CBSE Class 12 Political Science (2026–27)
Chapter 6: Environment and Natural Resources
20 Important Questions and Answers
The chapter focuses on environmental concerns, global commons, sustainable development, resource geopolitics, environmental movements, indigenous rights, and India’s position on global environmental issues.
1. What are the major environmental concerns in contemporary world politics?
Answer:
Environmental concerns have become important issues in global politics because environmental degradation affects all countries. Major concerns include climate change, global warming, deforestation, depletion of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, pollution of air and water, and ozone layer depletion. These problems often cross national boundaries and require international cooperation. Environmental issues are linked with economic development because industrial growth can increase environmental damage. Therefore, countries must balance development with environmental protection. The increasing awareness of these issues since the 1960s has led governments and international organizations to develop policies and agreements for sustainable environmental management.
2. What was the significance of the Earth Summit of 1992?
Answer:
The Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, was a landmark international conference on environment and development. It brought environmental issues to the center of global politics. Representatives from more than 170 countries participated and discussed ways to achieve sustainable development. The summit adopted Agenda 21, promoted environmental protection, and emphasized cooperation between developed and developing countries. It also led to important agreements on climate change and biodiversity conservation. The summit recognized that environmental protection and economic development must go together. It encouraged countries to take collective responsibility for safeguarding the environment for future generations.
3. What is sustainable development?
Answer:
Sustainable development refers to development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It seeks a balance between economic growth and environmental protection. The concept became popular after the Brundtland Report and was strongly supported at the Earth Summit. Sustainable development encourages the efficient use of resources, reduction of pollution, conservation of biodiversity, and use of renewable energy. It recognizes that development is necessary for improving living standards, but it should not result in environmental destruction. Thus, it promotes long-term environmental sustainability along with economic and social progress.
4. Explain the concept of Global Commons.
Answer:
Global Commons are areas or resources that do not belong to any one country but are shared by all humanity. Examples include the atmosphere, Antarctica, the ocean floor, and outer space. Since no single nation owns them, all countries have a collective responsibility to protect and manage them. Environmental damage to global commons affects the entire world. For instance, pollution of the atmosphere contributes to global warming. International agreements and cooperation are necessary to ensure their conservation. The concept highlights the need for shared responsibility and collective action in addressing environmental challenges that transcend national boundaries.
5. What is the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)?
Answer:
The principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) was accepted at the Earth Summit in 1992. It states that all countries share responsibility for protecting the environment, but developed countries should bear a greater burden because they have historically contributed more to environmental degradation. Developing countries argue that they need resources and economic growth to reduce poverty and improve living standards. Therefore, environmental obligations should consider differences in economic capacity and historical responsibility. CBDR promotes fairness in global environmental governance and remains a key principle in climate change negotiations and international environmental agreements.
6. Why is there a North-South divide on environmental issues?
Answer:
The North-South divide refers to differences between developed countries (North) and developing countries (South) regarding environmental protection. Developed countries emphasize reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, while developing countries prioritize economic growth and poverty reduction. Developing nations argue that industrialized countries are mainly responsible for historical environmental damage and should take greater responsibility for solving environmental problems. They also demand financial assistance and technology transfer. Developed countries, however, seek greater participation from developing nations in environmental protection. This disagreement often creates challenges in reaching international environmental agreements and implementing climate policies effectively.
7. What are common property resources?
Answer:
Common property resources are natural resources owned and used collectively by a community rather than by individuals. Examples include forests, grazing lands, fisheries, ponds, and water bodies. Local communities often depend on these resources for their livelihood. Proper management is essential because overuse can lead to depletion and environmental degradation. Traditional communities have often developed rules and practices for sustainable use. The protection of common property resources is important for environmental conservation and social justice. Their management reflects the relationship between local communities, natural resources, and sustainable development.
8. Discuss the importance of environmental movements.
Answer:
Environmental movements play a vital role in raising awareness about environmental protection and sustainable resource use. These movements highlight issues such as deforestation, pollution, displacement of communities, and biodiversity loss. They encourage governments and corporations to adopt environmentally responsible policies. Environmental movements also promote public participation in decision-making and support the rights of local communities. Examples include movements against excessive exploitation of forests and natural resources. Such movements have contributed significantly to environmental legislation and international awareness. They demonstrate how civil society can influence policies for ecological conservation and sustainable development.
9. What is resource geopolitics?
Answer:
Resource geopolitics refers to political competition among countries for access to valuable natural resources such as oil, natural gas, minerals, and water. These resources are essential for economic growth and national security. Scarcity or unequal distribution of resources can lead to conflicts and international tensions. Countries often formulate foreign policies to secure resource supplies. Energy-rich regions become strategically important in global politics. Resource geopolitics highlights how environmental and resource issues influence international relations, economic development, and global power structures. Effective cooperation is necessary to reduce conflicts and ensure equitable access to resources.
10. Why is oil considered a strategic resource?
Answer:
Oil is considered a strategic resource because it is a major source of energy for industries, transportation, and economic development. Countries depend heavily on oil for sustaining economic growth and national security. Since oil reserves are concentrated in specific regions, competition for access and control often influences international relations. Oil-producing countries can significantly impact global markets and energy prices. Conflicts and political instability in oil-rich regions may affect the world economy. Therefore, securing reliable oil supplies has become an important objective of many countries’ foreign and security policies.
