respiratory problems.
9Q.What are the sources and effects of air pollution?
The air may become polluted by natural causes like volcanos that release ash, dust,
sulphur and other gases or by forest fires that are occasionally naturally caused by lightening.
Sources of Air Pollution
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and toxic gas produced when organic materials,
like natural gas, coal or wood are incompletely burnt. Vehicular exhausts are the single
largest source of carbon monoxide. The number of vehicles has been increasing over
the years all over the world. Many vehicles are also poorly maintained and several have
inadequate pollution control equipment resulting in the release of greater amounts of
carbon monoxide.
Sulphur oxides are produced when sulfur containing fossil fuels are burnt.
Nitrogen oxides are found in vehicular exhausts. Nitrogen oxides are significant; as they are
involved in the production of secondary air pollutants such as ozone.
Hydro carbons are a group of compounds consisting of carbon and hydrogen atoms.
They either evaporate from fuel supplies or are remnants of fuel that did not burn
completely. Hydrocarbons are washed out of the air when it rains and run into
surface water. They cause an oily film on the surface and do not as such
cause a serious issue until they react to form secondary pollutants.
 Effects of Air Pollution
Once pollutants enter the troposphere they are transported downwind, diluted by the

large volume of air, transformed through either physical or chemical changes

Effects on living organisms
Our respiratory system has a number of mechanisms that help in protecting us from air
pollution.
Effects on living organisms
Our respiratory system has a number of mechanisms that help in protecting us from air

pollution. Prolonged smoking or exposure to air pollutants can overload or breakdown the

natural defenses causing or contributing to diseases such as lung cancer asthma, chronic

bronchitis and emphysema. Carbon monoxide in heavy traffic causes headaches, drowsiness

and blurred vision, in large doses, it can even cause death by carbon monoxide poisoning.

Sulphur dioxide irritates the respiratory tissues, chronic exposure to it causes a condition similar

to bronchitis.
 Effects on plants
When some gaseous pollutants enter the leaf pores they damage the leaves of crop
plants. Chronic exposure of the leaves to air pollutants can break down the waxy coating that
helps prevent excessive water loss and lead to damage from diseases, pests, drought and
frost. Prolonged exposure to high levels of several air pollutants from iron smelters, coal - burning
power plants and industrial units as well as from vehicles. can damage trees and other plants.

10Q.Describe in detail about the water pollution.

Water is the essential element that makes life on earth possible Without water
there would be no life. We usually take water for granted.
Although 71% of the earth's surface is covered by water, only a tiny fraction of this
water is available to us as freshwater.
 The water that is found in streams, rivers lakes, wetlands and artificial reservoirs is
called surface water. Water that percolates into the ground and fills the pores in soil and
rock is called ground water. Any pollutant that is discharged onto the land above is
also pulled into the pores of soil and pollutes the ground water resulting in polluted
water in the nearby wells.
When the quality or composition of water changes directly or indirectly as a
result of man's activities such that it becomes unfit for any purpose it is said to be
polluted.
Points sources of pollution

When a source of pollution can be readily identified because it has a definite

source and place where it enters the water it is said to come from a point source.
 Eg:
municipal and industrial discharge pipes.
When a source of pollution cannot be readily identified, such as agricultural
runoff, acid rain, etc., they are said to be non - point sources of pollution.
Effects on materials
Air pollutants break down the exterior paint on cars and houses. All over the
world. air pollutants have discolored irreplaceable monuments, historic buildings, marble
statues and other heritage and natural beauty sites.
Effects on Stratosphere
Ozone is a form of oxygen with three atoms instead of two. It is produced naturally from
the photo dissociation of oxygen gas molecules in the atmosphere. The ozone, thus
formed, is constantly broke down by naturally — occurring processes that maintain its
balance in the ozone layer. In the absence of pollutants the creation and breakdown
of ozone are purely governed by natural forces, but the presence of certain pollutants can
accelerate the breakdown of ozone.
 causes of water pollution
There are several classes of common water pollutants. These are disease — causing
agents (pathogens), which include bacteria, viruses, protozoa and parasite worms that
enter water from domestic sewerage and untreated human and animal wastes. Large
amounts of human waste in water increases the number of these bacteria, which cause
gastrointestinal diseases.

Another category of water pollutants is oxygen — depleting wastes. These are

organic wastes that can be decomposed by aerobic (oxygen—requiring) bacteria, large
populations of bacteria use up the oxygen present in the water in order to degrade
these wastes. In the process, this degrades the water quality. The amount of BOD in the
water is an indicator of the level of pollution.

The third class of pollutants is in organic plant nutrients. These are water soluble
nitrates and phosphates that cause the excessive growth of algae and other aquatic
plants. This may interfere with the use of the water by clogging up water - intake pipes,
changing the taste and smell of the water and causing a building of organic matter. As the
organic matter decays, the oxygen levels decrease and fish and other aquatic species die.
 The chemicals in fertilizers and pesticides pollutes the soil and water. The pesticides that
enter water bodies are introduced into the aquatic food chains and then are absorbed
by phytoplanktons and aquatic plants. These plants are eaten by the herbivorous fish,
which are in turn eaten by the carnivorous fish, which are inturn
eaten by the water birds.

One of the effects of accumulation of high levels of pesticides, such as DDT, is that bird lay
eggs with shells that are much thinner than normal. This results in the premature breaking of these
eggs, killing the immature chicks inside.

A fourth class of water pollutants is water soluble inorganic chemicals, which are acids, salts and
compounds of toxic metals such as mercury and lead. High levels of these chemicals can make the
water unfit to drink, harm fish and other aquatic life, reduce crop yields, and accelerate the
corrosion of equipment that is in contact with this water.
 Water - soluble radioactive isotopes are yet another source of water pollution. These can be
concentrated in various tissues and organs as they pass through food chins and food webs. These
ionizing radiation emitted by such isotopes can cause birth defects, cancer and genetic damage.

The hot water released by power plants and industries that use large volumes of water to cool the
plant, results in a rise in temperature of the local water bodies, thermal pollution occurs due to this.

Oil is washed into the surface water in the run-off from roads and parking lots which also pollutes

groundwater. The leakage from underground tanks is another source of pollution Accidental oils spills froin large

transport tankers at sea have been causing significant environmental damage.

Though accidents such as the exxon valdez get worldwide attention, much more oil pollution takes

place as a result of small, regular releases from other less visible source. Nearly two - thirds of all marine oil

pollution comes from three sources : run-off from the streets, improper discharge of lubricating oil from machines or

automobile crankcases, and intentional oil discharges that occur during the loading and unloading of tankers. Oil

tankers often use seawater as ballast to stabil ize the ship after they have discharged their oil. This oil
contaminated water is then discharged back into the sea.
 WOMEN AND CHILD WELFARE:Women and children are very important
identities of human society. The adult women are the creators of next generation and
children are the hopes of future;. Therefore they should be cared to utmost degree.
No doubt, • their welfare is being looked after by societies and families. However, this
is just not sufficient. In this regard, Governments also devise and implement various
welfare measures for them. Some of the women and child welfare measures are listed
below.

1) Sarwa Siksha Abhiyan

2) Balika Samridhi Yojana

3) Indira Mahila Yojana

4) Programme of Development of women and Children in Rural areas

5) Mahila Samridhi Yojana

6) Integrated Child Development Services

7) Employement and Income Generating Training-cum:Production centres

8) Rasbtriya Mahila Kosh

9) short stay home for women and child