Class 11 English Notes Chapter 5 (The Ailing Planet : the Green Movement ’ s Role) – Hornbill Book

Alright, let's focus on Chapter 5 of your Hornbill textbook, 'The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role' by Nani Palkhivala. This is an important chapter, not just for your exams but for understanding our world. It was originally an article written in 1994, but its relevance has only increased. For government exam preparation, focus on the core arguments, evidence presented, and key terminology.

Detailed Notes: The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role

1. Introduction & Central Theme:

• Author: Nani Palkhivala (eminent jurist and economist).
• Source: Article written for The Indian Express on November 23, 1994.
• Core Idea: The chapter highlights the deteriorating health of Earth due to human impact and underscores the crucial role of the global 'Green Movement' in raising awareness and advocating for change. It argues for a shift in human perception towards a more responsible, holistic, and ecological view of the world.

2. Shift in Human Perception:

• Palkhivala notes a significant, though incomplete, shift in human consciousness.
• From Mechanistic to Holistic View: We are moving away from seeing the Earth as simply a collection of resources for exploitation (mechanistic view) towards understanding it as a complex, interconnected living organism (holistic and ecological view).
• Earth as a Patient: The metaphor of the "ailing planet" is central. Earth's vital signs (health indicators) reveal it's in decline, requiring urgent care.
• Copernican Revolution Analogy: Just as Copernicus taught humanity that Earth revolved around the sun (shifting the centre from Earth), this new worldview shifts the focus from human dominance to humans as part of a larger ecosystem.

3. Sustainable Development:

• The concept was popularized by the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987 (often linked to the Brundtland Report, though not explicitly named here).
• Definition: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
• Core Principle: We must use Earth's resources in a way that allows them to regenerate and be available for the future. We are not owners, but stewards or trustees.

4. Earth's Principal Biological Systems (Lester R. Brown):

• In his book The Global Economic Prospect, Lester R. Brown identified four key biological systems that form the foundation of the global economy:
  • Fisheries: Provide protein. Currently facing collapse due to overfishing.
  • Forests: Provide timber, firewood, habitat, regulate climate, prevent soil erosion. Being decimated rapidly.
  • Grasslands: Support livestock. Being converted into barren wastelands due to overgrazing.
  • Croplands: Provide food grains. Deteriorating due to unsustainable practices and pressure.
• Unsustainable Demand: Human demand on these systems is exceeding their capacity to regenerate, leading to their depletion.

5. Key Environmental Concerns Highlighted:

• Deforestation:
  • Critical issue, especially in poor countries where forests are cut for firewood (often more expensive than food).
  • Leads to soil erosion, desertification, loss of biodiversity, and climate change.
  • The text mentions the alarming rate of forest loss (e.g., "forests precede mankind; deserts follow").
  • Dr. Myers' statement: Tropical forests are the "powerhouse of evolution".
• Overpopulation:
  • Identified as a primary driver of environmental degradation and poverty.
  • The rate of population increase puts immense pressure on resources. (Mentioned the world population increase rate).
  • Argument presented: Development is the best contraceptive, but development itself may not be possible if population growth continues unchecked. Coercive sterilization is not an option, voluntary family planning is crucial.
• Resource Depletion & Pollution: Implicit throughout the discussion of the four biological systems and industrial impact.

6. Legal and Constitutional Provisions (India):

• Article 48A: Added to the Constitution, directs the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.
• Article 51A(g): Imposes a fundamental duty on every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment.
• Reality: Palkhivala laments that laws are neither respected nor enforced effectively in India.

7. Role of Industry & Changing Attitudes:

• Industries are major polluters but also crucial for economic development.
• A shift in perspective is needed among industrialists, moving towards environmental responsibility.
• Quotes Mr. Edgar S. Woolard (Chairman of DuPont) advocating for industries to become chief environmental performers.

8. Significant Quotes & Analogies:

• Lusaka, Zambia Zoo Sign: "The world’s most dangerous animal" inside a cage with a mirror – highlighting humanity's destructive role.
• Margaret Thatcher: "No generation has a freehold on this earth. All we have is a life tenancy — with a full repairing lease." (Emphasizes responsibility towards future generations).
• Lester R. Brown: "We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers; we have borrowed it from our children." (Similar theme of inter-generational equity).

9. The Green Movement:

• Started in New Zealand in 1972.
• Has spread globally and raised significant awareness.
• Palkhivala acknowledges it hasn't completely transformed the world but has irrevocably shifted perceptions. It represents hope for the planet's future.

10. Conclusion:

• The chapter is a wake-up call. The Earth's health is critical.
• Requires a fundamental change in human attitude – becoming responsible trustees of the planet.
• Urgency: The "era of responsibility" demands immediate and collective action.

Key Takeaways for Exams:

• Understand the central metaphor: Earth as an "ailing planet".
• Know the four principal biological systems and their status.
• Define sustainable development.
• Recognize the role of overpopulation and deforestation.
• Be aware of the Indian constitutional provisions mentioned.
• Remember key quotes and the significance of the Green Movement.
• Understand the shift from a mechanistic to a holistic view.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. Who is the author of the chapter 'The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role'?
   a) Khushwant Singh
   b) Nani Palkhivala
   c) Vikram Seth
   d) Lester R. Brown

2. The concept of 'Sustainable Development' was popularized by:
   a) The Green Movement in New Zealand
   b) The World Commission on Environment and Development
   c) Nani Palkhivala in his article
   d) The Indian Constitution

3. According to Lester R. Brown, which of the following is NOT one of the Earth's principal biological systems?
   a) Fisheries
   b) Forests
   c) Oceans
   d) Grasslands

4. What does the notice outside a cage in the zoo at Lusaka, Zambia, declare man to be?
   a) The world's most intelligent animal
   b) The world's most endangered animal
   c) The world's most dangerous animal
   d) The world's most adaptable animal

5. Which Article of the Indian Constitution directs the State to protect and improve the environment?
   a) Article 51A(g)
   b) Article 21
   c) Article 48A
   d) Article 14

6. The Green Movement, mentioned in the chapter, first started in which country?
   a) India
   b) USA
   c) Australia
   d) New Zealand

7. What does the author identify as a major cause distorting the future of human society?
   a) Industrial pollution
   b) Deforestation
   c) Overpopulation
   d) Lack of education

8. Margaret Thatcher's quote compares our relationship with Earth to:
   a) Owning a freehold property
   b) Having a life tenancy with a full repairing lease
   c) Being temporary visitors
   d) Being conquerors of nature

9. The shift in human perception discussed in the chapter is from a ______ view to a holistic and ecological view.
   a) Spiritual
   b) Economic
   c) Mechanistic
   d) Political

10. What fundamental duty regarding the environment is mentioned under Article 51A(g) of the Indian Constitution?
    a) Duty of the State to provide clean air
    b) Duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment
    c) Duty of industries to prevent pollution
    d) Duty of the government to create national parks

Answer Key for MCQs:

1. b) Nani Palkhivala
2. b) The World Commission on Environment and Development
3. c) Oceans (Croplands is the fourth system)
4. c) The world's most dangerous animal
5. c) Article 48A
6. d) New Zealand
7. c) Overpopulation
8. b) Having a life tenancy with a full repairing lease
9. c) Mechanistic
10. b) Duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment

Study these notes carefully, focusing on the interconnectedness of the issues presented. Good luck with your preparation!