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Environment Vs Growth Essay for UPSC Mains Preparation

October 15, 2019 by Sandeep

The space inhabited by ecosystems to dwell, survive and thrive, put together is called their respective environment. Environment is typically the place around us, where we dwell in order to make a living and get ourselves adapted to the surroundings and their variations.

Whether we live in a good or a bad environment totally depends on us, as it’s in our hands to keep our surroundings clean and hygienic. Living systems inhabit environments around them and become natural reasons for them to grow and develop beyond boundaries. When this limit is unreasonably crossed by man-made effects of globalised industrialisation cum rapid urbanisation factors, the environment slowly becomes a prey in the hands of human exploitation.

Growth and Expansion

The last four to five decades have seen the world changing rapidly in terms of economic growth, expansion of urban landscapes, industries churning out more global prospects etc. The pace at which our modern ways of living have impacted the environment is unaccounted for. Serious damages to the environment have resulted on account of this unchecked human behavior causing changes in global climate, temperature and mass destruction of species.

Ever wondered why rainfall is becoming so unseasonal and even if it’s in the right season, it may either be scanty or a flood causing trigger, such scenes becoming more common these days. Shortage of drinking water is a global crisis today.

The depletion of ground water has reached unimaginable levels and the supply of fresh and natural air itself is going to become scarce some day in the future. The prospects of growth have multiplied in countless folds on a global scale, ignoring the environment around us, thus creating a big gap between human economic growth and environmental degradation.

Adverse effects of growth on the environment

When man sought expansion of his industries and establishments, he did not fetch even a second glance at the environment. Today with the increase in high rise buildings, our cities have turned into what we call as concrete jungles. This has led to various at-sight problems for citizens. Drinking water facilities are poor and food adulteration is at an all time high.

Sparrows were a common sight in front of every house a while ago, but now they have almost disappeared from everywhere. This is due to all spaces taken over by concrete structures and high intensity mobile radiations. So, we easily lost a species for our irresponsible growth intentions. This is a very good example of our growth having an impact on the environment.

Not just this, if we see the many trees being uprooted in forests, forest fires creating havoc and taking away entire forest ranges in their fumes, we can very easily predict the extent of damage that would be created on the environment in coming years. Soil getting depleted of its vital nutrients has badly affected crop rotation cycles.

This has in turn caused soil to become infertile to an extent that vast lands on earth are becoming barren day by day. This has caused crop failures and inflation rates of essential vegetables to steeply rise.

On the other hand, the excessive use of chloro flouro carbons have created gaping holes in the ozone layer due to which harmful UV radiation are penetrating the earth’s surface more than ever. Also, the depletion of ozone layer has created more deadly chemical reactions leading to incurable cancers etc on earth.

Greenhouse gases responsible to create a sustainable environment on earth are turning into poisonous gases, capable enough of wiping out lives of millions. This has do far weakened the ancient symbiotic relationship between society and the environment on earth. On account of development and population growth, the environment is seeing mass destruction that cannot be set right at least in the years to come.

Creating a sustainable environment

Due to pollution, the early morning fog is now becoming a thick blanket of smog, which is fog, combined with smoke. Smoke that is emitting out from factories and industries causing air pollution. The chemicals that are let out from factories, after mixing with sewage adversely combine with drinking water set ups polluting primary and important water resources. This is how the environment is becoming a store house of air-borne and water-borne diseases.

To come out of these ill effects and create a sustainable environment for the future, we have to first work on increasing the greenery in our environment by pledging to not cut down trees unnecessarily. Cutting down trees on roads to make way for infrastructure growth in cities is common sight, but leads to far stretching ill effects. Urbanisation has brought along with it, hidden adverse effects of environment. Worse, we do not think about the bad we are doing to the environment when we know it very well that it may have disastrous effects on us later on.

Remedies and Solutions

The solution to set the situation right is to think about the environment and show concern towards the apathy we have so far created. Introducing greater scientific rigor about our environment may impact serious assessment of projects.

Government policies and regulations should be strengthened and given more power to check irregularities. The law of the land should be responsible enough to enforce penalties on units that misuse the environment for their selfish needs. Corruption should be ruled out from the place to bring in a better perspective about the environment.

Lack of policy enthusiasm towards environment is as good as taking our environment for granted. This is happening at all places. Illegal mining and quarry units are given permission by governmental agencies after taking Crores of rupees as bribes from prospective money laundering individuals and agencies.

Thus, a deep insight is needed to root out the issue of environmental exploitation, in terms of corruption and bribery cases. The occupation of lake bed areas and converting them into sites for construction is another example where government apathy towards environment is highlighted.

Solutions and remedies are many to tackle such situations. But we can see progress only when initiatives are taken in the right direction by capable authorities who have interest in environmental issues and have concerns on the current plight of our surroundings.

An efficient system to tackle the issue and help it rise from the roots to brighten the haphazard to the society is needed. Citizen initiatives and participation is a much needed effort after all. It is still the biggest way to tackle the problem and we have to join hands with the right governmental agencies to act in the right direction.

Ecological considerations are the need of the hour so that they do not hamper development in the name of modernisation of society. Extensive protection of ecology and environment is essential for sustained economic development. Only if the environment around us is sustainable and friendly can we thrive and make our goals achievable.

It is a false perception that economic growth can lead independently of environmental considerations. We have to live and thrive within our boundaries and not forge ahead leaving out environmental considerations.

Model Answers

Q: Critically examine the dialectics between ‘development and environment’.

Question asked in UPSC Sociology 2022 Paper 2. Download our app for last 20 year question with model answers.

Model Answer:

Development vs Environment

The dialectics between development and environment in India can be understood as a complex interplay of economic growth, social progress, and ecological sustainability. India, as a developing country, faces the challenge of balancing rapid industrialization and urbanization with the need to preserve its natural resources and maintain ecological balance. This dialectical relationship is characterized by contradictions, conflicts, and interdependencies that shape the country’s development trajectory and environmental policies.

On the one hand, development is seen as a necessary process to improve the living standards of the population, create job opportunities, and reduce poverty. India’s economic growth, driven by industrialization and urbanization, has lifted millions out of poverty and improved the quality of life for many. However, this development has come at a significant environmental cost. Rapid industrialization has led to the degradation of land, water, and air quality, posing severe threats to public health and the country’s biodiversity. The construction of large infrastructure projects, such as dams and highways, has often resulted in the displacement of local communities and the destruction of ecosystems.

On the other hand, the environment is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in ensuring sustainable development. India’s rich natural resources, including forests, rivers, and biodiversity, are essential for the well-being of its people and the functioning of its economy. The degradation of these resources not only threatens the livelihoods of millions who depend on them but also undermines the long-term prospects for economic growth and social progress. Moreover, climate change poses significant risks to India’s development, as it exacerbates existing vulnerabilities and creates new challenges for agriculture, water management, and disaster risk reduction.

The dialectics between development and environment in India can be seen in the tensions between different actors and interests. The state, as the primary agent of development, often prioritizes economic growth over environmental concerns, leading to policies and practices that undermine ecological sustainability. At the same time, civil society organizations, local communities, and environmental activists have been increasingly vocal in demanding greater attention to environmental issues and advocating for more sustainable development models.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to reconcile development and environmental imperatives in India. This is reflected in the country’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its efforts to integrate environmental concerns into development planning and policymaking. The National Green Tribunal , established in 2010, is an example of an institutional mechanism designed to address environmental disputes and promote sustainable development.

However, the dialectics between development and environment in India remain fraught with challenges. The country’s development trajectory is still heavily reliant on resource-intensive and environmentally damaging industries, such as coal mining and thermal power generation. Moreover, the enforcement of environmental regulations remains weak, and the capacity of institutions to manage the complex interdependencies between development and environment is limited.

In conclusion, the dialectics between development and environment in India are characterized by contradictions, conflicts, and interdependencies that shape the country’s development trajectory and environmental policies. While there has been some progress in recognizing the need for a more sustainable development model, significant challenges remain in reconciling the imperatives of economic growth, social progress, and ecological sustainability. Addressing these challenges will require a fundamental transformation in the way development is conceived and pursued, as well as a strengthening of institutions and governance mechanisms to ensure that environmental concerns are effectively integrated into development planning and policymaking.

