Module 5 Social Issues and Environment.ppt

Module-5
“Social Issues and Environment Act”
Presented by:
Dr. Ravikumar T R
Assistant Professor, MED
S J C I T
Chickballapur-562101

Contents:
 Climate Change
 Global Warming
 Acid Rain
 Ozone Layer Depletion
 Nuclear Accidents and Nuclear Holocaust
 Wasteland Reclamation
 Consumerisms and Waste products
 Environmental Protection Act

Social Issues and the Environment:
 Some the social issues in the environment are
1. Climate change
2. Global warming
3. Acid rain
4. Ozone layer depletion
5. Nuclear accidents and Nuclear holocaust…

Fig a.
Fig b.
Fig c.
Fig d. Fig e.

Climate change:
 The climate is the state of Wind, Humidity, Rain, Atmospheric pressure and
Temperature in a given area over a long period of time.
E.g.:- a. An Increase in average temperature: 0.6 deg ±0.2 deg C.
b. The increase in rainfall: Countries situated in the mid to high latitudes.
c. The frequency and intensity of Floods and Drought and Storms…: Some
parts of Asia and Africa.
Fig. Climate Change.

 Causes:
1. Human activities: Industrializations
2. Population growth and energy use.
 Effects:
1. Floods & Drought, Storms
2. Global mean sea level is rise by 9 to 88cm by the year 2100.
3. Difficult for mankind to survive: Safe drinking water, Sufficient food, Secure
Shelter & Global social conditions..
4. Distribution of vector species (Mosquitoes): Malaria, Dengue, Yellow fever…
 Control:
1. Climatologists of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC].

Global Warming:
 It is a gradual increase in the earth’s temperature due to the Green House Gases
(GHG) Effect caused by increased levels of CO2, CFCs and other pollutants.
 Solar energy reaching the earth is absorbed on the earth’s surface which increased
its temperature, some of the heat radiates back to the atmosphere. This heat is
trapped by GHG , as GHG increases it rises the earth temperature overtime this
causing Global Warming.

 Causes:
1. Natural causes
a. Volcanoes
b. Water Vapor
c. Melting Permafrost
d. Forest Blazes / Forest Fires
2. Man-made causes
a. Deforestation
b. Use of Vehicles
c. Chlorofluorocarbon [CFC]
d. Industrial development
e. Agriculture
f. Over population
 Effects:
1. Rise in Temperature
2. Threats to the Ecosystem
3. Climate change
4. Spread of diseases
5. High mortality rates
6. Loss of Natural habitat
 Controls:

Acid Rain:
 When Fossil fuels are burned, chemicals like Sulfur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen
oxide (NO) are produced. These chemicals react with water and other chemicals
in the air to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4), Nitric acid (HNO3)and other harmful
pollutants like Sulfates (SO4) and Nitrates (NO3). These acid pollutants spread
upwards into the atmosphere and are carried by air currents, to finally return to
the ground in the form of Acid rain or Fog or Snow.

 Acid pollutants occur as dry particles & gases, which when washed from the
ground by rain, add to the acids in the rain to form a more corrosive solution. This
is called Acid deposition.
 Causes:
1. Burning of Fossil fuels
2. Industrial activities
3. Motor vehicle exhaust fumes
 Effects:
1. Acid rain dissolves and washes away nutrients in the soil which are needed by
plants.
2. Acid rain that falls or flows as ground water to reach rivers, lakes and wetlands
causes the water in them to become acidic. This affects plant and animal life in
Aquatic ecosystems.

3. Acid rain has far reaching effects on wild life.
4. Acid rain and dry acid deposition damages buildings, automobiles and other
structures made of stone or metal.
5. Acid along with other chemicals in the air, produces urban smog, which causes
respiratory problems.
 Controls:
1. Use less energy from fossil fuels in power plants, vehicles and industry.
Switching to cleaner burning fuel is a way out.
2. Use scrubbers in smokestacks in industry (i.e. spray a mixture of water and
limestone into the polluting gases, recapturing the sulfur).
3. Catalytic converters, the gases are passed over metal coated beads that convert
harmful chemicals into less harmful ones. These are used in cars.
4. If acid rain has affected soil, powdered limestone can be added to the soil by a
process known as liming to neutralize the acidity of the soil.

