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.
COMMON BUT DIFFERENTIATED RESPONSIBILITIES
This section discusses the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities' (CBDR), which recognizes that while all countries share responsibility for environmental protection, their contributions to environmental degradation and capacities to address it differ. Developed countries (global North) have historically caused more ecological damage due to early industrialization and thus bear greater responsibility for mitigation. Developing countries (global South) argue that they need space for industrial growth and should not be subjected to the same restrictions as developed nations. This principle was accepted in the 1992 Rio Declaration, which called for cooperation in conserving the Earth's ecosystem while acknowledging different contributions to degradation. The 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) also incorporates CBDR, exempting developing countries like India and China from binding emission reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol. The protocol sets targets for industrialized countries to reduce greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrofluorocarbons, which contribute to global warming. Critics argue that eventually, rapidly industrializing countries will become major emitters. India maintains that developed countries should take the lead in emission reductions due to their historical responsibility. India has also implemented national policies promoting cleaner fuels, energy conservation, renewable energy, and biofuels. The section highlights ongoing debates about fairness and equity in global environmental governance.
📊 Diagram: Cartoon illustrating the CBDR principle as a 'cool' concept, likened to reservation policies, emphasizing fairness in responsibility sharing.
🔗 Connection: Leads to the section on COMMON PROPERTY RESOURCES, which explores local-level management of shared natural resources.
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.