Introduction

Class 12 Political Science Chapter 8 Notes explain the importance of the environment and natural resources in global politics. The term environment means the surroundings that include plants, animals, and natural elements that support life. Natural resources are the materials humans obtain from nature for survival, growth, and progress. Since ancient times, humans have depended on nature to fulfill their needs. These notes highlight the challenges of environmental degradation and global efforts to protect the planet.

Meaning of Environment and Natural Resources

The word Environment comes from the combination of Pari (around) and Avaran (to cover), meaning that which covers all living beings.
Natural resources are the materials obtained from nature that humans use for survival and development. Human existence and progress depend on these resources.

Factors Responsible for Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution has become a serious global issue due to several reasons:

• Rapid population growth

• Deforestation

• Overuse of natural resources

• Industrial expansion

• Excessive use of transport

• Political negligence toward environmental concerns

• Depletion of the ozone layer

• Global warming

• Lack of agricultural land and clean water

• Limited resources and increasing pollution

These problems threaten human survival and ecological balance.

Measures to Protect the Environment

To reduce pollution and promote a sustainable future, several measures are essential:

• Control population growth

• Conserve forests

• Use eco-friendly technology

• Utilize natural resources responsibly

• Promote public transport

• Launch awareness programs

• Strengthen international cooperation

The Book – “Limits to Growth” (1972)

A group of scholars known as the Club of Rome published the book “Limits to Growth” in 1972. The book warned that as the world’s population increases, natural resources are decreasing. It highlighted the urgent need for global environmental action.

UNEP and the Earth Summit (1992)

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established to coordinate environmental activities worldwide.
In 1992, the Earth Summit (Rio Summit) was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, focusing on environment and development. Over 170 countries, thousands of NGOs, and several multinational companies participated.

Key Features of the Rio Summit

• Environmental concerns entered mainstream global politics.

• Developed (Northern) and developing (Southern) countries followed different environmental agendas.

• Developed countries prioritized ozone depletion and global warming, while developing countries focused on balancing economic growth with environmental protection.

• The Summit proposed the idea of sustainable development — growth that does not harm the environment.

• It also introduced Agenda 21, a plan for global environmental protection.

Agenda 21

Agenda 21 suggested that development should not damage the environment. However, critics argued that it emphasized development more than environmental protection.

Report – “Our Common Future” (1987)

The report “Our Common Future” warned that the existing models of economic development were unsustainable and could harm future generations if not changed.

Developed vs Developing Countries’ Views

Developed countries believe that all nations should share equal responsibility for environmental protection.
Developing countries, however, argue that most ecological damage was caused by industrialized nations. Since developing countries are still progressing, they should not face the same restrictions as developed nations.

Common Property Resources

Common property refers to resources shared by an entire community, such as wells, rivers, or grazing lands. Globally, it includes Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and outer space.

Some important agreements on common property resources are:

• Antarctica Treaty (1959)

• Montreal Protocol (1987)

• Antarctica Environmental Protocol (1991)

Global Warming

A thin layer of ozone gas in the atmosphere protects life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet rays. The depletion of this layer allows more UV radiation to reach Earth, raising global temperatures and melting glaciers. Rising sea levels threaten coastal regions. Gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrofluorocarbons are major causes of global warming.

Common but Differentiated Responsibilities

Developed and developing countries have different levels of responsibility in protecting global resources.
Developed nations are primarily responsible for pollution due to past industrialization. Therefore, they should bear a larger share of environmental responsibilities compared to developing countries still undergoing economic growth.

The Kyoto Protocol (1997)

The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Japan in 1997 to address climate change.
It built upon the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
India signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2002.
Developing countries like India and China were exempted from emission reduction targets since their historical contribution to pollution was minimal.

India’s Contribution to Environmental Protection

India has played a significant role in promoting environmental sustainability:

• Signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2002

• Supported emission reduction in G-8 meetings (2005)

• Promoted clean fuels under the National Auto Fuel Policy

• Passed the Energy Conservation Act (2001) and Electricity Act (2003) to promote renewable energy

• Launched a National Biodiesel Mission

• Formed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2010

• Signed the Paris Agreement (2016)

• Aims to reduce emission intensity by 33–35% by 2030

• Targets increasing forest cover and carbon sinks through COP–23 commitments

Environmental Movements

Many environmental activists and organizations have launched movements to protect nature, such as:

• Forest protection movements in Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia, Africa, and India

• Campaigns against mining industries in Australia

• Protests against large dams in countries like Thailand, China, and India — notably the Narmada Bachao Andolan

Geopolitics of Resources

Global power and politics are deeply linked to control over resources.

• Timber: Western nations exploited forests for shipbuilding and trade.

• Oil: After World War II, oil-rich countries became strategically significant.

• Water: Conflicts emerged over water distribution — e.g., Jordan River disputes between Israel, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

Indigenous Peoples and Their Rights

According to the UN (1982), indigenous people are those who have lived in a region long before modern states formed.
In India, they are known as Adivasis or Scheduled Tribes, forming about 8% of the population.
Most depend on agriculture and traditional practices.

The World Council of Indigenous Peoples was established in 1975 to protect their rights. Indigenous groups demand recognition of their cultural identity and protection against displacement due to development projects.

Conclusion

Class 12 Political Science Chapter 8 Notes on Environment and Natural Resources emphasize that development and environmental protection must go hand in hand. Sustainable development ensures progress without harming the planet. International cooperation and responsible national policies are the only ways to safeguard Earth’s natural wealth for future generations.

Conclusion

Class 12 Political Science Chapter 8 Notes highlight the importance of global cooperation for peace and development. International organizations like the UN play a key role in ensuring harmony and security across nations. Understanding these concepts helps students appreciate the need for unity in solving global challenges.

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