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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate18 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
The chapter 'Environment and Natural Resources' examines the increasing importance of environmental and resource issues in global politics. It highlights major environmental movements, assesses concepts like global commons, and discusses India's stance on contemporary environmental debates. The chapter also covers the geopolitics of resource competition and voices the concerns of indigenous peoples in world politics.
Key Topics
- •Environmental movements
- •Global commons
- •India's environmental policy
- •Geopolitics of resources
- •Indigenous peoples' rights
- •Sustainable development
- •Kyoto Protocol
- •Common but differentiated responsibilities
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the rising significance of environmental issues in global politics.
- ✓Analyze various global environmental movements and their impacts.
- ✓Evaluate the concept of global commons and international governance challenges.
- ✓Discuss India's position and participation in international environmental agreements.
- ✓Examine the contributions of indigenous peoples to environmental sustainability.
- ✓Explore the concept of 'common but differentiated responsibilities' in environmental law.
Questions in Chapter
Which among the following best explains the reason for growing concerns about the environment?
Answer: The environmental degradation caused by human activities has become pervasive and has reached a dangerous level.
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Mark correct or wrong against each of the following statements about the Earth Summit: - It was attended by 170 countries, thousands of NGOs and many MNCs.
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Additional Practice Questions
What are global commons and why is their protection significant?
mediumAnswer: Global commons refer to areas such as the Earth's atmosphere, Antarctica, the ocean floor, and outer space which are beyond national jurisdiction and require international cooperation for governance. Their protection is significant to ensure long-term sustainability and prevent resource exploitation by any single nation.
Discuss the concept of 'common but differentiated responsibilities' in environmental law.
mediumAnswer: This principle, established by the Rio Declaration, acknowledges that while all states are responsible for environmental protection, developed countries should bear a larger burden due to their historical contributions to environmental degradation. This concept promotes equity and fairness in international environmental regulations.
Analyze the impact of the 1992 Earth Summit on global environmental policies.
hardAnswer: The 1992 Earth Summit marked a turning point by bringing environmental issues to the forefront of international politics, leading to the creation of significant conventions such as those on climate change and biodiversity. It introduced the concept of sustainable development, although it faced criticism for prioritizing economic growth over ecological conservation.
Evaluate the role of indigenous peoples in contemporary world politics.
mediumAnswer: Indigenous peoples play a crucial role by preserving traditional knowledge and practices crucial for biodiversity. They often advocate for sustainable resource management and challenge exploitative policies, pushing for equal acknowledgment within the international political sphere.
What are the key challenges faced in achieving sustainable resource management globally?
hardAnswer: Challenges include geopolitical tensions over resource access, the disparity in technological and financial capabilities between developed and developing nations, and the need for collaborative international governance frameworks that align with sustainable development goals.