The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role

The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role – Nani Palkhivala 

Word Meanings (In Very Simple Words)

Word / Phrase	Simple Meaning
Ailing	Sick
Ecosystem	Plants, animals, and nature living together
Green Movement	Movement to protect environment
Sustainable development	Development without harming nature
Marginalized	Treated as unimportant
Inexhaustible	Never ending
Decimated	Destroyed badly
Era	Time period
Holistic	Complete / all-round
Biological diversity	Different kinds of plants and animals
Catastrophe	Big disaster
Depletion	Reduction
Overexploitation	Using too much
Fertile	Good for growing crops
Entitlement	Right
Affluence	Richness
Deforestation	Cutting of forests
Vanishing	Disappearing
Ethical	Morally right

1. Locate the lines in the text that support the title ‘The Ailing Planet’.

Answer:
The title is supported by lines where the author says that the Earth is like a sick patient because of human activities. He mentions that:

• Forests are being destroyed

• Soil fertility is decreasing

• Water and air are polluted

• Many species are disappearing

These statements show that the planet’s health is declining, which justifies calling it “The Ailing Planet.”

2. What does the notice ‘The world’s most dangerous animal’ at a cage in the zoo at Lusaka, Zambia, signify?

Answer:
The notice refers to human beings. It signifies that humans are the most dangerous animals because they destroy nature, pollute the environment, cut forests, and cause extinction of other species. Humans harm the planet more than any other creature.

3. How are the earth’s principal biological systems being depleted?

Answer:
The earth’s principal biological systems—forests, fisheries, grasslands, and croplands—are being depleted due to:

• Deforestation for industries and housing

• Overfishing and pollution of water bodies

• Overgrazing destroying grasslands

• Excessive use of chemicals harming soil fertility

These actions reduce the planet’s ability to support life.

4. Why does the author aver that the growth of world population is one of the strongest factors distorting the future of human society?

Answer:
The author says this because rapid population growth increases:

• Demand for food, water, and land

• Pressure on natural resources

• Pollution and waste

• Poverty and environmental imbalance

As resources are limited, uncontrolled population growth threatens the future of human society and the planet.

Q5. Why does the author call the Earth “the ailing planet”?

Answer:
The author calls the Earth “the ailing planet” because human activities have badly harmed the environment. Forests are being cut down, air and water are polluted, fertile land is being damaged, and many plants and animals are disappearing. Because of this continuous misuse of natural resources, the Earth has become weak and unhealthy, just like a sick person.

Q6. What is the Green Movement? Why is it important?

Answer:
The Green Movement is an environmental movement started to protect nature and stop environmental damage. It aims to save forests, wildlife, water, and other natural resources. It is important because it spreads awareness about environmental problems and encourages people to use resources wisely so that development does not harm the Earth.

Q7. What does the author mean by “sustainable development”?

Answer:
By sustainable development, the author means using natural resources in a careful and balanced way. It means meeting our present needs without damaging the environment or reducing resources for future generations. Sustainable development helps in maintaining a balance between progress and nature.

Q8. Why does the author say that human claims on nature are wrong?

Answer:
The author says that human claims on nature are wrong because humans think that all natural resources belong only to them. In reality, nature also belongs to future generations and other living beings. Humans have no moral right to exploit nature carelessly and leave a damaged planet for those who come after us.

Q9. What role do individuals have in saving the environment?

Answer:
Individuals play a very important role in saving the environment. They can reduce waste, save water and electricity, plant trees, and avoid pollution. By following eco-friendly habits in daily life, every person can contribute to protecting the Earth. Even small efforts by individuals can bring positive change.