BBA Sem-1 Subject Code: BB01001061 FUNDAMENTALS of ESG for Sustainability

Unit 1
Introduction to Ecosystems:
 Meaning & Definition of Ecology,
 Scope & Importance,
 Evolution of Sustainable Development,
 Concepts of Ecosystem
Environmental Issues
 Meaning & Definition of Pollution,
 Environment and Pollutants,
 Causes and Effects of different types of Pollutants on Ecosystem,
 Greenhouse Effect,
 Global Warming and Climate Change
Sustainability of Business Enterprise
 Sustainability and its Background,
 Business Strategies of Sustainable Development,
 Concept of Green Business,
 Green Ranking and Carbon Credit,
 Environmental Reporting Standards & Certifications

Introduction to Ecosystems:

What is Ecology?
 Ecology is a branch of science, including human science, population, community,
ecosystem and biosphere.
 Ecology is the study of organisms, the environment and how the organisms interact
with each other and their environment.
 It is studied at various levels, such as organism, population, community, biosphere
and ecosystem.
 An ecologist’s primary goal is to improve their understanding of life
processes, adaptations and habitats, interactions and biodiversity of organisms.

The different types of ecology are given below:

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1. Global Ecology
 It deals with interactions among earth’s ecosystems, land, atmosphere and oceans.
 It helps to understand the large-scale interactions and their influence on the planet.

2. Landscape Ecology
 It deals with the exchange of energy, materials, organisms and other products of
ecosystems.
 Landscape ecology throws light on the role of human impacts on the landscape
structures and functions.

3. Ecosystem Ecology
 It deals with the entire ecosystem, including the study of living and non-living
components and their relationship with the environment.
 This science researches how ecosystems work, their interactions, etc.

4. Community Ecology
 It deals with how community structure is modified by interactions among living
organisms.
 Ecology community is made up of two or more populations of different species living
in a particular geographic area.

5. Population Ecology
 Population ecology examines the population distribution and density.
 Population density is the number of individuals in a given volume or area.
 This helps in determining whether a particular species is in endanger or its number is
to be controlled and resources to be replenished.

6. Molecular Ecology
 The study of ecology focuses on the production of proteins and how these proteins
affect the organisms and their environment.
 This happens at the molecular level.
 DNA forms the proteins that interact with each other and the environment.
 These interactions give rise to some complex organisms.

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Importance of Ecology

The following reasons explain the importance of ecology:

1. Conservation of Environment
 Ecology helps us to understand how our actions affect the environment.
 It shows the individuals the extent of damage we cause to the environment.
 Lack of understanding of ecology has led to the degradation of land and the
environment.
 It has also led to the extinction and endangerment of certain species. For eg.,
dinosaurs, white shark, mammoths, etc.
 Thus, the study of the environment and organisms helps us to protect them from any
damage and danger.

2. Resource Allocation
 With the knowledge of ecology, we are able to know which resources are necessary
for the survival of different organisms. Lack of ecological knowledge has led to
scarcity and deprivation of these resources, leading to competition.

3. Energy Conservation
 All organisms require energy for their growth and development.
 Lack of ecological understanding leads to the over-exploitation of energy resources
such as light, nutrition and radiation, leading to its depletion.
 Proper knowledge of ecological requirements prevents the unnecessary wastage of
energy resources, thereby, conserving energy for future purposes.

4. Eco-Friendliness
 Ecology encourages harmonious living within the species and the adoption of a
lifestyle that protects the ecology of life.

5. Biodiversity Conservation:
 Ecology provides the knowledge needed to understand, protect, and manage
biodiversity, including endangered species and their habitats.

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6. Resource Management:
 It guides the sustainable use of natural resources like forests, water, and fisheries,
ensuring their long-term availability.

7. Agriculture and Forestry:

 Ecology helps in improving agricultural practices, promoting biodiversity in farms,
and managing forests sustainably.

8. Disease and Pest Control:

 Understanding ecological principles is crucial for developing effective and sustainable
strategies for disease and pest management.

9. Environmental Protection:
 Ecology highlights the impact of human activities on the environment and informs
efforts to mitigate pollution and environmental degradation.

10. Human Well-being:

 Ecology plays a vital role in ensuring clean air and water, food security, and human
health by providing insights into the interconnectedness of humans and nature.

11. Informing Policy and Decision-Making:

 Ecological knowledge is essential for developing informed policies related to
environmental protection, resource management, and sustainable development.

Examples of Ecology
Following are a few examples of ecology:

1. Human Ecology
 It focuses on the relationship between humans and the environment.
 It emphasizes the impact human beings have on the environment and gives knowledge
on how we can improve ourselves for the betterment of humans and the environment.

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2. Niche Construction
 It deals with the study of how organisms alter the environment for the benefit of
themselves and other living beings.
 For e.g., termites create a 6 feet tall mound and at the same time feed and protect their
entire population.

3. Urban Ecology:
 Studying ecological processes in urban settings helps in designing cities that support
both human well-being and biodiversity.

4. Restoration Ecology:
 This involves restoring degraded ecosystems to their natural state, such as
reforestation projects or wetland rehabilitation.

