Environmental Studies (22CIV67)
Assignment- I
1. Explain how hydrogen energy can be applied in transportation and
compare it with conventional fuels in terms of efficiency and
emissions.
Hydrogen can store and deliver energy for many uses across U.S. economic
sectors, including transportation. It has the potential to significantly reduce air
pollution in the form of greenhouse gases from trucks, buses, planes, and ships.
Greenhouse gases trap heat and contribute to climate change, and the
transportation sector is responsible for 29% of these emissions.
Hydrogen is an energy carrier and fuel that, when fed into a fuel cell, can power
vehicles and trucks without releasing harmful emissions. Hydrogen and fuel
cells can reduce emissions in heavy-duty vehicles, which make up 5% of
vehicles on
U.S. roads, are responsible for more than 20% of transportation emissions, and
are the largest contributor to mobile nitrogen-oxide emissions in the United
States.
Hydrogen can be applied in transportation by powering vehicles using fuel cells
or directly as fuel in internal combustion engines. Fuel cell vehicles produce
electricity from a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with the
only byproduct being water vapor. This makes them a zero-emission option.
Hydrogen can also be used as fuel in traditional internal combustion engines,
offering a potential alternative to gasoline.
Hydrogen energy can be supplied in transportation through a structured process
involving production, storage, distribution, and refuelling infrastructure
Hydrogen energy is utilized in various transportation modes such as Fuel Cell
Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), Heavy-Duty Trucks, Trains and Ships.
Hydrogen is also being explored in other transport sectors such as trains, ships,
and even airplanes. In places where charging infrastructure for electric vehicles
is limited or where weight and downtime are critical factors (like in shipping or
aviation), hydrogen offers a practical alternative. Its success, however, depends
on how the hydrogen is produced—using renewable energy to generate "green
hydrogen" makes the entire process much more sustainable.
In terms of Efficiency Comparison:
Vehicle Type Efficiency Description
FCEVs (Fuel Cell 40–60% Fuel cells convert
Electric Vehicles) hydrogen to electricity
efficiently, especially
under low loads
H₂-ICEs (Hydrogen Comparable to gasoline Can offer improved
Internal Combustion engines; slightly better efficiency, particularly at
Engines) in some cases part loads.
Gasoline/Diesel 20–30% Lower efficiency due to
Vehicles significant thermal losses
in combustion
In terms of Emission Comparison:
Vehicle Type Tailpipe Emissions Lifecycle Emissions
FCEVs (Fuel Cell Zero (only water Depends on hydrogen
Electric Vehicles) vapor) source; green hydrogen
results in much lower
emissions.
H₂-ICEs (Hydrogen Lower than gasoline / Similar to FCEVs—
Internal Combustion diesel; some Nox lifecycle emissions depend
Engines) possible on how the hydrogen is
produced
Gasoline/Diesel CO₂, NOx, particulates High emissions at every
Vehicles stage of the fuel lifecycle
Hydrogen-powered vehicles present a cleaner and more efficient alternative to
conventional gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles
(FCEVs) are especially promising, offering high efficiency (40–60%) and zero
tailpipe emissions—only water vapor. Their environmental impact largely
depends on how the hydrogen is produced, with green hydrogen offering the
best sustainability outcomes.
2. Analyse the major contributors to Delhi's air pollution and evaluate the
impact of measures like odd-even vehicle schemes, smog towers, or metro
expansion.
Delhi's air pollution is a multifaceted problem with major contributors
including vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, construction activities,
stubble burning, and road dust. While measures like odd-even schemes, smog
towers, and metro expansion have been implemented, their impact on air quality
remains a subject of debate.
The Major Contributors to Delhi's Air Pollution:
1. Vehicular Emissions: Transportation is one of the primary sources of air
pollution in Delhi, with vehicles emitting a significant number of
pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and
volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In fact, transportation contributes to
97% of CO, 66% of NOx, and 58% of VOCs in the National Capital
Region (NCR). The growing number of private vehicles, coupled with
outdated technology in older vehicles, significantly worsens air quality.
2. Industrial Activities and Power Plants: Industrial activities, such as
those from stone crushers, brick kilns, and thermal power plants, are
major contributors to particulate matter (PM) pollution. Industries
account for about 41% of PM10 and 44% of PM2.5 emissions in the
region. Additionally, power plants contribute to 46% of sulfur dioxide
(SO2) emissions in the NCR, further exacerbating air quality issues and
leading to smog formation, especially during the winter months.
