Class 9 IT 402 Green Skills I – Notes

Green skills are the knowledge, abilities, and values needed to promote sustainable development and environmental conservation. These skills help individuals and industries adopt eco-friendly practices, reduce carbon footprints, and efficiently use natural resources for a greener future.

Class 9 IT 402 Green Skills I – Notes

Environment

Environment: The environment refers to the surroundings or conditions in which an organism lives, including both living and non-living components. It encompasses air, water, soil, climate, and other factors that affect life.

Natural Environment: This refers to the physical, natural world that exists without human interference. It includes forests, oceans, rivers, mountains, and ecosystems that provide habitats for wildlife and support biodiversity.
- Biotic Factors: These are the living components of an ecosystem. They include all living organisms such as plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Example: Trees, grass, insects in a forest.
- Abiotic Factors: These are the non-living physical and chemical components of an ecosystem. They influence the survival and growth of living organisms. Example: Sunlight, water, air, soil, and minerals.
Human-Made Environment: This refers to the surroundings created by humans through construction, modification, and development. It includes cities, buildings, roads, parks, and other infrastructural elements.

Ecosystem: An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment. It includes plants, animals, microorganisms, water, soil, and climate, and can range from a small pond to a large forest or ocean.

Autotrophs: Autotrophs are organisms that produce their own food using light or chemical energy. Plants, algae, and some bacteria are autotrophs because they use photosynthesis or chemosynthesis to make their own food.
Heterotrophs: Heterotrophs are organisms that cannot produce their own food and rely on consuming other organisms (plants or animals) for nutrition. Humans, animals, and fungi are examples of heterotrophs.
Non-living Matter: These are substances or objects that do not have life. They can be natural or man-made. Air, water, rocks, soil, sunlight, buildings, vehicles, plastic, books are example of Non-living matters.

5 Basic Needs for Survival:

Air: Oxygen for respiration (biological process by which living organisms produce energy) and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. Water: For hydration, digestion, and other bodily functions. Food: For energy, growth, and repair of cells. Shelter: Protection from environmental factors like temperature, weather etc. Sleep / Temperature or other essentials: Essential for rest, recovery, and maintaining bodily functions.

Relationship Between Man and Environment Today: The relationship between humans and the environment today is complex and often complicated. Human activities like deforestation, pollution, urbanization, and overconsumption of resources have negatively impacted the environment. However, there is also an increasing awareness and effort to protect natural resources and promote sustainability development for the future generation.

Effects of Human Activities on the Environment:

Pollution: Air, water, and soil pollution from industrial waste, plastic waste, and emissions.
Climate Change: The burning of fossil fuels contributes to global warming and alters weather patterns.
Deforestation: The cutting down of forests leads to habitat loss and a decrease in biodiversity.
Nuclear weapons: It is a major cause of ecological imbalance, as they disturb the natural harmony of ecosystems. The long-lasting impact of radiation, pollution, and climate change caused by nuclear warfare makes it one of the most destructive threats to life on Earth.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions refer to the release of gases into the atmosphere that trap heat and cause global warming. These gases include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O) and Fluorinated gases or Synthetic gases.

Conservation of Natural Resources

Conservation involves protecting and preserving natural resources like water, air, forests, and wildlife for future generations. It helps ensure the sustainability of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Ways of Conserving Natural Resources (3Rs & 1U):

Reduce: Minimize waste by using fewer resources and consuming less.
Reuse: Use products more than once before discarding them.
Recycle: Convert waste materials into new products to prevent overuse of raw resources.
Upcycle/Uplift: It means to creatively reuse old or discarded materials to make something new and useful, often improving its value or quality. It is different from recycling, as upcycling enhances the original item instead of breaking it down into raw materials. Example: using glass bottles as decorative lamps.

Green Skills are the knowledge and abilities needed to protect the environment and promote sustainability. These include skills for recycling, energy saving, and using eco-friendly technology.

A Green Economy is an economic system that aims to promote sustainable development by focusing on environmental sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, and utilizing natural resources efficiently. It emphasizes low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive practices that help create jobs, reduce inequalities, and preserve the environment. The primary goal is to foster (help or encourage the development) growth that benefits both the environment and society while ensuring economic progress.