More Questions:

Discuss law as an important instrument for women’s empowerment., is indian society moving from “hierarchy” towards “differentiation” illustrate your answer with suitable examples., critically examine the relevance of vilfredo pareto’s theory of circulation of elites in the present scenario.

Download our app for UPSC Sociology Optional - Syllabus, NCERT Books, IGNOU Books, Past Paper with Model Answers, Topper Notes & Answer Sheet.

[Download] UPSC Mains-2020 Essay Paper, Including Topicwise last 28 YEARS Essay Question Papers (1993-2020) with booklist, strategy!

Upsc mains-2020’s essay paper compared to the past papers..

• UPSC Essay Preparation/Strategy/Booklist?

UPSC-CSM20-Essay: Section-A

Upsc-csm20-essay: section-b.

1 India: Democracy, administration, Society, culture

1.1 India Since Independence

1.2 Federalism, Decentralization

1.3 Administration

1.4 Judiciary

1.5 Poverty, Social Justice

1.6 Indian Society, Culture and Values

1.7 Media, TV & Cinema

2 Economy, Development

2.1 Growth vs Development

2.2 Environment vs Development

2.4 Sectors of Economy

3 Education

3.1 Values in Education

3.2 Scheme implementation

3.3 Higher education

4 Quote based, Philosophy, Ethics

4.1 Character, Honesty, Ethics

4.2 Knowledge

4.3 Compassion

4.4 Truth and reality

4.5 Youth, Discipline

4.6 Towards excellence

5 Women empowerment

5.1 @National Politics

5.2 @World / Quote type

5.3 Empowerment overall

5.4 Compared to men

6 International issues, Internal Security

6.1 Globalization

6.2 International Org./ Bilateral

6.3 Security

7 Science-Technology

7.1 Science and Religion

7.2 Science and Education

7.3 Computer and internet

7.4 Sci-Tech: others

• On Jan-08-2021, UPSC Conducted Civil Services Mains Exam (CSM-2020)’s Essay Paper (Because of the Corona lockdown, the exam cycle is running late).

• New aspirants need to take care not to get brainwashed by one sided analysis of coaching-classes that “ just because so many philosophical topics are asked so you should blindly take philosophy as an optional subject And automatically you will get a ticket to IAS selection! ” – As per the latest annual report of UPSC uploaded on their website, the number of UPSC selection from Philosophy was 53 candidates among 1056 candidates selected in 2017 i.e. 7% (btw, It seems UPSC uploads the annual reports with a lot of delay so as to avoid controversies about selections)

What to do for Essay Preparation/Strategy/Booklist?

• In the market there are lot of readymade books available for the essay. However, as far as the Civil Service exam is concerned they’re not very useful.
• you have to manually gather the content and cultivate the skill for essay writing. Common resources include:
• Last 3 years Yojana and Kurukshetra magazines: They are available in English, Hindi and other Vernacular languages. They can be downloaded for free from their official website: http://yojana.gov.in/Recent_archive_2018.asp (Tip: Replace the year in URL, when you want to access previous years). There is no need to read each and every article, at least go through the preface / Editor’s Note in the beginning of each PDF.
• Last 3-5 years economic surveys available for free at https://indiabudget.gov.in/bspeecha.asp No need to read entire PDFs, just the introductions and conclusions of each chapter.
• IGNOU MPS-003 module. Available for free at https://egyankosh.ac.in
• NCERT textbooks, especially those related to Sociology, Political Science and World History.
• Newspaper Columns: English (TheHindu or IndianExpress), Hindi (JanSatta). In the vernacular language newspapers (e.g. Divya-Bhaskar Gujarati etc)= the quality of the column is not worthy of civil service exam essays.
• Ethics (GS Paper 4) related preparation would also come handy here.

2020’s Essay Paper in linear/sequential format

(write any one essay in 1000-1200 words, 125 marks)

• 1) Life is a long journey between human being and being humane. (मनुष्य होने और मानव बनने के बीच का लम्बा सफर ही जीवन है)
• 2) Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self (विचारपरक संकल्प स्वयं के शांतचित्त रहने का उत्प्रेरक है )
• 3) Ships don’t sink because of water around them ships sink because of water that gets into them (जहाज अपने चारों तरफ के पानी के वजह से नहीं डूबा करते, जहाज पानी के अंदर समां जाने की वजह से डूबता हैं )
• 4) Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication (सरलता चरम परिष्करण है )
• 5) Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have (जो हम है, वह संस्कार; जो हमारे पास है, वह सभ्यता )
• 6) There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless (बिना आर्थिक समृद्धि के सामाजिक न्याय नहीं हो सकता, किन्तु बिना सामाजिक न्याय के आर्थिक समृद्धि निरर्थक है )
• 7) Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality (पितृ-सत्ता की व्यवस्था नजर मैं बहुत काम आने के बावजूद सामाजिक विषमता की सबसे प्रभावी संरचना है)
• 8) Technology as the silent factor in international relations (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संबंधों मैं मौन करक के रूप मैं प्रौद्योगिकी)

Topic wise Essays of last 28 years (1993-2020)

• Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s Success? -2013
• In the context of Gandhiji’s views on the matter, explore, on an evolutionary scale, the terms ‘Swadhinata’, ‘Swaraj’ and ‘Dharmarajya’. Critically comment on their contemporary relevance to Indian democracy -2012
• Dreams which should not let India sleep. -2015
• Why should we be proud of being Indians? -2000
• Whither Indian democracy? -1995
• How far has democracy in India delivered the goods? -2003
• What we have not learnt during fifty years of independence. -1997
• What have we gained from our democratic set-up? -2001
• My vision of India in 2001 a.d. -1993
• Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India. -2017
• Water disputes between States in federal India. -2016
• Cooperative federalism : Myth or reality. -2016
• Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implication -2011
• Evaluation of panchayati raj system in India from the point of view of eradication of power to people. -2007
• Water resources should be under the control of the central government. -2004
• The language problem in India: its past, present and prospects. -1998
• How should a civil servant conduct himself? -2003
• Politics without ethics is a disaster. -1995
• The VIP cult is a bane of Indian democracy -1996
• Need for transparency in public administration -1996
• The country’s need for a better disaster management system. -2000
• Politics, bureaucracy and business – fatal triangle. -1994
• We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws. -2017
• Justice must reach the poor -2005
• Judicial activism and Indian democracy. -2004
• Judicial activism. -1997
• There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless (बिना आर्थिक समृद्धि के सामाजिक न्याय नहीं हो सकता, किन्तु बिना सामाजिक न्याय के आर्थिक समृद्धि निरर्थक है ) -2020
• Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness. -2019
• The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed towards the ‘haves’ of our society. -2009
• Food security for sustainable national development -2005
• Reservation, politics and empowerment. -1999
• Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have (जो हम है, वह संस्कार; जो हमारे पास है, वह सभ्यता ) -2020
• Indian culture today: a myth or a reality? -2000
• Modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values. -2000
• The composite culture of India. -1998
• The Indian society at the crossroads. -1994
• From traditional Indian philanthropy to the gates-buffet model-a natural progression or a paradigm shift? -2010
• New cults and godmen: a threat to traditional religion -1996
• Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy. -2019
• Responsibility of media in a democracy. -2002
• Role of media in good governance -2008
• Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it? -2011
• How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets? -2007
• Is sting operation an invasion on privacy? -2014
• Mass media and cultural invasion. -1999
• The misinterpretation and misuse of freedom in India. -1998
• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere. -2018
• Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality. -2016
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare. -2016
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms. -2016
• Crisis faced in India – moral or economic. -2015
• Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country? -2014
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the wellbeing of a country-2013
• Can capitalism bring inclusive growth? -2015
• Resource management in the Indian context. -1999
• Economic growth without distributive justice is bound to breed violence. -1993
• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India. -2018
• Should a moratorium be imposed on all fresh mining in tribal areas of the country? -2010
• Urbanisation and its hazards -2008
• Protection of ecology and environment is essential for sustained economic development. -2006
• Urbanization is a blessing in disguise. -1997
• Ecological considerations need not hamper development. -1993
• Globalization would finish small-scale industries in India. -2006
• Multinational corporations – saviours or saboteurs -1994
• Special economic zone: boon or bane -2008
• Is the criticism that the ‘Public-Private-Partnership’ (PPP) model for development is more of a bane than a boon in the Indian context, justified ?-2012
• Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India. -2017
• BPO boom in India. -2007
• Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India? -2014
• Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death? -2009
• Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms. -2017
• Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil-2015
• Independent thinking should be encouraged right form the childhood. -2007
• Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress? -2014
• Irrelevance of the classroom. -2001
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth? -2014
• Literacy is growing very fast, but there is no corresponding growth in education. -1996
• Is an egalitarian society possible by educating the masses ? -2008
• What is real education? -2005
• “Education for all” campaign in India: myth or reality. -2006
• Restructuring of Indian education system. -1995
• Privatization of higher education in India. -2002
• Credit – based higher education system – status, opportunities and challenges -2011
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication (सरलता चरम परिष्करण है ) -2020
• Ships don’t sink because of water around them ships sink because of water that gets into them (जहाज अपने चारों तरफ के पानी के वजह से नहीं डूबा करते, जहाज पानी के अंदर समां जाने की वजह से डूबता हैं ) -2020
• Life is a long journey between human being and being humane. (मनुष्य होने और मानव बनने के बीच का लम्बा सफर ही जीवन है)-2020
• Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be -2019
• Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society -2019
• Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success -2019
• Wisdom finds truth -2019
• A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both. -2018
• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modem file. -2018
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed. -2016
• Character of an institution is reflected in its leader. -2015
• With greater power comes greater responsibility. -2014
• Words are sharper than the two-edged sword. -2014
• Attitude makes, habit makes character and character makes a man. -2007
• He would reigns within himself and folds his passions and desires and fears is more than a king. -1993
• Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self (विचारपरक संकल्प स्वयं के शांतचित्त रहने का उत्प्रेरक है )-2020
• ‘The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values. -2018
• A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge. -2018
• There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. -2003
• Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation. -1995
• Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. -2017
• Compassion is the basic of all morality of the world -1993
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole. -2015
• Be the change you want to see in others (Gandhi)-2013
• Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it. -2018
• Truth is lived, not taught -1996
• When money speaks, the truth is silent. -1995
• Search for truth can only be a spiritual problem. -2002
• Discipline means success, anarchy means ruin -2008
• Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, old age a regret -1994
• If youth knew, if age could. -2002
• Youth culture today. -1999
• Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? -2014
• Quick but steady wins the race. -2015
• Useless life is an early death. -1994
• Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. -1995
• The paths of glory lead but to the grave. -2002
• The pursuit of excellence. -2001
• Greater political power alone will not improve women’s plight. -1997
• Women’s reservation bill would usher in empowerment for women in India. -2006
• The new emerging women power: the ground realities. -1995
• If women ruled the world -2005
• The hand that rocks the cradle -2005
• Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality (पितृ-सत्ता की व्यवस्था नजर मैं बहुत काम आने के बावजूद सामाजिक विषमता की सबसे प्रभावी संरचना है) -2020
• Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth. -2017
• If development is not engendered, it is endangered. -2016
• Whither women’s emancipation? -2004
• Empowerment alone cannot help our women. -2001
• Women empowerment: challenges and prospects. -1999
• Woman is god’s best creation. -1998
• Men have failed: let women take over. -1993
• Managing work and home – is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal ?-2012
• South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities. -2019
• Geography may remain the same ; history need not. -2010
• Modernisation and westernisation are not identical concepts. -1994
• ‘globalization’ vs. ‘nationalism’ -2009
• National identity and patriotism -2008
• Globalizations and its impact on Indian culture. -2004
• The masks of new imperialism. -2003
• As civilization advances culture declines. -2003
• The implications of globalization for India. -2000
• My vision of an ideal world order. -2001
• India’s contribution to world wisdom. -1998
• The world of the twenty-first century. -1998
• Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role. -2010
• Technology as the silent factor in international relations (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संबंधों मैं मौन करक के रूप मैं प्रौद्योगिकी) -2020
• Has the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world ? -2017
• Restructuring of UNO reflect present realities -1996
• The global order: political and economic -1993
• India’s role in promoting ASEAN co-operation. -2004
• Importance of Indo-US nuclear agreement -2006
• Management of Indian border dispute is a complex task. -2018
• In the Indian context , both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial in combating terrorism -2011
• Are we a ‘soft’ state ? -2009
• Good fences make good neighbours -2009
• Is autonomy the best answer to combat balkanization? -2007
• Terrorism and world peace -2005
• True religion cannot be misused. -1997
• Spirituality and scientific temper. -2003
• Science and Mysticism : Are they compatible ?-2012
• Modern technological education and human values. -2002
• Value-based science and education. -1999
• The march of science and the erosion of human values. -2001
• Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling. -2019
• ‘Social media’ is inherently a selfish medium. -2017
• Cyberspace and Internet : Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run -2016
• Increasing computerization would lead to the creation of a dehumanized society. -2006
• The cyberworld: its charms and challenges. -2000
• Computer: the harbinger of silent revolution. -1993
• Technology cannot replace manpower. -2015
• Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation-2013
• The modern doctor and his patients. -1997
• The lure of space. -2004

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73 comments.

Thank you sir, Please also upload for other subject (GS 1, 2,3,4) It will be a great help

Thank you sir

UPSC solved essay papers

Essay paper download

Thank you sir please provide essay question paper PDF

Thank you so much sir

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is essay upsc allowed written in nepali medium ?

Thank You Sir!!

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Need to download

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Sir,from where we can get model answers (for general idea )of this previous year asked essays. Thanks for sharing above information.

Pl. Send more info.

Great efforts

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GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT

INTRODUCTION: 

SPEECH BY PROMINENT PERSONALITIES (PM, PRESIDENT, UN OFFICIAL et. al)/RECOGNITION IF ANY:

PM MODI: 

• I want to make India’s development journey a ‘ Jan-Andolan ’; everyone must feel he or she is working for India’s progress.
• Today’s mantra is – ‘Will for Progress’, ‘Work for Progress’, ‘Wealth for Progress’, & ‘Plan for Progress’.

FORMER PM - RAJIV GANDHI:

• Development is not about factories, dams and roads. Development is about people.

• BODY: 4 Ds (India’s Advantage) - Democracy, demography, demand, decisiveness; Alternative global manufacture (China +1) ; Human-centric Development ; Vocal for Local; MSME as “Silent Engine of Growth”
• CONCLUSION: From pro crony to pro-business approach ; Pro-people and pro-planet growth; Transition from GDP to JDP (Jobs data product); From Economic Complexity to Economic Prosperity; From ‘Fragile Five’ to ‘Top Five’ economies of the world; From Job Seekers to Job Creators

COMMITTEES RECOMMENDATIONS/NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL REPORTS:

• National Commission on labour recommended labour market flexibility, skill development, social security enhancements, and sector-specific policies to drive economic growth and foster employment opportunities in India.

GOVT SCHEMES, POLICIES AND INITIATIVE:

• PM Gati shakti: Integrated planning of multimodal infrastructure for economic growth and sustainable development.
• National Infrastructure pipeline (NIP) & National monetization pipeline (NMP): To boost infrastructure investment.
• National Logistics Policy (2022): To lower the cost of logistics and boost GDP growth
• PLI and Make in India: For creation of high production, economic growth, exports and significant employment.
• Other: Startup India, Stand up India, Digital India, 100 Smart Cities and Skill India.

EXAMPLES/CASE STUDIES:

• Nordic Model of Inclusive Growth: The Key elements of which are Cooperative labour markets, Competitive markets and innovation, Strong social services and welfare are underpinned by sound fiscal policy. Tax burdens are relatively high, but the tax system seeks to limit the impact on potential growth, Gender equity, Climate change.
• The focus needs to be on “Blue -sky thinking” & “Virtuous cycle of investment” to reach $ 5 Trillion mark. 
• India must seize the opportunity in ‘sunrise areas of growth,’ this would require ‘3S’ approach of Size, scale and speed of action and a focus on technological advancement.
• For a sustainable economic growth, India needs to shift from ‘Extractive economic institutions’ (red tapism) to ‘Inclusive economic institutions’ coupled with research & innovation through indigenisation.

