Evaluate the nature and scope of anthropogenic influence on Climate in India and also analyze the environmental movements arising out of it. (UPSC CSE Mains 2020 - Sociology, Paper 2)

  • The ecological anthropology was influenced by functionalism, systems theory and focus on negative feedback. For anthropologist’s role of cultural practices and beliefs in enabling human population to optimize their adaptations to their environments and in maintaining un-degraded local and regional ecosystems are important. 
  • Burning fossil fuels, cutting down forests and farming livestock are increasingly influencing the climate and the earth''s temperature. This adds enormous amounts of greenhouse gases to those naturally occurring in the atmosphere, increasing the greenhouse effect and global warming.
  • An environmental movement is a social and political movement. It seeks to address environmental issues and advocate for the protection and preservation of natural resources and ecosystems. Environmental movements often involve a diverse range of individuals and groups, including scientists, activists, NGOs, community organizations, and concerned citizens. The goals of environmental movements are to promote sustainability, protect the environment and natural resources. They also raise awareness about the impacts of human activities on the planet. Environmental movements also play an important role in advocating for policy changes, such as stronger environmental protections and regulations on industries and businesses.
  • To curb the ongoing climate crisis and sustain the environment, many movements have taken place in India.

Name of Movement

Place

Active Years

Leaders

Reason

The Silent Valley Movement

Kerala

1978

Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP) 

To protect the silent valley and its diverse wildlife from the hydropower dam project.

Chipko Movement

Uttarakhand

1973

Chandi Prasad Bhatt, Sunderlal Bhauguna, Shamsher Singh Bisht, Ghanasyam Raturi.

To safeguard the Himalayan forest ecosystem from destruction.

Bishnoi Movement

Rajasthan

1730

Amrita Devi Bishnoi

To prohibit the destruction of sacred trees of khejri.

Appiko Movement

Karnataka

1983

Panduranga Hegde

To prevent the cutting of trees by forest department fellers and contractors.

Narmada Bachao Andolan

Gujarat, Madhya

Pradesh and Maharashtra

1985-99

Medha Patekar, Baba Amte

To evaluate the justification for the Narmada river development projects.

Jungle Bachao Andolan

Singhbhum, Jharkhand

1982-85

Tribal Community

To protest the government''s plans to convert natural Sal forest into commercial teak plantations.

  • Environmental movements in India have played a significant role in raising awareness and mobilizing public support for environmental protection and conservation. Over the years, these movements have contributed to the formulation of environmental policies and laws. Despite the challenges and limitations, environmental movements in India continue to be an important force for change, and are likely to remain so in the future. 


POSTED ON 30-08-2023 BY ADMIN
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