Environmental Economics (VSAQs)

Economics-2 | 9. Environmental Economics – VSAQs:
Welcome to VSAQs in Chapter 9: Environmental Economics. This page features the most significant FAQs for Very Short Answer Questions. Each answer is provided in simple English and follows the exam format. This will help you focus on key topics and aim for top marks in your final exams.

VSAQ-1: Ecosystem

An ecosystem is like a community where all living things (like plants, animals, and insects) and non-living things (like rocks, water, and air) interact with each other in a specific area. Think of a forest, a pond, or even your backyard as an ecosystem. The balance in an ecosystem is controlled by factors like climate, sunlight, temperature, and rainfall, which together help keep everything in harmony. Ecosystems are essential because they help sustain life on Earth by maintaining a natural balance.

VSAQ-2: Water Pollution

Water pollution happens when harmful substances, like chemicals or waste, enter our rivers, lakes, oceans, or even the water underground. Imagine pouring oil or dumping trash into a river – that’s water pollution. This can change the water’s quality, making it dangerous for people, animals, and plants. Water pollution is a serious issue because it affects drinking water, food supplies, and the environment overall.

VSAQ-3: Sustainable Development (OR) What is Sustainable Development?

Sustainable development is all about growing and developing our society in a way that meets our needs today without using up resources that future generations will need. It’s like using your savings wisely so that you don’t run out of money later. This approach ensures that while we focus on economic growth, we also protect the environment and ensure social fairness. The goal is to use resources, like water, energy, and land, in a way that they remain available for people in the future too.

VSAQ-4: What are the Types of Environment?

The types of environment can be understood in three ways:

  1. Physical Environment: This includes all the non-living things around us, like air, water, soil, and climate. These elements create the conditions that support life on Earth.
  2. Biotic Environment: This consists of all the living things, such as animals, plants, and microorganisms. The way these living things interact with each other is crucial for the health of the ecosystem.
  3. Social or Cultural Environment: This is the human-made part of our world, including our cultural practices, traditions, and social structures. It’s how we, as humans, interact with and adapt to the natural world around us.

VSAQ-5: Environmental Degradation

Environmental degradation is what happens when we harm the natural environment, often through pollution, cutting down too many trees, or overusing resources. For example, if a forest is cleared to build a factory, the land loses its natural balance, and animals lose their homes. This can lead to a loss of biodiversity and make the Earth less healthy. To combat environmental degradation, we need to practice sustainability and take steps to reduce pollution and protect natural resources.

VSAQ-6: Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is like wrapping a blanket around the Earth. Certain gases in our atmosphere, like carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat from the sun and keep it from escaping back into space. This warming effect is natural and necessary for life, but human activities, like burning fossil fuels, are increasing these gases, leading to climate change. Just like how too many blankets can make you too hot, too much of this effect is harmful to our planet.

VSAQ-7: Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources

Renewable resources are like a fountain of water that keeps filling up – they can be replenished naturally over time. Examples include water, sunlight, and forests. On the other hand, non-renewable resources are like a bucket of water that, once empty, is gone for good. These include coal, oil, and natural gas. It’s important to use non-renewable resources wisely because once they’re used up, they can’t be replaced.

VSAQ-8: Air Pollution

Air pollution is when the air around us gets dirty because of harmful pollutants, like smoke from factories, car exhaust, or chemical fumes. Imagine breathing in smoke – it wouldn’t feel good, and it’s bad for your health. Air pollution can make it hard to breathe, harm plants, and even change the climate. Reducing air pollution is crucial for keeping both people and the planet healthy.