Evolution of Sustainable Development

The 1970s: Environmentalism and the birth of sustainable development

 The 1970s were a transformative decade for the concept of sustainable development.
 It was during this period that the global conversation around environmental
sustainability really took off.
 The United Nations held its first major environmental conference in Stockholm in
1972, which led to the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP).
 This marked a significant step towards global environmental cooperation.
 The Stockholm Conference also introduced the concept of “environmental
sustainability,” emphasizing the need for global action to protect the environment
while pursuing economic development.
 The landmark Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development,
also known as the Brundtland Report, published in 1987, further solidified the notion
of sustainable development.
 The Brundtland Report defined sustainable development as development that “meets
the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.”

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 This concept of intergenerational equity—ensuring that future generations have the

same opportunities as the present generation—was a crucial turning point in
rethinking development.
 The Brundtland Report highlighted that economic growth, environmental protection,
and social equity could no longer be treated as separate issues but must be integrated
into a unified approach to development

The 1992 Earth Summit and the global framework for sustainable development
 The idea of sustainable development gained even more momentum in the 1990s, with
the convening of the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.
 The Earth Summit, officially known as the United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development (UNCED), brought together world leaders,
environmental organizations, and business representatives to discuss global
environmental and development challenges.
 The Rio Declaration, which emerged from the summit, outlined 27 principles for
sustainable development, including the need to integrate environmental, social, and
economic considerations into development policies and strategies.
 One of the key outcomes of the Earth Summit was the establishment of Agenda 21, a
comprehensive plan for sustainable development that emphasized the importance of
local and global action, particularly in the areas of poverty reduction, environmental
protection, and social equity.
 Agenda 21 set the stage for a new era of international cooperation focused on
sustainable development, marking a shift from isolated environmental efforts to a
broader, integrated approach to tackling global challenges.

The 21st Century: Sustainable Development in Practice

 As we moved into the 21st century, the concept of sustainable development became
more widely accepted and integrated into policy frameworks at both national and
international levels.
 The 2000s saw the introduction of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a set
of eight global objectives aimed at addressing issues like poverty, hunger, gender
equality, and environmental sustainability.

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 While the MDGs were an important step in recognizing the interconnectedness of

development challenges, they were often criticized for focusing too heavily on
economic indicators without fully addressing environmental issues.
 The adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 marked a more
comprehensive and holistic approach to sustainable development.
 The SDGs, which include 17 goals and 169 targets, emphasize the importance of
balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social equity. They
cover a broad range of issues, from climate change and biodiversity loss to poverty
reduction and quality education.
 Unlike the MDGs, the SDGs are universally applicable and aim to address the root
causes of poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation in a more integrated
manner.

Key Principles of Sustainable Development

The historical evolution of sustainable development has led to the establishment of several
key principles that guide modern development strategies:
1. Intergenerational equity: Ensuring that the needs of future generations are not
compromised by the actions of the present generation.
2. Integration of environmental, economic, and social dimensions: Recognizing that
development should not focus solely on economic growth but must also account for
environmental sustainability and social equity.
3. Global cooperation: Acknowledging that sustainable development requires
collective action at local, national, and international levels.
4. Participation and empowerment: Encouraging the involvement of communities,
stakeholders, and marginalized groups in decision-making processes.
5. Precautionary principle: Taking preventive measures to avoid environmental
damage, even when scientific evidence is incomplete.

What is an Ecosystem?
 Definition: An ecosystem is a structural and functional unit of ecology where the
living organisms interact with each other and the surrounding environment.

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 In other words, an ecosystem is a chain of interactions between organisms and their

environment.
Structure of the Ecosystem
 The structure of an ecosystem is characterised by the organisation of both biotic and
abiotic components.
 This includes the distribution of energy in our environment.
 It also includes the climatic conditions prevailing in that particular environment.
 The structure of an ecosystem can be split into two main components, namely:
1. Biotic Components
2. Abiotic Components
 The biotic and abiotic components are interrelated in an ecosystem.
 It is an open system where the energy and components can flow throughout the
boundaries.

1. Biotic Components
 Biotic components refer to all living components in an ecosystem.
 Based on nutrition, biotic components can be categorised into producers, consumers
and decomposers.
1. Producers:
 It includes all autotrophs such as plants.
 They are called autotrophs as they can produce food through the process of
photosynthesis.

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 Consequently, all other organisms higher up on the food chain rely on producers for
food.
2. Consumers:
 Consumers are organisms that depend on other organisms for food.
 Consumers are further classified into primary consumers, secondary consumers and
tertiary consumers.
 Primary consumers are always herbivores as they rely on producers for food.
 Secondary consumers depend on primary consumers for energy.
 They can either be carnivores or omnivores.
 Tertiary consumers are organisms that depend on secondary consumers for food.
 Tertiary consumers can also be carnivores or omnivores.
 Quaternary consumers are present in some food chains. These organisms’ prey on
tertiary consumers for energy.
 Furthermore, they are usually at the top of a food chain as they have no natural
predators.
3. Decomposers
 It includes saprophytes such as fungi and bacteria.
 They directly thrive on the dead and decaying organic matter.
 Decomposers are essential for the ecosystem as they help in recycling nutrients to be
reused by plants.

2. Abiotic Components
 Abiotic components are the non-living component of an ecosystem.
 It includes air, water, soil, minerals, sunlight, temperature, nutrients, wind, altitude,
turbidity, etc.