3. Construction and Dust: With rapid urbanization in Delhi, construction
activities have significantly increased, generating substantial amounts of
dust. This dust contributes to the rise in particulate matter levels in the
air, particularly during dry weather when dust becomes airborne.
Inadequate dust control measures at construction sites only make the
problem worse, especially in densely populated areas.
4. Agricultural Stubble Burning: Agricultural stubble burning is a key
contributor to Delhi's air pollution, particularly during the winter months.
Farmers in neighbouring states burn crop residues after harvest, releasing
large amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the atmosphere. This
practice severely deteriorates air quality, as the smoke drifts into Delhi,
increasing PM levels and contributing to the city's smog problem.
5. Waste Burning and Biomass Combustion: The practice of burning
municipal solid waste and biomass (e.g., wood, cow dung) for cooking
and heating purposes releases harmful pollutants, including PM, carbon
monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). This burning, common in
informal settlements and some rural areas, adds to the air pollution
burden of the city, particularly in the winter months when the
atmospheric inversion traps pollutants close to the ground.
Evaluation of Mitigation Measures:
1. Odd-Even Vehicle Scheme: This policy restricts private vehicles from
operating on certain days based on their license plate numbers to reduce
vehicular emissions. While some studies show a temporary reduction in
PM10 levels during the scheme’s implementation, its overall impact is
limited. The effectiveness is hampered by exemptions for certain
vehicles, like those driven by women or government officials, and
challenges with public compliance and enforcement.
2. Smog Towers: Smog towers are large air purifiers aimed at reducing
pollutants in the air. They have shown some success in lowering PM2.5
levels by up to 15%, but this effect is limited to a small radius of about
200 meters. Given the scale of Delhi’s pollution and the high costs
associated with building and maintaining these towers, their role in
addressing the city's broader air quality problems remains limited. They
are more of a localized solution rather than a city-wide fix.
3. Delhi Metro Expansion: The expansion of the Delhi Metro has provided
a cleaner alternative to road transport, reducing vehicular emissions.
Research shows that metro expansions have led to localized reductions in
pollutants like CO, with a 34% decrease observed at major traffic
intersections. The metro provides a sustainable long-term solution by
reducing reliance on private vehicles and alleviating traffic congestion,
making it an effective strategy for improving air quality.
The measures to combat Delhi's air pollution, such as the odd-even vehicle scheme,
smog towers, and metro expansion, each have varying degrees of success. The
odd-even scheme and smog towers provide some temporary relief but are
limited by exemptions and scale. In contrast, the metro expansion offers a more
sustainable solution by reducing vehicular emissions and improving public
transport infrastructure.
3. Analyse the socio-economic and environmental consequences of
resettlement due to a large infrastructure project (e.g., dam construction).
In developing nations like India, large infrastructure projects such as dams,
highways, power plants, and mining operations are often pursued to boost
economic development, ensure energy security, improve irrigation, and meet the
growing needs of an expanding population. Among these, dam construction has
played a major role in transforming landscapes and economies by supporting
agricultural growth, generating hydroelectric power, and providing drinking
water and flood control. However, such progress often comes at a significant
human and environmental cost.
There is a growing concern that dam projects cause irreversible environment
change, which are often complex, multiple, and essentially negative. Large
dams have enormous consequences for people’s lives and livelihoods, including
controversial issues such as displacement and resettlement. The opponents of
dam construction argue that the social and economic consequences (and
environmental) of large dams are more far-reaching than those associated with
other infrastructure projects because of the huge impact across time and space in
both the ecosystem and in social, economic, and cultural structures.
Large infrastructure projects such as dams, highways, airports, and mining
operations are often considered symbols of progress and economic
development. Dams, in particular, play a critical role in water storage,
hydroelectric power generation, and irrigation.
However, the construction of such massive projects frequently requires the
acquisition of vast areas of land, leading to the displacement and resettlement of
thousands of people. While these projects bring long-term benefits to the
broader population, they also create serious challenges for the communities
directly affected. Resettlement due to dam construction is a complex process,
involving not only the physical relocation of people but also major socio-
economic disruptions and environmental consequences.
These effects can be long-lasting, especially when resettlement is poorly
planned or inadequately supported. Below is an analysis of the major social,
economic, and environmental consequences that arise when communities are
resettled due to large infrastructure development.
