Question

Explain why environmental problems are simultaneously social problems

Answer 1

The environmental problems cause the social problems because it also affect the social groups  living in a particular area or region.The ability of social groups to cope with environmental problem have their role in  this regard which determine by the social status. for example in low raining days poor farmers unable to get the water while the rich or progressive farmers have installed tubewells which enable them to access water. Similarly air pollution effect badly, the whole of society living in that particular area. So a environment problem cause the social problems too.

Answer 2

Environmental problems are simultaneously social problems because they give rise to social inequality.

A person's social status depends on the extent to which he is able to cope up with environment related problems. For instance, in places where water is scarce, the rich farmers invest in deep bore tube wells to get underground water while the poor farmers cannot afford to get tube wells. The problem becomes worse when the rains fail and the fields of the poorer farmers become dry.

Environmental problems like air pollution and loss of biodiversity are universal concerns. Often decisions are taken to save the environment which hurt the interests of weaker groups and minorities.