Functions of Ecosystem
The functions of the ecosystem are as follows:
1. It regulates the essential ecological processes, supports life systems and renders
stability.
2. It is also responsible for the cycling of nutrients between biotic and abiotic
components.
3. It maintains a balance among the various trophic levels in the ecosystem.

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4. It cycles the minerals through the biosphere.

5. The abiotic components help in the synthesis of organic components that involve the
exchange of energy.
So, the functional units of an ecosystem or functional components that work together in
an ecosystem are:
 Productivity – It refers to the rate of biomass production.
 Energy flow – It is the sequential process through which energy flows from one
trophic level to another.
 The energy captured from the sun flows from producers to consumers and then to
decomposers and finally back to the environment.
 Decomposition – It is the process of breakdown of dead organic material.
 The top-soil is the major site for decomposition.
 Nutrient cycling – In an ecosystem nutrients are consumed and recycled back in
various forms for the utilisation by various organisms.

Types of Ecosystems
An ecosystem can be as small as an oasis in a desert, or as big as an ocean, spanning
thousands of miles.
There are two types of ecosystems:
 Terrestrial Ecosystem
 Aquatic Ecosystem

A. Terrestrial Ecosystem
 Terrestrial ecosystems are exclusively land-based ecosystems.
 There are different types of terrestrial ecosystems distributed around various
geological zones.
 They are as follows:
1. Forest Ecosystem
2. Grassland Ecosystem
3. Tundra Ecosystem
4. Desert Ecosystem
1) Forest Ecosystem

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 A forest ecosystem consists of several plants, particularly trees, animals and

microorganisms that live in coordination with the abiotic factors of the environment.
 Forests help in maintaining the temperature of the earth and are the major carbon sink.

2) Grassland Ecosystem
 In a grassland ecosystem, the vegetation is dominated by grasses and herbs.
 Temperate grasslands and tropical or savanna grasslands are examples of grassland
ecosystems.

3) Tundra Ecosystem
 Tundra ecosystems are devoid of trees and are found in cold climates or where rainfall
is scarce.
 These are covered with snow for most of the year.
 Tundra type of ecosystem is found in the Arctic or mountain tops.

4) Desert Ecosystem
 Deserts are found throughout the world.
 These are regions with little rainfall and scarce vegetation.
 The days are hot, and the nights are cold.

B. Aquatic Ecosystem
 Aquatic ecosystems are ecosystems present in a body of water. These can be further
divided into two types, namely:
1. Freshwater Ecosystem
2. Marine Ecosystem

a) Freshwater Ecosystem
 The freshwater ecosystem is an aquatic ecosystem that includes lakes, ponds, rivers,
streams and wetlands.
 These have no salt content in contrast with the marine ecosystem.

b) Marine Ecosystem

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 The marine ecosystem includes seas and oceans.

 These have a more substantial salt content and greater biodiversity in comparison to
the freshwater ecosystem.

Important Ecological Concepts

1) Food Chain
 The sun is the ultimate source of energy on earth.
 It provides the energy required for all plant life.
 The plants utilise this energy for the process of photosynthesis, which is used to
synthesise their food.
 During this biological process, light energy is converted into chemical energy and is
passed on through successive trophic levels.
 The flow of energy from a producer, to a consumer and eventually, to an apex
predator or a detritivore is called the food chain.
 Dead and decaying matter, along with organic debris, is broken down into its
constituents by scavengers.
 The reducers then absorb these constituents.
 After gaining the energy, the reducers liberate molecules to the environment, which
can be utilised again by the producers.

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2) Ecological Pyramids
 An ecological pyramid is the graphical representation of the number, energy, and
biomass of the successive trophic levels of an ecosystem.
 Charles Elton was the first ecologist to describe the ecological pyramid and its
principals in 1927.
 The biomass, number, and energy of organisms ranging from the producer level to the
consumer level are represented in the form of a pyramid; hence, it is known as the
ecological pyramid.
 The base of the ecological pyramid comprises the producers, followed by primary and
secondary consumers.
 The tertiary consumers hold the apex. In some food chains, the quaternary consumers
are at the very apex of the food chain.
 The producers generally outnumber the primary consumers and similarly, the primary
consumers outnumber the secondary consumers.

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 And lastly, apex predators also follow the same trend as the other consumers;
wherein, their numbers are considerably lower than the secondary consumers.
 For example, Grasshoppers feed on crops such as cotton and wheat, which are
plentiful.
 These grasshoppers are then preyed upon by common mouse, which are
comparatively less in number.
 The mice are preyed upon by snakes such as cobras.
 Snakes are ultimately preyed on by apex predators such as the brown snake eagle.
 In essence:

Grasshopper →Mouse→ Cobra → Brown Snake Eagle

3) Food Web
 Food web is a network of interconnected food chains.
 It comprises all the food chains within a single ecosystem.
 It helps in understanding that plants lay the foundation of all the food chains.
 In a marine environment, phytoplankton forms the primary producer.

