Question

Explain why environmental problems are simultaneously social problems.

Answer 1

Environmental problems are simultaneously social problems, as the way they affect different social groups is associated with ‘social inequality’. This is because social status determines the extent to which a person is able to cope up with environment-related problems. For example, in places like Gujarat where water is scarce, the rich farmers invest in deep bore tube wells to get underground water, whereas the poor farmers cannot afford to get tube wells. The depletion of water is compounded when the rains fail, as the wells of poorer farmers become dry.

However, some environmental problems, like air pollution and loss of biodiversity, are universal concerns. Differences in perception exist over the constitution of public interest in terms of the environment. These differences often result in decisions which hurt the interest of weaker groups and minorities. For example, debates over the construction of large dams and the displacement of people.