Environment and Natural Resources | Class 12 Political Science Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 4 min read
Environment and Natural Resources – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Environment and Natural Resources from Class 12 Political Science, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
THE PROTECTION OF GLOBAL COMMONS
This section explains the concept of 'global commons' — resources that are not owned by any one state but shared by the international community. Examples include the Earth's atmosphere, Antarctica, the ocean floor, and outer space. These commons require cooperative governance because no single country has sovereign jurisdiction over them. The Antarctic is highlighted as a critical global commons, covering 14 million square kilometers of wilderness and ice, playing a vital role in climate regulation and marine ecosystems. Several countries claim sovereignty over parts of Antarctica, but most states consider it a global commons governed by international treaties. Since 1959, the Antarctic Treaty has limited activities to scientific research, fishing, and tourism, although environmental degradation from waste and oil spills remains a concern. The section also discusses the difficulty of achieving consensus on environmental protection due to varying scientific evidence and political interests. The management of outer space as a global commons is influenced by North-South inequalities, with technology and industrial development affecting who benefits from space exploitation. The section emphasizes the challenges of cooperation and the importance of innovative agreements like the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, the 1987 Montreal Protocol (which addressed ozone depletion), and the 1991 Antarctic Environmental Protocol.
📊 Diagram: Images show the Antarctic continent covered with ice, highlighting its vast wilderness and marine ecosystem, and a cartoon depicting potential ecological degradation of the moon as a future global commons.
🔗 Connection: Prepares for the discussion on COMMON BUT DIFFERENTIATED RESPONSIBILITIES, addressing the differing roles and responsibilities of developed and developing countries in environmental protection.
Frequently asked questions
Which among the following best explains the reason for growing concerns about the environment? a. The developed countries are concerned about protecting nature. b. Protection of the environment is vital for indigenous people and natural habitats. c. The environmental degradation caused by human activities has become pervasive and has reached a dangerous level. d. None of the above.
The correct answer is (c). The environmental degradation caused by human activities has become pervasive and has reached a dangerous level. This is the main reason for growing concerns about the environment globally, as human activities have led to pollution, deforestation, climate change, and loss of biodiversity.
Mark correct or wrong against each of the following statements about the Earth Summit: a. It was attended by 170 countries, thousands of NGOs and many MNCs. b. The summit was held under the aegis of the UN. c. For the first time, global environmental issues were firmly consolidated at the political level. d. It was a summit meeting.
a. Correct. The Earth Summit was attended by 170 countries, thousands of NGOs, and many multinational corporations. b. Correct. The summit was held under the aegis of the United Nations. c. Correct. It was the first time that global environmental issues were consolidated politically at such a level. d. Correct. It was indeed a summit meeting involving heads of states and governments.
Which among the following are TRUE about the global commons? a. The Earth's atmosphere, Antarctica, ocean floor and outer space are considered as part of the global commons. b. The global commons are outside sovereign jurisdiction. c. The question of managing the global commons has reflected the North-South divide. d. The countries of the North are more concerned about the protection of the global commons than the countries of the South.
All options (a), (b), and (c) are true. Option (d) is generally true as well, as countries of the North (developed countries) tend to be more concerned about protecting global commons due to their technological and economic capabilities, whereas countries of the South (developing countries) often prioritize economic development over environmental protection.
What were the outcomes of the Rio Summit?
The Rio Summit (Earth Summit 1992) resulted in several important outcomes: 1. Adoption of Agenda 21, a comprehensive plan of action to promote sustainable development globally. 2. The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, which laid down 27 principles guiding sustainable development. 3. The Convention on Biological Diversity to conserve biodiversity. 4. The Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to address global warming. 5. The establishment of mechanisms for international co
Ready to ace this chapter?
Get the full Environment and Natural Resources chapter — interactive notes, diagrams, worked solutions, polls and a free practice quiz — in the ConceptScroll app.
Study smarter with ConceptScroll
Daily NCERT-aligned reels, AI doubt solving and chapter quizzes — all free.
Start learning freeContinue reading
- भारतीय राजनीति में नए बदलाव | Class 12 Political Science Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on भारतीय राजनीति में नए बदलाव for Class 12 Political Science.
- भारतीय राजनीति में नए बदलाव | Class 12 Political Science Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on भारतीय राजनीति में नए बदलाव for Class 12 Political Science.
- भारतीय राजनीति में नए बदलाव | Class 12 Political Science Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on भारतीय राजनीति में नए बदलाव for Class 12 Political Science.