chapter 11 Save the Environment class 5 CBSE

 

11 Save the Environment

The Earth's environment is most favourable for different forms of life to exist. Unfortunately, the environment is getting contaminated. This contamination is called pollution. Any substance that causes the degradation of an element from its natural condition is called a pollutant. Any agent that causes pollution is called a polluter. Humans are the biggest polluter of the environment due to their insensible activities.

We all have, knowingly or unknowingly, contributed to pollution in some way or the other. A single family living in a metropolitan city dumps more than a ton of garbage every year. Most of this is plastic waste which is not recycled.

At this moment, we are posing the greatest threat to our environment. The global warming, ozone layer depletion, contamination of our water bodies, air and noise pollution are some effects of polluting our environment.

Air Pollution

Our environment has a fine balance of various gases. Oxygen is one of the main gases. All living beings require oxygen to breathe. However excessive use of fossil fuels like coal and petroleum, has increased air pollution. Polluting gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, etc. are released as by-products of burning fossil fuels. These gases are very harmful for our health.

Air pollution

Trees are the natural purifiers provided by our environment. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release fresh oxygen into the environment. However, excessive deforestation has disturbed the process of air purification.

The ozone layer prevents the harmful rays of the Sun which can cause many harmful diseases, skin problems and even cancer from reaching the earth. The ozone layer is depleting very fast due to the overuse of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) and many other polluting gases. Big holes in the ozone layer have been observed by the scientists.

Ways to stop air pollution

We can take some steps to stop air pollution.

→ We must use cleaner energy resources like solar energy and wind power.

* We should use fuels like CNG to reduce vehicular pollution.

We should plant more trees.

We must not burn plastic waste because it causes the emission of poisonous gases.

Water Pollution

Holes in the ozone layer

Both aquatic and non-aquatic animals depend on water for survival.

→ Polluted water is harmful for living organisms. It can cause many diseases like jaundice, gastroenteritis, typhoid, etc. So, we must take firm steps to stop water pollution.

Water pollution

Ways to stop water pollution

All chemical waste should be treated before being disposed off at places meant for disposal.

Only this much water is fit for consumption

→ Municipal authorities must treat all sewage waste to minimise water contamination.

The statistics of freshwater on Earth

→ Disposing off human waste into rivers should be discouraged and prohibited.

Bathing, washing clothes, etc. in the rivers must be discouraged. Soaps and detergents cause harmful chemicals to mix in the water. This causes pollution.

Soil Pollution

We cannot survive without food. However, the kind of food we get may contain poisonous substances transferred from chemical fertilisers, pesticides, insecticides, chemical waste from industries, etc. It may cause many diseases. Not only this, tons and tons of solid waste is buried in the ground every day. This is another major cause of soil pollution.

A farmer sprinkling chemical fertiliser on crops

Ways to stop soil pollution

Some steps should be taken to stop soil pollution.

There should be a proper waste disposal system.

The use of plastic and polythene items should be minimised. They should be recycled if used.

Excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides should be discouraged. Instead of chemical fertilisers, organic fertilisers should be used as they do not pollute the soil.

• More trees should be planted to minimise soil on erosion, and reduce soil pollution.

Noise Pollution

We hear different types of sounds every day. Some of these are not as pleasant. These include blaring horns of vehicles, loudspeakers, constant drumming of musical instruments, etc. This causes noise pollution which can lead to loss of hearing, high blood pressure, and many other stress-related diseases.

Ways to stop noise pollution

We must take the following steps to reduce noise pollution.

We must not play music very loudly.

Noise pollution

We should not encourage use of loudspeakers in public functions and celebrations.

We should not burst loud firecrackers on festivals. Firecrackers are major cause of noise and air pollution, and fire-related accidents. Burning loud firecrackers can even lead to a permanent loss of hearing.

We must discourage the use of excessive honking while driving. Some people use pressure horns in vehicles for fun. This is not only illegal but also a cause of distress for others.

Waste Management

It is important today that we manage and dispose waste responsibly. Waste can be classified as biodegradable and non-biodegradable. Non-biodegradable waste has to recycled and reused.

