Economics for Class 11 Chapter 9 Environment and Sustainable Development

Learn CBSE Economics Index Terms for Class 11, Chapter 9 Environment and Sustainable Development.

1. Carrying Capacity – Carrying capacity is the maximum number of organisms that an environment can sustain indefinitely given the resources.

The carrying capacity of a biological species in an environment is the maximum population size of the species that the environment can sustain indefinitely, given the food, habitat, water, and other necessities available in the environment. Carrying capacity is denoted by ‘K’.

2. Absorptive Capacity – Absorptive capacity of the environment means the ability of the environment to absorb degradation.

3. Global Warming – The definition of global warming is “Global warming is a gradual increase in the earth’s temperature generally due to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, CFCs, and other pollutants.”

Global warming is the phenomenon of a gradual increase in the temperature near the earth’s surface. This phenomenon has been observed over the past one or two centuries. This change has disturbed the climatic pattern of the earth. However, the concept of global warming is quite controversial, but scientists have provided relevant data in support of the fact that the temperature of the earth is rising constantly.

There are several causes of global warming, which have a negative effect on humans, plants, and animals. These causes may be natural or might be the outcome of human activities. In order to curb the issues, it is very important to understand the negative impacts of global warming.

4. Ozone Depletion – The definition of the ozone layer is “The ozone layer is a region in the earth’s stratosphere that contains high concentrations of ozone and protects the earth from the harmful ultraviolet radiations of the sun.”

The definition for ozone layer depletion is “Ozone layer depletion is the gradual thinning of the earth’s ozone layer in the upper atmosphere caused due to the release of chemical compounds containing gaseous bromine or chlorine from industries or other human activities.”

Ozone layer depletion is the thinning of the ozone layer present in the upper atmosphere. This happens when the chlorine and bromine atoms in the atmosphere come in contact with ozone and destroy the ozone molecules. One chlorine atom can destroy 100,000 molecules of ozone. It is destroyed more quickly than it is created.

Some compounds release chlorine and bromine on exposure to high ultraviolet light, which then contributes to ozone layer depletion. Such compounds are known as Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).

5. Opportunity Costs – Opportunity cost is a concept in Economics that is defined as those values or benefits that are lost by a business, business owners, or organisations when they choose one option or an alternative option over another option in the course of making business decisions.

In simple words, opportunity cost can be said as the value that is lost when a business is choosing between two or more alternatives. From an investor’s perspective, opportunity cost will always mean that the investment choices made will carry immediate loss or gain in the future.

Opportunity costs can be viewed as a trade-off. Trade-offs happen in decision-making when one option is chosen over another option. Opportunity costs sum up the total cost for that trade-off.

6. Brundtland Commission – The Brundtland Commission was created by the United Nations to suggest measures to protect the human environment and natural resources and prevent deterioration of economic and social development. The mission of the Brundtland Commission is to unite countries to pursue sustainable development together.

7. Wind Power – Wind energy is the most mature and developed renewable energy. It generates electricity through wind by using the kinetic energy produced by the effect of air currents. It is a source of clean and renewable energy, which reduces the emission of greenhouse effect gases and preserves the environment.

Wind energy is a type of energy used to make electricity, like fossil fuels or nuclear power. Wind energy harvests energy from the wind and converts it into electrical power. The wind is created by temperature changes in the atmosphere. As warm air rises, cool air moves into the area, and the movement creates what we know as wind.

Wind power converts the kinetic energy in the wind to generate electricity or mechanical power. This is done by using a large wind turbine, usually consisting of propellers; the turbine can be connected to a generator to generate electricity, or the wind can be used as mechanical power to perform tasks such as pumping water or grinding grain. As the wind passes through the turbines, it moves the blades, which spin the shaft.

8. CNG – The full form of CNG is Compressed Natural Gas. CNG is a fuel that can be used in the replacement of diesel, petrol, and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). The burning of CNG creates less toxic gasses than the previously mentioned fuels. Natural gas provides less of a risk in the case of a leak compared to other liquids, as it is lighter compared to air and scatters fast once it is released.

9. Solar Power – The sun is one of the major renewable energy sources. The radiating light and heat from the sun are harnessed and converted into other forms of energy. Solar energy is defined as the transformation of energy that is present in the sun and is one of the renewable energies. Once the sunlight passes through the earth’s atmosphere, most of it is in the form of visible light and infrared radiation. Plants use it to convert into sugar and starches; this conversion process is known as photosynthesis. Solar cell panels are used to convert this energy into electricity.

10. Mini Hydel Plants – Mini hydel plants generate electricity from a free flow of water on a small scale. Mini hydel plants are usually set up in hilly regions where there are abundant sources of streams. The energy created from these streams is used to turn small turbines that are present in the mini hydel plants. The energy created from the hydel plants is small amounts of electricity which is later on turned into electricity.

11. Biocomposting – Biocomposting or bio-fertilising the soil is the natural oxygen-consuming deterioration of natural material into easier mixtures, yielding a dull, hearty, supplement-rich humus. Basically, bio-fertilising the soil is nature’s approach to reusing. Every one of us devours food, delivering biodegradable kitchen squander-like tea leaves, egg shells, meat, fishbone, and vegetable peels. These can undoubtedly be treated in the soil as opposed to being shipped off landfills.

12. Biopest Control – Biopest control is the process of controlling the growth of pests by using natural methods. For example, using neem paste pesticides, using animals and birds to control the pest, mixed cropping, etc.

We hope that the offered Economics Index Terms for Class 11 with respect to Chapter 9: Environment and Sustainable Development will help you.

Related Links:

COMMERCE Related Links
Basic Accounting Terms Price Mix
Meaning Of Tabulation Costs Concepts
Average Fixed Cost Limited Liability Partnership
Trading And Profit And Loss Account Accounting For Not For Profit Organisation
Market Value Of Equity Depreciation Expense