ETHICS AND VALUES (AECC-VI)

1. How might the actions of individuals contribute to the sustainable utilization of

resources for the advantage of forthcoming generations?

Individual actions play a crucial role in contributing to sustainable resource utilization for
the benefit of future generations. Here are some ways individuals can make a difference:
(i) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Use less stuff, like water and energy, and try to reuse things instead of throwing them
away. Adopting the mantra of reduce, reuse, and recycle can significantly reduce waste
and conserve resources. By minimizing consumption, reusing items whenever possible,
and recycling materials, individuals can help extend the lifespan of resources.
(i) Save Energy
Simple actions such as turning off lights when not in use, unplugging electronics, using
energy-efficient appliances, and opting for renewable energy sources can lower energy
consumption and reduce the strain on natural resources.
(ii) Save Water
Conserving water by fixing leaks, using water-saving fixtures, taking shorter showers, and
being mindful of water usage in daily activities can help preserve this precious resource
for future generations.
(iii) Ecofriendly Transportation
Choosing sustainable transportation options like walking, biking, carpooling, or using
public transit can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and alleviate pressure on fossil fuel
resources.
(iv) Support Sustainable Products
Choose things made from sustainable materials and made in a way that doesn't hurt the
environment. Purchasing products that are made from sustainable materials, ethically
sourced, and produced using environmentally friendly practices encourages businesses
to adopt more sustainable methods and reduces the exploitation of natural resources.
(v) Education
Tell others why it's important to take care of the environment and encourage them to do
the same.

2. What is “net zero”?

"Net zero" refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the
atmosphere and the amount removed from it. Achieving net zero emissions means that the
total greenhouse gas emissions produced are equal to the total amount removed from the
atmosphere through various methods, such as carbon capture and storage or natural
processes like reforestation.

Achieving net zero emissions is considered essential for mitigating climate change and
avoiding the most severe impacts, such as extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and
biodiversity loss. The goal of achieving net zero emissions is to mitigate climate change by
stabilizing the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, ultimately aiming to limit global
warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
 We can do this by:
 Reducing Emissions: Using cleaner energy sources, driving electric cars, and making
industries more efficient to produce fewer emissions.
 Removing Carbon: Planting trees or using technology to capture and store carbon
dioxide emissions underground

` By achieving net zero emissions, we aim to stop adding more greenhouse gases to the
atmosphere than we can take away, helping to slow down climate change and protect the
planet for future generations.

3. How is it possible to achieve a harmonious equilibrium between industrial progress

and ethical considerations regarding the environment?

Achieving a harmonious equilibrium between industrial progress and ethical considerations

regarding the environment involves integrating environmental sustainability into all aspects of
industrial development. Here are some key strategies:

(i) Using Clean Technologies: Industries can use cleaner and more efficient technologies
that don't harm the environment as much.
(ii) Following Rules: Governments can make rules that industries have to follow to protect
the environment, like not polluting rivers or cutting down too many trees.
(iii) Being Responsible: Companies should take responsibility for their actions and try to
minimize their impact on nature. This could mean using less energy, producing less
waste, or cleaning up any mess they make.
(iv) Learning and Teaching: Everyone should learn about how their actions affect the
environment and teach others to be more mindful. The more we know, the better we
can protect our planet.
(v) Working Together: Industries, governments, and people should work together to find
solutions that benefit everyone and keep the environment healthy for future
generations.

[OR]
(i) Regulatory Framework: Implementing and enforcing environmental regulations ensures
that industries operate within ethical boundaries, limiting pollution and environmental
degradation.
(ii) Technological Innovation: Investing in green technologies and practices allows industries
to minimize their environmental footprint while maintaining progress and productivity.
(iii) Stakeholder Engagement: Involving communities, environmental groups, and other
stakeholders in decision-making processes fosters transparency and ensures that ethical
concerns are addressed.
(iv) Corporate Responsibility: Encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices through
incentives and penalties promotes ethical behavior and environmental stewardship.
(v) Education and Awareness: Promoting environmental literacy and raising awareness
about the importance of sustainability empowers individuals to advocate for ethical
practices and hold industries accountable.
4. What is “digital detox”?
A "digital detox" means taking a break from phones, computers, and social media for a
while. It's like giving your brain a vacation from screens and the internet to relax and do
other things you enjoy, like spending time with friends or going outside. It's a way to take
care of yourself and find a balance between technology and real life.

