Environmental Science and Ecology

  1. The carbon cycle is a crucial biogeochemical cycle that governs the movement of carbon among the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.
  2. Carbon is an essential element found in all living organisms and is a major component of organic molecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
  3. The two main types of carbon cycles are the short-term carbon cycle and the long-term carbon cycle.
  4. The short-term cycle involves the
  1. Community ecology focuses on the interactions and relationships among different species living in a shared environment.
  2. A community is a group of different species living together and interacting within a defined area.
  3. Succession refers to the natural and gradual process of change in species composition in a community over time.
  4. Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas where no soil exists initially, such as after a volcanic eruption.
  5. Secondary succession occurs in ar
  1. Population ecology studies the dynamics of populations, their size, density, distribution, and interactions with the environment.
  2. A population is a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area at a specific time.
  3. Population density refers to the number of individuals per unit area or volume.
  4. Population distribution can be uniform, random, or clumped based on environmental factors and species behavior.
  5. The age structure of a population indicates the
  1. A habitat is the physical environment where an organism lives, while a niche is the functional role of an organism in its ecosystem.
  2. The habitat is defined by abiotic factors like soil, water, temperature, and light.
  3. A niche includes the organism's interactions with other species, such as competition, predation, and symbiosis.
  4. The fundamental niche is the potential range of conditions an organism can occupy without competition.
  5. The realized niche is the
  1. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was established in 2005 under the Disaster Management Act.
  2. It is the apex body for disaster management in India.
  3. The primary aim of NDMA is to build a safer and disaster-resilient India.
  4. NDMA is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
  5. It formulates policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management.
  6. The NDMA emphasizes a proactive approach to disaster prevent
  1. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy occurred on the night of December 2-3, 1984, in Bhopal, India.
  2. It was caused by the leakage of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas from the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant.
  3. Approximately 500,000 people were exposed to the toxic gas.
  4. The disaster resulted in thousands of immediate deaths and long-term health impacts on survivors.
  5. Common health issues included respiratory problems, eye irritation, and cancer
  1. Disaster Management Cycle consists of four key phases: Preparedness, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery.
  2. Preparedness involves planning and preparing communities to deal with disasters effectively.
  3. Key activities during Preparedness include training, drills, and early warning systems.
  4. The goal of Preparedness is to reduce the loss of life and property by ensuring readiness.

Natural Disasters

  1. Earthquakes: Sudden shaking of the Earth's crust due to tectonic movements.
  2. Floods: Overflow of water bodies, often caused by heavy rainfall, dam failures, or storm surges.
  3. Tsunamis: Large ocean waves triggered by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
  4. Cyclones: Intense storms with high-speed winds and heavy rainfall, often leading to coastal destruction.
  5. Droughts: Prolonged periods of insufficient rainfall, causing water shortages and cr

Structural and Procedural Challenges

  1. Lack of standardization: EIA processes vary significantly across regions, leading to inconsistencies.
  2. Delayed implementation: Bureaucratic hurdles often cause significant delays in the EIA process.
  3. Inadequate screening: Some projects bypass proper assessment due to lenient screening thresholds.
  4. Insufficient scoping: Critical environmental and social impacts are sometimes overlooked.
  5. Complex procedures: The technical nature of

Understanding Public Participation

  1. Public participation is a fundamental component of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
  2. It involves the engagement of stakeholders, including local communities, environmental groups, and other interested parties, in decision-making.
  3. Ensures that the voices of those affected by developmental projects are heard and considered.

Importance of Public Participation

  1. Enhances transparency and accountability in the EIA process.
  2. Builds