Ans: Forests are vital for: (1) Oxygen production and CO₂ absorption (climate regulation). (2) Habitat for millions of species (biodiversity). (3) Preventing soil erosion and floods. (4) Regulating water cycle and rainfall. (5) Source of timber, medicine, food, and fuelwood. (6) Livelihood for millions of tribals and forest-dependent communities. Chipko Movement (1970s, Uttarakhand): Women and villagers hugged trees (Chipko means "to hug") to prevent contractors from cutting them. Led by Sundarlal Bahuguna and inspired by Gaura Devi. This grassroots movement raised awareness about deforestation and led to a ban on felling trees in Himalayas. It became a model for environmental activism globally.

Ans: Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater (from rooftops, land) for future use. Methods: Rooftop harvesting — drainpipes collect roof runoff into underground tanks or recharge wells. Check dams — small dams built across streams to slow runoff, allow groundwater recharge. Johads, khadins, baolis — traditional water conservation structures in Rajasthan and other regions. Importance: (1) Replenishes groundwater during dry seasons. (2) Reduces dependence on rivers and tankers. (3) Controls flooding. (4) Provides water in drought-prone areas. (5) Cheap and effective — communities have practised this for centuries. India receives abundant monsoon rain but poor storage leads to water scarcity.

Ans: Coal and petroleum are fossil fuels — formed over millions of years from ancient organisms — and are non-renewable: once used up, they cannot be replaced. Burning them releases large amounts of CO₂ (greenhouse gas) → global warming + climate change; also releases SO₂, NOₓ → acid rain. Conservation is necessary because: (1) Reserves will run out in decades if used at current rates. (2) Their extraction and burning cause severe environmental damage. Alternatives: Solar energy (photovoltaic cells), Wind energy (turbines), Hydroelectric power (dams), Biogas (from organic waste), Nuclear energy. CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is a cleaner alternative fuel for vehicles. Energy efficiency (LED bulbs, efficient appliances) also reduces demand.

Ans: The 3R principle reduces the burden on natural resources and reduces waste: Reduce — Use less of a resource in the first place. Example: Turn off lights and fans when not in use to reduce electricity consumption; use less plastic packaging. Reuse — Use items multiple times before discarding. Example: Reuse glass bottles, carry a cloth bag instead of taking a new plastic bag each time, use both sides of paper. Recycle — Convert waste into reusable material through processing. Example: Old newspapers recycled into new paper, aluminium cans melted and reused, plastic bottles shredded and reformed into new plastic products. Recycling uses far less energy and resources than producing from scratch.