INDIA’S GROWTH PHASES

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Green Growth: India’s strategy for Green Economy

Last updated on July 31, 2024 by ClearIAS Team

Green growth is one of the seven top priorities of the Union Budget 2023-24 for ushering green industrial and economic transition, environmentally friendly agriculture, and sustainable energy in the country. Read here to get a comprehensive understanding of India’s efforts towards green energy transition.

The Union Budget 2023-24 has envisaged several projects and initiatives spread across various sectors and ministries like Green Hydrogen Mission, Energy Transition, Energy Storage Projects, Renewable Energy Evacuation, Green Credit Program, PM-PRANAM, GOBARdhan Scheme, Bhartiya Prakritik Kheti Bio-Input Resource Centres, MISHTI, Amrit Dharohar, Coastal Shipping, and Vehicle Replacement.

The aim is to accelerate the momentum for green growth in the country by forwarding new-age reforms along with finding solutions to current challenges.

The green energy announcements in the budget play a key role in establishing India as a leading player in the global green energy market. India has been the fastest in renewable energy capacity addition among major economies since 2014.

Table of Contents

What is Green Growth?

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Green growth means fostering economic growth and development while ensuring that natural assets continue to provide the resources and environmental services on which our well-being relies.

Green growth is not a replacement for sustainable development.

• It provides a practical and flexible approach for achieving concrete, measurable progress across its economic and environmental pillars while taking full account of the social consequences of greening the growth dynamic of economies.
• The focus of green growth strategies is ensuring that natural assets can deliver their full economic potential on a sustainable basis.
• That potential includes the provision of critical life support services – clean air and water, and the resilient biodiversity needed to support food production and human health.
• Natural assets are not infinitely substitutable and green growth policies take account of that.

Green growth policies are an integral part of the structural reforms needed to foster strong, more sustainable, and inclusive growth . They help in several aspects of growth-

• Enhancing productivity by creating incentives for greater efficiency in the use of natural resources, reducing waste and energy consumption, unlocking opportunities for innovation and value creation, and allocating resources to the highest value use.
• Boosting investor confidence through greater predictability in how governments deal with major environmental issues.
• Opening up new markets by stimulating demand for green goods, services, and technologies.
• Contributing to fiscal consolidation by mobilizing revenues through green taxes and the elimination of environmentally harmful subsidies.
• These measures can also help to generate or free up resources for anti-poverty programs in such areas as water supply and sanitation, or other pro-poor investments.
• Reducing risks of negative shocks to growth due to resource bottlenecks, as well as damaging and potentially irreversible environmental impacts.

Strategies for greener growth need to be tailored to fit specific country circumstances. They will need to carefully consider how to manage any potential trade-offs and best exploit the synergies between green growth and poverty reduction.

Green growth strategies also recognize that focusing on GDP as the main measure of economic progress generally overlooks the contribution of natural assets to wealth, health, and well-being.

They, therefore, need to rely on a broader range of measures of progress, encompassing the quality and composition of growth, and how this affects people’s wealth and welfare.

India’s Green Growth strategy

Green growth, from green credits to green energy to green mobility to green farming, was among the seven main priorities that the latest budget announced.

Indian green growth and energy transmission are outlined on three pillars:

• Increasing the production of renewable energy
• Reducing the use of fossil fuel in the economy
• Rapidly moving towards a gas-based economy in the country

Measures like ethanol blending , PM KUSUM Yojana, incentives for solar manufacturing, rooftop solar scheme, coal gasification, and battery storage in the Budgets of the past few years underlined the strategy.

Other initiatives like green credit for industries, PM Pranam Yojna for farmers, Gobardhan Yojna for villages, vehicle scrapping policy for cities, and Green Hydrogen and wetland conservation are also paving the way to achieve the same.

India has been the fastest when it comes to renewable energy capacity addition among major economies since 2014.

• India achieved the target of 40% contributions from non-fossil fuels in the installed electricity capacity 9 years before the target date.
• India achieved the target of 10% ethanol blending in petrol 5 months before time and emphasized that the nation strives to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025-26 instead of 2030.
• A capacity of 500 GW will be achieved by 2030.
• The launch of E20 fuel and emphasis on biofuels has brought new opportunities for investors.
• The development of waterways in India is being given priority to encourage water-based transport and greener cargo handling.

India has to increase its battery storage capacity to 125 gigawatt hours in the next 6-7 years.

• Funding has also been initiated for Battery Energy Storage Systems: a capacity of 4,000 MWH will be supported with Viability Gap Funding (VGF).
• The VGF support and greater thrust on pumped hydro are critical to helping India move towards meeting the Energy Storage Obligation targets.
• To further green mobility, the import of capital goods and machinery required for the manufacture of lithium-ion cells for batteries used in electric vehicles will be exempted from customs duties.

Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission , India is moving with a target of production of 5 MMT of green hydrogen.

• An allocation of Rs 19 thousand crores has been made to incentivize the private sector in this field.
• Other opportunities such as electrolyzer manufacturing, green steel manufacturing, and long-haul fuel cells are also being given importance.

The vision of “LiFE”, or Lifestyle for Environment , will move the country and world towards an “environmentally conscious lifestyle”.

India is moving forward firmly for the panchamrit and net-zero carbon emission by 2070 to usher in green industrial and economic transition.

Read: Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT)

Government Initiatives for Green Growth

Some of the other major initiatives driving India’s green growth are:

PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) Scheme is aimed at ensuring energy security for farmers in India.

It is honoring India’s commitment to increase the share of installed capacity of electric power from non-fossil-fuel sources to 40% by 2030 as part of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) .

The scheme was launched in 2019 with 3 components:

• Component-A: For Setting up 10,000 MW of Decentralized Grid Connected Renewable Energy Power Plants on barren land.
• Component-B: For Installation of 17.50 Lakh stand-alone solar agriculture pumps.
• Component-C: For Solarisation of 10 Lakh Grid Connected Agriculture Pumps.

Gobardhan Yojana

India has the potential of producing 10 thousand million cubic meters of biogas from Gobar (cow dung) and 1.5 lakhs cubic meters of gas which can contribute up to 8% to the city gas distribution in the country.

Gobardhan Yojana launched in 2018, is an important component of India’s biofuel strategy. In this budget, the government has announced plans to set up 500 new waste-to-wealth plants under the Gobardhan Yojana.

The Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBAR-DHAN) scheme is implemented under the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin -Phase 2, by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Jal Shakti ministry.

India’s vehicle scrapping policy

This is a crucial part of the green growth strategy as it creates space for a cleaner fleet of vehicles.

The Vehicle Scrappage Policy launched on August 13, 2021, is a government-funded program to replace old vehicles with modern & new vehicles on Indian roads.

According to the new policy, commercial vehicles aged >15 years and passenger vehicles aged >20 years will have to be mandatorily scrapped if they do not pass the fitness and emission tests

The policy is expected to reduce pollution, create job opportunities and boost demand for new vehicles. Following the principle of Reuse, Recycle, and Recovery gives new strength to our circular economy .

The government will promote and facilitate one crore farmers to adopt natural farming through Prime Minister Program for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother earth (PRANAM).

The main objective of this scheme is to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and promote the balanced use of chemicals, promote green growth, and reduce the negative impact on the environment.

Green Credit programme

A Green Credit program to encourage behavioral change will be notified under the Environment (Protection) Act .

This will incentivize environmentally sustainable and responsive actions by companies, individuals, and local bodies, and help mobilize additional resources for such activities.

MISHTI and Amrit Darohar

‘Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes’ or MISHTI, which will involve planting mangroves along the coastline and on salt pan lands, wherever feasible, through convergence between MGNREGA , CAMPA Fund, and other sources.

Amrit Darohar is another new scheme, that will be implemented over the next three years to “encourage optimal use of wetlands, and enhance biodiversity, carbon stock, eco-tourism opportunities, and income generation for local communities”.

Way forward

India has huge potential to lead the world when it comes to technology for Green Energy and it can forward, the cause of global good apart from generating Green Jobs.

Also, as the G20 President for the term, the concept of green growth being a priority area validates how sustainable development is a major vision of Indian policymaking.

The budget 2023-24 also identifies 100 projects to improve last-mile connectivity for industries like coal and ports, as well as activities that would not be considered green growth, such as building 50 extra airports.

