Chapter 5 – The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role
What is the main theme of the chapter?
The chapter discusses the environmental crisis, highlighting the need for sustainable development and the importance of the Green Movement to save our planet.
What does the term ‘ailing planet’ mean?
It refers to Earth suffering from environmental degradation, pollution, deforestation, and overpopulation. The planet is “sick” and urgently needs healing.
What is the Green Movement?
It’s a global environmental movement that began in 1972, aiming to raise awareness about ecological conservation and promote sustainable living.
What significant change in human perspective is highlighted?
The shift from “man is the master of nature” to “man is a part of nature” — emphasizing harmony and responsibility over dominance.
Why is sustainable development important?
It ensures current needs are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs—balancing economic growth with environmental care.
What is the World Commission on Environment and Development?
Also known as the Brundtland Commission, it defined sustainable development and brought attention to global environmental concerns in the 1980s.
Why is the population explosion a problem?
It strains resources, increases pollution, and threatens ecosystems. Overpopulation leads to poverty, malnutrition, and environmental destruction.
How does deforestation harm the planet?
It reduces biodiversity, causes climate change, soil erosion, and disrupts rainfall. Forests are crucial for ecological balance and oxygen supply.
Why are forests called the “lungs of the Earth”?
Because they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, maintaining air quality and supporting life on Earth.
What is the role of industries in environmental damage?
Many industries exploit resources and pollute air, water, and soil. Unsustainable practices contribute to climate change and ecological degradation.
What message does the author give to industries?
Adopt eco-friendly technologies, reduce waste, recycle, and treat environmental responsibility as essential—not optional.
How are poor countries affected by environmental issues?
They face severe consequences like deforestation, poverty, water scarcity, and disease. Their weak economies can’t cope with environmental disasters.
Why is education important in saving the environment?
It builds awareness, changes attitudes, and empowers individuals to take action for conservation, sustainability, and protection of natural resources.
What role does the government play in environmental conservation?
It must enforce laws, promote eco-friendly policies, and invest in renewable energy, afforestation, and public awareness programs.
What does the author say about our ethical responsibility?
We must act as trustees of Earth, not exploiters. Future generations depend on our actions and decisions today.
What is the significance of the “silent spring”?
Coined by Rachel Carson, it symbolizes a future where nature’s sounds disappear due to environmental destruction—warning us of an ecological collapse.
What is the condition of Earth’s biological systems today?
They are under stress—forests, fisheries, and croplands are shrinking or collapsing due to human overuse and pollution.
What is India’s position in environmental conservation?
India has several laws and movements (like Chipko), but still struggles with overpopulation, pollution, and poor enforcement of environmental rules.
How can economic development be eco-friendly?
By using renewable energy, recycling, adopting clean technology, and respecting nature’s limits while pursuing progress.
What are the four principal biological systems?
Fisheries, forests, grasslands, and croplands—they provide food, oxygen, fuel, and resources essential for life on Earth.
Why are these systems collapsing?
Due to overuse, pollution, and unsustainable farming and fishing. Human greed is exhausting natural systems faster than they can regenerate.
What is the concept of “interdependence”?
All life forms are interconnected. Harming one part of the environment affects the entire ecosystem and ultimately, humanity itself.
What is the moral lesson of the essay?
We must protect nature for survival. Ethical responsibility, awareness, and action are key to saving our ailing planet.
Why is the author hopeful despite the crisis?
Because of growing awareness, youth activism, global cooperation, and scientific innovation that offer solutions if acted upon urgently.
How can individuals help save the planet?
By conserving resources, planting trees, reducing waste, using less plastic, and spreading environmental awareness in their communities.
What does the author say about “mankind’s legacy”?
We should leave behind a green, healthy Earth—not a polluted wasteland—for future generations to inherit and thrive on.
What kind of development is dangerous?
Development without regard for the environment—focused only on economic gain—leads to long-term disaster for humanity and nature.
Why does the author call the Earth “our only home”?
Because we depend entirely on it for survival. There’s no alternative planet to live on if Earth becomes uninhabitable.
What is the tone of the chapter?
Urgent yet hopeful. The author warns of ecological collapse but believes human action and responsibility can restore balance.
What is the final message of the chapter?
Save the Earth through awareness, ethics, and sustainable living. Humanity must act as stewards of nature, not destroyers of it.