Meaning & Definition of Pollution

 The word pollution comes from the Latin ‘polluere’ that simply means contamination.
 Hence, in layman terms, pollution is something that contaminates the environment.
 Definition: The presence of harmful substances in the air, land, and water, which can
have an adverse effect on living beings and on the environment is pollution.
 Referring to harmful gases, fluid or other pernicious matter that are released or
introduced in the natural environment.
 It is also toxic material that makes the soil and air impure, pollutants, contaminants, or
hazardous substances that makes the environment unsuitable or unsafe.
 Pollution is also consequential after effect of activities which upsets the biodiversity
of the ecosystem.
 It also poses a threat to the sustainability of the environment.

The Different Types of Pollution

 Air Pollution:

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 It is the contamination of the natural air by mixing it with different pollutants such as
harmful fumes and chemicals.
 This type of contamination can be caused by burning material or by gases emitted by
vehicles or harmful fumes emitted as a by-product of industries.
 Global warming is one of the biggest side effects of air pollution as per the experts.

 Water Pollution:
 It is the contamination of the water on the planet Earth.
 It includes water contamination by pollutants such as bacterial, chemical, and
particulate that reduces the purity of the water.
 Oil seepage, as well as littering is one of the most common forms of pollution.
 It mainly occurs in lakes, oceans, rivers and even underground reservoirs.

 Soil Pollution:
 It is also known as land pollution.
 It is the contamination of the soil or the land that prevents the growth of natural life.
 It includes land usage for irrigation, wildlife as well as habitation.
 The very common causes of soil pollution include hazardous wastage, mining as well
as littering, non-sustainable farming practice, seepage into the soil, etc.

 Noise Pollution:
 It is the loud noises which are fashioned by human activities that disturb the standard
of living in the affected area.
 It can shoot from things such as railroads, traffic, loud music, concerts, aeroplanes,
fireworks etc.
 This can even result in permanent or temporary loss of hearing as well as disturbances
to wildlife.

 Radioactive Pollution:
 This is one of the most dangerous forms of pollution.
 It is enormously harmful and can even result in death.
 We are witting this type of pollution from the 20th century.
 It evolved with the rise of atomic physics and nuclear weapons.

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 Radioactive pollution results in the pollution of the air and land with radioactive
poisoning.
 Leakages or accidents at nuclear power plants, as well as from improper disposal of
nuclear waste are also reasons for this pollution. This pollution results in birth defects,
cancer, deteriorating of health and even death.

Environment and Pollutants

 Environmental Pollution refers to the introduction of harmful materials into the

environment.
 In other words, environmental pollution is the contamination of the physical and
biological components of the environment to such an extent that normal
environmental processes are adversely affected.

Pollutants
 Any harmful material that, by getting introduced into the environment, causes
environmental pollution is called a pollutant.
 In other words, a pollutant is any substance that contaminates air, water, soil, etc, and
damages their quality.
 Pollutants can be natural, such as volcanic ash, or created by human activity, such as
trash or factory runoff.

Types of Pollutants
 Pollutants can be categorised into various types based on different parameters, as
shown below.
A. Based on Nature of Disposal
 Based on the nature of disposal, pollutants are of the following two types:

1. Non-Biodegradable Pollutants
 Pollutants that cannot be broken down into simpler, harmless substances in nature are
called non-biodegradable pollutants.
 For example, DDT, plastics, polythene, insecticides, pesticides, mercury, lead, arsenic,
aluminium cans, synthetic fibres, glass objects, iron products, silver foils, etc.

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 Through bioaccumulation and biomagnification, these pollutants may appear in

greater concentration as we move along the higher tropics of the food chain.
2. Biodegradable Pollutants
 Biodegradable Pollutants can be broken down into simpler, harmless substances in
nature over time.
 For example, Domestic wastes, urine, faecal matter, sewage, agriculture residues,
paper, wood, cloth, cattle dung, animal bones, leather, wool, vegetable stuff or plants
etc.

B. Based on Form of Persistence

 Depending upon the form in which they persist after being released into the
environment, the pollutants are categorised into the following two types:
1. Primary Pollutants
 Primary Pollutants are those emitted directly from the source and persist in the
environment in the form in which they were added.
 Examples: ash, smoke, fumes, dust, nitric oxide, sulphur dioxide, hydrocarbons, etc.
2. Secondary Pollutants
 Secondary Pollutants are formed from primary pollutants by chemical interaction
with some constituents present in the atmosphere.
 Examples are Sulphur trioxide, nitrogen dioxide, aldehydes, ketones, ozone, etc.

C. Based on Nature of Pollutants

 Depending upon their existence in nature, pollutants are of the following two types:
1. Quantitative Pollutants
 These substances normally occur in the environment but acquire the status of
pollutant when their concentration increases due to human unmindfulness.
 For example, Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
2. Qualitative Pollutants
 These substances do not usually occur in nature but are added by man.
 For example, insecticides.

Causes of Environmental Pollution

 The causes of environmental pollution are based on the following factors:

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1. Rapid Industrialisation
 The concentration of industries in urban areas releases pollutants into the air, water,
and soil, causing environmental pollution.
 The rapid pace of urbanisation also increases waste generation and resource
consumption, exacerbating pollution and causing severe environmental pollution.
 Industries also generate hazardous wastes in many forms, including liquids, solids,
gases, and sludge.

2. Rapid Urbanization
 The increased pace of urbanisation in recent times has led to worsening environmental
pollution.
 It creates issues such as deforestation and habitat loss, increased emissions and waste
generation, etc.

