BEA110 - Priti (EM-assignment)
BEA110 - Priti (EM-assignment)
Assignment 2
Q.1 Attempt any Four - Write short notes on:
a) Significance of Environment
The environment plays a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth by providing
essential resources such as air, water, food, and shelter. It supports biodiversity and
maintains ecological balance by regulating climate, purifying air and water, and
recycling nutrients. However, human activities like deforestation, pollution, and
industrialization have significantly impacted the environment, leading to climate
change, loss of biodiversity, and resource depletion. Conservation efforts, such as
afforestation, waste management, and pollution control, are necessary to maintain a
healthy environment for future generations.
b) Global Warming
Global warming refers to the rise in Earth’s average surface temperature due to
excessive greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄),
and nitrous oxide (N₂O). These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to
climate change. Major causes include fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and
industrial emissions. The effects of global warming include rising sea levels,
extreme weather events, melting glaciers, and habitat destruction. Solutions
include promoting renewable energy, afforestation, reducing carbon emissions, and
adopting sustainable practices.
c) Scope of Environmental Management
Environmental management refers to the planning, implementation, and
monitoring of policies and practices to protect the environment. Its scope includes
pollution control, waste management, conservation of natural resources, climate
change mitigation, and sustainable development. Industries, governments, and
individuals play key roles in environmental management by implementing eco-
friendly practices, following regulations, and promoting environmental awareness.
Advanced technologies, such as renewable energy and green infrastructure, help in
effective environmental management.
d) EMS Certification
Environmental Management System (EMS) certification, such as ISO 14001,
provides a structured framework for organizations to reduce their environmental
impact. It ensures compliance with environmental laws, improves efficiency, and
enhances corporate social responsibility. The benefits of EMS certification include
better waste management, reduced pollution, improved energy efficiency, and a
positive corporate image. Companies with EMS certification demonstrate their
commitment to sustainability and gain a competitive edge in the market.
e) Forest Act
The Forest Conservation Act, 1980, regulates the use of forest land and prevents
deforestation. It restricts the conversion of forest land for non-forest purposes
without government approval. The act promotes afforestation, sustainable forest
management, and biodiversity conservation. It also helps prevent illegal logging
and encroachment, ensuring the long-term survival of forests and wildlife.
f) Ecosystem and its Types
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical
environment. It consists of biotic (plants, animals, microorganisms) and abiotic
(air, water, soil, sunlight) components. Ecosystems function through energy flow
and nutrient cycles.
Types of ecosystems:
Q.2
a) Environmental Issues Related to India
India faces several environmental challenges due to rapid urbanization,
industrialization, and population growth. Major issues include:
To combat these issues, India has introduced measures such as renewable energy
adoption, afforestation projects, and stricter environmental laws.
b) Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
The Air (P&CP) Act, 1981 was enacted to prevent, control, and reduce air
pollution in India. The act:
● Establishes the Central and State Pollution Control Boards (CPCB, SPCBs)
to monitor air quality.
● Regulates industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust standards.
● Restricts the use of polluting fuels in urban areas.
● Grants authorities the power to take legal action against violators.
The act has played a crucial role in controlling pollution levels, though
enforcement challenges remain.
Q.3
a) Limiting Factor and Food Chain in an Ecosystem
A limiting factor is an environmental condition that restricts the growth of a
population in an ecosystem. Examples include:
A food chain represents the transfer of energy from one organism to another
within an ecosystem. It consists of:
Q.4
a) Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER)
Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) refers to a company’s duty to
minimize its environmental impact. It includes:
Companies that embrace CER benefit from regulatory compliance, cost savings,
and improved public image. Organizations like Tesla, Google, and Unilever have
adopted sustainable business practices to promote environmental responsibility.
b) Sustainable Development & Its Parameters
Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the
future. The key parameters include:
Policies like the Paris Agreement and India’s National Action Plan on Climate
Change (NAPCC) promote global sustainability efforts.
Q.5
a) ISO 14000 & Benefits
ISO 14000 is an international standard for environmental management systems. It
helps industries reduce their environmental impact and improve sustainability.
Benefits include:
Q.6
a) Atomic and Biomedical Hazards
● Pollution control.
● Continuous improvement.
● Regulatory compliance.