Importance / Benefits of Green Economy

Protects the Environment – A green economy helps reduce pollution, saves natural resources, and promotes clean energy like solar and wind power.
Fights Climate Change – By cutting down harmful gas emissions, it helps slow down global warming and its negative effects.
Creates Jobs – It opens up job opportunities in areas like solar energy, waste recycling, organic farming, and eco-friendly construction.
Stronger Economy – Depending less on fossil fuels makes economies more stable and prepared for the future.
Saves Resources – It reduces waste and makes better use of natural materials, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

Low-carbon growth refers to an economic development strategy that aims to reduce carbon emissions while achieving growth. It includes increasing energy efficiency, transitioning to renewable energy sources (such as solar, wind, and hydropower), and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Low-carbon growth is essential in fighting or combating global warming and promoting sustainable economic development while protecting the environment.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGs) are gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change. The most common greenhouse gases are:

Carbon dioxide (CO2): Produced by burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas).
Methane (CH4): Emitted by livestock, agriculture, and landfills.
Nitrous oxide (N2O): Comes from agricultural activities, industrial processes, and fossil fuel combustion.
Fluorinated gases: Synthetic gases (mixture of hydrogen H₂ and carbon monoxide CO) used in industrial applications.

Green Skills Development Programs (GSDP) are educational and training initiatives designed to equip individuals with the skills required to work in green sectors of the economy. These programs focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, renewable energy, environmental conservation, and other areas essential for a green economy. GSDPs aim to develop a workforce that is capable of supporting the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy by providing training in eco-friendly practices, technologies, and business solutions.

Different Job Opportunities Involving Green Skills

There are various job opportunities available that require green skills, reflecting the growing demand for environmentally responsible practices. Some of the key green jobs include:

Renewable Energy Specialists: Professionals who design, implement, and maintain renewable energy systems such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
Sewage Treatment Plant: Water Treatment Technicians that operate and maintain wastewater treatment systems.
Environmental Engineers: Engineers focused on solving environmental problems, such as water and air pollution, waste management, and sustainable infrastructure development.
Sustainability Consultants: Experts who advise businesses on how to reduce their environmental footprint, implement energy-efficient strategies, and adopt sustainable practices.
Green Construction Workers: Workers skilled in building energy-efficient, sustainable buildings that utilize environmentally friendly materials and technologies.
Environmental Educators: Teachers and trainers who provide knowledge and skills related to environmental sustainability and green practices in schools, businesses, and communities.
Eco-Tourism Guides: Professionals who guide tourists through environmentally sustainable and eco-friendly tourist attractions, promoting conservation efforts.
Waste Management Experts: Professionals who develop and implement systems for reducing, reusing, and recycling waste materials in an eco-friendly manner.
Green Product Designers: Designers who create sustainable products that use fewer resources, are recyclable, and have minimal environmental impact.
Carbon Analysts: Professionals who track and analyze the carbon footprint of organizations, helping them to reduce their emissions.

Important Questionnaire

2-Mark Questions – Class 9 IT 402 Green Skills I

What is an ecosystem?
Define autotrophs with an example.
What are the 5 basic needs for survival?
Name two greenhouse gases responsible for global warming.
What are two effects of deforestation?
What does the term “Green Skills” mean?
What are two benefits of a green economy?
Name two renewable energy sources used for low-carbon growth.
What is the difference between recycling and upcycling?
Define non-living matter with an example.

3-Mark Questions – Class 9 IT 402 Green Skills I

Explain the difference between biotic and abiotic factors with examples.
How do human activities affect the environment? Give three examples.
Describe three ways to conserve natural resources.
What is the relationship between humans and the environment today?
What is low-carbon growth, and why is it important?
Explain the importance of the Green Skills Development Program (GSDP).
How does pollution contribute to climate change?
Describe three job opportunities that require green skills.
What is a Green Economy? Mention three key aspects.
Explain the significance of sustainability consultants in promoting eco-friendly practices.

4-Mark Questions – Class 9 IT 402 Green Skills I

What are the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment?
How does a green economy help fight climate change? Explain with examples.
Discuss the importance of conservation and mention four ways to conserve natural resources.
Explain the role of renewable energy specialists in environmental protection.
How do human-made environments differ from natural environments? Provide examples.
Describe the different types of greenhouse gases and their sources.
Explain the impact of nuclear weapons on the environment.
Describe the major factors affecting biodiversity and ecosystem balance.
How do sustainability consultants help businesses reduce their environmental footprint?
Explain the importance of green product designers and their contribution to sustainability.