Here, it is important tant to understand the three Rs of waste management. The three Rs stand for Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Reduce: We must try to reduce the use of non-renewable natural energy resources especially fossil fuels to the minimum. It would help in reducing air pollution. Our resources are too limited to be wasted, so their consumption should be reduced accordingly.

Three Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Dustbins for biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes

Reuse: We must try to reuse products as much as possible. This is because production of new items would consume more energy and resources. For example, the pens we use today are mostly never refilled. Once used, we throw them and buy new ones. It should be kept in mind that they are made of plastic which would cause pollution when burnt. The production of new pens too would cause pollution.

Recycle: We must try to recycle as much as we can. Most of the recyclable products like paper, plastic, etc., should never be disposed off carelessly. They should be disposed off as

 

Exercises

A. Tick() the correct options.

1. Which of the following does not cause air pollution?

c. Spilling of oil in water bodies

2. How can water pollution be curbed?

b. By treating sewage waste before disposing into the water bodies

3. Noise pollution can cause:

d. both (a) and (c)

4. Nuclear pollution is caused by:

a. nuclear waste

5. The three Rs are

b. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

 

B. Fill in the blanks.

       I.            Trees are the natural purifiers provided by the environment.

    II.            Polluted water can cause many diseases like jaundice, gastroenteritis, typhoid.

  III.            Burning loud firecrackers can even lead to a permanent loss of hearing.

 IV.            The ozone layer is depleting due to overuse of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).

 

C. Answer the following questions in brief.

 

1. What is pollution? Pollution is the contamination of the environment by harmful substances that can cause damage to ecosystems and human health.

2. What are the different types of pollution? There are several types of pollution, including:

·         Air pollution: Contamination of the air with harmful gases, particulates, or other substances.

·         Water pollution: Contamination of water bodies with pollutants that can harm aquatic life and make the water unsafe for drinking or other uses.

·         Soil pollution: Contamination of the soil with harmful substances that can affect plant growth and soil health.

·         Noise pollution: Excessive noise that can cause hearing loss, stress, and other health problems.

·         Light pollution: Excessive artificial light that can disrupt ecosystems and human sleep patterns.

3. What are the effects of air pollution? Air pollution can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer. It can also damage ecosystems and contribute to climate change.

4. What is noise pollution? How is it harmful? Noise pollution is the excessive noise that can be harmful to human health. It can cause hearing loss, stress, and sleep disturbances.

5. What are the causes of water pollution? Water pollution can be caused by a variety of sources, including:

·         Industrial waste: Discharge of pollutants from factories and other industrial facilities.

·         Agricultural runoff: Runoff from farms containing pesticides, fertilizers, and animal waste.

·         Sewage: Untreated or improperly treated sewage that can contain harmful bacteria and pollutants.

·         Oil spills: Accidental spills of oil into water bodies.

·         Litter: Trash and debris that can pollute water bodies and harm aquatic life.

 

 

 

D. Answer the following questions in detail.

1. Mention any five ways to reduce soil pollution.

·         Proper waste disposal: Ensure that waste is disposed of in designated areas and not dumped illegally.

·         Reduce plastic and polythene use: Minimize the use of these materials, as they can take hundreds of years to decompose and contribute to soil pollution.

·         Limit chemical fertilizer and pesticide use: Opt for organic alternatives whenever possible to reduce the introduction of harmful chemicals into the soil.

·         Plant more trees: Trees help to prevent soil erosion and improve soil quality.

·         Promote sustainable farming practices: Support agricultural methods that minimize soil degradation and pollution.

2. How is nuclear pollution harmful to us? Nuclear pollution can have severe health consequences, including:

·         Cancer: Exposure to radioactive materials can increase the risk of various cancers, such as leukemia and thyroid cancer.

·         Genetic defects: Radiation can cause genetic mutations that may be passed on to future generations.

·         Birth defects: Exposure to radiation during pregnancy can lead to birth defects in the unborn child.

·         Thyroid problems: Radioactive iodine released in nuclear accidents can damage the thyroid gland, leading to thyroid disorders.

