Environmental Science Module 1 Power point

Environment Science Module 1

1. Module - 1 INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL S CIENCE

2. The term environment is derived from a French word environner which means ‘to encircle’ or ‘to surround’. Environment can simply be defined as one’s surroundings which includes everything around the organism, i.e., abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) environment. It refers to an aggregate of all conditions that affect the existence, growth, and welfare of an organism or a group of organisms. As per Environment (Protection) Act 1986, environment includes all the physical and biological surroundings of an organism along with their interactions. Environment is thus defined as “the sum total of water, air and land and the inter-relationships that exist among them and with the human beings, other living organisms and materials.” Definitions

3. The elements of environments are interconnected to each other in a complicated way (spider web): disturbance of one element will affect the other one Concept of Environment

4. Components of Environment The components of environment are broadly classified as abiotic and biotic components . Abiotic or non-living components of environment include all the physical and chemical factors that influence living organisms. Examples of abiotic components are air, water, soil, rocks, etc. Biotic or living components are the living components of environment and include microbes, plants, animals, and human beings .

5. Abiotic Components

6. Bi o t i c C o m p o n e nt s

7. Types of Environment Natural Environment Man-Made Environment

8. Lithosphere: Crust: < 1% (Thin) Everest: 8.85 km Mantle, Cores Hydrosphere: (oceans, sea, rivers) Atmosphere: ~1%: 30 km (99% of air) extends to 120 km Biosphere : All life Planet Earth: Segments of Environment

9. Environmental Studies Environmental Studies refers to the study of the environment. It is not restricted to the point of view of one particular discipline but involves all disciplines that may affect the environment in any possible way. It involves the study and understanding of the fact that even a single phenomenon can affect the environment in a variety of ways with varying degrees of complexity, and each of these effects can be understood from different perspectives rooted in different disciplines.

10. Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies Environmental Studies requires skills that encompass a range of disciplines including chemistry, biology, earth sciences, atmospheric science, statistics, mathematics, and geography.

11. Importance of Environmental Studies Understanding and mitigating climate change - Environmental science plays a crucial role in understanding the causes and impacts of climate change and developing strategies to mitigate its effects. Conserving natural resources - The study of environmental science helps in the conservation and better management of natural resources like water, air, soil, and biodiversity. Protecting human health and well-being - Environmental science investigates the impact of various pollutants on human health and the environment. It helps in identifying and mitigating risks to protect human well-being. Developing sustainable practices - Environmental science provides valuable insights into sustainable practices, including renewable energy, waste reduction, and eco-friendly agriculture, among others. Impact on policy decisions - Environmental science is an important factor in policy decision-making. It provides valuable data, information, and scientific evidence that policymakers use to develop policies and regulations aimed at protecting the environment and promoting sustainability.

12. Need for Public Awareness Earth’s resources are dwindling and our environment is being increasingly degraded by human activities and hence something needs to be done. Government alone cannot perform all the clean-up functions. Individual/group efforts in their own every possible way has to be made to protect our environment. Mass public awareness: newspapers, radio, television strongly influences public opinion on conserving our environment.

13. Methods for Public Awareness Environmental education Through media Through organizing seminars & conferences Entertainment Science centers Involvement of youth Through print, broadcast and internet

14. ECOLOGY How does “Environment” differ from “Ecology”

15. Ecolo gy ( Greek word: Okologie ; meaning: “place to live”) “Physical, biological and socio cultural adaptations” Branch of science that deals with the scientific study of the interrelationships between living organisms with respect to each other and to their surroundings.

16. Sustainable Development The term sustainable development refers to the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs. The concept of sustainable development can be interpreted in many different ways, but at its core is an approach to development that looks to balance different, and often competing, needs against an awareness of the environmental, social and economic limitations we face as a society. All too often, development is driven by one particular need, without fully considering the wider or future impacts. We are already seeing the damage this kind of approach can cause, from large-scale financial crises caused by irresponsible banking, to changes in global climate resulting from our dependence on fossil fuel-based energy sources.

17. Measures for Sustainable Development Effective planning for population control Reducing per capita demand of natural resources Using efficient technological devices Following the 3 R s ( reduce, reuse, and recycling ) approach Promoting environmental awareness through education Effective planning for regeneration of natural resources

18. Sustainable Building Materials: Approach

19. Green buildings Green building (also known as eco buildings or sustainable building ) refers to a structure and using process that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle: from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. Objective of green buildings Designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources Protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity Reducing waste, pollution and environmental degradation.

