1.
What are the four principle biological systems of the world and
how does their collapse impact the economy
In "The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement's Role" by Nani Palkhivala, the author
highlights four principal biological systems that form the foundation of the Earth's natural
environment and play a critical role in sustaining the economy. These four systems are
fisheries, forests, grasslands, and croplands. Each system supports different forms of life
and provides essential resources that fuel both natural ecosystems and human
economies.
1. Fisheries: Fisheries supply food for millions of people and are vital for the livelihoods
of many coastal communities. Fish serve as a primary protein source, especially in
developing countries, and are an integral part of food security worldwide. They are
crucial to economic activity, supporting fishing industries and employment for people
engaged in fishing, processing, and distribution.
2. Forests: Forests are sometimes referred to as the "lungs of the planet" because they
produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, helping to regulate the Earth's climate. They
are also home to diverse flora and fauna, supporting biodiversity and offering resources
such as timber, fuel, and medicinal plants. Forests are crucial for maintaining soil health,
preventing erosion, and supporting local and global economies through various forest-
based industries.
3. Grasslands: Grasslands provide grazing areas for livestock, which supports meat,
dairy, and leather industries, forming the basis of livelihoods for numerous rural
communities. They also help maintain soil fertility and prevent desertification, supporting
agricultural productivity and, by extension, food security.
4. Croplands: Croplands are essential for growing food crops, which directly sustain
human populations. They support the agriculture industry, which provides employment
and sustenance worldwide. Croplands supply staples like rice, wheat, and corn, ensuring
food availability and contributing significantly to economies dependent on agriculture.
How These Systems Sustain the Economy
These four biological systems provide resources essential for survival and economic
stability. They are intertwined with industries like agriculture, fishing, logging, and
livestock, forming the backbone of many national economies. By supplying food, raw
materials, and resources, these systems enable economic growth, sustain livelihoods,
and contribute to global food security. Healthy ecosystems ensure stable climate
conditions, soil fertility, and water quality, which are indispensable for economic
development.
Why They Are Under Threat
Palkhivala warns that these biological systems are under severe threat due to human
activities such as deforestation, overfishing, pollution, and industrial agriculture.
Unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, rapid urbanization, and population
growth have led to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and depletion of resources.
For example:
Overfishing has led to declining fish stocks and endangered species in the
oceans.
Deforestation for agriculture, urban expansion, and logging has resulted in
shrinking forest cover and loss of biodiversity.
Overgrazing and land conversion in grasslands have led to soil erosion and
desertification.
Intensive farming on croplands has caused soil degradation and overuse of water
resources, reducing productivity.
Each of these threats exacerbates environmental degradation, leading to the collapse of
ecosystems that are vital for sustaining human life and economies.
Potential Impact of Their Collapse
The collapse of these biological systems would have catastrophic consequences for the
world. If fisheries collapse, millions of people would lose their primary protein source,
leading to food insecurity and unemployment in coastal regions. The loss of forests
would accelerate climate change, disrupt weather patterns, and reduce biodiversity,
impacting industries dependent on forest resources. The degradation of grasslands
would threaten livestock-based economies, reducing food production and livelihoods for
pastoral communities. Finally, the collapse of croplands would drastically reduce food
availability, leading to global hunger, inflation, and economic instability.
In conclusion, Palkhivala emphasizes that the fate of these biological systems is
inextricably linked to human well-being and economic survival. Protecting and sustaining
these ecosystems is not just an environmental responsibility but an economic necessity.
Failure to do so could result in irreversible damage to our planet and jeopardize future
generations’ ability to thrive. Palkhivala’s call to action is a reminder that we must adopt
sustainable practices and policies to protect these systems and secure a healthier, more
sustainable future.
Short Answer Questions
1. What is the significance of the Green Movement mentioned in
the essay?
Answer: The Green Movement, which began in 1972, marked a shift in human
perspective towards environmental protection. It emphasized the need to respect and
preserve nature, viewing Earth as a living organism in need of care.
2. What does the term "sustainable development" mean,
according to the essay?
Answer: Sustainable development refers to development that meets the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
It emphasizes harmony between economic progress and ecological balance.
3. Why does the author call Earth an "ailing planet"?
Answer: The author calls Earth an "ailing planet" because human exploitation and
degradation have severely damaged the environment, leading to issues such as
deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and pollution. Earth is suffering due to the
unsustainable demands placed on it.
4. What role does Palkhivala assign to industries in
environmental protection?
Answer: Palkhivala emphasizes that industries have a responsibility to adopt eco-friendly
practices and should aim to reduce their environmental impact by minimizing pollution
and using resources sustainably.
5. What does the author mean by "biological systems are
breaking down"?
Answer: By saying that biological systems are breaking down, the author refers to the
depletion and disruption of natural ecosystems and biodiversity, which are essential for
maintaining environmental balance.
Reference-to-Context (RTC) Questions
1. “The concept of sustainable development was popularized by
the World Commission on Environment and Development in
1987.” Who chaired the World Commission on Environment and
Development?
Answer: Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway, chaired the World
Commission on Environment and Development.
What is the essence of sustainable development, according to this commission?
Answer: The essence of sustainable development is to fulfill present needs without
compromising the future generation's ability to meet their needs, emphasizing
environmental balance with economic growth.
2. “We are losing our trees and forests at an alarming rate.”
Why is the loss of forests a significant concern in the essay?
Answer: Forests play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by providing oxygen,
supporting biodiversity, and regulating climate. Their destruction leads to loss of
biodiversity, soil erosion, and worsens climate change.
How does deforestation contribute to the "ailing" state of our planet?
Answer: Deforestation removes vital ecosystems, releases carbon into the atmosphere,
and disrupts the water cycle, contributing to environmental degradation and climate
instability.
3. “Man is the most dangerous animal on the planet.”
What does the author mean by this statement?
Answer: The author means that humans, due to their actions like deforestation, pollution,
and exploitation of resources, have caused significant harm to the Earth, threatening
other species and ecosystems.
4. How does this statement reflect the central theme of the
essay?
Answer: This statement highlights the destructive impact humans have on the
environment, reinforcing the theme of humanity's responsibility to reverse ecological
damage and promote sustainable living.
1. Discuss how Palkhivala portrays the state of our planet and
the role of human beings in environmental degradation and
protection.
Answer: In "The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement's Role," Nani Palkhivala portrays
Earth as an “ailing” entity due to the unsustainable practices of humanity. He explains
that human beings have exploited nature for economic gains, leading to deforestation,
pollution, and depletion of resources. Palkhivala underscores that biological systems,
crucial for maintaining the planet’s health, are breaking down as a direct result of human
greed and negligence. He emphasizes the need for sustainable development, which
balances economic growth with environmental conservation, to protect the Earth for
future generations. The essay urges readers to consider themselves as trustees of the
planet, highlighting that a harmonious relationship between humans and nature is
essential for survival. Through his thought-provoking language, Palkhivala calls for
collective action to restore and preserve Earth, emphasizing the importance of the Green
Movement in changing perceptions about environmental protection and stewardship.
