Indian Economic Development: Environment and Sustainable Development

Topics in this chapter

• Environmental Functions and Limits
• Resource Depletion and Conservation
• Pollution, Externalities and Waste
• Sustainable Development and Equity
• Environmental Policy and Participation
• Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihoods
• Renewable Energy and Cleaner Fuels
• Global Environmental Cooperation

Cheat sheet

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-227A4A

   Which statement best describes sustainable development?

   1. A.Maximising present consumption without considering future needs
   2. B.Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs
   3. C.Stopping all industrial and economic activities
   4. D.Using only non-renewable resources for rapid economic growth
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-AEF45D

   Which measure most directly helps reduce urban air pollution caused by petrol and diesel vehicles?

   1. A.Increasing the use of coal-fired power plants
   2. B.Promoting compressed natural gas (CNG) in public transport
   3. C.Replacing public transport with private cars
   4. D.Increasing the use of firewood in urban households
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-F33456

   A factory releases untreated waste into a river. The factory avoids the cost of treatment, while farmers and households downstream suffer losses. What economic problem is best illustrated by this situation?

   1. A.Positive externality, because downstream users benefit from industrial production
   2. B.Negative externality, because pollution imposes costs on people not involved in the transaction
   3. C.Private benefit, because all costs are paid by the factory
   4. D.Sustainable use of a common resource, because the river absorbs the waste
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-05BA02

   Explain why sustainable development is necessary and mention two measures that can promote it in India.

   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-F9C08E

   Which environmental function is exceeded when pollutants are released faster than nature can absorb or neutralise them?

   1. A.Provision of resources
   2. B.Assimilation of waste
   3. C.Regulation of population growth
   4. D.Generation of employment
   See the answer and solution