20. Potential benefits of green building Environmental benefits Enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems Improve air and water quality Reduce waste streams Conserve and restore natural resources Economic benefits Reduce operating costs Create, expand, and shape markets for green product and services Improve occupant productivity Optimize life-cycle economic performance Social benefits Enhance occupant comfort and health Heighten aesthetic qualities Minimize strain on local infrastructure Improve overall quality of life Why Build Green? merits of green building

21. Classification of Natural Resources Renewable Resources Resources whose continual harvest is possible with proper planning and management, such as plants, animals, solar energy, wind energy, etc., are known as renewable resources . (They can renew themselves, provided they are not over harvested). Non-renewable Resources Those resources which once gone have very little chance of recovery or resynthesis are called non-renewable resources . Examples of non- renewable resources are coal, minerals, and petroleum. (Total stock is limited).

22. Our natural resources water forest energy land food minerals

23. The rainforest in Fatu-Hiva, in Marquesas Islands is an example of an undisturbed natural resource. Forest provides timber for humans; food and shelter for flora and the fauna. The nutrient cycle between organisms form food chains and biodiversity of species.

24. The Carson Fall in Mount Kinabalu , Malaysia is an example of undisturbed natural resource. Waterfalls provide spring water for humans, animals and plants for survival and also habitat for marine organisms. The water current can be used to turn turbines or hydroelectric generation .

25. The ocean is an example of a natural resource. Ocean waves can be used to generate wave power which is a renewable energy . Ocean water is important for salt production and providing habitat for deep water fishes. There are biodiversity of marine species in the sea where nutrient cycles are common.

26. Wind is a natural resource that can be used to generate electricity, as with these 5MW wind turbines in Thorntonbank Wind Farm 28 km (17 mile) off the coast of Belgium

27. Natural Resources U ses Air (Wind) Required for all living things for breathing, Use to produce wind energy. Animals / Plants Provide food, cloth, shelter, medicine. Used as mode of transport. Animal dung can be used as fuel/fertilizer. Soil Used as the primary nutrient source for plants. It is the habitat of many organisms. Solar Light Provide light, energy and help to plants for making their foods Wood / Tree U s e d a s c on s t ruct i on m a t er i al . Use d t o make Wa t e r utensils, furniture and sporting equipments. Used in household, agriculture and transportation.

28. Examples of Renewable Resources solar energy

29. Hybrid Of Wind And Solar energy

30. Biomass Energy

31. COAL OIL NATURAL GAS OIL SHALE AND TAR SANDS NUCLEAR POWER Over 85% of the energy used in the world is from non- renewable supplies Most developed nations are dependent on non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels (coal and oil) and nuclear power. Industrialized societies depend on non-renewable energy sources. Examples of Non-renewable Resources

32. Land Resources The Importance of Land The human civilization has thrived on land. Land is used for agriculture. Land contains huge amount of mineral deposits. It also contains water in the form of underground water. Most of the animals find their habitat on land. Land directly or indirectly provides all the resources required to fulfil the basic needs of humans: food, cloth, and shelter.

33. Soil profile Soil profile is a vertical cross section from surface down to the parent materials. A well- developed soil profile shows distinct horizons. The three major horizons are A, B, and C horizons. Horizons are sometimes also called zones.

34. The soil profile is important tool for nutrient management and soil fertility. Decomposition of weathers and organic matter, profile of the soil changes. The soil profile is made of distinct layers , known as horizons . F ive m o s t co m m on h orizons are collectively kno w n a s m aster horizons. Study of soil profile is essential for proposed the soil structure and for technical descriptions.

35. Horizons in Soil profile

36. F u n c ti o n s o f So i l Role in nutrient cycles In agriculture Regulate the water Regulate the emissions of gases Degrade pollutants and filter ground water Producing clay Provide the structural material as brick, cement etc. Sequester carbon as organic matter.

37. Land Degradation The fertility of land supports the growth and productivity of natural vegetation and agricultural crops. A number of natural and man-made factors lower the quality of land . This is commonly referred to as land degradation.

38. Causes of land degradation Natural factors Heavy rains High speed wind and storms Natural disasters like earthquakes ,floods, prolonged drought, etc. Anthropogenic factors Mining. Urbanization The indiscriminate and uncontrolled removal of trees Excess use of fertilizers Industrial discharges Overgrazing, soil erosion, etc..

