Unit-5
Human Communities and
the Environment
Population: It is defined as a group of individuals
of the same species living in the same area in a
given time.
Parameters affecting population size :
1. Birth rate or Natality : It is the no. of birth per 1000 people in a
population in a given year.
2. Death rate: It is the no. Of deaths per 1000 people in a population in a
given year.
3. Immigration: It denotes the arrival of individual from neighboring
population.
4. Emigration: It denotes the dispersal of individuals from the original
population to new areas.
Population Growth:
The rapid growth of the global’s population for the past 100 years results from the
difference between the rate of birth and death.
In 1800 the global population was about 1 billion people. It took 130 years (1930) to
reach 2 billion. But the population reached to 4 billion within 45 years (1975).
Now we have already crossed 7 Billion and may have to reach about 10 billion by 2050
as per the World Bank calculations.
Causes of Rapid population growth
It is due to the decrease in death rate and increase in birth rate.
Availability of antibiotics, immunization, increased food production,
clean water, air etc decreases the famine related deaths and infant
mortality.
In agricultural based countries the children's are required to help their
parents in the field.
Decrease in death rate, maternal mortality rate (MMR) and infant
mortality rate (IMR) as well as increase in longevity which are two
primary factors for the increase in human population.
The increase in birth rate has not led to the increase in population.
Environmental impacts of human
population growth
Increased demand for resources: As the population grows, so does the
demand for food, water, energy, and other resources. This can lead to
deforestation, overfishing, and other environmental problems.
Pollution: Human activity produces pollution, which can contaminate the air,
water, and soil. This can have harmful effects on human health and the
environment.
Climate change: Human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, are
contributing to climate change. Climate change can lead to extreme weather
events, such as droughts, floods, and storms. These events can have a
devastating impact on human life and property.
Human health impacts of human
population growth
Spread of diseases: Infectious diseases can spread more easily in crowded
populations. This can lead to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, malaria, and
tuberculosis.
Malnutrition: When the population grows faster than the food supply, it can
lead to malnutrition and hunger. Malnutrition can stunt children's growth and
development and lead to other health problems.
Poor sanitation: In crowded areas, it can be difficult to maintain adequate
sanitation. This can lead to the spread of diseases and other health problems.
Social impacts of human
population growth
Poverty: Population growth can exacerbate poverty. When there are too many
people competing for limited resources, it can be difficult for everyone to meet
their basic needs.
Conflict: Population growth can lead to conflict over resources and land. This
can lead to violence and instability.
Migration: Population growth in some parts of the world is leading to migration
to other parts of the world. This can put a strain on resources and services in the
receiving countries.
Resettlement and rehabilitation
People are forced to move out of their land due to both natural and man made
disasters.
Natural disasters like earthquakes, cyclones, tsunami etc. render thousands of people
homeless and sometime even force them to move and resettle in other areas.
Similarly, developmental projects like construction of roads, dams, canals and flyovers
displace people form their home. o Recent nuclear leakage in Japan due to which
millions of people were forced to leave the area for their safety.
Thus, resettlement refer to the process of settling again in a new area. Rehabilitation
means restoration to the former state.
Resettlement and Rehabilitation issues
• Construction of Mega dams
• Mining Projects
• Starting of Big Industries
• Rehabilitation
• Agri lands to Housing
Disaster Management
A disaster can be defined as“A serious disruption in the functioning of
the community or a society causing wide spread material, economic,
social or environmental losses which exceed the ability of the
affected society to cope using its own resources”.
A disaster is a result from the combination of hazard, vulnerability
and insufficient capacity or measures to reduce the potential chances
of risk.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are one of the most destructive natural hazards. They
can cause widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure, and
can lead to loss of life and injuries.
Floods
Floods are another major natural hazard. They can be caused by
heavy rainfall, storm surges, or the melting of snow and ice. Floods
can damage property, infrastructure, and crops, and can lead to loss
of life and injuries.
Droughts
Droughts are periods of prolonged dry weather. They can cause crop
failures, water shortages, and wildfires. Droughts can also lead to
economic hardship and social unrest.
Cyclones
Cyclones are tropical storms with strong winds and heavy rainfall.
They can cause widespread damage to property and infrastructure,
and can lead to loss of life and injuries.
Landslides
Landslides are the movement of rock, soil, and debris down a slope.
They can be triggered by earthquakes, heavy rainfall, or other
factors. Landslides can damage property and infrastructure, and can
lead to loss of life and injuries.
Disaster Management Strategies
There are a number of strategies that can be used to reduce the risk and impact of
disasters. These include:
Structural mitigation: Building dams, levees, and other structures to protect
communities from flooding.
Non-structural mitigation: Raising awareness of disaster risks and developing
evacuation plans.
Early warning systems: Developing systems to warn people of impending
disasters.
Disaster insurance: Purchasing insurance to protect against financial losses caused
by disasters.
Environmental Movements;
Chipko,
Silent Valley,
Vishnoi’s of Rajasthan
The Chipko, Silent Valley, and Bishnoi movements are three of the most well-
known environmental movements in India. These movements played a significant
role in raising awareness of environmental issues and influencing government
policy.
Chipko Movement
The Chipko Movement was a forest conservation movement that emerged in the
early 1970s in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The movement was led
by local villagers who hugged trees to prevent them from being felled by logging
contractors. The Chipko Movement was successful in saving thousands of trees and
raising awareness of the importance of forest conservation. The movement also
inspired other environmental movements around the world.
Sunderlal Bahuguna
Chandi Prasad Bhatt
Shrimati Gaura Devi
The right livelihood award
Silent Valley Movement
The Silent Valley Movement was a popular environmental movement in India that
began in the early 1970s to protect the Silent Valley forest in Kerala. The movement
was successful in preventing the construction of a hydroelectric dam in the forest,
which would have flooded the valley and displaced thousands of people and wildlife.
The Silent Valley Movement was a landmark victory for the environmental movement
in India. It showed that ordinary people could come together to protect the
environment from powerful interests.
Kuntipuza river
Bishnoi Movement
The Bishnoi Movement is a religious and environmental movement that
originated in the 15th century in Rajasthan. The Bishnoi people have a
deep respect for nature and believe in protecting all living things. In the
1700s, the Bishnoi people sacrificed their lives to protect khejri trees from
being felled by the king's soldiers. The Bishnoi Movement is a powerful
example of people's commitment to protecting the environment.
Abhay
Singh raja
Amrita devi
Bishnoi family
Daughter
363 people
Dead.
Environmental Ethics
Environmental ethics is a branch of philosophy that examines the ethical
relationships between humans and the natural world. It explores questions
about how we should treat the environment, other species, and
ecosystems. Different regions and cultures around the world have their
own environmental ethics, and they play significant roles in environmental
conservation.
Role of Indian Culture in Environmental Conservation