The benefits of Digital detox includes:

(i) Disconnecting from Screens: During a digital detox, you consciously put away electronic
devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets. This means no checking emails, social
media, or watching TV for a designated period.
(ii) Reconnecting with Real Life: Instead of staring at screens, you focus on activities that
don't involve technology. This might include spending quality time with loved ones,
engaging in hobbies like cooking or gardening, or simply enjoying the outdoors.
(iii) Reducing Stress and Overwhelm: Constant exposure to screens and digital information
can contribute to feelings of stress and overwhelm. A digital detox provides a much-
needed break from this information overload, allowing your mind to relax and recharge.
(iv) Improving Sleep Quality: The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt sleep patterns. By
avoiding screens before bedtime during a digital detox, you may experience improved
sleep quality and wake up feeling more refreshed.

5. Discuss several advantages and disadvantages of modern technology.

Advantages
(i) Improved Communication: Technology like phones and the internet helps us talk to each
other faster and from far away. People can connect with each other globally in real-time
through various platforms like social media, email, and video calls.
(ii) Efficiency and Convenience: Machines and computers make many tasks quicker and
simpler, like online shopping and banking.. From online banking to automated
manufacturing, technology has made daily tasks more convenient and less time-
consuming.
(iii) Access to Information: We can find information on almost any topic online, making it
easier to learn new things. Online resources, educational websites, and digital libraries
provide instant access to a wealth of knowledge from anywhere in the world.

Disadvantages
(i) Too Much Screen Time: Spending too much time on phones and social media can make
us feel anxious and lonely.
(ii) Privacy Issues: Our personal information online isn't always safe, and people can use it
without permission.
(iii) Not Everyone Has Tech: Some people can't afford or access technology, making it harder
for them to learn and work.
(iv) Losing Jobs to Machines: Machines and computers taking over some jobs means fewer
people have work, which can be tough for families.
6. What are the classifications of environmental resources?
Environmental resources can be classified in various ways based on different criteria. Here
are some common classifications:
(i) Renewable vs. Non-renewable Resources
Renewable resources can be replenished or replaced naturally within a relatively
short period, such as sunlight, wind, water, and biomass.
Non-renewable resources cannot be replenished within a short timeframe, such as
fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and minerals.
(ii) Biotic vs. Abiotic Resources
Biotic resources are derived from living organisms, such as forests, wildlife, and
fisheries.
Abiotic resources are non-living, physical resources, including air, water, minerals,
and metals.
(iii) Natural vs. Anthropogenic Resources
Natural resources occur naturally in the environment without human intervention,
like air, water bodies, soil, and minerals.
Anthropogenic resources are human-made or modified resources, such as urban
green spaces, cultivated crops, and artificial lakes.
(iv) Global vs. Local Resources
Global resources are those that exist and have significance at a global scale, like the
ozone layer, global climate patterns, and biodiversity.
Local resources are specific to particular regions or communities, such as local water
sources, forests, and ecosystems.
(v) Public vs. Private Resources
Public resources are owned or managed by the government for the benefit of the
general public, such as national parks, public lands, and clean air.
Private resources are owned and managed by individuals, corporations, or
organizations, like private forests, farmlands, and gardens.

7. What is “carbon footprint”?

In simple terms, a "carbon footprint" is the amount of greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide,
that we produce through our daily activities. It's like the mark we leave on the environment
with our actions, such as driving cars, using electricity, or throwing away trash. The bigger
our carbon footprint, the more we're contributing to climate change. So, reducing our
carbon footprint means finding ways to do things in a more environmentally friendly
manner, like using less energy or choosing greener transportation options.

These activities include but are not limited to:

 Burning Fossil Fuels: Combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas for electricity, heating,
transportation, and industrial processes releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
 Deforestation: Cutting down forests reduces the Earth's capacity to absorb CO2 through
photosynthesis, leading to an increase in atmospheric CO2 levels.
 Agricultural Practices: Certain agricultural activities, such as livestock farming and rice
cultivation, produce methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas.
 Industrial Processes: Manufacturing, production, and other industrial activities can release
various greenhouse gases, including CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide (N2O).
 Waste Management: Landfills and waste incineration produce methane and CO2 as organic
waste decomposes.

Reducing carbon footprint is essential for mitigating climate change and its associated
impacts. Efforts to reduce carbon footprint include transitioning to renewable energy
sources, improving energy efficiency, sustainable land use practices, and adopting cleaner
technologies in various sectors. Individuals, businesses, and governments all play crucial
roles in reducing carbon footprints to mitigate climate change.

8. What is greenhouse gas?

Greenhouse gases are like a blanket in the Earth's atmosphere. They let sunlight in, warming
the planet, but they also trap some of the heat that tries to escape back into space. This
trapped heat keeps the Earth's temperature at a level suitable for life. The main greenhouse
gases are carbon dioxide (from burning fossil fuels and deforestation), methane (from
agriculture and waste), nitrous oxide (from agriculture and industry), and fluorinated gases
(used in various products). While the natural greenhouse effect is necessary, human
activities have increased these gases, leading to more heat being trapped and causing
climate change.