·         Environmental damage: Nuclear pollution can contaminate water bodies, soil, and air, harming ecosystems and wildlife.

3. What are the main causes of pollution? The main causes of pollution include:

·         Industrial activities: Factories and other industries can release pollutants into the air, water, and soil.

·         Transportation: Vehicles, airplanes, and ships emit pollutants that contribute to air pollution.

·         Waste disposal: Improper disposal of waste can lead to pollution of the environment.

·         Agricultural practices: The use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals can pollute water and soil.

·         Deforestation: Clearing forests can contribute to air pollution, soil erosion, and habitat destruction.

4. List some causes of air pollution. Some of the main causes of air pollution include:

·         Burning fossil fuels: The burning of coal, oil, and natural gas for energy production and transportation releases harmful gases into the atmosphere.

·         Industrial emissions: Factories and other industrial facilities can emit pollutants such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.

·         Vehicle exhaust: Cars, trucks, and other vehicles release pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

·         Domestic activities: Cooking, heating, and burning wood or other materials can contribute to air pollution.

·         Deforestation: The destruction of forests can reduce the ability of the Earth's atmosphere to absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

E. Think and answer.

List five actions that you do that pollute the environment. Think of ways to reduce the pollution caused by your actions.

 

1. Action: Using plastic bags for groceries and other items.Reduction: Use reusable bags or avoid plastic bags altogether.

2. Action: Leaving lights on in unoccupied rooms.Reduction: Develop the habit of turning off lights when not in use.

3. Action: Wasting water while brushing teeth, showering, or washing dishes.Reduction: Turn off the water while brushing teeth, take shorter showers, and use less water when washing dishes.

4. Action: Disposing of electronic waste improperly.Reduction: Recycle electronic waste at designated collection points or through electronic waste recycling programs.

5. Action: Using excessive amounts of cleaning products and chemicals.Reduction: Opt for eco-friendly cleaning products or make natural cleaning solutions using vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice.

 

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

1. What are the effects of pollution on nature?

Pollution can have devastating effects on nature, including:

·         Habitat destruction: Pollutants can destroy habitats for plants and animals, leading to loss of biodiversity.

·         Climate change: Greenhouse gas emissions from pollution contribute to global warming and climate change, causing rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changes in ecosystems.

·         Acid rain: Air pollution can lead to acid rain, which can harm forests, lakes, and other ecosystems.

·         Water pollution: Pollutants in water bodies can harm aquatic life, contaminate drinking water sources, and disrupt ecosystems.

·         Soil pollution: Pollutants in the soil can harm plants, reduce crop yields, and contaminate groundwater.

2. Suggest some ways to curb pollution.

·         Reduce, reuse, recycle: Minimize waste production, reuse items whenever possible, and recycle materials to reduce the need for new resources.

·         Conserve energy: Use energy-efficient appliances, turn off lights when not in use, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

·         Use public transportation or walk: Reduce carbon emissions by using public transportation or walking instead of driving whenever possible.

·         Support renewable energy: Support the development and use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power.

·         Reduce, reuse, and recycle: Minimize waste production, reuse items whenever possible, and recycle materials to reduce the need for new resources.

·         Conserve water: Use water wisely, fix leaks promptly, and avoid wasting water.

·         Support sustainable agriculture: Support farming practices that minimize the use of pesticides and fertilizers and protect soil health.

3. What are some of the diseases caused by pollution? Pollution can cause a variety of diseases, including:

·         Respiratory diseases: Air pollution can lead to asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.

·         Cardiovascular diseases: Air pollution can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

·         Cancer: Exposure to pollutants can increase the risk of certain types of cancer.

·         Waterborne diseases: Contaminated water can cause diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery.

·         Neurological disorders: Exposure to certain pollutants can affect the nervous system and lead to neurological disorders.

4. List five biodegradable and five non-biodegradable wastes found in your surroundings.

Biodegradable Wastes:

·         Food scraps

·         Leaves

·         Grass clippings

·         Paper

·         Wood

Non-Biodegradable Wastes:

·         Plastics

·         Glass

·         Metal

·         Electronics

·         Tires