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These Class 11 Economics Chapter 7 Notes explain environment, environmental degradation, pollution, sustainable development, renewable resources, global warming, ozone depletion and sustainable development strategies in India. (NCERT Pages 115–131)
This chapter is highly important for CBSE, UPSC, SSC, Railways, CUET and State PSC examinations because questions are frequently asked on environmental functions, pollution control, sustainable development goals, renewable energy and environmental conservation.
This chapter discusses the relationship between environment and economic development, environmental crisis, environmental degradation in India and strategies for sustainable development. (NCERT Pages 115–131)
These notes explain the relationship between economic development and environment.
Development without environmental protection leads to environmental crisis.
(NCERT Page 116)
These notes explain the meaning and functions of environment.
Environment refers to the total planetary inheritance and totality of all resources.
| Component | Examples |
|---|---|
| Biotic Components | Plants, animals, forests, fisheries |
| Abiotic Components | Air, water, land, rocks, sunlight |
| Function | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Supply of Resources | Provides renewable and non-renewable resources |
| Assimilation of Waste | Absorbs waste generated by production and consumption |
| Sustains Life | Maintains biodiversity and ecological balance |
| Aesthetic Services | Provides scenic beauty and recreation |
Resources that can regenerate naturally.
| Example |
|---|
| Forests |
| Fisheries |
| Water |
Resources that get exhausted after use.
| Example |
|---|
| Coal |
| Petroleum |
| Fossil fuels |
(NCERT Pages 116–117)
These notes explain causes of environmental crisis.
Environmental crisis occurs when environmental resources are overused beyond their carrying capacity.
| Cause |
|---|
| Population explosion |
| Industrialisation |
| Affluent consumption |
| Overuse of resources |
| Pollution |
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Polluted water in India | About 70% |
(NCERT Pages 117–120)
These notes explain global warming.
Gradual increase in Earth’s atmospheric temperature due to greenhouse gases.
| Gas |
|---|
| Carbon dioxide |
| Methane |
| Nitrous oxide |
| Cause |
|---|
| Burning of fossil fuels |
| Deforestation |
| Industrialisation |
| Vehicle emissions |
| Effect |
|---|
| Melting of polar ice |
| Rise in sea level |
| Coastal flooding |
| More tropical storms |
| Spread of diseases |
(NCERT Page 118)
These notes explain ozone depletion.
Reduction in ozone layer in the stratosphere.
| Cause |
|---|
| Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) |
| Halons |
| Aerosol chemicals |
| Effect |
|---|
| Skin cancer |
| Damage to plants |
| Harm to aquatic life |
| Increased UV radiation |
(NCERT Page 119)
These notes explain environmental conditions in India.
| Resource |
|---|
| Fertile soil |
| Forests |
| Rivers |
| Mineral deposits |
| Natural gas |
| Iron ore |
| Problem |
|---|
| Land degradation |
| Biodiversity loss |
| Air pollution |
| Water contamination |
| Deforestation |
| Solid waste management |
(NCERT Pages 120–123)
These notes explain land degradation.
| Cause |
|---|
| Deforestation |
| Overgrazing |
| Shifting cultivation |
| Soil erosion |
| Excessive use of fertilisers |
| Excessive irrigation |
| Groundwater overuse |
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Soil erosion annually | 5.3 billion tonnes |
(NCERT Pages 122–123)
These notes explain pollution control boards.
| Function |
|---|
| Monitor pollution |
| Set pollution standards |
| Conduct research |
| Promote environmental awareness |
| Monitor river water quality |
(NCERT Page 123)
These notes explain vehicle pollution.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicles in India (1951) | About 3 lakh |
| Vehicles in India (2022) | About 35 crore |
(NCERT Page 123)
These notes explain sustainable development.
Development that meets the needs of present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
| Feature |
|---|
| Conservation of resources |
| Intergenerational equity |
| Reduction in pollution |
| Environmental protection |
| Long-term development |
Present generation must leave adequate resources for future generations.
| Suggestion |
|---|
| Limit population growth |
| Promote efficient technology |
| Use renewable resources sustainably |
| Reduce pollution |
| Develop renewable substitutes |
(NCERT Pages 124–125)
(NCERT Page 125)
These notes explain sustainable development strategies.
| Source |
|---|
| Solar energy |
| Wind energy |
| Mini-hydel plants |
| Biogas |
(NCERT Page 125)
These notes explain rural energy alternatives.
| Benefit |
|---|
| Reduces air pollution |
| Cleaner fuel |
| Saves forests |
| Benefit |
|---|
| Produces fuel |
| Generates organic fertiliser |
| Reduces waste |
(NCERT Page 126)
These notes explain CNG use.
(NCERT Page 126)
These notes explain wind power.
Initial setup cost is high.
(NCERT Page 126)
These notes explain solar power.
(NCERT Page 127)
These notes explain mini-hydel plants.
(NCERT Page 127)
These notes explain traditional environmental practices.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Medicinal plant species in India | About 15,000 |
(NCERT Page 127)
These notes explain biocomposting.
Conversion of organic waste into compost manure.
(NCERT Pages 127–128)
These notes explain eco-friendly pest control.
| Example |
|---|
| Snakes |
| Owls |
| Peacocks |
| Lizards |
(NCERT Page 128)
These notes explain the importance of sustainable development.
(NCERT Page 128)
These concepts are highly important for exams.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Environment | Totality of all resources |
| Renewable resources | Resources that regenerate naturally |
| Non-renewable resources | Exhaustible resources |
| Global warming | Increase in Earth’s temperature |
| Ozone depletion | Reduction in ozone layer |
| Sustainable development | Development protecting future needs |
| Land degradation | Decline in land quality |
| Biocomposting | Conversion of organic waste into compost |
| Biopest control | Biological pest management |
Class 11 Economics Chapter 1: Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence Notes
Class 11 Economics Chapter 2 Notes: Indian Economy 1950–1990
Class 11 Economics Chapter 3 Notes – Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation: An Appraisal
Class 11 Economics Chapter 4 Notes – Human Capital Formation in India
Class 11 Economics Chapter 5 Notes – Rural Development
Class 11 Economics Chapter 6 Notes – Employment: Growth, Informalisation and Other Issues
Class 11 Economics Chapter 8 Notes – Comparative Development Experiences of India and Its Neighbours
These statistics are frequently asked in exams.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Polluted water in India | About 70% |
| India’s share in world population | 17% |
| India’s geographical area | 2.5% of world |
| Vehicles in India (2022) | About 35 crore |
| Soil erosion annually | 5.3 billion tonnes |
| Iron ore reserves in India | Nearly 8% of world reserves |
These questions are useful for CBSE, UPSC, SSC and CUET preparation.
These FAQs help in quick revision.
1. What are the four functions of environment?
Environment supplies resources, assimilates waste, sustains life and provides aesthetic services. (NCERT Pages 116–117)
2. What is sustainable development?
Development that meets present needs without harming future generations. (NCERT Page 124)
3. What causes global warming?
Increase in greenhouse gases due to fossil fuels and deforestation causes global warming. (NCERT Page 118)
4. What is the role of CPCB?
CPCB monitors and controls pollution in India. (NCERT Page 123)
5. Why is solar energy important?
Solar energy is renewable, clean and pollution-free. (NCERT Page 127)
These quick points are useful for last-minute revision.