| Question | What is meant by environment? Briefly discuss its various functions. |
| Chapter | Environment and Sustainable Development |
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Economics (Indian Economic Development) |
| Category | Indian Economic Development Class 12 Sandeep Garg Solutions |
Question – What is meant by environment? Briefly discuss its various functions.
Answer –
The total inheritance of the planet and the totality of all resources surround us and affect our existence and quality of life is called environment.
- It Includes biotic/living elements such as animals, birds, plants, forests, etc., and abiotic/non-living elements such as air, water, earth, climate, mountains, minerals, and other resources that nature has given us as gifts.
- Therefore, the environment refers to all conditions, resources, or environmental elements that affect human life and existence.
Functions of environment
- It offers resources for production: Production is the process of conversion of natural resources into useful things. The environment provides natural resources which are used as inputs or raw materials for production. Resources include renewable and non-renewable resources.
- It assimilates (absorbs) wastage; Production and consumption activities generate wastage mostly in the form of garbage. Environment absorbs all this wastage.
- It sustains life; the Environment includes sun, soil, air, water, etc. which are essential ingredients (basic elements) for the existence of human life. So, the environment sustains life by providing these basic elements.
- Enhances quality of life; Environment includes land, water, oceans, seas, rainfall, mountains, desserts, etc. These all elements make our surroundings beautiful and refreshing. People enjoy these surroundings which help in improving their quality of life.
Related Questions
- Discuss the various reasons for environmental crisis
- What is meant by sustainable development? Discuss briefly any two strategies of sustainable development
- Discuss the five rules, which should be followed to achieve sustainable development
- “India’s environmental problems are both poverty induced as well as the consequence of affluence”. Comment.
- What is meant by environment? Briefly discuss its various functions