39. Soil Erosion Soil erosion is removal of top soil from its resting place by various physical agencies like wind and water. It can be defined as “the detachment and transport of the fertile layer of soil by water or air.” It is also known as the creeping death of land. The detachment and transportation of the fertile layer of soil by water or air.

40. Causes of Soil Erosion L a r g e - sc a le de f o res t a tion f or m ee t i n g c o mm e r c i a l a s well as day-to-day needs Heavy floods in rivers Overgrazing by cattle Dry violent winds Improper agricultural techniques

41. Effects of Soil Erosion Desertification of land Decrease in productivity of land Reduction in the agricultural land at the banks of rivers Deposition of soil in river beds and canals causing diversion of their natural flow and hence leading to disasters

42. T T il i la la g g e e is is th th e e a a g g r r ic ic u u lt l u tu r r a a l l p p r r e e p p a a r r a a ti t o io n n o o f f s s o o il il b b y y m m e e c c h h a a n n ic ic a a l l a a g g it i a ta ti t o io n n o o f f v v a a r r io io u u s s ty ty p p e e s s , , s s u u c c h h a a s s d d ig ig g g in in g g , , s s ti t r i r r in in g g , , a a n n d d o o v v e e r r tu tu r r n n in in g g . . C C o o n n t t o o u u r r f f a a r r m m in in g g is is th th e e fa fa r r m m in in g g p p r r a a c c ti t c ic e e o o f f p p la la n n ti t n in g g a a c c r r o o s s s s a a s s lo lo p p e e fo fo ll l o lo w w in in g g it i s ts e e le le v v a a ti t o io n n c c o o n n to to u u r r li l n in e e s s S S t t r r ip ip f f a a r r m m in in g g is is d d e e fi f n in e e d d a a s s a a lt l e te r r n n a a ti t n in g g c c r r o o p p r r o o w w s s b b e e tw tw e e e e n n h h e e a a v v y y - - r r o o o o te te d d p p la la n n ts ts a a n n d d lo lo o o s s e e ly ly - - r r o o o o te te d d p p la la n n ts ts to to m m in in im im iz iz e e e e r r o o s s io io n n . . T T e e rra a c c e e c c u u lt lt iv iv a a t t io io n n is is m m e e th th o o d d o o f f g g r r o o w w in in g g c c r r o o p p s s o o n n s s id id e e s s o o f f h h il i l l s ls o o r r m m o o u u n n ta ta in in s s b b y y p p la la n n ti t n in g g o o n n g g r r a a d d u u a a te te d d te te rra a c c e e s s b b u u il i t lt in in to to th th e e s s lo lo p p e e . .

43. Methods of Controlling Soil Erosion Reduced tillage Contour cultivation Strip cropping Terracing A forestation on barren land Control of overgrazing Construction of small check dams Promotion of equitable use of water resources Prevention of excavation of rocks

44. Strip cropping Contour banding Terracing Methods to control Soil Erosion Afforestation Construction of small check dams

45. Desertification Causes of Desertification Natural Factors Very low rainfall High salinity of soils Excessive evaporation Vast difference in diurnal temperature extremes Anthropogenic Factors Overgrazing Over irrigation Excessive ploughing Excessive use of fertilizers Continuous cutting of trees Conversion of fertile land into an infertile desert land is called desertification .

46. Effects of Desertification Poor soil quality Rapid soil erosion Unfavorable climate Huge economic losses Low water table, salty and hard water

47. Control of Desertification Promoting large-scale plantation of trees Changing agricultural practices and promoting dry land farming Development of pasture lands (suitable for Grazing) and control of overgrazing Promoting equitable use of water resources Development of water catchment areas The desertification is increasing significantly in Bhuj in northern Gujarat due to over usages of ground water for last 20 years. Water tables going down by 3m/year.

48. Forest Resources A forest is a biotic community with a predominance of trees; it is an important renewable resource. Forests restore oxygen in our atmosphere through photosynthesis and also provide solvents, medicines, fuels, and many other products that are important for our health and comfort. India is rich in forest resources with a great diversity of flora and fauna.

49. The effect of desertification in Northern Gujarat The desertification is increasing significantly in Bhuj in northern Gujarat due to over usages of ground water for last 20 years. Water tables going down by 3 m/ year According to the Experts, it is spreading to nearby villages Parameters such as groundwater level, vegetation, soil and rain are showing an alarming decline and rapid degradation Every ecological and political bodies are warned to people about this degradation.

