🌍 Human-Environment Interaction: Anthropogenic Impacts
Exam Relevance: 5-7 marks in UGC NET Paper 1, frequently appears in environment section. Focus on Indian case studies and mitigation strategies.
1. Major Anthropogenic Activities and Their Impacts
| Human Activity | Environmental Impact | Indian Example |
|---|---|---|
| Deforestation | Loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, climate change | Western Ghats forest loss (19,500 sq km 1975-2013) |
| Industrialization | Air/water pollution, toxic waste, GHG emissions | Yamuna river pollution (Delhi NCR industries) |
| Agriculture | Soil degradation, water depletion, chemical pollution | Punjab groundwater depletion (110% extraction rate) |
| Urbanization | Heat islands, waste management issues, habitat loss | Delhi's air quality (PM2.5 often 10×WHO limits) |
| Mining | Land degradation, groundwater contamination | Jharkhand coal mines (land subsidence issues) |
NET Memory Tip: "DIAUM" acronym for major anthropogenic activities - Deforestation, Industrialization, Agriculture, Urbanization, Mining
2. Sector-wise Environmental Impacts
A. Agricultural Impacts
- Green Revolution effects: Groundwater depletion, soil salinity
- Fertilizer overuse: Eutrophication in water bodies
- Pesticides: Bioaccumulation in food chain (DDT in Ganges river)
- Stubble burning: Contributes to Delhi's winter smog
B. Industrial Impacts
- Air pollution: SO₂, NOₓ, PM2.5 emissions (CPCB data shows 51% industries non-compliant)
- Water pollution: Heavy metals (As, Pb, Hg) in industrial effluents
- Thermal pollution: From power plants affecting aquatic life
- E-waste: India generates 3.2 million MT annually (2023 estimate)
Case Study: Delhi's Air Pollution
Causes: Vehicle emissions (41%), industry (18.6%), construction dust (18%), stubble burning (12%)
Impacts: Reduced life expectancy by 9.4 years (EPIC study), economic losses (~₹30,000 crore annually)
Measures: Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Odd-Even scheme, BS-VI fuels
3. Climate Change Connection
Anthropogenic Climate Forcers
- CO₂ emissions: India emitted 2.88 Gt in 2021 (3rd highest globally)
- Methane: From agriculture (rice paddies) and waste (landfills)
- Black carbon: From biomass burning and diesel engines
- Land use changes: Albedo effect from deforestation
Observed Impacts in India:
- 0.7°C temperature rise since 1901 (IMD data)
- Changing monsoon patterns (13% decline in rainfall in Indo-Gangetic plains)
- Glacial retreat (Himalayan glaciers losing 1.5% mass annually)
- Sea level rise (3.3 mm/year along Indian coasts)
Previous Year Question: Which anthropogenic activity contributes most to methane emissions in India?
Answer: Agriculture (rice cultivation and livestock)
Answer: Agriculture (rice cultivation and livestock)
4. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
Government Initiatives
| Program | Focus Area | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| National Clean Air Program | Air pollution | Target 20-30% PM reduction by 2024 |
| Namami Gange | River conservation | 83% sewage treatment in Ganga towns |
| Green India Mission | Afforestation | 5 million hectares new forest cover |
| FAME India | Electric vehicles | 0.5 million EVs supported by 2024 |
Individual Level Actions
- Reduce-Reuse-Recycle (3R approach)
- Energy conservation (5-star appliances, LED bulbs)
- Sustainable transportation (public transit, carpooling)
- Water harvesting (reviving traditional systems)
- Eco-friendly consumption (reduce plastic, organic food)
5. UGC NET Preparation Focus
Expected Questions:
- Which anthropogenic activity is primary cause of Delhi's winter smog? (Ans: Stubble burning)
- What percentage of India's water bodies are polluted? (Ans: 70% as per CPCB)
- Which program targets air pollution reduction in India? (Ans: NCAP)
- What is India's rank in global CO₂ emissions? (Ans: 3rd)
Preparation Strategy:
- Memorize key statistics (India-specific data)
- Understand cause-effect relationships
- Study government programs and policies
- Practice case study analysis
- Review previous 5 years' environment questions
Memory Techniques:
- Pollution types: "WASH" - Water, Air, Soil, Hazardous
- Conservation methods: "TERM" - Technology, Education, Regulation, Market-based
- Climate actions: "MIT" - Mitigation, Adaptation, Transformation
