Class 12 Political Science Chapter 6: Environment and Natural Resources NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions Class 12 Political Science Chapter 6 Environment And Natural Resources (2025-26)

Exercises

1. Which among the following best explains the reason for growing concerns about the environment?

• a. The developed countries are concerned about protecting nature.
• b. Protection of the environment is vital for indigenous people and natural habitats.
• c. The environmental degradation caused by human activities has become pervasive and has reached a dangerous level.
• d. None of the above.

Answer: c. The environmental degradation caused by human activities has become pervasive and has reached a dangerous level.

2. Mark correct or wrong against each of the following statements about the Earth Summit:

• a. It was attended by 170 countries, thousands of NGOs and many MNCs.
• b. The summit was held under the aegis of the UN.
• c. For the first time, global environmental issues were firmly consolidated at the political level.
• d. It was a summit meeting.

• a. Correct
• b. Correct
• c. Correct
• d. Correct

3. Which among the following are TRUE about the global commons?

• a. The Earth’s atmosphere, Antarctica, ocean floor and outer space are considered as part of the global commons.
• b. The global commons are outside sovereign jurisdiction.
• c. The question of managing the global commons has reflected the North-South divide.
• d. The countries of the North are more concerned about the protection of the global commons than the countries of the South.

• a. True
• b. True
• c. True
• d. False

4. What were the outcomes of the Rio Summit?

Answer: The Rio Summit resulted in conventions on climate change, biodiversity, and forestry, and introduced ‘Agenda 21’—a list of recommended development practices. However, significant differences between developed and developing countries remained unresolved.

5. What is meant by the global commons? How are they exploited and polluted?

Answer: Global commons are resources not owned by any one country—like the atmosphere, Antarctica, ocean floor, and outer space—shared by all. They are exploited through industrial activities, pollution, overfishing, mineral extraction, and uncontrolled technological development.

6. What is meant by ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’? How could we implement the idea?

Answer: ‘Common but differentiated responsibilities’ means all countries share the duty to protect the environment, but developed countries should bear more responsibility due to their greater role in causing degradation. Implementation requires developed countries to provide financial and technological aid to developing nations.

7. Why have issues related to global environmental protection become the priority concern of states since the 1990s?

Answer: Environmental degradation reached critical levels due to industrialization and population growth. As problems like ozone depletion, climate change, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss grew urgent, states realized these issues required immediate, collective action for the survival of humanity and natural systems.

8. Compromise and accommodation are the two essential policies required by states to save planet Earth. Substantiate the statement in the light of the ongoing negotiations between the North and South on environmental issues.

Answer: Compromise and accommodation are crucial because the developed ‘global North’ and developing ‘global South’ hold conflicting priorities. The North focuses on present damage and global standards, while the South emphasizes historical responsibility and development needs. Saving the environment requires both sides to accommodate others’ interests—like the principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’—where developed countries accept greater obligations. Only through mutual adjustments, technology transfer, and financial support can fair and effective global agreements emerge, thus ensuring collective action on environmental safeguarding.

9. The most serious challenge before the states is pursuing economic development without causing further damage to the global environment. How could we achieve this? Explain with a few examples.

Answer: States can achieve economic development sustainably by adopting ‘sustainable development’—integrating growth with environmental protection. For example, India’s National Auto-fuel Policy mandates cleaner fuels, and acts like the Energy Conservation Act (2001) and Electricity Act (2003) encourage renewable energy and efficiency. Implementing such policies, investing in green technologies, biodiversity conservation, and international cooperation—especially through financial and technological support to developing nations—are essential steps. This approach ensures that economic progress does not further harm the global environment.

Environment and Natural Resources: Key Concepts and Preparation Tips

Get a complete understanding of Environment and Natural Resources in world politics with our NCERT solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 6 (2025-26). Mastering concepts like global commons and sustainable development will help you ace your Political Science exam.

Review the roles of international conventions and India’s environmental policies for maximum exam benefit. Break complex topics into simple notes and highlight issues like North-South divide and common but differentiated responsibilities for easy revision before tests.

Regular practice of exercise-based questions enhances clarity in NCERT Political Science. Understand key examples, stay updated with real-world news, and solidify your preparation with clear and concise NCERT solutions for a higher score.