Class 11th English Chapter- 5th Term- 2 ( The Ailing Planet ) Important question
1- What is meant by sustainable development ? When did this concept become popular ?
Ans. Sustainable development means development that meets the needs of the present but doesn't affect the ability of future generations to meet their needs. This concept became popular in 1987
2- The writer says, "What goes under the pot now costs more than what goes inside it." What is meant by this?
Ans. In poor countries, people cut down trees for firewood. As a result, there is shortage of firewood. It has become very expensive. That is why the author says "What goes under the pot costs more than what goes inside it".
3- What does the notice "The world's most dangerous animal' at a cage in the zoo at Lusaka, Zambia Signify ?
There is no animal in the cage but a mirror where one can see oneself. It makes one realise that the world's most dangerous animal is none but man himself which is very true. Man has destroyed forests, fisheries, grasslands and croplands. He has made many species almost extinct. Thus the mirror in the cage signifies man's cruelty and thoughtlessness
4- "We have not inherited the earth from our forefathers : We borrowed it from our children" Discuss.
Ans. This earth supplies all our needs. But we don't have a freehold on it. We are not its masters. We have not inherited it from out forefathers. Rather, we have borrowed it from our children we have to give it back to them in good form. We should take fromit as much as we can give back to it.
5- How are Earth’s principal biological systems important ?
Ans. Mr. Lester R. Brown recognises four principal biological systems of Earth, namely ‘fisheries’, ‘forests’, ‘grasslands’ and ‘croplands’. They form the foundation of the global economic system. They fulfil our entire needs of food, besides providing virtually all the raw materials for industry except minerals and petroleum derived synthetics. Hence, they are extremely important.
6- Why are tropical forests called ‘the powerhouse of evolution’?
Ans. Tropical forests are called ‘the powerhouse of evolution’ because it is in the heart of tropical forests where newer plants and animals evolve to more adaptable forms. If they are drastically reduced, as at present, it will affect evolution as a whole and many species of plants and animals will be rendered extinct in this process.
7- Justify the title of the article by Nani Palkhivala
Ans. The title of the article by Nani Palkhivala, ‘The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role’, is totally justified and appropriate. The Earth’s vital signs are that of a patient in declining health. We have overexploited its resources. But the Green Movement has changed our thinking. We have started to understand that earth is also a living organism and we have to respect its needs.
8- What is the significance of Green Movement in the modern world ?
Ans. The Green Movement has brought a great awareness among people. It has taught us that we are just partners on the earth sharing this planet with other living organisms. Having learnt this, human beings worldwide have reduced the large amount of destruction being caused on the Earth. People have realised that the earth’s existence has been threatened and have begun to do whatever is possible.
9- What shift in human perception has been seen as a result of the Green Movement ?
Ans. Human perception has gone through a revolutionary shift as a result of the Green Movement replacing the mechanistic view of the Earth with a more holistic and ecological view of the world. For the first time in human history, there is a growing worldwide consciousness that Earth itself is a living organism, an enormous being of which we are parts. It has its own metabolic needs and vital processes which need to be respected and preserved.
10- Why and how are our grasslands being converted into barren wastelands, and croplands deteriorating ?
Ans. One of the greatest reason of the deterioration of these grasslands and croplands is the growth of population. Population has been increasing drastically. As a result, the pressure on land is increasing. Over-grazing of animals has caused havoc to our grasslands. Due to this, grasslands are becoming barren wastelands. In the same way, the pressure of population on croplands is affecting their productivity. More mouths mean more food and hence, more pressure on croplands.