Lesson 10. Current Environmental Issues and Sustainable Development
This is a catch-all but critical topic that demands connecting static knowledge to contemporary events. It includes specific environmental phenomena and conflicts: deforestation in specific regions (e.g., Amazon, North East India), melting of specific glaciers, coral reef bleaching, desertification, and human-wildlife conflict. It also encompasses sustainable development frameworks: the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their targets and India’s progress, concepts of circular economy, green building, and organic farming. Recent initiatives and reports like the Global Biodiversity Framework, State of India’s Environment reports, findings on microplastics, and issues related to specific species (Great Indian Bustard, Olive Ridley Turtles) are prime material for question-setters.
Additional Resources: Down To Earth magazine is arguably the most important resource for this topic, providing in-depth analysis of ongoing issues. The Hindu’s Environment section and editorials offer daily updates. Annual reports by organizations like the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and World Resources Institute (WRI) provide excellent analytical summaries of the year’s key environmental developments.