The chapter "Environment and Natural Resources - Contemporary World Politics" delves into the critical issues related to environmental degradation and resource management in the context of global politics. This chapter underscores the interconnectedness of ecological concerns and international relations, highlighting how environmental issues shape and are shaped by political dynamics.
Introduction to CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter "Environment and Natural Resources - Contemporary World Politics"
The chapter “Environment and Natural Resources – Contemporary World Politics” in CBSE Class 12 Political Science offers a comprehensive overview of the environmental challenges facing the world today and the political responses to these challenges. It starts by explaining the concept of sustainable development and the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
Key international agreements and organisations aimed at addressing environmental issues, such as the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement, and the role of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), are discussed in detail. The chapter examines how these agreements attempt to mitigate climate change, protect biodiversity, and manage natural resources sustainably.
The chapter also explores the concept of global commons, such as the atmosphere, oceans, and polar regions, which are areas beyond national jurisdiction that require cooperative management. The challenges in managing these commons and the role of international cooperation in their protection are highlighted.
Additionally, the chapter looks at the environmental policies of major global powers and their impact on international environmental governance. The role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society in advocating for environmental protection is also examined.
Assignments for CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter “Environment and Natural Resources – Contemporary World Politics”
- Case Study Analysis: Choose a recent environmental disaster and analyze the international response to it. Discuss the effectiveness of global interventions and the lessons learned.
- Research Project: Investigate the impact of climate change policies in a specific country. Evaluate both the positive outcomes and the challenges faced in implementing these policies.
- Debate Preparation: Prepare for a debate on the effectiveness of international environmental agreements like the Paris Agreement. Discuss their successes and limitations.
- Chart Creation: Create a flowchart showing the major international environmental agreements and their key objectives.
- Role Play: Conduct a mock international summit where students represent different countries and negotiate a new environmental treaty addressing climate change and resource management.
Conclusion
The chapter “Environment and Natural Resources – Contemporary World Politics” in CBSE Class 12 Political Science provides students with a nuanced understanding of the global environmental challenges and the political efforts to address them. It highlights the importance of international cooperation in managing environmental issues and the role of various stakeholders in promoting sustainable development. This knowledge equips students to better understand the complexities of environmental politics and the need for collective action in preserving our planet.
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Questions and Answers for CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter "Environment and Natural Resources - Contemporary World Politics"
Q1: What is sustainable development?
ANS: Sustainable development is the concept of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity.
Q2: What are the main objectives of the Paris Agreement?
ANS: The main objectives of the Paris Agreement are to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius, and strengthen the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change.
Q3: What role does the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) play in global environmental governance?
ANS: UNEP coordinates the United Nations’ environmental activities, assists developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies, and encourages sustainable development through sound environmental practices globally.
Q4: How do NGOs contribute to environmental protection?
ANS: NGOs contribute to environmental protection by raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, conducting research, and implementing grassroots projects to address environmental issues.
Q5: What are global commons and why are they important?
ANS: Global commons are natural resources and areas that lie outside the jurisdiction of any single country, such as the atmosphere, oceans, and polar regions. They are important because they provide critical ecosystem services and require cooperative international management to prevent over-exploitation and degradation.
Q6: What are the key features of the Kyoto Protocol?
ANS: The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty that commits its parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on the premise that global warming exists and human-made CO2 emissions have caused it. It sets binding emission reduction targets for developed countries.
Q7: How do major global powers impact international environmental governance?
ANS: Major global powers impact international environmental governance through their environmental policies, leadership in international negotiations, financial contributions to environmental initiatives, and technological innovations for sustainable development.
Q8: What are the challenges in managing the global commons?
ANS: Challenges in managing the global commons include the lack of clear ownership, the difficulty of enforcing international agreements, differing national interests, and the need for widespread cooperation and coordination among countries.
Q9: How does climate change affect international relations?
ANS: Climate change affects international relations by increasing competition for resources, causing environmental migration, and necessitating international cooperation to address global warming and its impacts.
Q10: What is the significance of the Paris Agreement in combating climate change?
ANS: The Paris Agreement is significant because it brings together all nations to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change, adapt to its effects, and provide financial support to developing countries for climate actions.