Ozone Layer Depletion:
 Ozone is a highly poisonous gas with a strong odour. It is a form of oxygen that
has three atoms in each molecule (O3).
 It is formed by the action of sunlight on oxygen. It forms a layer 20 to 50 kms
above the surface of the earth.
 Ozone in the upper atmosphere is vital to all life as it protects the earth from the
sun’s harmful Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it absorbs the sun’s UV radiation,
preventing it from reaching the earth’s surface.
 Antarctica, Australia..

 Causes:
1. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
2. Chemicals and Industrial compounds: Bromine, Halocarbons
3. Fertilizers: Nitrous oxides
 Effects:
1. Skin cancer and Cataracts
2. Damage to certain crops and to plankton, thus affecting natures food chains and
food webs.
 Controls:

Nuclear Accidents and Nuclear Holocaust:
 Nuclear energy is a chemical energy released during the Fission (Splitting) or
Fusion (Combining) of atomic nuclei.
Fig. Thermo Nuclear Fission Reaction. Fig. Thermo Nuclear Fusion Reaction.

Nuclear Accidents:
 A single nuclear accident can cause loss of life, long term illness and destruction
of property on a large scale for a long period of time.
 Radioactivity and radioactive fallout leads to cancer, genetic disorder and death
in the affected area for decades after, thus affecting all forms of life for generations
to come.
Nuclear Holocaust:
 The use of nuclear energy in War, has had devastating effects on man and earth.
E.g.:- The Hiroshima and Nagasaki incident during World war-II (06 Aug 1945).

Fig. Effects of Nuclear bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Waste Land Reclamation:
 Loss of vegetation cover leads to loss of soil through erosion, which creates waste
lands.
 If we don’t safe guard our “good lands” , we may face a serious shortage of food
grains, vegetables, Fruits, Fodders, Fuel wood & Timber. Hence conservation of
soil, protecting the existing cultivable land and reclaiming the wastelands.
 Wasteland can be classified into three forms:
1. Easily reclaimable: Agricultural purpose
2. Reclaimable with some difficulty: Agro Forestry
3. Reclaimable with extreme difficulty: Forestry
 In choosing wasteland reclamation methods attention must be paid to the cost
factor.

:
Q) Why do we go for Wasteland reclamation?

:
Q) Why do we go for Wasteland reclamation?
 The increasing demand for Food, Fodder, Fuel wood, Timber etc, has led to
activities that are responsible for increasing environmental degradation. This is
responsible for extension of wasteland.
 The development of Agro forestry based agriculture and forestry has become the
prime prerequisite for an overall development of the economy in the country.

Need for Wasteland development:
1. A source of income for the rural poor. It ensures a constant supply of fuel, fodder
and timber for local use.
2. It makes the soil fertile by preventing soil erosion and conserving moisture.
3. It helps maintain an ecological balance in the area.
4. The increasing forest cover helps in maintaining local climate conditions.
5. Regenerated vegetation cover helps in attracting birds which feed on pests in the
surrounding fields and function as natural pest controllers.
6. The trees help in holding back moisture and reduce surface run off rates thus
helping in the control of soil erosion.

Consumerism and Waste Products:
E.g.:- Food grains, House hold things, Clothes, Watches, Sandals, Shoes…
(Traditional society and Modern society)

Consumerism and Waste Products:
 Most human activities are related to production and consumption cycles which
produce excessive amounts of waste in the form of solid, liquid and gaseous waste
products.
Consumerism:
 The protection or promotion of the interests of consumers.
 It is the organized form of efforts from different individuals, groups,
governments and various related organizations which helps to protect the
consumer from unfair practices and to safeguard their rights.
 It is related to the constant purchasing of new goods, with little attention to their
true need, durability, product origin or the environmental consequences of their
manufacture and disposal.

 Modern societies that are based on using large amounts of goods, that are
manufactured for one time use are extremely wasteful.
E.g.:- Tin cans, Bottles, Paper and Plastic cups, Plastic cartons…
 The increasing consumption of natural resources has lead to serious
environmental problems around the world.
E.g.:- People in the industrialized countries make up 20% of the world population
but consume 80% of the world’s resources and produce 80% of waste.
 The problems of waste management in the urban and rural sectors:
- Large quantities of waste is produced by urban industrial communities in the form
of plastic, paper, leather, tin cans, bottles, mineral refuse and pathological waste
from hospitals.
- Dead animals, Agricultural wastes, fertilizer and pesticide overuse and human
and animal excreta are rural concerns.

Q) How do we minimize Waste Products?