Also, there are no funding resources for important initiatives like the National Mission on Himalayan Studies, the National Adaptation Strategy, and the National Climate Change Action Plan. This occurs at a time when Joshimath and several other Himalayan cities are undergoing land subsidence .

Thus, India has to make sure that funding is going towards low-carbon technology, as well as identify the economic sectors and environmental degradation hotspots and take action to remedy them.

Read: Green Energy Partnerships of India; Battery Energy Storage System (BESS); Zero carbon buildings

-Article written by Swathi Satish

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Climate Change Essay: Step by Step Guide to Ace UPSC Writing Topic

“If you want to change the world pick up your pen and write” – Martin Luther.

An IAS officer is responsible to change the world by successfully implementing policy, and managing day-to-day administration. Hence UPSC exam wants to access the aspiring writing skills and includes an essay paper in Mains.

In this article, we will show you some effective tips with an example of how to write an essay to score well.

An essay is a piece of writing that explains a given topic. A writer expresses his opinion and tries to convince the readers.

You may have written many essays until now but the UPSC essay expects a very different one. It accepts a formal essay that is simple, clear and depicts information.

For the UPSC CSE essay paper, you will have to write two essays of 1000-1200 word limits in 3 hours. Each essay will carry 125 marks and overall 250 marks.

The invigilator will score the candidate according to the information, creativity, writing skills, spirit and quality.

Basic Structure of a UPSC Essay

Introduction: 5 to 6% of total essay’s length.

Main Body: 80-90%

Conclusion: 5-6%

Also Read: Important Essay Topics for UPSC 2021: Take a Look at Essay Sample Answer

Different Topics of Essay Paper

# Political Thoughts

Topic: Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality.

# Indian Society

Topic: Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have.

Topic: Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy.

# Education

Topic: Neglect of primary health care and education in Inda are reasons for its backwardness.

# Women and Gender

Topic: Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most important structure of social inequality- 2020.

#Abstract topics

Topic: Ships do not sink because of water around them, ships sink because of water that gets into them.

Topic: There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless.

# Environment

Topic: Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India.

# Science and Technology

Topic: Technology as the silent factor in international relations.

H3 Discuss the Socio-economic Impact of Climate Change in India – 2018 UPSC

Brain Mapping

Topics to cover.

# Short introduction about climate change

# Impact of climate change

# An initiative of government to tackle this problem

Essay Example

Also Read: Essay on ‘Climate Change’ for UPSC: Learn How to Write Best Essay for UPSC

Introduction: What is Climate Change?

Climate change is a major problem of the world it has not only harms the environment but also has a multi-dimensional effect on different segments of society.

According to UNFCCC, Climate change is a result of direct and indirect human action that interferes in the composition of the global atmosphere.

Body: Socio-Economic Impacts of Climate Change

Climate changes results in lower agriculture production and ultimately in food shortage. Economically weaker sections are worse hit by it as they are not able to purchase food supply at that high price.

Moreover, due to extreme climates, some lands becomes too dry or too wet for any crop production.

#2. Rise of Sea Level

Due to an increase in temperature of glaciers are melting at an alarming rate. Soon they will flood the coastal areas and cities located on the bank of the river. This will harm the people over there.

Moreover, people will the government will have to spend money on adapting these cities for high sea level. Many cities, harbours, ports and off-shore fields will be flooded by the increase in sea levels and they have to be relocated this will cause huge stress on the government and economy.

#3. Health Issues

Due to Climate change, several health issues are rising. According to a report of WHO, annually around 1, 50,000 deaths occurs due to climate changes. Climate changes increase the population of mosquitoes and contribute to malaria, dengue, and other infectious diseases. Moreover, due to heat strokes, thousands of lives are lost every year.

#4. Agriculture

Climate change has a major impact on agriculture. Increased CO2 levels will initially increase the growth of plants. When the optimum level of CO2 will be crossed, it will start having a reverse effect. Consequently, this results in low production. Moreover, it also affects pests, soil porosity, irrigation, rainfall and many others.

Due to increased pest problems and low production, farmers will be forced to use more pesticides and fertilizers. In addition, due to an increase in CO2, the concentration of protein will decrease along with other nutritional values. This will harm human health.

India’s agriculture is solely dependent on rainfall. Climatic changes and irregular rainfall patterns will have a negative impact on India’s agricultural yields

#5. Labor Shortage

Due to an increase in heat, hunger and increasing health issues, the efficiency of the labour force will decrease. People will have to work in extreme weather conditions and hence their productivity, creativity and innovation will decrease.

#6. Inflation

Due to lower food crop production and high demand, the prices of food crops will shoot up. This will increase hunger and poverty. Moreover, prices of other products that depend on crops indirectly will also rise.

Due to the high melting rate of glaciers, a time will soon come when the rivers will dry. Many hydro-powered projects run on hydroelectricity.

Due to the extreme climate, the electricity demand will rise. People will need more climates to battle heat and cold. This will increase the consumption of fossil fuels.

#8. Fresh Water Shortage

Due to the increase in the use of river water and other freshwater resources for irrigation and the increase in melting of snowpack, soon the perennial rivers will dry up. Groundwater levels will also decrease due to irregular rainfall patterns. This all will contribute to the freshwater shortage.

India addresses these problems and hence is adopting several policies and treaties to tackle them. National Action Plan on Climate Change, National Clean Energy Fund, Paris Agreement, International Solar Alliance and Bharat Stage Emission Norms are some examples.

Moreover, the World needs to come together to address the problems of climate change as it is not a problem of a single country.

Also Read: How to Write an Essay? 9 Tips To Score Better in UPSC Essay Paper

UPSC Essay Practice – Do It Yourself

#1. Global efforts on climate change: A lost cause?

#2 Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India.

Also Read: Best Essay Books for UPSC: Perfect the Art of IAS Essay Writing

Wrapping it Up

Essay Paper is a scoring paper for your Mains. It carries 250 marks that are enough to take the game in your favour. Moreover, you can only score well by only thins that is Practice, Practice and Practice.

Try to solve previous year question papers, model papers and match your answers with previous year’s toppers answers. This will help you to analyze your shortcomings and help you to formulate a better strategy.

For more such information, tips and guidance visit UPSC Pathshala This website has all those that you will need to score well in your UPSC preparation. Moreover, do share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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About the Author

Shilpa is a professional web content writer and is in deep love with travelling. She completed her mass communication degree and is now dedicatedly playing with words to guide her readers to get the best for themselves. Developing educational content for UPSC, IELTS aspirants from breakthrough research work is her forte. Strongly driven by her zodiac sign Sagittarius, Shilpa loves to live her life on her own notes and completely agrees with the idea of ‘live and let live. Apart from writing and travelling, most of the time she can be seen in the avatar of 'hooman' mom to her pets and street dogs or else you can also catch her wearing the toque blanche and creating magic in the kitchen on weekends.

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Climate Change: A Roadblock to Economic Growth

• 27 Aug 2022
• 13 min read
• GS Paper - 3
• Environmental Pollution & Degradation
• Conservation

This editorial is based on “Inclusion of climate change in policy is crucial for a strong economy” which was published in The Indian Express on 27/08/2022. It talks about the impacts of climate change on the Indian Economy.

For Prelims: Climate Change, World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2020, Nobel Prize for Economics 2018, Heat Stress, The International Energy Agency (IEA), Cyclone Amphan, Glacial lake Outburst, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC),

For Mains: Impacts of Climate Change on the Indian Economy, Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Clean Energy, Passive Cooling Technology

There is a mounting global consensus that climate change is putting a stress on the growth trajectory of nations worldwide , with evident economic, social and environmental implications.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2020 , the top 5 risks over the coming decade, in terms of likelihood, are all Climate-related including human-made environmental disasters, climate action failure, natural disasters, biodiversity loss and extreme weather.

The Nobel Prize for Economics in 2018 (William D. Nordhaus and Paul Romer) was awarded for integrating climate change into long-term macroeconomic analysis.

While the world is grappling with the challenges posed by climate change, developing economies like India are particularly vulnerable. Thus, climate risk as a material aspect is going to play a critical role in charting out national-level policies, business strategies and reorientation of finance in an emerging economy like India.