11. What are indigenous peoples?
Answer:
Indigenous peoples are communities that have lived in a particular region for generations and maintain a close relationship with their traditional lands and natural resources. They often possess unique cultural practices, languages, and ecological knowledge. Many indigenous groups depend directly on forests, rivers, and other natural resources for their livelihoods. Development projects, mining activities, and deforestation can threaten their rights and way of life. Indigenous peoples advocate for recognition of their land rights and participation in environmental decision-making. Their traditional knowledge contributes significantly to sustainable resource management and biodiversity conservation.
12. What challenges do indigenous communities face?
Answer:
Indigenous communities face several challenges, including displacement from ancestral lands, loss of natural resources, cultural erosion, and environmental degradation. Large-scale development projects such as dams, mining operations, and industrial activities often affect their livelihoods. Many indigenous groups struggle for legal recognition of their land rights and participation in policy decisions. Environmental destruction can threaten their traditional knowledge systems and cultural identity. Despite these challenges, indigenous communities continue to advocate for environmental justice, sustainable development, and protection of their rights. Their struggles highlight the connection between human rights and environmental conservation.
13. Explain India’s stand on environmental issues.
Answer:
India supports environmental protection while emphasizing the need for economic development. It argues that developed countries bear greater responsibility for environmental degradation due to their long history of industrialization. India supports the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and seeks equitable environmental agreements. It promotes sustainable development and encourages the use of renewable energy sources. India also advocates financial and technological support for developing countries. While recognizing global environmental challenges, India believes that poverty eradication and development remain essential priorities for developing nations. Thus, India seeks a balanced approach between environmental protection and economic growth.
14. How does climate change affect global politics?
Answer:
Climate change affects global politics because its consequences cross national borders and require international cooperation. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and changing rainfall patterns impact economies, agriculture, and human security. Countries must negotiate agreements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts. Climate change also influences debates about responsibility, funding, and technology transfer between developed and developing nations. International organizations play an important role in coordinating global responses. As climate change becomes more severe, it increasingly shapes foreign policies, development strategies, and international relations worldwide.
15. What is environmental degradation?
Answer:
Environmental degradation refers to the deterioration of the natural environment due to human activities such as pollution, deforestation, overexploitation of resources, and industrialization. It results in loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, water scarcity, and climate change. Environmental degradation threatens human health, economic development, and ecological balance. It often affects poor communities more severely because they depend directly on natural resources for survival. Addressing environmental degradation requires sustainable resource management, environmental regulations, and international cooperation. Preventing further damage is essential for maintaining ecological stability and ensuring a healthy future for coming generations.
16. Why is biodiversity conservation important?
Answer:
Biodiversity refers to the variety of plant and animal species found on Earth. Conservation of biodiversity is important because it maintains ecological balance and supports life-support systems such as food production, water purification, and climate regulation. Loss of biodiversity can weaken ecosystems and reduce their ability to adapt to environmental changes. Human activities like deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction threaten many species. Protecting biodiversity helps preserve genetic resources, supports sustainable development, and ensures environmental stability. International cooperation and conservation policies are essential for safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.
17. What role do international organizations play in environmental protection?
Answer:
International organizations help coordinate global efforts to address environmental challenges. They facilitate negotiations, provide scientific information, and promote cooperation among countries. Organizations such as the United Nations support environmental agreements, climate change initiatives, and biodiversity conservation programs. They also assist developing countries through funding, research, and technology transfer. Environmental problems often extend beyond national borders, making international cooperation essential. By encouraging dialogue and collective action, international organizations contribute significantly to sustainable development and global environmental governance. Their efforts help countries work together to protect shared environmental resources.
18. What is the relationship between development and environment?
Answer:
Development and environment are closely interconnected. Economic development improves living standards, creates employment, and reduces poverty. However, rapid industrialization and resource exploitation can lead to pollution, deforestation, and environmental degradation. Therefore, development must be sustainable and environmentally responsible. Sustainable development seeks to balance economic growth with ecological conservation. Governments need policies that encourage efficient resource use, renewable energy, and environmental protection. The challenge is to achieve economic progress without causing irreversible environmental damage. A balanced relationship between development and environment is essential for long-term prosperity and human well-being.
19. Why are environmental issues considered global issues?
Answer:
Environmental issues are considered global because their effects often extend beyond national boundaries. Problems such as climate change, ozone depletion, biodiversity loss, and ocean pollution affect multiple countries simultaneously. No single country can solve these issues independently. Collective international action is necessary to address their causes and consequences. Environmental challenges also influence economic development, human health, and global security. Since all nations share responsibility for protecting the planet, environmental concerns have become an important aspect of contemporary world politics. Global cooperation remains essential for achieving sustainable environmental solutions.
20. How can natural resources be managed sustainably?
Answer:
Sustainable management of natural resources involves using resources responsibly so that future generations can also benefit from them. It requires conservation of forests, water, soil, and biodiversity while meeting present developmental needs. Governments can promote sustainable practices through environmental laws, renewable energy, efficient technologies, and public awareness programs. Community participation is also important in managing common property resources. International cooperation can help address shared environmental challenges. Sustainable resource management reduces environmental degradation, supports economic development, and ensures ecological balance. It is essential for achieving long-term environmental security and sustainable development.