Sustainable livelihoods are a core component of sustainable development, especially in the context of poverty reduction, environmental management, and community resilience. The Department for International Development (DFID), UK, has developed a comprehensive Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) that is widely used to analyze and design poverty alleviation and development programs. Definition of Sustainable Livelihood (by DFID)…
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Analyse the role of Civil Society Organizations in furthering environmental conservation in India.
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)—including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based groups, academic institutions, and environmental activists—play a pivotal role in India’s efforts to conserve its environment. Given the diversity and complexity of India’s environmental challenges, ranging from air and water pollution to deforestation and climate change, CSOs act as important agents of change, advocacy, and grassroots action….
What is the Vienna Convention? State Any Four Obligations for its Member States
The Vienna Convention refers to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, which was adopted in 1969 to establish the legal framework governing the negotiation, drafting, and enforcement of treaties between states. The Convention lays down the rules for the formation, interpretation, and enforcement of international agreements, providing a common legal basis for the…
What is the Chipko Movement? What Was the Trigger Point that Led to This Movement? What Were the Outcomes of This Movement?
The Chipko Movement was a non-violent environmental movement in India that began in the early 1970s, aimed at protecting forests from commercial logging. The movement was characterized by its iconic act of “tree hugging,” where villagers, primarily women, physically embraced trees to prevent their felling. The Chipko Movement was one of the earliest grassroots environmental…
What is the Full Form of PIL? How Does it Help as a Tool for Environmental Protection? Discuss Any Three Inherent Limitations of Environmental PIL
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a legal mechanism that allows individuals or organizations to file a petition in the court of law in matters concerning public interest, even if they are not directly affected by the issue. PIL aims to address the needs and rights of the broader public, particularly marginalized communities, and can be…
Briefly explain any five challenges to sustainable economic growth.
Sustainable economic growth refers to a pattern of growth that is inclusive, resource-efficient, and environmentally responsible. It aims to raise living standards without undermining the planet’s ecological systems. However, achieving such growth faces significant challenges: 1. Resource Depletion: Overexploitation of natural resources such as fossil fuels, minerals, forests, and fisheries threatens the sustainability of economic…
What is the multi-dimensional approach to the study of sustainable development? State its policy orientation. Also name any six associated approaches to assess this policy orientation.
Multi-Dimensional Approach to Sustainable Development: Sustainable development is inherently complex and interlinked, involving a variety of domains—economic, environmental, social, political, cultural, and technological. The multi-dimensional approach acknowledges that no single discipline or perspective is sufficient to capture the full scope of sustainability. Instead, it encourages an integrated, holistic framework that considers various sectors and stakeholders…
Explain the terms ‘Carrying Capacity’ and ‘Ecological Footprint’ giving suitable examples.
Carrying capacity is a concept rooted in ecology, referring to the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can support sustainably over time without degrading the ecosystem. When applied to human societies, it means the ability of the Earth or a specific region to provide the resources required for people’s needs—such…
What is the focus of sustainable development? List any four sustainable and unsustainable activities each.
Focus of Sustainable Development: Sustainable development is a development paradigm that seeks to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The concept gained international prominence after the 1987 Brundtland Commission Report, also known as “Our Common Future”. Its focus is multidimensional and integrates…
Describe the global efforts towards the protection of environment and natural resources.
Global environmental protection involves multilateral efforts—laws, treaties, protocols, and conventions—aimed at ensuring sustainable use of natural resources and safeguarding ecosystems. Key Global Environmental Agreements and Initiatives: Other Global Initiatives: India’s Role in Global Environmental Governance: Conclusion: Global efforts have evolved from awareness-building to legally binding instruments and funding mechanisms. While progress is uneven, multilateralism remains…
What is climate change? Discuss the impact of climate change on agriculture and health in India.
Climate change refers to long-term alterations in global or regional climate patterns, particularly those arising from increased levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) due to human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrialization. The impacts are already visible through rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, glacial retreat, and sea-level rise. Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture…
What is biodiversity? Why is biodiversity conservation important for sustainable development?
Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of all forms of life on Earth, encompassing the diversity within species (genetic diversity), between species (species diversity), and among ecosystems (ecosystem diversity). It includes microorganisms, plants, animals, and the ecological complexes they are part of. Biodiversity forms the foundation of the Earth’s life-support systems and is vital…