 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R’s Principle) is the new concept in waste management.
- Reduction is the best option. If we reduce at source, there is a smaller chance of
waste generation and the pressure on our natural resources is reduced.
- Reuse is the next option, as the product is reused in its current form without any
energy expended to convert it into a new item.
- Recycling is the last option, as although it converts a waste into a resource, it
uses energy to transform that resource into a new useable product.
E.g.:- Clothes, Watches, Sandals, Shoes… (Traditional society and Modern
society)

How do we follow 3R’s Principle:
1. Use only as much as we need, be it any resource: Water, Food, Paper…
2. Next time we throw away something, think about whether it is really a waste. If it
is of no use to us, could someone else use it?
3. If we are sure the item is not usable in its present form can it be recycled?
4. Segregate our waste into wet and dry garbage.
5. Avoid the use of non-biodegradable materials: Styrofoam and plastics.
6. Do not litter or throw garbage in public places.
7. Be a conscious consumer and do not buy products that are over packaged.

The Environment [Protection] Act:
 There is a need for an authority which could lead for studying, planning and
implementing long term requirements of environmental safety and give
directions to, as well as coordinate a system of speedy and adequate response of
emergency situations threatening the environment.
 The Act was passed to protect the environment as there was a growing concern
over the deteriorating state of the environment (:Increasing pollution, Loss of
forest cover & an increasing threat to biodiversity).
 Some of the environment act are
1. The Air [Prevention and Control of pollution] Act
2. The Water [Prevention and Control pollution] Act
3. The Wildlife protection Act
4. Forest Conservation Act

The Air (Prevention & Control of pollution) Act:
 The government passed this act in 1981 to clean up our air by controlling
pollution.
 Sources of air pollution such as Industry, Vehicles, Power plants… are not
permitted to release Particulate matter, Lead, Carbon Monoxide, Sulfur dioxide,
Nitrogen oxide, Volatile Organic Compounds(VOCs) or other toxic substances
beyond a prescribed level.
 To ensure that, Pollution Control Board(PCBs) have been set up by government
to measure pollution levels in the atmosphere and at certain sources by testing the
air. The pollution level measured in Parts Per Million (PPM) or milligrams or
micrograms per cubic meter.
 Air pollution is more acute in heavily industrialized and urbanized areas which
are also densely populated.

 The main objectives of the Act are as follows;
1. To provide for the prevention, control and abatement of air pollution.
2. To provide for the establishment of central and state boards with a view to
implement this act.
3. To confer on the boards the powers to implement the provisions of the Act and
assign to the boards functions relating to pollution.
 Powers and Functions of Boards:
1. Central Pollution Control Board
2. State Pollution Control Boards

Central Pollution Control Board:
 The function of the board is to implement legislation created to improve the
quality of air to prevent and control air pollution in the country.
 The Board advices the central government on matters concerning the
improvement of air quality, coordinates activities, provides technical assistance
and guidance to state boards and lays down standards for the quality of air.
 It collects and disseminates information in respect of matters relating to air
pollution and performs functions as prescribed in the Act.
State Pollution Control Boards:
 The board have the power to advice the state government on any matter
concerning the prevention and control of air pollution.
 They have the right to inspect at all reasonable times any control equipment,
Industrial plant or Manufacturing process and give orders to take the necessary
steps to control pollution.

 The state governments have been given powers to declare air pollution control
areas after consulting with the state board and also give instructions for ensuring
standards of emission from Automobiles and restriction on use of certain
industrial plants.
 E.g.:- Emission test for an automobiles..
Fig. a Fig. b

Penalties:
 Persons managing industry are to be penalized if they produce emissions of air
pollutants in excess of the standards laid down by the state board.
 Whoever contravenes any of the provision of the Act or any order or direction
issued is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 3 months
or with a fine of Rs 10,000 or with both and incase of continuing offence with an
additional fine which may extend to Rs 5,000 for every day during which such
contravention continues after conviction for the first contravention.

Q) What can an Individual do to control air pollution?
1. When we see a polluting vehicle take down the number and send a letter to the
RTO and PCBs.
2. If we observe an industry polluting air, inform the PCB in writing and ascertain if
action is taken.
3. Use cars only when absolutely necessary. Walk or Cycle as much as possible
instead of using fossil fuel powered vehicles.
4. Use public transport as far as possible, as more people can travel in a single large
vehicle rather than using multiple small vehicles which add to pollution.
5. Share a vehicle space with relatives and friends. Carpools minimize the use of
fossil fuels.
6. Do not use air fresheners and other aerosols and sprays which contain CFCs that
deplete the ozone layer.

