Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Tutor Marked Assignment | 2025–26
Sustainable Development refers to a development approach that fulfills the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. To achieve this goal, societies across the world must undergo certain essential transitions, as the current models of development are largely unsustainable and environmentally damaging.
One of the most important transitions is the shift from fossil fuel–based energy systems to renewable and clean energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass. Fossil fuels are finite and are the primary contributors to climate change and air pollution. Renewable energy ensures long-term energy security while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Another crucial transition is the movement from a linear economy to a circular economy. Traditional economic systems follow a “take, make and dispose” model, which results in excessive waste generation and resource depletion. A circular economy promotes recycling, reuse, and efficient utilization of resources, thereby reducing environmental pressure.
Societies also need to transition from unsustainable consumption patterns to responsible and ethical consumption. Overconsumption of natural resources, especially in urban and industrial areas, has caused ecological imbalance. Sustainable lifestyles encourage conservation of energy, reduction of waste, and use of eco-friendly products.
Finally, inclusive and participatory development is essential. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without social equity, poverty reduction, gender equality, and involvement of local communities. Long-term ecological thinking must replace short-term economic gains to ensure environmental protection and human well-being.
Ecological succession is the natural process through which plant and animal communities develop and change over time. Primary succession occurs in areas where no life previously existed, such as bare rocks, volcanic lava, or glacial deposits. Pioneer species like lichens and mosses initiate soil formation, allowing higher plants to grow gradually and leading to a stable climax community.
Secondary succession occurs in areas where life existed earlier but was disturbed due to natural disasters or human activities such as floods, fires, or deforestation. Since soil and seeds are already present, secondary succession progresses faster. Regrowth of vegetation after a forest fire is a common example.
Direct use values of biodiversity include goods that humans directly consume, such as food, fuelwood, timber, medicinal plants, and fibers. These resources play an important role in supporting livelihoods and economic activities.
Indirect use values refer to ecological services provided by biodiversity that support life on Earth. These include climate regulation, soil fertility, water purification, pollination, and flood control. Although these benefits are not directly consumed, they are essential for ecosystem stability and human survival.
A biodiversity hotspot is a region that is rich in endemic species but is under severe threat due to human activities. India is recognized as a mega biodiversity country because of its wide range of ecosystems, climatic conditions, and high species diversity. India has four major biodiversity hotspots: the Himalayas, Western Ghats, Indo-Burma region, and Sundaland including the Nicobar Islands.
Aquatic ecosystems are divided into different zones based on depth and light penetration. Phytoplankton form the primary producers, while zooplankton, fish, mollusks, and crustaceans occupy higher trophic levels. Coral reefs, estuaries, and wetlands are among the most productive aquatic ecosystems and support rich biodiversity.
Surface water includes rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, whereas groundwater is stored beneath the Earth’s surface in aquifers. Surface water is easily accessible but highly vulnerable to pollution. Groundwater is relatively protected but once contaminated, it is difficult to restore. Water degradation occurs due to industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, and overextraction of water resources.
The carbon cycle is a natural process through which carbon moves between the atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. Plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, while animals and microorganisms release carbon through respiration and decomposition. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels have disrupted this balance, leading to global warming.
The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 was enacted to address the historical injustice faced by tribal and forest-dwelling communities in India. The Act recognizes their traditional rights over forest land and forest resources that they have depended on for generations.
The Act provides individual forest rights for cultivation and habitation, as well as community rights over grazing land, minor forest produce, and water bodies. It empowers Gram Sabhas to protect and manage forest resources, ensuring participatory governance and sustainable forest management.
The Forest Rights Act has helped improve livelihood security, prevent forced evictions, and promote conservation through traditional knowledge. In states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, tribal communities have gained legal access to forest resources, leading to socio-economic development and environmental protection.
Non-conventional energy resources, also known as renewable energy sources, play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development in India. These sources include solar energy, wind energy, biomass, biogas, small hydropower, and geothermal energy. Unlike conventional fossil fuels, renewable energy sources are naturally replenished and cause minimal environmental pollution.
India has made remarkable progress in the field of solar energy through initiatives such as the National Solar Mission. Large solar parks have been established in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka. Wind energy has also developed significantly, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, contributing substantially to electricity generation.
Biomass and biogas energy are especially important for rural areas, where agricultural waste and animal dung are used for cooking and electricity generation. Small hydropower projects help meet local energy needs without causing large-scale ecological damage.
Despite these advancements, non-conventional energy resources face challenges such as high initial investment, lack of storage technology, grid integration issues, and dependence on climatic conditions. However, with strong government support, technological innovation, and increased public awareness, renewable energy has the potential to ensure energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and support sustainable development in India.
Ecofeminism is an environmental philosophy that establishes a connection between the exploitation of nature and the oppression of women. It argues that environmental degradation and gender inequality arise from similar social structures and emphasizes the role of women in environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.
Geographical and social inequity refers to the unequal distribution of natural resources and environmental risks among different regions and social groups. Poor and marginalized communities often suffer more from pollution, climate change, and resource scarcity, despite contributing least to environmental degradation.
Ozone layer depletion is a serious environmental issue caused mainly by the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances. Depletion of the ozone layer increases the penetration of harmful ultraviolet radiation, leading to health problems such as skin cancer and damage to ecosystems.
Acid rain occurs due to the emission of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from industries and vehicles. These gases react with atmospheric moisture to form acids, which fall to the ground with rain. Acid rain damages crops, forests, aquatic ecosystems, and historical monuments.
Improper waste disposal is one of the major causes of environmental pollution. Open dumping of waste leads to soil contamination, groundwater pollution, spread of diseases, and emission of toxic gases. For example, plastic waste blocks drainage systems and causes urban flooding, while biomedical waste poses serious health risks.
Landfilling is an important method of waste disposal when carried out scientifically. In sanitary landfills, waste is compacted and covered with soil to prevent odor, pest infestation, and pollution. Proper landfill management helps in controlling environmental hazards and allows safe disposal of non-recyclable waste.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) plays a vital role in monitoring environmental pollution in India. It formulates pollution control standards, monitors air and water quality, and advises the central government on environmental policies. CPCB also coordinates with State Pollution Control Boards to enforce environmental laws.
Collective action by communities, non-governmental organizations, and civil society is essential for addressing environmental issues. Public participation, environmental movements, and awareness campaigns help in protecting natural resources and ensuring effective implementation of environmental regulations.
Habitat destruction is recognized as the most significant threat to global biodiversity in the present era. Natural habitats are destroyed due to deforestation, urban expansion, mining, industrialization, and large-scale agricultural activities. When habitats are altered or destroyed, species lose their shelter, food sources, and breeding grounds.
Deforestation for agriculture and infrastructure development has led to the decline of forest-dependent species. Wetlands are drained for urban development, affecting aquatic biodiversity and migratory birds. Coral reefs are damaged due to pollution and climate change, resulting in loss of marine life.
Habitat destruction not only leads to species extinction but also disrupts ecological balance and ecosystem services. Conservation of habitats through protected areas, sustainable land-use planning, and community participation is essential to protect global biodiversity and ensure environmental stability.