Chapter 8 - Environment and Natural Resources

In this chapter, we will study the effect of environment and natural resources on world politics. How the ever-growing concern about the environment shaped world politics, and how the movements related to the environment put pressure on different world leaders has been discussed in this chapter. The fact that natural resources are a common property of every living being has also been discussed in this chapter. Also, India’s stand, in this regard has been highlighted.

Thus, an in-depth study of Environment and Natural Resources Class 12 Political Science, will give you a good understanding of environmentalism and politics.

Let’s take a look at topics and sub-topics of Class 12 Political Science Chapter 8 – Environment and Natural Resources.

• Environmental Concerns In Global Politics

• The Protection Of Global Commons

• Common But Differentiated Responsibilities

• Common Property Resources

• India’s Stand On Environmental Issues

• Environmental Movements: One Or Many?

• Resource Geopolitics

• The Indigenous Peoples And Their Rights

In Class 12 Political Science Chapter 8, you will learn – 

• Environmental Concerns In Global Politics: In this section, you will learn about environmental problems that fall under global politics. The term world politics can be defined in terms of wars and treaties, rise and decline of state power. The relationship between the governments that represent their countries in the international arena and the role of intergovernmental organisations can also be included in the definition of politics. However, some of the problems in today’s world can be questioned as to whether they deserve the tag of global problems or not. Problems like the limited availability of cultivable land area and out of this limited area, how more and more areas are losing out their fertility, the lack of access to freshwater that is suitable for drinking and many other such problems. Even though most of these problems are geographical in nature, if all the governments work together, these problems will become global political issues.

• The Protection Of Global Commons: In this section, you will learn how the common resources of the environment should be protected. Common resources are those resources which are not owned by a single entity and are rather there for everyone’s use. Therefore, there are certain areas which do not fall under the jurisdiction of one government, but rather require common governance by the international community. These are known as “res communes humanitatis,” or global commons. They include the earth’s atmosphere, Antarctica, the ocean floor, and outer space. Protection of these resources is not just one government’s responsibility but requires everyone’s co-operation and help.

• India’s Stand On Environmental Issues: In this section, you will get to know what India’s reaction to environmental issues is. According to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, India has the responsibility to curb out emissions that have accumulated over a long period. India’s international negotiating position relies heavily on principles of historical responsibility, as enshrined in UNFCCC. The government of India is working very hard to help curb environmental issues at a global level. India’s National Auto-fuel policy, The Energy Conservation Act, The Electricity Act of 2003 are some of the examples of India’s effort to protect the environment.

In this chapter, you are provided with several maps, images and quotes given by famous leaders to have a clear understanding of Environment and Natural Resources. To know more about Political Science Chapter 8, you should explore the exercises mentioned in this chapter. You can also take a look at Political Science Class 12 Chapter 8 Question Answers made by our experts.