50. Importance of Forests Direct Benefits Forests provide timber for construction of buildings and furniture. They provide raw material for a number of large- and small-scale industries. (bee keeping, Furniture, beedi, sal seed oil, bamboo sticks) They provide a variety of edible products for human beings and animals. They provide natural habitat to tribal people.

51. They make manure ( organic matter used as organic fertilizer in agriculture) and fuel wood available to humans. They are an important source of national income. They provide various medicinal plants. They increase the beauty of landscape and attract tourists. They are ext r e m ely help f ul in g e ne r ating e m plo y m ent opportunities.

52. Indirect Benefits Forests help in minimizing natural hazards. They help in reducing soil erosion and siltation of downstream water bodies. They help in reducing desertification and land degradation. They help in maintaining biodiversity by providing habitat to wild animals. They help in regulating hydrological cycle. They help in regulating the gases in atmosphere.

53. A conifer forest in the Swiss Alps Mixed deciduous forest in Serbia Temperate rainforest in Tasmania's Amazon Rainforest in Brazil

54. Indian top five states with largest area under forest cover According to India's 2013 forest survey report, thus obtained and published by the Government of India suggests the top five states with largest area under forest cover : Madhya Pradesh: 7.75 million hectares Arunachal Pradesh: 6.73 million hectares Chhattisgarh : 5.6 million hectares Maharashtra : 5.06 million hectares Odisha: 5.03 million hectares The seven north-eastern States of India have nearly 1/4th of the country’s forest cover.

55. Deforestation The term deforestation refers to the removal or reduction of forest cover. Causes of Deforestation E ncroach m e nt o f f o r e s t land f o r ag r i c u ltural u s e t o m eet t h e growing demands of foods. Expansion of cities to accommodate the growing population Construction of dams, canals, and highways Establishment of industrial areas Demand for firewood Mining

56. Causes of Deforestation Population explosion: Population explosion is the root cause of all the environmental problems , vast area of forests are cleared for human settlement Shifting Cultivation: It is a traditional agroforestry system in which felling and burning of forests followed by cultivation of crop for few years and abandon of cultivation allow forests for re-growth cause extreme damage to forest.

57. Growing food demand: To meet the food demand of rapidly growing population more and more forests are cleared off for agricultural purpose. Fire wood: Increasing demand of wood for fuel increases pressure on forests. Raw material for wood based industry: Increasing demand of wood for making furniture, plywood, paper, match box etc results into tremendous pressure on forests.

58. I n f r a s tr u c t u r e d e ve l o pm en t : Massive destruction of forest occurs for various infrastructure development like, big dams, highways projects etc. Forest fires: Forest fires may be natural or man made cause a huge loss of forest. Over grazing: Overgrazing of land by cattle result into soil erosion, desertification. Natural forces: Floods, storms, heavy winds, snow, lightening are some of the natural forces

59. Human activities have a very adverse impact on forests

60. Even deserts are affected by human activities

61. Mountain ecosystems provide vital ecosystem services, but they are facing severe degradation due to climate changing.

62. Effects of Deforestation Loss of natural habitat of wild animals and plants Increased intensity and frequency of floods Land degradation Loss of forest products Change in climatic conditions Siltation of rivers and lakes Loss of revenue Change in hydrological cycle and reduced rainfall Increased socio-economic problem in the long run

63. Cherrapunji was famous because it received the largest volume of rainfall in the world It still does but ironically, experiences acute water shortages. This is mainly the result of extensive deforestation (no trees to hold the water and the water run off to rivers. Because proper methods of conserving rainwater are not used. There has been extensive soil erosion. Only rain water harvesting can sort out the problems of the world's wettest town. Scientists point out the example of Jaisalmer , one of the driest towns in India in Rajasthan, with rainfall levels as little as 100 mm of water per year, where it was found that if you harvest water on just one hectare of land, you have captured as much as one million litres of water --enough to meet drinking and cooking water needs of 182 people at 15 litres per day for one year.

64. Control of Deforestation Mining activit i e s should be p rohibited in areas declared as protected forests. Cutting of trees should be followed by massive plantation. T he environ m ental la w s and leg a l p r o v i s i o n s s hou l d be strict l y enforced. Public awareness should be created regarding medicinal and other economic and environmental significance of forests.