3. Forest Fires
 The frequency of forest fires or wildfires has increased because of human actions,
such as land clearing, encroachment, etc.
 These wildfires are a huge source of environmental pollution, adding large amounts of
gaseous and other pollutants to the environment.

4. Improper Agricultural Practices

 According to the IPCC report, the agriculture sector produces at least 23 per cent of
global greenhouse gas emissions (second only to the energy sector).
 Using chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides in agriculture contributes to soil
and water pollution and environmental pollution.
 Intensive farming practices also lead to deforestation, soil erosion, habitat destruction
and environmental pollution.

5. Deforestation

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 Deforestation refers to the decrease in forest areas worldwide that are lost for other
uses, such as agricultural croplands, urbanisation, or mining activities.
 This causes an imbalance in the local ecology and reduces nature’s capability to
absorb pollutants, leading to environmental pollution.
6. Other Causes
 Other prominent causes of environmental pollution include continued reliance on
fossil fuels, vehicular emissions, and improper waste management.

Effects of Environmental Pollution

 Environmental pollution has severe consequences on human health, ecosystems, and
the planet. Below are five key effects:
1. Impact on Human Health
 Pollution leads to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and infections.
 Air pollution causes asthma, lung cancer, and heart disease, while contaminated water
results in cholera and gastrointestinal disorders.
 Exposure to toxic chemicals in soil and food can lead to long-term health risks,
including organ damage and developmental issues.

2. Damage to Ecosystems and Biodiversity

 Pollutants harm wildlife and disrupt natural habitats.
 Water pollution affects aquatic life, leading to fish deaths and loss of marine
biodiversity.
 Airborne toxins damage forests, while soil contamination reduces fertility, affecting
plant and animal life.
 Many species face extinction due to habitat destruction caused by pollution.

3. Climate Change Acceleration

 Air pollution, particularly from greenhouse gases like CO₂ and methane, contributes
to global warming.
 Rising temperatures lead to extreme weather events, glacier melting, rising sea levels,
and desertification, affecting both natural and human environments worldwide.

4. Economic Consequences

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 Pollution affects industries such as agriculture, fishing, and tourism.

 Crop yields decline due to soil and air contamination, while polluted water bodies
harm fisheries.
 Increased healthcare costs and loss of productivity due to pollution-related illnesses
also burden economies.
5. Degradation of Quality of Life
 Excessive noise, light, and air pollution lower life expectancy and mental well-being.
 Polluted cities experience reduced visibility, foul odors, and poor living conditions,
making daily life uncomfortable and unhealthy for residents.

Types of Environmental Pollution

 Environmental pollution can be categorised into several types based on the nature of
the pollutants and the media they affect.
 Some of the major types of environmental pollution are described below.

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A. Air Pollution
 Air Pollution is the contamination of the atmosphere with harmful substances that
can adversely affect human health, ecosystems, and climate.
 Air pollution is caused by releasing harmful gases and particulate matter into the
atmosphere.
 Significant sources of air pollution include industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust,
and burning fossil fuels, which causes environmental pollution.
 Air Pollution is linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and global
phenomena like acid rain and climate change.

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B. Water Pollution
 Water Pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and
oceans with pollutants such as industrial effluents, sewage, agricultural runoff, and oil
spills.
 Water Pollution occurs when pollutants are discharged into water bodies, leading to
water quality degradation.
 Industrial effluents, agricultural run-off, and domestic sewage contribute to Water
Pollution.
 Contaminated water affects aquatic life, disrupts ecosystems, and poses serious health
risks to humans.

C. Soil Pollution
 Soil Pollution refers to soil contamination with harmful substances, including heavy
metals, pesticides, and industrial waste.
 Major sources of soil pollution include – the deposition of hazardous chemicals,
heavy metals, and waste on land.
 Key factors are agricultural practices involving excessive use of pesticides and
fertilisers, industrial waste dumping, and improper disposal of solid waste, which also
causes environmental pollution.
 Soil pollution reduces soil fertility, contaminates crops, and affects food security.

D. Noise Pollution
 Noise Pollution refers to excessive noise that can adversely affect human health and
wildlife.
 Significant contributors to noise pollution include noise from industrial activities,
traffic, construction, and urbanisation.
 Chronic exposure to high noise levels can lead to hearing loss, stress, and other health
issues, which in turn can lead to environmental pollution.

E. Thermal Pollution

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 Thermal Pollution is defined as the sudden increase or decrease in the temperature of

a natural body of water, such as an ocean, lake, river, or pond.
 This sudden change in water temperature is mainly due to anthropogenic activities.
 For example, a power plant takes water from a source, such as a river, as a coolant
and then discharges the warm water back into the water body.
 Thermal Pollution leads to several issues in the aquatic ecosystem, such as decreased
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels, algae growth, and a surge in toxins.

F. Nuclear Pollution or Radiation Pollution

 Nuclear Pollution or Radiation Pollution can be defined as the release of high-energy
particles into the air, water or surface.
 It is caused by radioactive materials contaminating the environment by decaying
natural or anthropogenic activities.
 Breaches at nuclear power plants, scientific laboratories, chemical spills, etc, are some
of the prominent causes of Nuclear Pollution or Radiation Pollution.
 Radiation modifies and destroys cells and genetic materials in living organisms,
resulting in ill impacts on health.