What is Climate Change?

• Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, such as through variations in the solar cycle.
• Burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket wrapped around the Earth , trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures.
• Increasing temperatures caused by climate change are accelerating the melting of ice , which raises sea levels and leads to flooding and erosion .

How Climate Change is Relevant for Indian Economy?

• The climate varies from the freezing temperatures of the Himalayan Mountains to the tropical climatic conditions of Southern India.
• The North-Eastern states received the maximum rainfall while the North-Western states dried of water make up the arid deserts of Thar and Great Indian Desert.
• Such a vastness of climatic conditions has always benefited India. India has one of the highest densities of economic activity in the world, and a large section of population rely on the natural resource base for their livelihoods , with a high dependence on rainfall.
• Climate change can make weather patterns less predictable . These unforeseen weather patterns can make it difficult to maintain and grow crops In an agricultural economy like India where rainfall is so vital, climate change has an immediate impact on the Indian economy.

What are the Impacts of Climate Change on the Indian Economy?

• In addition, earlier seasonal snowmelt and depleting glaciers will reduce river flow needed for irrigation.
• Heat stress reduces feed and fodder and increases conditions favourable to disease.
• Climate change reduces cognitive performance and decreases work hours in sectors that require heavy outdoor activity like construction.
• Energy and climate share a distinctive relationship such that rising temperature demand a surge in energy usage to assist the process of mitigating the heat effects.
• Also, the rising energy demands often clash with climate-change policies.
• For instance, India spent 3 billion dollars of economic damage caused by floods in the last decade which is 10% of the global economic loss.
• In 2020, cyclone Amphan distressed around 13 million people in India.
• If the rate increases, glacial lakes burst out of their natural bounds and flooding is likely in river valleys fed by these glaciers , followed by diminished flows, resulting in water scarcity.
• Thus, for the welfare of those who have limited means to adapt to climate change can result in a tightened budget and low economic growth.

What Should be the Way Forward?

• Developing new transit systems and extending the existing ones can also result in a boom in employment.
• The Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) report of India aims at 40% of energy generation from clean energy by 2030.
• Climate Change also presents an opportunity to adopt a cautious yet sustainable approach to development.
• Forests and Wetland Conservation : Forests are known for regulating rainfall and temperature. Conservation and enhancement of forests and wetlands will support agricultural productivity, sequester CO 2 emissions , and enhance resilience to environmental shocks as Frontline Warriors.
• The development of waste-selective management plants like waste gasification will tackle this problem.
• Building the infrastructure of these plants and future maintenance will open new employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labourers.
• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report cites ancient Indian building designs that utilised this technology, which could be used in modern facilities.
• Better Farming Practices: Crop diversification , irrigation-based farming , which reduces dependence on rainfall, and other practices can be considered to address climate change challenges.
• It is also important to develop more accurate and timely weather forecasts and early warning systems.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question:

Q.1 In the context of India’s preparation for Climate-Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements: (2021)

• The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is a part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research programme.
• The project of CCAFS is carried out under Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France.
• The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centres.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only  (c) 1 and 3 only  (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q.2 Which of the following best describes/describe the aim of ‘Green India Mission’ of the Government of India? (2016)

• Incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the Union and State Budgets thereby implementing the ‘green accounting’.
• Launching the second green revolution to enhance agricultural output so as to ensure food security to one and all in the future.
• Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q.3 With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2017)

• It is an initiative of the European Union.
• It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.
• It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q.1 Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference?   (2021)

Q.2 ‘Climate Change’ is a global problem. How will India be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (2017)

Conservation vs Development

Relevance: GS-III:  Conservation, environmental pollution, and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Case study:  Have you heard about the landslides in Kerala? As a result of the continuous heavy rains in Kerala, a landslide has claimed many lives and left thousands homeless. Such threats are growing increasingly common in other parts of India as a result of climate change. Furthermore, the impact of climate change is not limited to landslides; it also causes severe flooding and extended dry seasons and habitat degradation.

However, the most significant causes of climate change and its implications are man-made changes and natural development for economic development. This is because it is assumed that growth policies promote economic well-being while environmental protections are perceived as limiting it.

Environmental Sustainability and Economic Factors

• Any effort to determine the danger of natural hazards to a region scientifically is rarely carried out in the correct spirit.
• Unrestricted quarrying and the haphazard cutting of slopes into hills raises the risk of soil erosion and, as a result, the likelihood of landslides.
• Subsidies also erode the government's revenue base and hinder its ability to invest in new, cleaner technology.
• The subsidized character of services such as energy and electricity, on the other hand, leads to abuse and jeopardizes environmental sustainability.
• Environmental Resources Have No Cost: Natural resources are freely accessible, and no single user bears the full cost of environmental damage, resulting in resource misuse.
• Furthermore, poverty creates strong incentives to have big families and encourages migration, making metropolitan places unsustainable from an environmental standpoint.
• Both effects put more strain on resources, lowering environmental quality, reducing productivity, and reinforcing poverty.

Some of the debates are:

• Taking care of poverty worldwide is a more critical issue than taking care of natural resources. Natural resources are renewable. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of the people in need. However, humans already wasted enough natural resources, so wasting more will put the Earth at risk.
• Economic growth is needed to meet the basic needs of the growing population in developing countries. In case developing countries do not industrialize, the government has to put restrictions on population growth. Yet, population growth is one of the main reasons for environmental issues.
• Industrialization might not put much pressure on the environment. Scientific progress can have less harmful effects on Earth. Yet, some historical accidents show that rapid industrialization might create an actual natural disaster.
• Developing countries should not tell poorer countries to engage in conservation. Developing countries should not tell poorer countries to make conservation their priority, as it will be hypocritical from their side. However, more developed countries should look after more fragile countries.
• “Green Revolution” helped double the amount of harvest. A more considerable amount of crop helps feed a growing population. However, the modified seeds might eventually replace the native sources.
• Green issues hold back developing countries. They are perceived as interference in the affairs of developing countries. However, it is an economic process that will help many people.

Economic growth vs environmental sustainability

• The country’s low rank on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index is raised often in the media and people at the highest levels of government set out to improve our ranking.
• High-powered committees comprising top bureaucrats and industry leaders are commissioned to write reports on streamlining and speeding up regulatory approvals, especially those related to the environment and forests.
• In the past decade and a half, there have been at least five such committees, which made recommendations to improve the climate for private investments in industry and infrastructure.
• Contrast this with the reaction to surveys on the state of our environment. No government official comes forward and nor are any questioned by the media on what the government is planning to do to improve India’s ranking on Yale University’s Environmental Performance Index (EPI) , which ranked us 168 out of 178 countries in 2020. On air quality, the survey ranked India 174 out of 178.
• In fact, it is common for the government to respond to such surveys by questioning their methodology or, worse, motives.
• We saw this when, in May 2014, the World Health Organization declared Delhi the city with the worst air quality in the world. It was as though the common man was not aware of how polluted the city was.
• The basis for this view is the idea that environmental quality comes only after basic needs such as food and housing are met. So, countries should focus initially on economic growth even if it comes at the expense of environmental quality.
• As countries become richer, they can afford to clean up pollution from the past and as public demand for cleaner environment increases, governments can enact and enforce stricter pollution control regulations.
• This is the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis and is supposed to explain why environmental quality has improved in richer countries. The argument is simple: “pollute first; clean up later”.

Criticism to EKC

• The validity of the EKC hypothesis, however, has been seriously questioned. In a paper published in Science in 1995, a team of researchers led by Nobel prize-winning economist Kenneth Arrow argues that the “pollute first; clean up later” approach is flawed.
• First, in the case of global pollutants such as carbon dioxide, there is not enough evidence that its levels start falling after countries become richer.
• Second, it is not clear how much damage we can cause to our ecological systems before which they start undergoing irreversible changes. Such irreversible changes can lead to changes in the earth’s life-supporting systems, with unpredictable consequences.
• Third, the improvement in environmental quality after an income threshold may have more to do with the ability of developed nations to shift polluting industries to developing nations at low economic cost and less to do with public demand for policies that lead to a cleaner environment. The emergence of China as the world’s manufacturing hub may have a lot to do with this reasoning.

