1. Society and Environment
- Human activities affect the environment.
- Need to conserve natural resources: air, water, soil, forests, energy.
- Types of resources:
- Renewable: Can be replenished (solar, wind, water).
- Non-renewable: Exhaustible (coal, petroleum, natural gas).
- Conservation methods: rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, composting, terrace gardening, reforestation.
2. Sustainable Development
- Definition: Development that meets present needs without harming the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
- Balances economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- Launched by the United Nations (UN) in 2015.
- Total 17 goals, to be achieved by 2030.
- Focus areas: poverty reduction, quality education, gender equality, clean energy, climate action, etc.
3. Green Economy
- Definition: Economy that is low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive.
- Focuses on renewable energy, green buildings, eco-friendly transport, sustainable farming, waste & water management.
- Green Growth: Growth that is environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive.
- Green Consumer: Chooses eco-friendly products (e.g., cloth bags, solar lamps).
4. Green Skills
- Knowledge, values, and abilities required to support sustainable development and environment-friendly practices.
- Examples:
- Using renewable energy (solar, wind).
- Waste management (reduce, reuse, recycle).
- Conserving water & energy.
- Reducing pollution.
- Importance: Prepares individuals for green jobs and protects environment.
5. Green Jobs
Jobs that help reduce waste and pollution, protect ecosystems, and use resources efficiently.
- Agriculture: Organic farming, water harvesting.
- Construction: Green buildings, energy audits.
- Energy: Solar, wind, biomass, hydro.
- Forestry: Afforestation, reforestation.
- Manufacturing & Retail: Recycling, eco-friendly production.
- Transport: Fuel-efficient/public transport, electric vehicles.
- Tourism & Education: Eco-tourism, environmental awareness.
6. Examples of Green Projects
Swachh Cooperative, Pune – community waste management.
- Modern DEEP Chulha – energy-efficient cooking stoves.
- Bio-toilets by Green Solution Foundation – hygienic sanitation with waste-to-water conversion.