THE GOAL | Unit 5 | Green Skills-II

SESSION 01

Sustainable Development

EXAM IMPORTANT

What is Environment?

The environment includes all the living and non-living things around us and their interactions.

What is Sustainable Development?

Sustainable development means development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

★ Easy Definition

Sustainable Development = Development + Present Needs + Future Needs

Three Main Dimensions

Dimension	Focus
Economic	Economic growth, employment and responsible use of resources.
Social	Human well-being, equality and quality of life.
Environmental	Protection and conservation of the natural environment.

★ Remember

Sustainable development tries to maintain a balance between economic, social and environmental needs.

Why is Sustainable Development Needed?

Natural resources are limited.
Pollution can damage human health and ecosystems.
Future generations also need natural resources.
It helps maintain environmental balance.
It promotes responsible use of resources.

Quick Recall

Present Needs + Future Needs + Environment = Sustainable Development

SESSION 02

Natural Resources

VERY IMPORTANT

What are Natural Resources?

Natural resources are resources obtained from nature and used by humans for their needs.

Types of Natural Resources

Type	Examples
Renewable Resources	Solar energy, wind, water and biomass.
Non-renewable Resources	Coal, petroleum and natural gas.

Renewable Resources

Renewable resources can naturally be replenished over time when they are managed responsibly.

Non-renewable Resources

Non-renewable resources are available in limited quantities and take a very long time to form.

★ MCQ Difference

Renewable → Can be replenished naturally.
Non-renewable → Limited and cannot be quickly replaced.

Conservation of Resources

Conservation means protecting, preserving and using natural resources carefully so that they remain available for the future.

Save electricity.
Avoid unnecessary wastage of water.
Reduce unnecessary use of fuel.
Reuse useful materials.
Protect forests and biodiversity.

Quick Recall

Use Less → Waste Less → Reuse → Conserve

SESSION 03

Environmental Problems

HIGH PRIORITY

Pollution

Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or energy into the environment that causes undesirable changes.

Types of Pollution

Type	Examples / Causes
Air Pollution	Smoke, harmful gases and vehicle emissions.
Water Pollution	Sewage, chemicals and waste entering water bodies.
Soil Pollution	Improper disposal of waste and harmful chemicals.
Noise Pollution	Excessive or unwanted sound from vehicles, machines and other sources.

Effects of Pollution

Can cause health problems.
Damages ecosystems.
Reduces environmental quality.
Can affect plants and animals.
Contaminates natural resources.

Climate Change

Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns.

Global Warming

Global warming is the long-term increase in the average temperature of the Earth, largely associated with increased greenhouse gases.

★ Remember the difference

Global Warming → Rise in Earth's average temperature.
Climate Change → Broader long-term changes in climate patterns.

Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat and help keep the Earth warm.

★ Exam Point

Greenhouse gases in excessive amounts can contribute to global warming and climate change.

Quick Recall

Pollution → Environmental Damage → Health & Ecosystem Problems

SESSION 04

Waste Management

EXAM IMPORTANT

What is Waste Management?

Waste management involves the collection, handling, treatment, recovery and disposal of waste in a responsible manner.

The 3Rs

R	Meaning
Reduce	Use fewer resources and produce less waste.
Reuse	Use an item again instead of throwing it away.
Recycle	Process waste materials to make useful new materials or products.

★ Remember the order:

Reduce → Reuse → Recycle

Biodegradable Waste

Biodegradable waste can be broken down naturally by microorganisms.

Examples: food waste, vegetable peels and leaves.

Non-biodegradable Waste

Non-biodegradable waste does not break down easily through natural processes.

Examples: many plastics, glass and certain synthetic materials.

Biodegradable	Non-biodegradable
Breaks down naturally.	Does not break down easily.
Food waste, leaves.	Many plastics, glass.

E-waste

E-waste means discarded electrical and electronic equipment and their components.

Examples:

Old computers • Mobile phones • Keyboards • Printers • Electronic components

Responsible E-waste Management

Avoid unnecessary replacement of working devices.
Repair or reuse devices where possible.
Give electronic waste to authorised recycling or collection facilities.
Do not mix electronic waste carelessly with ordinary household waste.

Quick Recall

Reduce → Reuse → Recycle → Responsible Disposal

SESSION 05

Green Economy & Green Skills

VERY IMPORTANT

What is a Green Economy?

A green economy is an economy that aims for economic well-being while reducing environmental risks and promoting efficient use of natural resources.

★ Simple Meaning

Green Economy = Economic Development + Environmental Protection

Features of a Green Economy

Efficient use of natural resources.
Reduction of pollution and waste.
Promotion of renewable energy.
Encouragement of sustainable production.
Creation of green jobs and skills.

What are Green Skills?

Green skills are the knowledge, abilities, values and attitudes needed to support environmentally sustainable practices.

Examples of Green Skills

Efficient use of energy and resources.
Waste reduction and management.
Environmental awareness.
Sustainable use of technology.
Knowledge of renewable energy and environmentally responsible practices.

Green Jobs

Green jobs are jobs that contribute to preserving or restoring the environment and supporting sustainable development.

★ Exam Point

Green skills are useful not only in specialised environmental jobs but also in many occupations where resources, energy and waste need to be managed responsibly.

Sustainable Practices in Daily Life

Switch off lights and devices when not required.
Save water.
Reduce unnecessary paper use.
Prefer reusable products where practical.
Separate waste appropriately.
Use public transport, walking or cycling where practical.

Quick Recall

Green Skills → Green Jobs → Green Economy → Sustainable Development

LAST MINUTE REVISION

Unit 5 — Must Remember

Term	Exam Meaning
Environment	Living and non-living surroundings and their interactions.
Sustainable Development	Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations.
Natural Resources	Resources obtained from nature and used by humans.
Renewable Resources	Resources that can be naturally replenished.
Non-renewable Resources	Limited resources that take a very long time to form.
Pollution	Harmful contamination or change in the environment.
Global Warming	Long-term increase in Earth's average temperature.
Climate Change	Long-term changes in climate patterns.
Waste Management	Responsible handling, treatment, recovery and disposal of waste.
Reduce	Use fewer resources and produce less waste.
Reuse	Use an item again.
Recycle	Process waste into useful material/products.
E-waste	Discarded electrical and electronic equipment.
Green Economy	Economy focused on well-being while reducing environmental risks and using resources efficiently.
Green Skills	Skills that support environmentally sustainable practices.
Green Jobs	Jobs that contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development.

★ EXAM CHECKLIST

✓ Environment
✓ Sustainable development
✓ Three dimensions of sustainability
✓ Natural resources
✓ Renewable vs non-renewable resources
✓ Conservation of resources
✓ Types of pollution
✓ Global warming
✓ Climate change
✓ Greenhouse effect
✓ Waste management
✓ 3Rs — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
✓ Biodegradable vs non-biodegradable waste
✓ E-waste
✓ Green economy
✓ Green skills
✓ Green jobs
✓ Sustainable daily practices