65. . The story of Wangari Maathai Nobel Prize for noble work First woman in Africa to get a Ph.D. Green Belt Movement (GBM) in 1977. Empower the people

66. Participation of locals in forest conservation

67. The story of Chipko : The local women who saved the trees

68. Afforeitation

69. Functions of Forests T h e f u n c t io n s of f o r es t m a y bro a dl y c l a ss i f i e d i n t o f ollow i n g categories Protective Function Productive Function Regulative Function Accessory Function

70. Protective Functions Forest Provide protection against • • • • • Soil erosion Droughts Floods Noise Radiations Soil erosion F loo ds Soil erosion Droughts

71. Productive Functions Forest Provide various products like, gum resins, medicines, honey, pulp, bamboo, timber, Vegetables and fruits.

72. Regulative Functions The Forest regulates the level of Oxygen and carbon dioxide in atmosphere. T h e f o r e s t s a l s o h e l p i n regulating t e m p e ra t u r e conditions

73. Accessory Function Forest provides aesthetics, habitat to various flora and fauna besides that it also has an recreational value.

74. Ecological Importance of Forests Regulation of global climate and temperature Forest play a crucial role in regulation of global climate and temperature as forest cover absorb the solar radiations that would otherwise be reflected back into the atmosphere by bare surface of the earth. Transpiration of plants increases the atmosphere humidity which affects the rainfall, cools the atmosphere and thus regulate the hydrological cycle

75. Reduction of Global Warming The main green house gas co 2 is used by forests for photosynthesis process the forest act as a sink for co 2 there by reducing the green house effect due to co 2.

76. Production of Oxygen During Photosynthesis process forest releases oxygen a very important gas for human survival thereby forests are called as lungs of earth.

77. Conservation of Soil They prevent soil erosion by binding the soil particles tightly in their roots. re d uc i n g th e velo ci t y o f w i n d a n d r a in wh ich a r e c h i ef agents causing erosion

78. Improvement in fertility of Soil The fertility of soil increases due to humus formed by the decay of forest litter (leaves, branches, stems roots etc.)

79. Control of water flow The forest act as a giant sponge they slow down runoff, absorbing and holding water that recharges springs, streams, and ground water.

80. Habitat to wild life They provide the habitat for high wild life species

81. Absorption of Noise Forest cover absorbs the noise and helps in preventing noise pollution

82. Absorption of air pollutants Forest absorbs many toxic gasses and air pollutants and can help in keeping air pure.

83. Economical Importance of Forest Timber : Wood used for commercial purposes like for making furniture and other items like boats , bridges and other day to day uses. Fuel Wood : The wood is used as fuel for cooking and other purposes by poor people. Raw material for wood based industries: forest provide raw material for various wood based industries like paper and pulp, sports goods, furniture, match boxes etc.

84. Food : Fruits, roots, leaves of plants and trees along with the meat of forest animals provide the food to the tribal people. M i s ce ll a n eo u s P ro d u c t s : Mi s c e l l a n e o u s p r od u c t s l i k e , r es i n, gums, oils, medicines, honey are provided by forests

85. Water Resources Importance of Water Water is the basic component of every living cell. It is the basic input required for agriculture. Hydel power can be used for generating hydroelectricity. It provides habitat to aquatic flora and fauna. Common salt can be obtained from water.

86. Earth: “Blue Planet”

87. Sources of Water Ground Water Water that is hidden underground in spaces between soil and rock particles is known as ground water . This ground water is the source of water for wells, springs, and even to rivers. Rainwater seeps into the ground, some are clings to particle or to the root of the plants. This moisture is provided to the plants for their growth. Most water moves deeper into ground. Most usable water is at depth of 750 m. Surface Water After precipitation, the amount of water that does not percolate down into the ground or does not return to the atmosphere by evaporation or transpiration and enters the rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, wetland, or artificial reservoirs constitutes surface water . Ground water is purer than surface water, the chance of pollution is less in ground water.