Can Economic Development and Environment Co-exist?

• The argument today is mostly focused on the relationship between economic development, environmental protection, poverty reduction, and social progress.
• In recent years, there has been a rising belief that addressing social and environmental problems in economic growth programmes is both viable and necessary.
• Amartya Sen outlined his viewpoint, which perfectly summarised his economic theory: it is possible to improve the environment while also reducing poverty, reconciling these two goals with economic development, if we also consider development to include freedom, culture, human rights, democracy, and participation.
• Economic richness, according to Amartya Sen, should be considered with other factors such as public health, medical aid, the presence of economic and social inequality, the quality of education, crime, and environmental quality .
• As a result, the measurement of economic riches must be accompanied by an assessment of these other components of well-being. Policies on the environment and development must be coordinated and strengthened in turn.
• It's critical that we recognize the two big challenges we're up against right now: sustainability and poverty.
• Modern growth theory demonstrates not only that environmental sustainability can be consistent with positive economic growth, but also, and probably more crucially, that failing to attain environmental sustainability can become a barrier to long-term economic success.
• That is, a lack of environmental sustainability may have non-monetary consequences for society- this is the effect mentioned before. This effect may also make growth impossible in countries where the economy is heavily reliant on natural resources.
• Furthermore, even in non-resource-dependent countries, a lack of environmental sustainability may, in effect, impede future growth once economies reach key environmental thresholds.
• This suggests that, at least in the long run, environmental sustainability is a significant goal for policymakers who exclusively use GDP growth as a measure of economic success.
• Furthermore, there is emerging empirical evidence that the negative-social-equity impact is a symptom of environmental insufficiency.
• Modern (sustainable) economic growth theory fully accounts for the trade-offs between them and the speed of the long run, or ‘balanced,' economic growth by integrating the effects of environmental degradation on social welfare and utility, medium-run economic growth, and the risk of approaching environmental thresholds within an optimal dynamic framework by fully accounting for the effects of environmental degradation on social welfare and utility, medium-run economic growth, and the risk of approaching environmental thresholds within an optimal dynamic framework.

The contemporary context of India

• The promotion of policies and programmes for economic growth and social welfare has been a persistent theme in India's development goals.
• At the same time, we have degraded our physical environment, such as soil, water, and biotic factors, on which we all rely and on which our entire agricultural and industrial development depends, as a result of a growing population and high levels of mechanization, mindless and ruthless exploitation of natural resources.
• Most industries' manufacturing technology has put a heavy burden on the environment, particularly through intensive resource and energy use, as evidenced by natural resource depletion (fossil fuels, minerals, and timber), water, air, and land contamination, health hazards, and natural eco-system degradation.
• Industrial sources have contributed to a relatively high part of air pollution due to a high proportion of fossil fuel as the main source of industrial energy and the growth of significant air polluting industries such as iron and steel, fertilizers, and cement.
• The expansion of the chemical-based industry has resulted in large quantities of industrial and hazardous wastes, compounding the waste management challenge and posing major environmental health risks.
• Transportation activities have a wide range of environmental impacts, including air pollution, noise from road traffic, and oil spills from shipping. The majority of port and harbour projects have an impact on fragile coastal ecosystems. The iron structure has varying degrees of impact on hydrology, surface water quality, fisheries, coral reefs, and mangroves.
• Agricultural development has direct environmental implications due to farming activities that contribute to soil erosion and nutrient loss. The spread of the green revolution has been accompanied by overexploitation of land and water resources, as well as a massive increase in the usage of fertilisers and pesticides. Land degradation has also been exacerbated by shifting crops.
• Increased demand for energy and increased transportation operations have resulted from economic growth and shifting consumption habits. In India, air, water, and noise pollution, as well as water scarcity, are the most pressing environmental concerns.

Major Environmental Movements in India

• An environmental movement is a social or political movement aimed at preserving or improving the state of the environment. The terms “green movement” and “conservation movement” are both used to describe the same thing.
• Environmentalists advocate for the long-term management of natural resources. The environment is frequently emphasised in the movements as a result of changes in public policy. Ecology, health, and human rights are at the heart of many movements.
• Environmental movements range from highly structured and formally established activities to completely unorganised ones.
• Some of the major environmental movements in India during the period 1700 to 2000 are the following.
• Year: 1700s
• Place: Khejarli, Marwar region, Rajasthan state.
• Leaders: Amrita Devi along with Bishnoi villagers in Khejarli and surrounding villages.
• Aim: Save sacred trees from being cut down by the king’s soldiers for a new palace.
• Place: In Chamoli district and later at Tehri-Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.
• Leaders: Sundarlal Bahuguna, Gaura Devi, Sudesha Devi, Bachni Devi, Chandi Prasad Bhatt, Govind Singh Rawat, Dhoom Singh Negi, Shamsher Singh Bisht and Ghanasyam Raturi.
• Aim: The main objective was to protect the trees on the Himalayan slopes from the axes of contractors of the forest.
• Place: Silent Valley, an evergreen tropical forest in the Palakkad district of Kerala, India.
• Leaders: The Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP) an NGO, and the poet-activist Sughathakumari played an important role in the Silent Valley protests.
• Aim: In order to protect the Silent Valley, the moist evergreen forest from being destroyed by a hydroelectric project.
• Place: Singhbhum district of Bihar
• Leaders: The tribals of Singhbhum.
• Aim: Against the government's decision to replace the natural sal forest with Teak.
• Place: Uttara Kannada and Shimoga districts  of Karnataka State
• Leaders: Appiko’s greatest strengths lie in it being neither driven by a personality nor having been formally institutionalised. However, it does have a facilitator in Pandurang Hegde. He helped launch the movement in 1983.
• Aim: Against the felling and commercialization of natural forest and the ruin of ancient livelihood.
• Place: Narmada River, which flows through the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
• Leaders: Medha Patker, Baba Amte, Adivasis, farmers, environmentalists and human rights activists.
• Aim: A social movement against a number of large dams being built across the Narmada River.
• Year: 1990’s
• Place: Bhagirathi River near Tehri in Uttarakhand.
• Leaders: Sundarlal Bahuguna
• Aim: The protest was against the displacement of town inhabitants and the environmental consequence of the weak ecosystem.

Environmental legislations

• Effective legislation is needed in order to prevent misuse and degradation of the environment. To curb the destructive practices of unscrupulous people, forest mafia groups, poachers, polluters, and over-exploitation of environmental resources, effective legislation is necessary.
• Pollution is an important factor and it does not observe political territories or legislative jurisdictions. Thus environmental problems are intrinsically global in nature.
• Therefore, to prevent such problems environmental legislation is not needed only at the national level but also at the international level.
• A whole range of environmental protection legislation including the Environment Protection Act, the Wildlife Protection Act, the Forest Conservation Act, and the Water and Air Pollution Act has come under fire possibly in the plea that they are major irritants in the path of India’s industrial growth.
• The Land Acquisition Act, for instance, has been the cause for major worry for its rights-based approach and might come for heavy pruning if not the axe under the new political dispensation.

Way Forward

• Humanity's greatest goal, as well as its biggest difficulty, is development. Despite the enormous economic and social advances accomplished over the last century, poverty, starvation, and environmental degradation continue to plague the world.
• Furthermore, environmental degradation and climate change have begun to have irreversible consequences for the development progress gained thus far.
• As a result, development goals must be pursued while remaining compliant with environmental standards.
• The adoption of “win-win” policies that utilise the complementarity between poverty reduction, economic efficiency, and sound environmental management is a top priority in Agenda 21, the UNCED's roadmap for sustainable development. The following interventions can be used to put this vision into action.
• It will also boost the number of synergies between poverty reduction and environmental conservation.
• Subsidies can be rationalized to save money, increase efficiency, and reduce pollution.
• Also, unrestricted access to natural resources must be replaced with a more formalized system of use or ownership rights. Community resource ownership can lead to good environmental stewardship, especially if it is based on traditional social traditions.
• To protect nature and understand climate change, governance, including customary institutions and management systems, should include indigenous peoples and local communities.
• Furthermore, environmental degradation and climate change have begun to have irreversible consequences for the development progress gained thus far. As a result, development goals must be pursued while remaining compliant with environmental standards.

