Title Employability_Skills_Class_XI_Unit-5-Green-Skills.pdf ✅

Session 1: Sectors of Green Economy A green economy is one which promotes development while making sure that the environment is protected. The term ‘Green Economy’ was first coined in a 1989 report for the Government of the United Kingdom by a group of leading environmental economists, titled “Blueprint for a Green Economy”. Every economy has many sectors. A sector can be described as a part or a function of the economy. For example, agriculture, automotive, construction, transportation and healthcare are different sectors of economy. To make the econmoy ‘green’ or environmental friendly there are some sectors where major changes can be made. We’ll learn more about them in this lesson. Since the sectors of green economy are all concerned about the environment, let’s revise some common terms related to the environment as shown in Table 5.1. Unit Green Skills 5 Table 5.1: Environment related Terms Ecosystem All the living organisms in a particular area and, the non-living environment with which the organisms interact, such as air, mineral, soil, water and sunlight, together form an ecosystem. Unit 5.indd 171 14-03-2019 10:48:02
172 Employability Skills – Class XI To understand how organisms and their surroundings are closely linked to each other, let us take an example of birds eating berries from a tree. The seed inside the berry comes out with the birds droppings. It falls into the soil and germinates (sprouts). It then grows into a new tree that produces more berries. We can see how plants, animals, soil, air and water are linked to each other. Food Chain This is a cycle in nature where food is produced by green plants; plants are consumed by plant-eating animals (herbivores); herbivores may get eaten by flesh- eating animals (carnivores); dead plants and animals are decomposed by decomposers into soil which in-turn feeds plants. Sustainable Development Sustainable means what is good for the economy as well as the future of the environment. For example, natural farming without using chemical fertilisers which permanently harm the soil. Table 5.2: Sectors of Green Economy Sector What can we do? Agriculture Agriculture refers to growing crops for our food. It is the largest part of our economy and the most important because it provides us with food. Agriculture may harm the environment by • overusing land resources, • cutting forests and • polluting air, water and land by using harmful chemical fertilisers and pesticides. • Support local, organic and natural farming (farming without use of harmful fertilisers and pesticides) • Grow our own vegetables, if possible • Eat in-season and locally produced food Energy Resources We use energy for all our daily functions but our demand is increasing by the day. The common energy sources, such as oil, coal, gas, etc., are harmful to health and environment. They are also limited and non-renewable. • Select clean, renewable energy sources like solar lights whenever possible • Avoid wasting electricity. Turn off lights and unplug appliances when you are not using them • Avoid cars and use cycles or public transport Important Sectors of a Green Economy The sectors or areas which are important for a environment-friendly economy are listed in Table 5.2. Unit 5.indd 172 14-03-2019 10:48:02
Green Skills 173 Sector What can we do? Construction • Construction and buildings affect global resources and climate. • Use of sand and stones causes destruction of river beds and quarrying in mountains. These activities cause landslides, earthquakes and destruction due to flooding. • Construction activities also cause air pollution and breathing problems. • Incorrectly designed buildings need more air-conditioning and electric lights, waste more water and use more energy overall. Energy-efficient or green buildings save electricity and water and use clean energy like solar and wind energy. • We need to use cleaner energy in our buildings and avoid wastage of energy. • We should talk to people about the advantages of using local construction materials. • If a large scale construction project is causing pollution we should inform the local authorities about them. Fisheries • Overfishing has led to the depletion of future fish supplies. • Some species of sharks, turtles and fish are becoming extinct. This will disturb the ecological balance and food chains in our ecosystem. • This will also cause more dependence on other forms of food causing more pressure on agriculture sectors. • Fishermen may lose their livelihood. We can avoid the problems of over-fishing by telling people about sustainable fishing practices which control fishing and provide enough time for fish to breed and multiply. If you eat fish, buy only those which are plentifully available and also in season (not during breeding season). Forestry Forests are important for rainfall and to protect our land resources. Many tribes survive on forest products. Deforestation or loss of forests leads to • climate change, • soil erosion, • loss of wildlife and damage to food-chain and ecosystems and • less tree coverage which results in less rainfall and less oxygen and more pollution. Sustainably managed forests can continue to support communities and ecosystems without damaging the environment and climate. • Reduce, reuse and recycle paper so that fewer trees are cut. • Avoid buying products, such as ivory which we can get only by harming animals. • Buy only those products which are collected safely, such as honey collected without breaking beehives. Tourism Tourism can be great for local economies, but not if it harms the environment. • While travelling, travel in groups, limit water and energy use and avoid wastage. • There are hotels and travel companies which support ecotourism (tourism which protects the environment). Find out more about them and tell people about how to travel without harming the environment. Unit 5.indd 173 14-03-2019 10:48:02
174 Employability Skills – Class XI Sector What can we do? Transport The transport sector consumes maximum petrol and diesel and causes a lot of pollution. The transport sector of a green economy aims at • using cleaner fuels like electricity for vehicles. • providing public transport, promoting cycling, etc., to discourage use of cars. • Use public transport like buses or trains • Walk or cycle when possible • Use electric (battery-operated) vehicles if possible Water Management Water is one of our most important resources. Billions of people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water or improved sanitation services – and population growth is making the problem more serious. • Use water wisely • Turn off the tap when you are not using it • Get leaking taps and pipes fixed immediately • Don’t let polluted water flow back to the land or water source before it gets a waste water treatment Waste Management Throwing something away means losing the chance to reuse materials and can lead to land, air and water pollution. • Reduce, reuse and recycle before throwing away things • Separate the waste substances so that some products can be recycled and food waste can be composted Manufacturing Industry Industries help in employment and economic growth, but harm the environment in many ways. Industries should use methods to avoid and reduce pollution and to use clean sources of energy. • Industries make items according to what customers prefer to buy • If we buy ‘green’ or environment friendly products (less plastics, clothes made without chemical dyes, etc.) more industries will start making such products. The practical activities will be facilitated by the teachers and necessary feedback will be provided by the teachers to the students. Activity 1 Group Practice: Discussion on Sectors of Green Economy Material required Pen, paper Procedure 1. Form groups of 4–5 students. 2. Each group should select any one sector (different groups should select different sectors) of a green economy. Unit 5.indd 174 14-03-2019 10:48:03