Sustainable Economic Development

Meaning,  Effects  of  Economic  Development  on Resources  and  Environment,  including  global  warming

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 

MEANING

“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: 

MEANING

"Economic development that is conducted without depletion of natural resources."

Goals of Sustainable Development

There are two primary goals of sustainable development:

1.To minimize the depletion of natural resources when creating new developments.

2.To create development that can be maintained and sustained without causing further harm to the environment.

Effects  of  Economic  Development  on Resources:-

1.Reduction of forest coverage -The pace of global economic growth in the past century has led to a decline in the availability of natural resources such as forests (cut down for agriculture/demand for wood)

2.A decline in sources of oil/coal/gas

3.Loss of fishing stocks – due to overfishing

4.Loss of species diversity – damage to natural resources has led to species extinction.

5.Poaching -Poaching is the illegal capturing, killing and hunting of animals. Due to this, many animals are on the verge of extinction.

Effects of Economic Development on Environment

(i) Air Pollution

Air pollution implies contamination of air.  Air pollution causes hypertension, asthma, respiratory and cardio-vascular problems. 

(ii) Water Contamination

It occurs due to dumping of industrial waste, agricultural waste and sewerage into the water . 

(iii) Global warming

Global warming refers to the phenomenon of sustained increase in global temperature due to environmental pollution and deforestation. 

(iv)Volatile weather

Global warming leads to rising sea levels, volatile weather patterns and could cause significant economic costs

(v)Damage to nature.

Air/land/water pollution causes health problems and can damage the productivity of land and seas.

(vi)Soil erosion

Deforestation resulting from economic development damages soil and makes areas more prone to drought.

(vii)Loss of biodiversity

Economic growth leads to resource depletion and loss of biodiversity. 

(viii)Long-term toxins

Economic growth creates long-term waste and toxins,which may have unknown consequences. 

(ix)Degradation of land - It refers to the gradual but consistent loss of fertility.The following are the factors that contribute to land degradation in India:

a. Soil Erosion: The removal of upper layer of the soil caused by agents like strong winds or floods .

b. Alkalinity and Salinity of Soil: The salinity and alkalinity is caused by the problem of water logging. 

c. Deforestation: The reduction of forest coverage leads to soil erosion that in turn causes climate change

d. Shifting Cultivation: The practice of shifting cultivation and subsistence farming carried by the small and the marginal farmers result in the replenishment of soil nutrients and, hence, its fertility.

e. Excessive use of Fertilisers: The excessive use of chemical fertilisers, insecticides and pesticides lowers the quality and fertility of soil.

f. Desertification: It occurs due to overgrazing of the animals. This results in the reduction of lush green areas that in turn leads to replenishment of soil fertility.

STRATEGIES OF SUSTAINABLE

DEVELOPMENT:-

1.Use of Environment Supportive Fuel

Use of CNG and LPG are clean, eco-friendly fuels that emit lesser smoke.

2. Use of Solar and Wind Energy

Sunlight and wind power are two free gifts of nature that is non-exhaustible. 

3.Green Space

Green spaces are locations where plants and animals are left to flourish. Parks also fall into the category of green spaces

4.Recycling and Ban on Plastic Bags

There is a need to develop the habit of recycling of waste products in order to sustain the environment.

5.Use of the Input Efficient Technology

The efficient use of input, on one hand, leads to lesser exploitation of the natural resources and, on the other hand, enhances the future economic growth.

                       GLOBAL WARMING

What is Global Warming?

Global warming is the phenomenon of gradual increase in temperature near the Earth’s surface. 

Causes of Global Warming

Following are the major causes of global warming:

Deforestation

Use of Vehicles

Depletion in ozone layer

Industrial Development

Overpopulation

Effects of Global Warming

Following are the major effects of global warming:

1.Rise in Temperature

Global warming has led to an incredible increase in earth’s temperature. 

2.Threat to the Ecosystem

Global warming has affected the coral reefs that can lead to a loss of plant and animal lives. 

3.Climate Change

Global warming has led to a change in climatic conditions. 

4.Spread of Diseases

Global warming leads to a change in the patterns of heat and humidity. This has led to the movement of mosquitoes that carry and spread diseases

5.Loss of Natural Habitat

A global shift in the climate leads to the loss of habitats of several plants and animals.