Comprehensive Green Skills Notes Class 9

Green Skills Notes Class 9

Natural Environment The natural environment encompasses all elements that exist on Earth without human intervention. It includes both living organisms and non-living elements. These components collectively create a complex ecosystem that supports life.

1. Living Environment: This includes all living beings such as plants, animals, humans, and other organisms. They interact with each other and their surroundings, forming intricate ecosystems and food chains.
2. Non-Living Environment: This category comprises elements like rocks, air, water, and sunlight. While these components lack life, they play essential roles in shaping the environment and supporting life on Earth. Sunlight, for example, is crucial for photosynthesis in plants, which is the basis of food chains.

Types of Resources Resources are the fundamental building blocks of human civilization. They are categorized into three primary groups based on various characteristics:

1. Natural Resources: These are resources that are freely available in nature and are not created by human intervention. Examples include land, air, water, sunlight, and soil. Natural resources are vital for human survival, as they provide the raw materials for various industries and support life in numerous ways.
2. Renewable/Non-Renewable Resources: Resources are further classified based on their replenishment rate. Renewable resources, like forests, can be regenerated within a relatively short period, typically years or decades. Non-renewable resources, such as fossil fuels (e.g., petroleum, coal), are finite and cannot be replaced as quickly as they are consumed.
3. Exhaustible/Non-Exhaustible Resources: This classification focuses on the availability of resources. Non-exhaustible resources, like solar energy and wind energy, are virtually limitless and cannot be entirely depleted by human activities. In contrast, exhaustible resources have finite quantities and are gradually depleted through usage, such as fossil fuels.

Green Skills Notes Class 9

Importance of the Natural Environment The natural environment plays a critical role in sustaining life on Earth. Several aspects highlight its importance:

• Oxygen and Water: Life on our planet depends on the availability of oxygen and water, both of which are provided by the natural environment. Oxygen is produced by plants through photosynthesis, and water is essential for various biological processes.
• Carbon Dioxide Balance: Humans and animals breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. The natural environment, particularly forests and plant life, absorbs carbon dioxide and maintains the Earth’s carbon balance.
• Stress Reduction: The greenery in the natural environment, including forests and parks, not only provides fresh air but also creates stress-free and calming surroundings.

Conservation of Natural Resources Given the rising pollution levels and environmental degradation, the conservation of natural resources has become a paramount concern. Effective resource conservation is crucial to addressing global environmental challenges. Here’s how we can conserve different types of resources:

1. Air Conservation: To preserve air quality, industries can minimize the release of toxins and greenhouse gases. Individuals can contribute by adopting eco-friendly practices such as using public transport, carpooling, and using energy-efficient vehicles.
2. Water Conservation: Due to water scarcity concerns, efficient water use is essential. Methods like rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment can help conserve water. Additionally, individuals can use water-saving devices like aerators on taps.
3. Land Conservation: Preserving land involves discouraging deforestation and promoting afforestation. Soil quality improvement is crucial for maintaining healthy agricultural practices and ensuring the production of high-quality crops. Waste management strategies, such as the 4Rs (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and upcycling, help reduce land pollution.
4. Energy Conservation: To conserve energy resources, it’s essential to reduce our reliance on non-renewable sources and transition to renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. Energy-saving practices include using energy-efficient appliances and reducing energy waste.

Green Skills Notes Class 9

Activities Harming the Environment Several human activities have a detrimental impact on the environment, leading to severe consequences such as climate change, natural disasters, and exposure to harmful radiation. Some of these activities include:

• Overexploitation: Excessive and unsustainable use of natural resources, like overfishing or overharvesting timber, can deplete ecosystems.
• Mining: Extracting minerals and resources from the Earth often damages landscapes, contaminates water sources, and disrupts ecosystems.
• Deforestation: The removal of forests not only results in habitat loss but also contributes to climate change through reduced carbon absorption.
• Pollution: Various types of pollution, such as air, water, and soil pollution, harm the environment and threaten human health.

Sustainable Development and Green Economy Sustainable development is a comprehensive approach to economic and social progress that considers environmental sustainability. It aims to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development includes:

• Resource Conservation: Reducing excessive resource use and promoting resource conservation.
• Waste Management: Recycling and reusing waste materials to minimize environmental impact.
• Renewable Resource Management: Scientifically managing renewable resources, especially bio-resources.
• Green Spaces: Creating green spaces within urban areas, such as parks and green roofs.
• Eco-Friendly Materials: Promoting the use of environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials.
• Efficient Technologies: Adopting technologies that are environmentally friendly and make efficient use of resources.

Green Skills Notes Class 9

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were introduced in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. These 17 global goals are part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and provide a roadmap for achieving sustainable development.

Green Economy The green economy focuses on creating economic opportunities and growth while ensuring environmental sustainability. Key components include:

• Renewable Energy: Promoting the use of renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower.
• Green Buildings: Constructing eco-friendly buildings with low environmental impact.
• Clean Transportation: Developing sustainable transportation systems that reduce emissions and energy consumption.
• Water Management: Efficiently managing water resources to minimize waste and pollution.
• Waste and Land Management: Responsible waste and land management practices to protect the environment.

In a green economy, economic growth is driven by investments in activities, infrastructure, and assets that reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy and resource efficiency, and protect biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Green Skills Green skills are competencies and knowledge that contribute to a green economy and sustainable development. These skills are essential for addressing environmental challenges and promoting a more sustainable future. Some areas where green skills play a crucial role include:

1. Using Renewable Energy: Understanding and utilizing renewable energy sources like solar power and wind energy.
2. Water and Waste Management: Efficiently managing water resources and implementing waste reduction strategies.
3. Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and using rainwater for various purposes, such as irrigation and household use.
4. Conserving Energy: Adopting energy-saving practices to reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact.
5. Reducing Pollution: Implementing strategies to minimize pollution and its harmful effects on the environment and human health.

Green Jobs A ‘green job’ refers to employment in industries that contribute to environmental protection, sustainability, and the reduction of environmental impact. These jobs focus on activities that help preserve ecosystems, reduce energy consumption, and promote responsible resource management. Green jobs include roles in renewable energy, conservation, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly manufacturing.

GREEN SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (GSDP) The Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) is an initiative aimed at training individuals with technical knowledge and a commitment to sustainable development. The program seeks to develop a skilled workforce capable of contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). GSDP empowers individuals with the expertise needed to address environmental challenges and promote a more sustainable future.

Green Skills Notes Class 9

Green Skills Notes Class 9

Green Skills Notes Class 9