Chapter 6 of NCERT Class 12 Political Science Part 1 is titled Environment and Natural Resources. This chapter talks about how environmental issues are no longer just about science—they are now major political topics too. It explores how natural resources like oil, water, forests, and clean air are at the centre of both global cooperation and conflict. From climate change to global summits like the Earth Summit, this chapter helps students understand how environment and politics are deeply connected.
I’m writing about this chapter because environmental issues are no longer something we can ignore. Whether it’s pollution in Delhi, floods in Assam, or rising temperatures across India—everyone is affected. Also, in school and competitive exams, questions from this chapter are very common. More than that, it helps us as students think about our role as future voters, citizens, and maybe even policymakers. This topic is not just theoretical—it’s personal. If we understand it well, we can also make better choices in our daily lives, like conserving water, planting trees, or questioning harmful policies. That’s why this chapter is both timely and timeless.
What the Chapter Covers
The chapter focuses on how environmental problems like deforestation, global warming, and pollution are becoming political challenges. It covers key international efforts, debates between developed and developing countries, and India’s own environmental policy.
Key Concepts in the Chapter:
| Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Global Commons | Resources like oceans, atmosphere, and space that no one country owns |
| Sustainable Development | Using resources in a way that does not harm future generations |
| Environmental Movements | Public protests and campaigns to protect nature and livelihoods |
| Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) | Idea that all countries must help the environment, but rich countries should do more because they polluted more |
Global Environmental Concerns
One of the most discussed events in this chapter is the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It brought together leaders from across the world to talk about saving the environment.
Main agreements from the Earth Summit:
- Agenda 21 for sustainable development
- UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
- Convention on Biological Diversity
After Rio, many climate conferences were held, including:
- Kyoto Protocol (1997)
- Copenhagen Summit (2009)
- Paris Agreement (2015)
These agreements tried to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy.
India’s Role in Environmental Politics
India plays a key role in international environmental discussions. While developed countries ask for emission cuts, India argues that:
- It still needs development to reduce poverty
- Most historical pollution was caused by Western countries
- Technology and funds should be shared fairly
India also has strong environmental movements. For example:
- Chipko Movement (tree-hugging protest in Uttarakhand)
- Narmada Bachao Andolan (against big dams)
- Fridays for Future India (youth climate protests)
India has laws like the Environmental Protection Act (1986) and Forest Conservation Act (1980), but implementation still needs improvement.
Climate Justice and Equity
This is one of the most important ideas in the chapter. Climate justice means that poorer countries and communities, who contribute less to pollution, suffer the most from climate change.
Examples:
- Low-lying countries like Maldives face sea-level rise
- Tribals in India lose forests and homes due to mining
- Farmers face droughts and floods more often
So, the real debate is not only about pollution control, but also about fairness, equality, and access to clean resources.
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NCERT Class 12 Political Science Part 1 Chapter 6 – Environment and Natural Resources