G. Marine Pollution
 Marine Pollution can be defined as the introduction of substances to the marine
environment directly or indirectly by humans, resulting in adverse effects such as
hazards to human health, obstruction of marine activities and lowering the quality of
seawater.
 Waste and sewage from different sources, such as industries, residences, etc, are
directly discharged into the sea and are the primary sources of marine and
environmental pollution.
 It affects the flora and fauna of the marine environment.

H. Plastic Pollution
 Plastic pollution is the contamination of the environment with plastic waste, such as
discarded plastic items and debris.
 Plastic pollution is a major environmental problem because it takes hundreds of years
for plastic to decompose.

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 Plastic wastes can accumulate in landfills, waterways, and oceans, causing harm to
wildlife and ecosystems.
 Plastic pollution severely impacts the health of humans, wildlife and the overall
ecosystem.

I. Light Pollution
 Light Pollution refers to excessive artificial light that can disrupt ecosystems and
nocturnal activities.
 Over-illumination in urban areas disrupts natural light cycles, affecting wildlife and
human health.
 It contributes to energy waste and interferes with astronomical observations.

Consequences of Environmental Pollution

The consequences of environmental pollution are as follows:
 Public Health
 Pollution is a significant cause of diseases and premature deaths globally.
 Different types of pollution have different impacts on human health.
 Air pollution alone is responsible for millions of deaths annually, with children and
the elderly being particularly vulnerable.

 Environmental Degradation
 Pollution disrupts ecosystems, leading to the loss of biodiversity, degradation of
natural habitats, and alteration of ecological processes.
 All these, in turn, lead to issues such as disruption of food chains and environmental
pollution.

 Climate Change
 Pollution, particularly from greenhouse gas emissions, is a significant driver of
climate change.
 This, in turn, leads to issues such as global warming, more frequent and severe
weather events, rising sea levels, and shifts in ecosystems.

 Economic Costs

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 The economic burden of pollution is immense, including loss of productivity and

ecosystem damage.
 The expenses on environmental pollution control measures and increased healthcare
costs also add to the economic costs of pollution.

 Social Impacts
 Pollution can reduce overall quality of life by affecting people’s health, well-being,
and enjoyment of their environment.
 Environmental degradation and its associated consequences, such as droughts, water
crises, etc, can cause social unrest and conflicts, forced displacement of communities,
etc.

Suggested Measures for Addressing Environmental Pollution

To mitigate the effects of environmental pollution, a comprehensive and multi-faceted
approach is necessary, including:

 Policy and Regulation: Governments must implement strict environmental

regulations to limit emissions, control waste, and promote sustainable practices.

 Public Awareness and Education: It is crucial to tackle pollution by educating the

public about the causes and consequences of pollution and encouraging
environmentally responsible behaviour.
 Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable consumption patterns and resource
management. The principles of the circular economy, which emphasise recycling and
reusing resources, should be widely adopted.

 Technological Solutions: Innovations in clean energy, waste management, and

pollution control technologies can significantly reduce human activities’
environmental footprint.

 International Cooperation: Environmental pollution is a transboundary issue that

requires coordinated international efforts. Through treaties, conventions, and

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collaborative initiatives, global cooperation is essential for addressing environmental

pollution globally.

Greenhouse Effect
 Definition: Greenhouse effect is the process by which radiations from the sun are
absorbed by the greenhouse gases and not reflected back into space. This insulates the
surface of the earth and prevents it from freezing.”

What is the Greenhouse Effect?

 A greenhouse is a house made of glass that can be used to grow plants.
 The sun’s radiations warm the plants and the air inside the greenhouse.
 The heat trapped inside can’t escape out and warms the greenhouse which is essential
for the growth of the plants. Same is the case in the earth’s atmosphere.
 During the day the sun heats up the earth’s atmosphere.
 At night, when the earth cools down the heat is radiated back into the atmosphere.
 During this process, the heat is absorbed by the greenhouse gases in the earth’s
atmosphere.
 This is what makes the surface of the earth warmer, that makes the survival of living
beings on earth possible.
 However, due to the increased levels of greenhouse gases, the temperature of the earth
has increased considerably. This has led to several drastic effects.
 Let us have a look at the greenhouse gases and understand the causes and
consequences of greenhouse effects with the help of a diagram.
 Greenhouse Gases: “Greenhouse gases are the gases that absorb the infrared
radiations and create a greenhouse effect. For eg., carbondioxide and
chlorofluorocarbons.”

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 The Diagram shows Greenhouse Gases such as carbon dioxide are the primary cause
for the Greenhouse Effect
 The major contributors to the greenhouse gases are factories,
automobiles, deforestation, etc.
 The increased number of factories and automobiles increases the amount of these
gases in the atmosphere.
 The greenhouse gases never let the radiations escape from the earth and increase the
surface temperature of the earth.
 This then leads to global warming.

Causes of Greenhouse Effect

The major causes of the greenhouse effect are:
1. Burning of Fossil Fuels:
 Fossil fuels are an important part of our lives.

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 They are widely used in transportation and to produce electricity.

 Burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide.
 With the increase in population, the utilization of fossil fuels has increased.
 This has led to an increase in the release of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

2. Deforestation
 Plants and trees take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
 Due to the cutting of trees, there is a considerable increase in the greenhouse gases
which increases the earth’s temperature.

3. Farming
 Nitrous oxide used in fertilizers is one of the contributors to the greenhouse effect in
the atmosphere.

4. Industrial Waste and Landfills

 The industries and factories produce harmful gases which are released in the
atmosphere.
 Landfills also release carbon dioxide and methane that adds to the greenhouse gases.

Effects of Greenhouse Effect

The main effects of increased greenhouse gases are:

1. Global Warming
 It is the phenomenon of a gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s
atmosphere.
 The main cause for this environmental issue is the increased volumes of greenhouse
gases such as carbon dioxide and methane released by the burning of fossil fuels,
emissions from the vehicles, industries and other human activities.

2. Depletion of Ozone Layer

 Ozone Layer protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.

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 It is found in the upper regions of the stratosphere.

 The depletion of the ozone layer results in the entry of the harmful UV rays to the
earth’s surface that might lead to skin cancer and can also change
the climate drastically.
 The major cause of this phenomenon is the accumulation of natural greenhouse gases
including chlorofluorocarbons, carbon dioxide, methane, etc.

3. Smog and Air Pollution

 Smog is formed by the combination of smoke and fog.
 It can be caused both by natural means and man-made activities.
 In general, smog is generally formed by the accumulation of more greenhouse gases
including nitrogen and sulfur oxides.
 The major contributors to the formation of smog are automobile and industrial
emissions, agricultural fires, natural forest fires and the reaction of these chemicals
among themselves.

4. Acidification of Water Bodies

 Increase in the total amount of greenhouse gases in the air has turned most of the
world’s water bodies acidic.
 The greenhouse gases mix with the rainwater and fall as acid rain.
 This leads to the acidification of water bodies.
 Also, the rainwater carries the contaminants along with it and falls into the river,
streams and lakes thereby causing their acidification.

5. Runaway Greenhouse Effect

 This phenomenon occurs when the planet absorbs more radiation than it can radiate
back.
 Thus, the heat lost from the earth’s surface is less and the temperature of the planet
keeps rising.
 Scientists believe that this phenomenon took place on the surface of Venus billions of
years ago.

Global Warming

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 Definition: “Global warming is a gradual increase in the earth’s temperature generally

due to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, CFCs, and
other pollutants. “

What is Global Warming?

 Global warming is the phenomenon of a gradual increase in the temperature near the
earth’s surface.
 This phenomenon has been observed over the past one or two centuries.
 This change has disturbed the climatic pattern of the earth.
 However, the concept of global warming is quite controversial but the scientists have
provided relevant data in support of the fact that the temperature of the earth is rising
constantly.
 There are several causes of global warming, which have a negative effect on humans,
plants and animals.
 These causes may be natural or might be the outcome of human activities.
 In order to curb the issues, it is very important to understand the negative impacts of
global warming.

Causes of Global Warming

Following are the major causes of global warming:
A. Man-made Causes of Global Warming
1. Deforestation
 Plants are the main source of oxygen.
 They take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen thereby maintaining environmental
balance.
 Forests are being depleted for many domestic and commercial purposes.
 This has led to an environmental imbalance, thereby giving rise to global warming.

2. Use of Vehicles

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 The use of vehicles, even for a very short distance results in various gaseous
emissions.
 Vehicles burn fossil fuels which emit a large amount of carbon dioxide and other
toxins into the atmosphere resulting in a temperature increase.

3. Chlorofluorocarbon
 With the excessive use of air conditioners and refrigerators, humans have been adding
CFCs into the environment which affects the atmospheric ozone layer.
 The ozone layer protects the earth surface from the harmful ultraviolet rays emitted by
the sun.
 The CFCs have led to ozone layer depletion making way for the ultraviolet rays,
thereby increasing the temperature of the earth.

4. Industrial Development
 With the advent of industrialization, the temperature of the earth has been increasing
rapidly.
 The harmful emissions from the factories add to the increasing temperature of the
earth.
 In 2013, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change reported that the increase in
the global temperature between 1880 and 2012 has been 0.9 degrees Celsius.
 The increase is 1.1 degrees Celsius when compared to the pre-industrial mean
temperature.

5. Agriculture
 Various farming activities produce carbon dioxide and methane gas.
 These add to the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and increase the temperature of
the earth.

6. Overpopulation
 An increase in population means more people breathing.
 This leads to an increase in the level of carbon dioxide, the primary gas causing global
warming, in the atmosphere.

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B. Natural Causes of Global Warming

1. Volcanoes
 Volcanoes are one of the largest natural contributors to global warming.
 The ash and smoke emitted during volcanic eruptions goes out into the atmosphere
and affects the climate.

2. Water Vapour
 Water vapour is a kind of greenhouse gas.
 Due to the increase in the earth’s temperature, more water gets evaporated from the
water bodies and stays in the atmosphere adding to global warming.

3. Melting Permafrost
 Permafrost is frozen soil that has environmental gases trapped in it for several years
and is present below Earth’s surface.
 It is present in glaciers. As the permafrost melts, it releases the gases back into the
atmosphere, increasing Earth’s temperature.

