UGC NET Paper 1 – People, Development and Environment (Comprehensive Notes)

Updated 2025 | Detailed UGC NET Paper 1 Notes on People, Development and Environment covering pollution, sustainability, resources, and global initiatives with examples.

1️⃣ Introduction

People, Development, and Environment is one of the key topics in the UGC NET Paper 1 syllabus. It studies how human activities influence the environment and how environmental changes, in turn, affect people’s lives and development. Understanding this interconnection helps in planning sustainable growth models that protect natural ecosystems.

Example: The Tehri Dam Project in Uttarakhand generates power and supports irrigation but caused displacement of thousands of people, illustrating the complex balance between progress and ecology.

2️⃣ Development and Environment Interaction

Development requires energy, infrastructure, and resources, which depend heavily on the environment. However, unchecked exploitation leads to pollution, deforestation, and climate imbalance. Therefore, sustainable models promote economic growth while preserving natural systems.

Example: The Smart Cities Mission in India integrates green transportation, waste recycling, and renewable energy, showing how development can be eco-friendly.

3️⃣ Human and Environment Relationship

Humans depend on the environment for survival—food, water, shelter, and energy. Historically, societies respected natural limits, but with industrialization, exploitation accelerated. Now, awareness and education are needed to restore harmony.

Example: Ancient India’s Chipko Movement in the 1970s showed community efforts to protect forests and maintain balance between livelihood and nature.

4️⃣ Environmental Issues: Pollution, Climate Change, and Sustainability

a) Pollution

Pollution is the contamination of air, water, soil, and sound beyond safe limits. It affects health, ecosystems, and climate stability.

• Air Pollution: Emissions from vehicles and industries. Example: Delhi’s smog crisis each winter.
• Water Pollution: Industrial discharge and sewage. Example: Ganga River contamination.
• Soil Pollution: Pesticide overuse reduces fertility. Example: Punjab’s declining crop quality.
• Noise Pollution: Urban traffic and loudspeakers disturb health.

b) Climate Change

Climate change results from greenhouse gas emissions leading to global warming. It causes floods, droughts, and biodiversity loss.

Example: Melting of Gangotri Glacier affects water availability across North India.

c) Sustainability

Sustainability balances economic growth, social welfare, and environmental protection. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize responsible consumption, climate action, and clean energy.

Example: The International Solar Alliance founded by India promotes solar power adoption in 120+ countries.

5️⃣ Natural and Energy Resources

Natural Resources include renewable (sun, wind, water) and non-renewable (coal, oil, minerals) sources. Overdependence on non-renewable energy causes depletion and pollution.

Example: The Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan — one of the world’s largest solar farms — shows India’s shift toward clean energy.

Conservation Measures: Use energy-efficient appliances, promote reforestation, adopt “Reduce–Reuse–Recycle” principles, and encourage community-based management.

6️⃣ Environmental Protection Acts and Legislation

India has enacted several laws to ensure environmental conservation:

• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Central framework to regulate pollution.
• Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: Monitors emission standards.
• Water Act, 1974: Controls water contamination.
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Protects endangered species.
• Forest Conservation Act, 1980: Prevents illegal forest clearance.

Example: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) enforces environmental justice by penalizing polluters and promoting clean development.

7️⃣ Disaster Management and Environmental Education

Disaster Management minimizes loss from natural and human-made disasters through preparedness and recovery strategies. The Disaster Management Act, 2005 established NDMA for national coordination.

Example: During the 2018 Kerala floods, NDMA’s early warning system and community coordination saved thousands of lives.

Environmental Education spreads awareness about pollution control, recycling, and sustainable lifestyles. Campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Mission LiFE inspire responsible behavior among citizens.

8️⃣ Global Environmental Initiatives and India’s Role

Global efforts have united countries to fight climate change and environmental degradation:

• Stockholm Conference (1972): First international meeting on environment and development.
• Earth Summit (1992): Introduced Agenda 21 for sustainable policy-making.
• Kyoto Protocol (1997): Set carbon emission targets.
• Paris Agreement (2015): India pledged to reduce carbon intensity by 45% by 2030.

Example: India leads the International Solar Alliance (ISA) — a major initiative promoting renewable energy across developing nations.

9️⃣ Conclusion

People, Development, and Environment together define the quality of life on Earth. Balancing human progress with environmental protection ensures sustainability. For UGC NET aspirants, mastering this topic enhances both academic understanding and ecological awareness.

📘 Download the full PDF of UGC NET People, Development and Environment Notes and related study materials for Paper 1 preparation.