A case study is a comprehensive and in-depth examination of a particular subject, often within its real-life context. It serves as a methodological tool to explore, analyze, and understand complex issues or phenomena, ranging from individual experiences to organizational challenges. Typically employed in various academic disciplines, business settings, and scientific research, a case study involves an extensive investigation that aims to provide a detailed account of the subject under scrutiny. By delving into the intricate details of a specific case, researchers can uncover valuable insights, draw conclusions, and offer practical solutions. This method offers a holistic approach, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing the subject, making it an invaluable tool for gaining knowledge and informing decision-making processes.
Q9. Now-a-days, there is an increasing thrust on economic development all around the globe. At the same time, there is also an increasing concern about environmental degradation caused by development. Many a time, we face a direct conflict between developmental activity and environmental quality. It is neither feasible to stop or curtail the development process, nor it is advisable to keep degrading the environment, as it threatens our very survival.
Discuss some possible strategies which could be adopted to eliminate this conflict and which could lead to sustainable development. (250 Words, 20 Marks)
Tags: Case Studies
Answer:
Case Summary:
Direct conflict between developmental activities and environmental quality can be seen frequently. Economic development is important for human well-being but should not be at the cost of environmental degradation.
Stakeholders Involved in the case: Human beings and society at large.
Environment v. Development is a decades-long debate which has thrown up no clear answer. Mankind is destined to do a balancing act between the two. While development is important for the economic well-being of humans, the environment is crucial to ensure the quality of life in the present and for survival of mankind in the future. The only solution is sustainable development that straddles a middle path that emphasizes on development while protecting the environment.
Some possible strategies to tackle this conflict:
- We should not adopt an approach, favouring exclusively the environment or development. Sustainable development aims at balancing the two.
- Environmental concerns should be built into policies.
- We must try to reduce our carbon footprint. Need to work on a low carbon growth strategy, especially in energy and related sectors, reduces environmental damage.
- The use of more clean technologies which will promote economic growth and cause less pollution.
- While developing projects for economic benefits, their impacts on the environment have to be minimized.
- By conserving ecologically fragile areas such as the Himalayas and Western Ghats, we can preserve the environment, speed up growth and protect the livelihoods of the poor.
- Conservation strategies have to cover lakes, water bodies, rivers, mangroves and coastal areas.
- It is essential to conserve the biodiversity of the nation. Unless the extensive and rich gene pool of crops and biota is safeguarded, our food security will be endangered. Such biodiversity is best conserved in biospheres and other protected areas. To minimize the adverse effect of projects, they are environmentally assessed, and suitable safeguards are built-in.
- Projects can be located in areas where they will have least harmful effects.
- Children have to imbibe lessons about the need to conserve the environment. Then it will get into the mindset of future generations.
- In order to predict environmental impacts of any development activity and to provide an opportunity to mitigate against negative impacts and enhance positive impacts, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure can be taken which is a formal process to predict the environmental consequences of human development activities and to plan appropriate measures to eliminate or reduce adverse effects and to augment positive effects
Some ecologists argue developmental activity invariably leads to environmental damage where others argue that developmental activity can be consistent with a stable environment and even improvement in the environmental impact. However, to comply with the Sustainable Development Goal and to achieve a better place to live, development activities should be carried out in a way that does not lead to any environmental consequences.
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