88. Water Cycle Water never leaves the Earth. It is constantly being cycled through the atmosphere, ocean, and land.

89. Effects of Over-utilization of Ground Water Reduced flow of surface water Lowering of water table Water logging ( saturation of the soil by groundwater) Subsidence Degradation of water quality Increased salt content Increased power costs

90. Water Calamities: Floods and Droughts

91. Floods Floods refers to the presence of unusually large amount of water at any place or more water that can be handled by the drainage of the area. The various types of floods are

92. Flash Floods (due to sudden heavy rain fall, dam failure) River floods (when rain over large the catchment area slowly, melting of snow) Co a s t al F l o o d s ( d u e t o c y c lon ic a c t i v i t y l i k e h u r r ic a n e s, tropical cyclones)

93. Drought A drought is a condition in which a region suffers from a severe scarcity in its water availability.

94. Various kinds of drought M e t e o ro l og i c a l D r o u ght (A c t u al climatological mean of that area) Hydrological Drought (Running r a i n f a l l is l e s s th a n dow n o f s u r f a c e w a t e r leading to a very low stream flow and drying of lakes, rivers. Agricultural Drought (In adequate soil moisture result in fall in agricultural productivity)

95. Water Woes: Junagarh Junagarh in Gujarat, indiscriminate consumption of ground water has caused an alarming decrease in the water table. Reasons: Person that can afford to dig a bore-well, did so without adhering to any limit regarding its depth. Motors are used to withdrawn large amount of water. Reduction of water tables by 20% in every summer. Women have to move up to 4 km in search of water. Ingress of sea water is the another problems faced by villagers, increases the salinity in ground water and soil, health issues are increased. Hardness is increased in water.

96. Energy Resources Renewable Energy Sources Renewable sources of energy or flow sources, rely on natural energy flows and sources in the environment and thus have the potential of being continually replenished. These include firewood, animal dung, solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, tidal energy, etc. Non-renewable Energy Sources Non-renewable energy sources are available in limited amount and develop over a longer period. Because of indiscriminate use they are likely to be exhausted in the near future. These include coal, mineral oil, natural gas, nuclear power , etc.

97. R en ew a bl e S o u rc e s of E n e r gy Solar Energy Wind Energy Tidal Energy Geothermal Energy Biomass Based Energy (natural vegetation, animal waster)

98. Non-Renewable Sources of Energy Coal Natural gas and oil Nuclear energy (Controversial, because use of the radioactive substance but it does not emit any green house gas or toxic gases.

99. Use of alternative source of energy Use of alternative source of energy ➢ 15 European union nations including Spain and Germany have committed that by 2020, they will generate 20% of the energy using alterative energy resources. ➢ A lte rn ati v e e n e r gy re sou r c es n o t o n ly s ave t h e n o n re ne wa b le e n e r gy resources from being used up but also it’s a green and clean technology. ➢ India has also taken several initiatives to promote the non renewable energy resources. Currently, India is in 4 th position in the world in generating wind energy. ➢ W ith t h e i n c r ea s in g p ri c e o f p e tr o l e um , alt e r n a t i ve e n er g y re sou r c e s are not optional but mandatory. ➢ India plans to manufacture biodiesel from vegetable oil. ➢ The cost of setting up a biomass plant is same as that of coal based power plant. 15 European union nations including Spain and Germany have committed that by 2020, they will generate 20% of the energy using alterative energy resources. Alternative energy resources not only save the non renewable energy resources from being used up but also it’s a green and clean technology. India has also taken several initiatives to promote the non renewable energy resources. Currently, India is in 4 th position in the world in generating wind energy. With the increasing price of petroleum, alternative energy resources are not optional but mandatory. India plans to manufacture biodiesel from vegetable oil. The cost of setting up a biomass plant is same as that of coal based power plant.

100. Limitation of alternative energy sources Alternative sources provide a ray of hope. High installation costs and require maintenance. Short in availability of material which may be used in designing and manufacturing, like as supply of silicon is short which is essential for photovoltaic cell. Lack of human capital, affect the whole energy industry worldwide. Still, the benefits are driving governments, businesses and individuals all-over the world to adopt this technology.

101. Energy Recovery Energy Recovery The concept is to get energy by burning the waste By this principle the main benefits what we can get… Longer availability of crude oil. Reduction of waste volume by upto 90%. Reduced number of coal fired power plants. Slow climate change. Waste to energy plants (which is much advanced today) extract energy from trash This plant reduces the emission of green house gases Disadvantages… 1.Proper care must be taken on choosing the trash which is to be burn. 2.Indiscriminate burning may promote air pollution and may release toxic gases. 3.Combustion of heavy metals are very harmful.

102. Urban Problems Related to Energy The energy requirement in urban areas is many times greater than that in rural areas because of the following reasons: Activities that require large amounts of energy (industries, institutions, transportation, etc.) are concentrated in urban areas. Urban people have a higher standard of living compared to rural people and hence demand more energy for comfortable living.

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