Question

Discuss any two ecological issues of India.

Answer 1

1. Carbon Footprint: It is the measure of impact of our activities on the environment and in particular on climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gasses produced in our day to day lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation. It is the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of activities of a particular individual, organization and community.
2. Endangered Species: A species of animal or plant at serious risk of extinction is said to be endangered. Species become endangered due to loss of habitat and loss of genetic variation. India is losing its animal and plant species due to a variety of factors like pollution, deforestation, loss of habitat, human interference, poaching and hunting.
3. Climate Change: It refers to long term shifts in temperature and weather patterns. Such shifts can be natural, due to change in the sun's activity or large volcanic eruptions.
4. Pollution: It is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. These harmful materials are called pollutants. They damage the quality of air, water and land. Major forms of pollution include air, sound, noise, soil plastic, radioactive etc.
5. Environmental degradation: It is the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources like air, water, soil, destruction of ecosystem and extinction of wildlife.