Socio-Economic Consequences:
1. Displacement and Loss of Livelihoods: The construction of large
infrastructure projects, such as dams, often leads to the displacement of
local communities. For many people, particularly those living in rural
areas, the land they occupy may be their primary source of income.
Resettlement can mean losing farmland, fishing grounds, or access to
natural resources, which directly affects their livelihoods. The loss of
agricultural land or traditional industries can push these communities into
poverty, particularly if suitable compensation or alternative livelihood
opportunities are not provided.
2. Cultural Disintegration: Displacement from ancestral lands can disrupt
long-established cultural ties. Many communities, especially indigenous
groups, have deep-rooted connections to their land, and moving them to
new areas can result in a loss of cultural identity and heritage. The shift in
social structures and traditions can lead to psychological and emotional
stress, further affecting the well-being of the displaced people.
3. Social Fragmentation: Resettlement often leads to the fragmentation of
communities, with people dispersed into unfamiliar and sometimes
urbanized environments. The loss of social networks and support systems
can weaken community cohesion and create a sense of isolation. This
disintegration can lead to increased mental health issues, such as
depression and anxiety, and create social tensions in the new resettlement
areas.
4. Economic Burden: While large infrastructure projects often promise
long- term economic benefits, such as improved access to resources and
services, the immediate economic impact on resettled populations can be
severe. Resettled individuals may struggle to find employment in new
areas, especially if the skills they possess are specific to their previous
rural or agricultural way of life. Furthermore, the cost of resettlement,
including compensation and infrastructure development, can place a
significant economic burden on governments or developers.
Environmental Consequences:
1. Loss of Ecosystems and Biodiversity: The construction of dams often
results in the flooding of vast areas of land, leading to the destruction of
ecosystems and loss of biodiversity. Wetlands, forests, and other critical
habitats are submerged, and many species may lose their homes or face
extinction. The loss of these natural habitats can have far-reaching
consequences, including the disruption of local food chains and the
degradation of ecosystem services such as water purification and carbon
sequestration.
2. Alteration of Water Systems: Dams fundamentally alter local water
systems, affecting both the quantity and quality of water available to
surrounding areas. While dams can provide benefits like irrigation and
hydropower, they can also disrupt downstream ecosystems by reducing
water flow, changing sedimentation patterns, and increasing the risk of
water pollution. Additionally, the sudden release of large amounts of
water can result in flooding, further threatening local communities and
wildlife.
3. Soil Erosion and Degradation: In areas where large reservoirs are
created, the surrounding land can become more susceptible to soil
erosion. The removal of vegetation, combined with changes in water flow
patterns, can result in increased sedimentation in the reservoir and
decreased fertility of surrounding lands. This can undermine agricultural
productivity, further impacting the livelihood of resettled populations
who rely on farming.
4. Climate Change Impacts: The construction of large infrastructure
projects like dams can also exacerbate climate change issues. The
creation of reservoirs in areas with large amounts of organic matter can
lead to the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the
atmosphere. Moreover, large-scale deforestation for dam construction can
contribute to increased carbon emissions, further worsening global
warming.
The socio-economic and environmental consequences of resettlement due to large
infrastructure projects like dam construction are significant. While these
projects may offer benefits like improved energy production, irrigation, and
flood control, they can also cause displacement, loss of livelihoods, and the
disruption of social and cultural structures for affected communities.
Environmentally, the projects can lead to the loss of ecosystems, changes in
water systems, soil degradation, and contributions to climate change. To
mitigate these effects, careful planning, adequate compensation, and sustainable
development practices are essential to ensure that the benefits of such projects
outweigh their costs.
4. Assess the role of NGOs in promoting environmental stewardship with
the help of any successful campaign.
Environmental degradation—caused by industrialization, deforestation,
pollution, and overexploitation of natural resources—has emerged as one of the
most critical global challenges of the 21st century. In this context, Non-
Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have played a pivotal role in promoting
environmental stewardship, which refers to the responsible use and protection of
the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices.
Unlike government bodies, NGOs often work at the grassroots level, mobilize
public participation, and fill in the gaps where institutional support is lacking.
Their roles range from spreading awareness and influencing policy to
implementing on-ground conservation projects. NGOs have the flexibility to act
independently, build trust within communities, and collaborate with various
stakeholders—such as governments, schools, businesses, and local residents—
making them powerful agents of environmental change. Over the years, several
NGOs in India and across the world have led impactful campaigns that have
brought about tangible improvements in environmental awareness and
conservation outcomes.
