In: Civil Engineering
1. In 2015, countries around the world agreed to develop a new set of global goals to eradicate extreme poverty and achieve sustainable development by 2030 through 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the future of the world. No goal or target is considered met unless met for all people, whoever and wherever they are.
a) Briefly explain what the concept of sustainable development means.
b) Illustrate the three pillar model of sustainability. Comment on some of the challenges for sustainable development in our country and suggest a way to overcome the same.
c) The SDG #7 is to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
(i) Differentiate between conventional and non-conventional energy sources. Which will you support? Why?
(ii) Going green can reduce the overall energy use. Mention any two strategies that you could adopt to meet the sustainability benchmarks.
2. Air pollution in Asia has worsened since 2000 and is responsible for deaths of thousands of people in Beijing, Jakarta, Seoul and Manila. The pollution is a result of the use of fossil fuels by the industry and transport sectors. The problem got aggravated in Asia due to the use of poor quality fuel, inefficient method of energy production, use of vehicles in poor condition and traffic congestion. This was revealed during a research conducted by World Bank and Stockholm Development Institute. The research states that air pollution in the continent has surpassed the combined emissions in Europe and North America. The deaths caused by fine particulate matter far exceed those caused by sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, ozone and lead. The health cost in major Asian cities now exceed for 15-18 percent of urban income expenditure, claims World Bank officials.
a) A comprehensive campaign to address air pollution need to be launched through school children, what programme (one) would you envisage for this. What is outcome anticipated?
b) There is a sudden decision to remove all vehicles from the road that fails to meet specified norms of emission level within a specified time period. As part of citizen forum you are requested to give views on the enforced regulation. State your views on this.
c) A massive campaign on environmental degradation is to be initiated. Bring out a slogan and the key message that need to be addressed.
d) Suppose you are a Carbon Credit Auditor appointed to assess the greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies. Identify a component of assessment and brief the methodology that could be adopted in connection with this.