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Environment and Ecology Notes for UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam

Environment Notes for UPSC

Environment is included in both the UPSC CSE (Main) GS III Paper and the General Studies section of the Prelims exam. The weighting of the environmental topic has grown since 2013 when the Indian Forest Services Prelims Exam were integrated with the UPSC Civil Services Prelims. The environment topic can come up in up to 33% of the questions on the General Studies paper, so it is crucial to prepare it thoroughly.

Second, having a solid understanding of this subject will assist aspiring bureaucrats to ensure that they are able to apply their knowledge in formulating policy. Challenges like global warming and climate change have grown to be some of the most significant challenges of the 21st century.

Environment and Ecology

• Ethanol Blending Programmes, Advantages, Issues and Concerns
• Cabinet approves the Clean Plant Programme (CPP)
• Rights Against Climate Change a Human Right
• Forest Conservation Act 1980, Objectives, Features, Amendments
• What is Cloudburst? Its Causes, Effects, and Forecasting
• Climate Right, Background and Climate Legislation
• Forest Fires in India 2024, Causes, Government Measures
• Eco-Sensitive Zones, Purpose and Significance of ESZs
• India is World’s Second Largest Emitter of Nitrous Oxide
• Cheetah Reintroduction Project in India, Challenges and Criticisms

UPSC Environment Notes

Environment & Ecology is one of the important subjects of civil services examination. In both the UPSC Prelims and Mains, questions from this section have been asked often. It is crucial to take notes on crucial environmental themes in preparation for the IAS Exam. Both the UPSC Prelims Syllabus and the UPSC Mains Syllabus (GS III) cover themes pertaining to the environment. Environment-related subjects can occasionally be included in the IAS Mains Essay paper.

You can use the relevant articles on environment and ecology on this page to help you with your preparation for the Civil Services Exam.

• Environment and its Types
• Components of Environment
• Ecology, its Principles and Types
• Ecological Succession and its Types
• Ecosystem, its Function and Types

Biodiversity

• Biodiversity, its Levels, Extent and Significance
• Biodiversity Loss-Extent, Causes and Impact
• Biodiversity In India
• Biogeographic Zones in India
• Biodiversity Hotspots in India
• Initiatives for Biodiversity Conservation Global
• Initiatives for Biodiversity Conservation Indian
• Species Based Conservation Programme in India
• Ramsar Sites in India

Environmental Issues

• Desertification
• Soil Erosion
• Pollution and Its Types
• Waste Management
• Air Pollution
• Water Pollution
• Ozone Depletion
• Noise Pollution
• Radioactive pollution

Climate Change

• Greenhouse Gases
• Global Warming
• Climate Change and Its Impact
• Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
• Indian Initiatives to Address Climate Change
• Ocean Warming
• Land Degradation

Clean Energy

• Solar Energy
• Wind Energy
• Hydro Energy
• Hydrogen Energy
• Geothermal Energy
• Ocean Energy

Sustainable Development

• Introduction to Sustainable Development
• Sustainable Development Goals
• SDG and Challenges in achieving SDGs in India
• Green Economy
• Blue Economy

Environment Protection Movements in India

• Appiko Movement
• Silent Valley Movement
• Narmada Bachao Andolan
• Chipko Movement

International Environmental Conventions and Protocols

• List of Environmental Conventions and Protocols
• Ramsar Convention
• Vienna Convention
• Kyoto Protocol
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
• United Nation Environment Programme

Important Laws on Environment Protection in India

• Wildlife Protection Act 1972
• Forest Conservation Act 1980
• Biodiversity Act 2002

National Parks in India

• Eravikulam National Park
• Valley of Flower National Park
• Periyar National Park
• Rajaji National Park
• Nagarhole National Park
• Dachigam National Park
• Jaldapara National Park
• Orang National Park
• Pench National Park
• Sanjay Gandhi National Park
• Bannerghatta National Park
• Manas National Park
• Dudhwa National Park
• Jim Corbett National Park
• Kaziranga National Park
• Ranthambore National Park
• Gir National Park
• Kuno National Park
• Kanha National Park
• Bandipur National Park
• Bandhavgarh National Park

Biosphere Reserve in India

• Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
• Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
• Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve

Tiger Reserves and Bird Sanctuaries in India

• Sariska Tiger Reserve
• Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
• Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
• Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
• Periyar Tiger Reserve
• Pench Tiger Reserve
• Valmiki Tiger Reserve
• Panna Tiger Reserve
• Nagarahole Tiger Reserve
• Bandipur Tiger Reserve
• Anamalai Tiger Reserve
• Buxa Tiger Reserve
• Kanha Tiger Reserve
• Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
• Amrabad Tiger Reserve
• Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
• Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve
• Satpura Tiger Reserve
• Melghat Tiger Reserve
• Ranipur Tiger Reserve
• Satkosia Tiger Reserve
• Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
• Amangarh Tiger Reserve
• Tadoba Tiger Reserve
• Bird Sanctuaries in India

Environment UPSC Preparation

The syllabus for current events, science and technology, and geography overlaps significantly. Consequently, you will undoubtedly have a competitive advantage in the other subjects if you successfully complete the environment and ecological portion of the syllabus. Here is the pre-planning method developed by professionals in StudyIQ:

• Read the Syllabus : Look at the course outline for that subject and make an effort to study it so you can map out the contents in your head. You’ll be able to weed out pointless reading material and maintain your preparation’s focus if you do this.
• Look over the Previous Year Questions : PYQs will provide you with a fundamental idea of the difficulty of the questions that are asked, enabling you to choose your resources wisely.
• Read Biology NCERT Class XII : The final four chapters of this book provide a clear explanation of all the fundamental ideas. As a result, reading them would familiarise you with some terms that might appear on the test.

Current events Another crucial area in relation to environmental and ecological issues is current affairs. Take notes from editorials from the Hindu and articles from periodicals like Yojana and Kurukshetra. After that, keep editing them so you remember the ideas.

Environment UPSC Syllabus

Environment is every living and non-living thing that surrounds us as well as interacts with us in our day-to-day life. Environment is the natural component in which biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors interact among themselves and with each other. These interactions shape the habitat and ecosystem of an organism.

In a biological sense, the environment constitutes the physical (nutrients, water, air) and biological factors (biomolecules, organisms) along with their chemical interactions (chemical cycles – carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle etc.) that affect an organism or a group of organisms. All organisms are dependent on the environment to carry out their natural life processes and to meet their physical requirements (food, energy, water, oxygen, shelter etc.).

How can I study Environment?

The major tip is to focus on how to prepare Environment for UPSC including reading NCERT books to have better insights into the topics as the NCERT books are more lucid and comprehensive.

Is Environment easy for UPSC?

It depends on the understanding of the candidates, although it is a static subject with some technical aspects.

Which book one should follow for Environment?

There is no specific book for environment as questions asked are mostly from current affairs although for the static portion you can follow Study IQ Environment Book.

Which website is best for Environment for UPSC?

Study IQ is without a doubt the best site for preparing Environment and other subjects as asked in UPSC.

Can a very weak student crack UPSC?

Yes there are several aspirants who were “average” students and yet cleared the exam proving that you need not be a topper to crack the IAS Exam.

How many questions come from Environment in UPSC?

On an average 15 to 20 questions are asked from Environment in UPSC.

How much time is required to prepare Environment for UPSC?

At maximum 1 to 2 months are required to cover the entire syllabus of Environment.

Is NCERT needed for UPSC Environment?

Yes NCERT strengthened the foundation of Environment as a subject.

Which subjects are included in the UPSC General Studies Paper 3?

The GS Paper 3 includes Economy, Environment, Science and Tech, Disaster Management and Internal Security.

How to start preparing for Indian Environment?

One should first go through the Previous Year Questions for understanding the demand of Environment as a subject in UPSC Exam.

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Tag: Environment Vs Economic Growth

Growth without basic rights is pointless: sc.

Tags: Environment Vs Economic Growth

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)     Source: HT   Context: The Supreme Court, in its verdict on the Vedanta case, emphasized the fundamental importance of basic rights such as clean air, water, and soil, alongside economic growth. Upholding the closure of Vedanta’s copper smelting plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, the court stressed the need …

Continue reading “Growth without basic rights is pointless: SC”

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