Role of NGOs in Environmental Stewardship:
Certainly! Here's a slightly more concise version of the detailed paragraphs
under each point:
Role of NGOs in Environmental Stewardship
NGOs play a key role in educating the public about environmental issues
through workshops, awareness drives, school programs, and street plays. They
actively use social media to share information and promote eco-friendly
practices. Campaigns led by NGOs often inspire people to take part in clean-up
drives, reduce plastic usage, and conserve water. Their ability to simplify
complex issues and make them relatable helps build a more informed and
environmentally responsible society.
NGOs often influence environmental policy by lobbying for stricter regulations
and submitting well-researched proposals to government bodies. They
participate in public consultations and raise concerns about harmful projects or
policies. Organizations like CSE and Greenpeace India have successfully
advocated for clean energy, better air quality norms, and pollution control
measures. Through
consistent efforts, NGOs help shape laws that protect the environment and
promote sustainable development.
When environmental harm occurs, some NGOs resort to legal action by filing
Public Interest Litigations (PILs). These legal efforts have led to landmark
judgments, such as mandating cleaner fuels in public transport or halting illegal
deforestation. NGOs also monitor enforcement of environmental laws and
ensure that violators are held accountable. Their legal activism has played a
crucial role in bringing about real, enforceable change on the ground.
NGOs are deeply involved in practical environmental work like tree plantation
drives, river clean-up missions, and habitat restoration. These hands-on efforts
improve local ecosystems and raise awareness through action. For example,
campaigns to rejuvenate lakes or reduce plastic waste in communities directly
improve environmental quality and inspire replication elsewhere.
NGOs often work closely with local communities, especially in rural or
marginalized areas, teaching sustainable practices like organic farming,
rainwater harvesting, and waste segregation. By providing tools and training,
they empower people to protect and restore their local environment. This
grassroots engagement ensures long-term impact by building a sense of
environmental responsibility at the community level.
Successful Campaign Example: Greenpeace India's Anti-Plastic Pollution
Campaign
Plastic pollution has become a major environmental hazard in India, affecting
rivers, oceans, wildlife, and human health. In response, Greenpeace India, an
international environmental NGO, launched a large-scale campaign targeting
plastic waste generated by major multinational corporations and retail brands.
Brand Audits: Greenpeace conducted extensive plastic audits on
beaches, riverbanks, and landfills across India to trace the biggest
polluters. These audits identified top corporations responsible for single-
use plastic waste. The data collected helped Greenpeace build evidence-
based pressure campaigns and gave the public transparency on the
sources of plastic pollution. It also provided a clear link between
corporate behaviour and environmental degradation.
Public Awareness Drives: The organization launched powerful social
media campaigns, public events, and clean-up drives to educate people
about the dangers of plastic pollution and the need for corporate
accountability. These efforts mobilized thousands of volunteers and local
communities, creating a collective movement against plastic. By using
creative visuals and impactful messaging, Greenpeace successfully drew
national attention to the issue.
Corporate Pressure and Naming-and-Shaming: Greenpeace published
reports that named the biggest corporate polluters, urging companies to
move away from single-use plastic and adopt sustainable packaging. This
forced some companies to publicly commit to reducing their plastic
footprint. The campaign also engaged directly with companies, pushing
for deadlines and measurable actions. Several brands were compelled to
reassess their packaging and sustainability commitments.
Policy Advocacy: Greenpeace lobbied for stronger implementation of
India’s Plastic Waste Management Rules and encouraged the government
to hold manufacturers accountable under the “Extended Producer
Responsibility” (EPR) guidelines. Their consistent engagement with
policymakers helped push plastic regulation into public debate and
legislative focus. As a result, some states and cities began introducing
bans or restrictions on certain single-use plastic items.
The campaign raised nationwide awareness about plastic pollution and inspired
citizen-led cleanup initiatives across cities and towns.
Greenpeace helped shift the national conversation toward banning single-use
plastics and holding corporations legally responsible for plastic waste.
NGOs play an indispensable role in protecting the environment. Through a mix of
awareness-building, policy influence, legal action, and grassroots engagement,
they drive meaningful change and empower communities to become
environmental stewards. The Greenpeace India anti-plastic campaign is a strong
example of how NGO-led initiatives can challenge powerful interests, engage
citizens, and influence both public behaviour and corporate practices. As the
world confronts growing ecological challenges, the continued efforts of NGOs
will remain critical in building a more sustainable and environmentally just
future.
