4.1 The Ailing Planet : the Green Movement’s Role - Class 11 - Hornbill

BhashaLab
Jul 6
4 min read

Updated: Jul 7

Author: Nani Palkhivala

Textbook: Hornbill (CBSE Class XI)

Genre: Article / Non-fiction Prose

Summary

"The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role" is a powerful article by Nani Palkhivala highlighting the urgent need to protect our environment. The Green Movement, which began 25 years ago, brought a revolutionary shift in human perception from a mechanistic view to an ecological and holistic view of the world. The Earth is now seen as a living organism with its own needs and processes.

The article points out that the Earth is in declining health due to human exploitation and negligence. The concept of sustainable development—meeting present needs without compromising future generations—is introduced. Through examples such as overfishing, deforestation, overpopulation, and misuse of resources, the author warns of a grim future. He emphasizes that forests, croplands, grasslands, and fisheries—the four major biological systems—are under severe threat.

The article also criticizes the poor enforcement of environmental laws, particularly in India, and stresses the need for population control and voluntary family planning. The chapter concludes by advocating for shared responsibility, industry participation, and a collective consciousness to protect the planet for future generations.

Character Sketch

(Not applicable — this is a factual article)

Themes

Theme	Description
Environmental Degradation	The Earth’s ecosystems are being destroyed due to human overuse and carelessness.
Sustainable Development	Development must happen without endangering the needs of future generations.
Overpopulation	The exponential growth of population is worsening environmental problems.
Responsibility and Awareness	A new ecological awareness urges mankind to act as responsible trustees.
Laws and Governance	Environmental laws exist but are poorly enforced, especially in developing countries.

✨ Literary Devices / Poetic Devices

Device	Example / Explanation
Metaphor	"The earth’s vital signs reveal a patient in declining health." – Earth is personified.
Allusion	Reference to Copernicus and historical shifts in worldview.
Irony	"What goes under the pot costs more than what goes inside it."
Imagery	Vivid description of the planet’s degradation—advancing deserts, disappearing forests.
Quotation	Use of well-known figures like Margaret Thatcher to strengthen arguments.

Title Justification

The title "The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role" aptly describes the central concern of the article. The Earth is metaphorically described as an “ailing patient” suffering from human exploitation and ecological degradation. The title draws attention to the critical state of our environment and the positive role played by the Green Movement in awakening global consciousness. It urges readers to reflect on their duties and emphasizes the need for sustainable action.

One-Mark Questions

1. What does the zoo notice in Lusaka signify?

→ The sign, “The world’s most dangerous animal,” refers to humans. It reminds us that we are the greatest threat to our planet.

2. What is meant by ‘sustainable development’?

→ It means development that meets present needs without harming the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It emphasizes balance between progress and preservation.

3. What are the Earth’s four principal biological systems?

→ Fisheries, forests, grasslands, and croplands. They are essential for food and raw material supply.

4. How is firewood contributing to deforestation?

→ In poor areas, forests are being cut down for firewood. This has led to large-scale destruction of forest cover.

5. What is meant by “We have borrowed it from our children”?

→ It means we must care for the Earth not as owners, but as temporary caretakers. The future depends on the choices we make today.

Three-Mark Questions

1. How does the author explain the Earth’s declining health?

→ The author compares the Earth to a patient whose health is deteriorating. Overuse of natural resources, deforestation, overfishing, and pollution are causing damage. The biological systems—forests, croplands, fisheries, and grasslands—are under severe pressure. If their productivity declines, human survival will be at risk. Thus, the author emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable practices.

2. What role does population growth play in environmental degradation?

→ The author calls population growth one of the strongest factors distorting human society. Rapid population increase leads to overuse of resources and poverty. More people means more consumption and greater pressure on food, water, and energy. Poor families often have more children, but not enough resources to support them. The author advocates for voluntary family planning as a solution.

3. What solutions does the author suggest to heal the ailing planet?

→ The author stresses the importance of sustainable development, environmental laws, and population control. He calls for a shift from domination to partnership with nature. Industry must take responsibility for ecological preservation. Public awareness and education are also key. Ultimately, he calls for a new era of responsibility with shared efforts across all sectors.

Value-Based Question

Q: What personal responsibility do we hold in protecting the environment?

→ Each individual must act as a responsible steward of the Earth. Simple actions like reducing waste, conserving energy, planting trees, and educating others can make a difference. The article teaches us that change begins with awareness and action. By living mindfully, we help secure a livable planet for future generations. Protecting nature is not just a duty—it is our moral obligation.

End

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