4. Forest Blazes
 Forest blazes or forest fires emit a large amount of carbon-containing smoke.
 These gases are released into the atmosphere and increase the earth’s temperature
resulting in global warming.

Effects of Global Warming

Following are the major effects of global warming:

1. Rise in Temperature
 Global warming has led to an incredible increase in earth’s temperature.
 Since 1880, the earth’s temperature has increased by ~1 degrees.
 This has resulted in an increase in the melting of glaciers, which have led to an
increase in the sea level.
 This could have devastating effects on coastal regions.

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2. Threats to the Ecosystem

 Global warming has affected the coral reefs that can lead to the loss of plant and
animal lives.
 Increase in global temperatures has made the fragility of coral reefs even worse.

3. Climate Change
 Global warming has led to a change in climatic conditions.
 There are droughts at some places and floods at some.
 This climatic imbalance is the result of global warming.

4. Spread of Diseases
 Global warming leads to a change in the patterns of heat and humidity.
 This has led to the movement of mosquitoes that carry and spread diseases.

5. High Mortality Rates

 Due to an increase in floods, tsunamis and other natural calamities, the average death
toll usually increases.
 Also, such events can bring about the spread of diseases that can hamper human life.

6. Loss of Natural Habitat

 A global shift in the climate leads to the loss of habitats of several plants and animals.
 In this case, the animals need to migrate from their natural habitat and many of them
even become extinct.
 This is yet another major impact of global warming on biodiversity.

Climate Change
 Definition: Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather
patterns.
 Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic
eruptions.
 But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change,
primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

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 Burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket
wrapped around the Earth, trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures.
 The main greenhouse gases that are causing climate change include carbon dioxide
and methane.
 These come from using gasoline for driving a car or coal for heating a building, for
example. Clearing land and cutting down forests can also release carbon dioxide.
 Agriculture, oil and gas operations are major sources of methane emissions.
 Energy, industry, transport, buildings, agriculture and land use are among the main
sectors causing greenhouse gases.
 Climate change threatens people with increased flooding, extreme heat,
increased food and water scarcity, more disease, and economic loss.
 Human migration and conflict can also be a result.
 The World Health Organization calls climate change one of the biggest threats
to global health in the 21st century.
 Societies and ecosystems will experience more severe risks without action to limit
warming.
 Adapting to climate change through efforts like flood control measures or drought-
resistant crops partially reduces climate change risks, although some limits
to adaptation have already been reached.
 Poorer communities are responsible for a small share of global emissions, yet have the
least ability to adapt and are most vulnerable to climate change.

Sustainability and its Background

Sustainability is a social goal for people to co-exist on Earth over a long period of time.
Definitions of this term are disputed and have varied with literature, context, and time. [2]
[1]
Sustainability usually has three dimensions (or pillars): environmental, economic, and
social.[1] Many definitions emphasize the environmental dimension. [3][4] This can include
addressing key environmental problems, including climate change and biodiversity loss. The
idea of sustainability can guide decisions at the global, national, organizational, and
individual levels.[5] A related concept is that of sustainable development, and the terms are
often used to mean the same thing. [6] UNESCO distinguishes the two like this:
"Sustainability is often thought of as a long-term goal (i.e. a more sustainable world),
while sustainable development refers to the many processes and pathways to achieve it."[7]

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Three visual representations of sustainability and its three dimensions: the left image shows
sustainability as three intersecting circles. In the top right, it is a nested approach. In the
bottom right it is three pillars. [1] The schematic with the nested ellipses emphasizes a
hierarchy of the dimensions, putting environment as the foundation for the other two.

In 1987, the Brundtland Commission put forth a “global agenda for change” with the
purpose of “furthering the common understanding and common spirit of responsibility so
clearly needed in a divided world.”Brundtland (1987). The report outlined the following
description of sustainable development:
1. Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It contains
within it two key concepts:
o the concept of “needs,” in particular, the essential needs of the world’s poor, to
which overriding priority should be given; and
o the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social
organization on the environment’s ability to meet present and future needs.
2. Thus the goals of economic and social development must be defined in terms of
sustainability in all countries—developed or developing, market-oriented or centrally
planned. Interpretations will vary, but they must share certain general features and

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must flow from a consensus on the basic concept of sustainable development and on a
broad strategic framework for achieving it.
3. Development involves a progressive transformation of economy and society.

Business Strategies of Sustainable Development

we will define sustainable business as one that operates in the interest of all current and
future stakeholders in a manner that ensures the long-term health and survival of the
business and its associated economic, social, and environmental systems. Thus a sustainable
business is concerned about the current and future social, environmental, and economic
impacts associated with its operations. Ideally, the sustainable business seeks to have a
positive social impact, a reduced negative environmental impact, and a positive economic
impact.

Businesses practicing sustainability improve their image and reputation, reduce costs, and
help boost the local economy, all of which lead to improved business and stronger and
healthier local communities for operations. Furthermore, these benefits set one company
apart from its competitors and can become a source of competitive advantage. This book will
provide a rich array of business examples demonstrating a variety of approaches in which
businesses seek to maximize social, environmental, or economic impacts and any
combination of the three in order to become a sustainable business.

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