Environmental degradation and resource depletion are not merely ecological problems — they are political issues involving power, justice, and the survival of future generations. — NCERT
6.1 Environment as a Global Political Issue
Environmental problems transcend national borders:
- Climate change — greenhouse gas emissions, global warming
- Ozone depletion — addressed through Montreal Protocol (1987)
- Biodiversity loss — habitat destruction, species extinction
- Pollution — air, water, soil contamination
- Deforestation — Amazon, Congo Basin, Indian forests
The tragedy of the commons — shared resources overused when no one owns responsibility — explains why global cooperation is essential.
6.2 Global Commons
Global commons are areas or resources outside national jurisdiction:
| Commons | Governance challenge |
|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Carbon emissions; Paris Agreement (2015) |
| Oceans | Overfishing, plastic pollution, UNCLOS |
| Antarctica | Antarctic Treaty (1959) — demilitarised, scientific use |
| Outer space | Space debris, militarisation concerns |
Managing commons requires international treaties, but enforcement is weak and powerful states often resist binding commitments.
6.3 Environmental Movements
Grassroots and global movements have shaped environmental politics:
- Chipko Movement (India, 1970s) — forest conservation in Uttarakhand
- Narmada Bachao Andolan — opposition to large dams
- Greenpeace, WWF — global advocacy organisations
- Earth Summit (Rio, 1992) — Agenda 21, conventions on climate and biodiversity
- Fridays for Future — youth climate activism led by Greta Thunberg
Movements raise awareness and pressure governments, but face resistance from industry and developmental priorities.
6.4 Resource Geopolitics
Control over natural resources drives international politics:
- Oil and gas — Middle East conflicts, OPEC, energy security
- Water — transboundary rivers (Indus, Nile, Mekong); potential for conflict
- Minerals — lithium, cobalt, rare earths for green technology
- Food security — land grabs, agricultural subsidies, WTO disputes
Resource nationalism — states asserting control over domestic resources — conflicts with global trade rules.
6.5 India's Environmental Policy
India's position and actions:
- Principle of common but differentiated responsibilities — developed nations bear greater historical responsibility
- Paris Agreement — committed to net-zero by 2070; ambitious renewable energy targets
- National Action Plan on Climate Change — eight missions
- Wildlife Protection Act, Forest Conservation Act — domestic legislation
- Tensions between development needs (poverty alleviation, industrialisation) and environmental protection
India advocates climate justice while pursuing economic growth.
Chapter Summary
- Environmental issues are inherently global and politically contested
- Global commons require cooperative governance but face free-rider problems
- Environmental movements have raised awareness and influenced policy globally
- Control over natural resources shapes geopolitical rivalries
- India balances development imperatives with climate commitments and environmental protection
Exercises (NCERT)
- Exercise 1 — global commons and international environmental governance
- Exercise 2 — role of environmental movements
- Exercise 3 — India's approach to climate change and resource politics