7. Do not smoke in public place. It is illegal and endangers not only our own health
but also that of others.
8. Coughing can spread bacteria and viruses. Use of handkerchief to prevent droplet
infection which is air borne. It endangers the health of other people.

The Water (Prevention and Control of pollution)
Act:
 The government has formulated this act in 1974, to be able to prevent pollution of
water by industrial, agricultural and household waste water that can
contaminate our water sources.
 The objective of the water act are to provide for prevention, control and
abatement of water pollution and the maintenance or restoration of the
wholesomeness of water.
 The central government and state governments have set up pollution control
boards that monitor water pollution.

 Functions of the Pollution Control Boards (PCBs):
1. The Government has given the necessary powers to the PCBs to deal with the
problems of water pollution in the country.
2. Central & State water testing laboratories have been set up to enable the
boards to assess the extent of water pollution & standards have been laid down to
establish guilt & default.

Central Board:
 It has the power to advice the central government on any matters concerning the
prevention and control of water pollution.
 The board coordinates the activities of the state boards and resolves disputes.
 The central board can provide technical assistance and guidelines to state boards
to carry out investigations and research relating to water pollution and organizes
training for people involved in the process.
 The board organizes a comprehensive awareness program on water pollution
 The board organizes a comprehensive awareness program on water pollution
through mass media and also publishes data regarding water pollution.
 The main function of the central boar is to promote the cleanliness of rivers, lakes,
streams and wells in the country.

State Board:
 They have the power to advise the state government on any matters concerning
water pollution.
 They collects and disseminates information on water pollution and participates in
research in collaboration with the central board in organizing training of people
involved in the process.
 The board inspects sewage or trade effluents, treatment plants, purification plants
and the systems of disposal and also evolves economical and reliable methods to
treatment of sewage and other effluents.
It plans the utilization of sewage water for agriculture. It ensures that if effluents
are to be discharged on land the waste is diluted.
 The state board advises state governments w.r.t to location of industries.
Laboratories have been established to enable the board to perform its functions.

Penalties:
 Penalties are charged for acts that have caused pollution. This includes failing to
furnish information required by the board or failing to inform the occurrence of
any accident or other unforeseen act.
 An individual or organization that fails to comply with the directions given in the
subsections punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 3
months or with a fine of Rs 10,000 or with both and incase of continuing offence
with an additional fine which may extend to Rs 5,000 for every day.
 If a person who has already been convicted for any offence is found guilty of the
some offence again, he/she after the second and every subsequent conviction
would be punishable with imprisonment for a term not less than two years but
which may extend to seven years with life.

Q) What can an Individual do to control water pollution?
1. Inform the pollution control board of any offender who is polluting water and
ensure that appropriate action is taken.
2. Do not dump wastes into a household or industrial drain which can directly enter
any water body: Stream, River, Pond, Lake or the sea.
3. Do not use toilets for flushing down waste items as they do not disappear bur
reappear at other places and cause water pollution.
4. Use compost instead of chemical fertilizers in gardens.
5. Avoid use of pesticides at home like DDT, Melathion, Aldrin and use a alternative
methods like paste or boric acid mixed with gram flour to kill cockroaches and
other insects. Use dried neem leaves to help keep away insects.

The Wild Life Protection Act:
 This act passed in 1972, deals with the declaration of National Parks and Wildlife
Sancturies and their notifications.
 It prohibits hunting of all wild animals specified in Schedules I to IV of the act.
Plants that are included in Schedule VI.
 The amendment to the wildlife protection act in 2002 is more stringent and
prevents the commercial use of resources by local people.
 Penalties:
 What can an individual Do?

Forest Conservation Act:
 The Indian Forest act of 1927 gave the government and forest department the
power to create reserved forests and the right to use reserved forests for
government use alone. It also created protected forests, in which the use of
resources by local people was controlled.
 Penalties for offences in Reserved Forests:
 Penalties for offences in Protected Forests:
 What can an individual Do to support the act?

Issues involved in Enforcement of Environmental
Legislation:
 Environment legislation is evolved to protect our environment as a whole, our
health and the earth’s resources.
 The presence of legislation to protect air, water, soil etc. Once a legislation is
made at the Global, National or State level, it has to be implemented.
 Environment Impact Assessment [EIA]
 Citizens actions and action groups:

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