--- type: "Chapter" knowledge_type: "chapter" entity_type: "chapter" id: "66f14f464d1ea3af32a4ca70" title: "ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT" board: "CBSE" curriculum: "CBSE" class: "Class 11" subject: "Economics" book: "Indian Economic Development" chapter: "ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT" chapter_slug: "environment-and-sustainable-development" canonical_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-11-economics-indian-economic-development-environment-and-sustainable-development" markdown_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-11-economics-indian-economic-development-environment-and-sustainable-development.md" source_type: "examSubjectBookChapter" source_id: "66f14f464d1ea3af32a4ca70" source_pdf: "https://edzy-ai.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/edzy-express-ts/574e60f5-8533-4ed5-b8f2-78dd0279f1be.pdf" source: "Edzy" version: 1 last_updated: "2026-06-20" --- # ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT After studying this chapter, learners will understand the concept of environment, analyse the causes and effects of environmental degradation and resource depletion, understand the nature of environmental challenges facing India, and relate environmental issues to the larger context of sustainable development. --- ## Knowledge Snapshot | Field | Details | | :--- | :--- | | Class | Class 11 | | Subject | Economics | | Book | Indian Economic Development | | Chapter | ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT | | Pages | 115-131 | --- ## Chapter Summary ### Short Summary This chapter provides an overview of the environment's role in economic development, the state of India’s environment, and strategies for sustainable development amidst rising environmental challenges. ### Detailed Summary The chapter opens by discussing the heavy cost of India’s economic development on environmental quality. It asserts the importance of transitioning to sustainable development in light of globalisation. The chapter is structured into three sections: the functions and roles of the environment, a discussion on the current state of India’s environment, and strategies for sustainable development. It defines the environment and emphasizes its four key functions: resource supply, waste assimilation, life sustenance, and aesthetic provision. The chapter highlights the pressing environmental crisis due to overpopulation and industrialization, which have led to resource depletion and pollution. The impact of global warming and various governmental efforts, including the establishment of the Central Pollution Control Board, are discussed. It concludes with the necessity of sustainable development approaches that balance resource demands while ensuring environmental health for future generations. --- ## Topic-Wise Explanation ### INTRODUCTION The introduction sets the stage for understanding the environment's importance in economic development and the push towards sustainable practices. ### ENVIRONMENT — DEFINITION AND FUNCTIONS The environment encompasses all biotic and abiotic factors. It performs four essential functions: supplying resources, assimilating waste, sustaining life, and providing aesthetic services. ### STATE OF INDIA’S ENVIRONMENT This section addresses the current environmental challenges in India, including pollution and resource depletion, exacerbated by population and economic growth. ### SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Sustainable development aims to meet today’s needs without compromising future generations. It emphasizes equitable resource distribution and the preservation of the environment. ### STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Strategies include technological advances, efficient resource use, and adopting non-conventional energy sources to reduce environmental impact. ### CONCLUSION The chapter concludes by reiterating the critical need for sustainable development approaches that balance economic growth with environmental integrity. --- ## Core Ideas | Idea | Explanation | | :--- | :--- | | Importance of Environment | The environment is crucial for resource supply, waste management, and sustaining life. | Crisis of Environmental Degradation | Unsustainable practices have led to resource depletion and climate change challenges. | Necessity for Sustainable Development | Ensures resource use meets present and future needs without environmental harm. --- ## Key Concepts | Concept | Meaning | | :--- | :--- | | Environmental Degradation | The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources, pollution, and destruction of ecosystems. | Sustainable Development | Development aimed at meeting human needs while ensuring the health of the natural environment for future generations. --- ## Important Points for Revision * The environment is defined as the totality of all resources and includes both biotic and abiotic factors. * Environmental functions are vital for resources, waste assimilation, sustaining life, and aesthetics. * The current state of India's environment is critically challenged by pollution and overexploitation of resources. * Global warming is primarily driven by human activities, particularly fossil fuel consumption. * The Central Pollution Control Board was established to tackle pollution issues in India. * Sustainable development requires equitable distribution of resources while considering environmental health. * Non-conventional energy sources are essential for reducing environmental impacts. --- ## Vocabulary and Glossary | Word / Phrase | Meaning | | :--- | :--- | | Absorptive Capacity | The ability of the environment to absorb and manage waste and degradation. | Ecological Carrying Capacity | The maximum population size that the environment can sustain indefinitely without being degraded. --- ## Practice Questions ### Short Answer Questions 1. What are the four vital functions of the environment? 2. Explain the term 'sustainable development'. 3. What are the main environmental challenges faced by India? 4. How has economic development impacted the environment? 5. What role does the Central Pollution Control Board play in India? ### Long Answer Questions 1. Discuss the relationship between economic development and environmental degradation. 2. Explain the various strategies for achieving sustainable development in India. 3. Analyze the impact of global warming on India's environment and economy. --- ## Related Concepts * Global Warming * Environmental Challenges * Resource Management * Pollution Control --- ## Source Attribution | Field | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Source | Edzy | | Reference Type | examSubjectBookChapter | | Reference ID | 66f14f464d1ea3af32a4ca70 | | Canonical URL | https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-11-economics-indian-economic-development-environment-and-sustainable-development | | Markdown URL | https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-11-economics-indian-economic-development-environment-and-sustainable-development.md |