

What Students Can Learn from Global Environmental Efforts
For the subject of English, it is important for the students to have a summary of the chapter because after reading the chapter, having a summary helps a lot. Especially it helps in understanding the chapter in a better manner, because more often than not students have questions in their mind regarding the chapter, and in such cases, if students have a summary of the chapter at hand, then it saves the time of reading and going through the complete chapter all over again.
But at the same time the summary has to be in a rather accessible language, otherwise, it does not serve the purpose of helping the students, and also, in such cases, there remains no difference between the summary and the actual chapter. And hence a good summary for the chapter of The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role is required by the students.
Therefore, taking into consideration all the factors of a good summary, and with the purpose of helping the students in understanding chapter 5 of class 11 English which is The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role, Vedantu provides the complete summary in a language that requires no more effort from the students, than to simply read it.
A Background of the Chapter-The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role.
Chapter 5 of class 11 English textbook is the Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role. It is neither a story nor a poem, but it is an article, a rather beautifully written, and an impactful article, which does not only teach us about the ecology, but it opens our eyes too for the environment, and even more than that it forces our mind to think about the same as well. The article was written by Nani Palkhivala and was published on 24th November 1994, in the Indian express.
Nani Ardeshir Palkhivala, famously known as Nani Palhivala, was a man of extraordinary talent. He was referred to by many as one of the most articulate and eloquent barristers, and this mastery of him is completely reflected in the 5th chapter of 11th class English subject which is The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role.
An Overview of Chapter 5 of English the Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role.
Chapter 5 of class 11 English which is The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role, touches upon so many things related to ecology and the environment. And the fact that makes it one of the best articles of the time, is its relevance even after almost 3 decades of its first publication, its impact on the mind of the readers, and the futuristic view of the writer Nani Palkhivala.
The article starts with the remainder of the green movement that started about 25 years ago then, that is to say about the year 1969, or 1970. And then it mentions the nationwide green party of New Zealand which was formed in the year 1972 and one of the first of its kind. The whole article is written in a rather remarkable manner, and hence it also teaches the students the use of language in a better manner.
By the way, if you are looking for the solutions to the exercise for class 11 chapter 5 The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role, then you can find it by clicking upon this link.
Class 11 English has a remarkable chapter based on an article published in 1994 in ‘The Indian Express’. This article was written by Nani Palkhivala, one of the best jurists and liberal economists India has ever witnessed. He was one of the greatest architects of India’s economy who clearly described how humans are the worst animals on the planet. The author of this article consciously explains how humans are destroying the homes they live in without feeling compassion for other animals. The Summary of The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role will tell you what the author has said in the article and what we need to learn from it. By referring to the summary of the chapter The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role, you will find out what the author wanted to explain. It will help you understand how the answers to the exercise questions can be framed.
The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role Summary
The writer, as mentioned earlier, was a brilliant economist who was responsible for developing the preliminary foundation of economics back in the years. In an article published in ‘The Indian Express’ on 23rd November 1994, he mentioned how the world is suffering from an ailment and we, humans, are the reasons behind it. He perfectly expressed the ecological viewpoint that describes how humans don’t care about it and are continuously ruining the only planet they have. The Ailing Planet Summary Class 11 will help you understand the context of this article properly so that you can prepare the chapter nicely.
This article describes our planet as a living organism with its metabolism. We, humans, are devouring the resources on the planet as if they only belong to us and no other organisms. He showed his worry about the environment and wanted us to worry too. Despite the various movements to spread consciousness, very little effort is being made to save our planet. As per The Ailing Planet Hornbill Short Summary, he explained the concept of sustainability and sustainable growth back in 1987. It was difficult for the common people to understand the concept due to a lack of knowledge on the topic. He takes us on a journey from the materialistic view of society to the ecological view of the world in this article.
His definition of ‘sustainable growth’ was plain and simple. His way of explaining the facts and making everyone understand is remarkable. As per The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role, he explains that we must consume sustainably and leave something for the next generations. According to him, we must consider ourselves as partners and not the owners of resources. It belongs to everyone present and those in the future. The writer wanted us to understand that natural resources are meant for all the creatures living on this planet. We cannot destroy the natural habitats of the other animals for our greed and requirements. Studying the Summary of the chapter The Ailing Planet will help you understand and answer the questions easily.
As per a book named The Global Economic Prospect, our resources are based on croplands, grasslands, forests and fisheries. We are using these resources without thinking of the future and destroying the rest as if no one will be there to live after us. When you study The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role, you will discover how the author has simply explained sustainability and its importance to survive. All these natural resources are reducing at an alarming rate. He also refers to the Article 48A in the Constitution of India that dictates every state to guard its natural resources properly and maintain sustainable growth.
The drastic measures we have taken to become a part of the rat race is making our resources vanish very soon. If you refer to Class 11 English The Ailing Planet, you will understand how the rise in the human population is the biggest threat to our planet. It is us who can bring the right changes to stop this madness and save the planet for other living beings too. He also provides excellent solutions to the problems we are facing these days.
FAQs on The Ailing Planet: Summary & the Power of the Green Movement
1. How can this summary of 'The Ailing Planet' help me revise quickly for my Class 11 English exam?
This summary helps you revise efficiently by breaking down the chapter's core arguments. It highlights the main themes, such as the planet's declining health and the importance of the Green Movement, into concise points. This allows you to quickly grasp the author's message and key data without needing to re-read the entire text.
2. What is the central message of the chapter 'The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement's Role'?
The central message is the urgent need for humanity to shift its perspective from being a dominator of the Earth to being a responsible partner. The author, Nani Palkhivala, argues that we must adopt sustainable development to ensure the survival of the planet for future generations.
3. Why does the author refer to the Earth as an “ailing planet”?
The author uses the term “ailing planet” as a metaphor to describe the Earth's deteriorating condition. Its vital signs, like forests, fisheries, and soil quality, are declining due to unsustainable human activities. Just like a sick patient, the planet is showing clear symptoms that its health is failing and it needs immediate care.
4. What are the four principal biological systems mentioned in the chapter and why are they crucial?
The four principal biological systems are:
- Fisheries
- Forests
- Grasslands
- Croplands
They are crucial because they form the foundation of the global economic system. They provide food and raw materials for industries, but they are being depleted at an unsustainable rate, which threatens our very existence.
5. How does the chapter explain the concept of 'sustainable development'?
The chapter defines sustainable development as a process of development that “meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” In simple terms, it means we should use natural resources wisely today so that enough is left for the people who come after us.
6. While revising, what is the most important shift in thinking that the Green Movement inspired?
The most critical shift inspired by the Green Movement is the change from a mechanistic view to a holistic and ecological view of the world. It marked a change in consciousness, making people realise that the Earth is a living organism of which we are a part, not something we can endlessly exploit.
7. According to the summary, what is the relationship between population growth and environmental issues?
The summary highlights that overpopulation is a major cause of environmental degradation. A rapidly growing population places immense pressure on the Earth's principal biological systems, leading to poverty and the depletion of natural resources, making it harder to achieve environmental preservation and development.

















