NCERT Class 11 English Hornbill: Chapter 4 — The Ailing Planet: the Green Movement’s Role
This chapter, "The Ailing Planet: the Green Movement's Role" by Nani Palkhivala, discusses the critical state of the Earth's health and the rise of the Green Movement. It highlights a paradigm shift from a mechanistic to a holistic, ecological view of the world, recognizing the Earth as a living organism with vital needs. The article emphasizes the concept of sustainable development, defined as meeting present needs without compromising future generations. It points out humanity's role as the "world's most dangerous animal" and the urgent need to shift from domination to partnership. The chapter details the depletion of Earth's biological systems—fisheries, forests, grasslands, and croplands—and the unsustainable human demands placed upon them, leading to ecological degradation. This chapter is crucial for understanding environmental responsibility and the importance of conservation for CBSE students.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Hornbill |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — The Ailing Planet: the Green Movement’s Role |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 603 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the historical context and significance of the Green Movement.
- Grasp the concept of a holistic and ecological view of the planet.
- Define and explain sustainable development.
- Recognize the impact of human activities on Earth's biological systems.
- Appreciate the ethical responsibility towards environmental stewardship.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| holistic and ecological view | A perspective that considers the whole system and its interconnectedness with the environment. |
| inter alia | Among other things. |
| sustainable development | Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. |
| decimated | Greatly reduced in number; destroyed. |
| languish | To lose strength or vigor; to exist in an unpleasant or prolonged situation. |
| catastrophic depletion | A disastrous reduction in quantity or supply. |
| ignominious darkness | A state of shame and disgrace, unknown or unrecognized. |
| transcending concern | Worry or care that goes beyond ordinary limits. |
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Practice questions
- What is the significance of the shift from a mechanistic to a holistic view of the world? Answer: The shift signifies recognizing the Earth as a living organism with its own needs, requiring respect and preservation, rather than just a resource to be exploited.
- How is sustainable development defined? Answer: It is defined as development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- What are the four principal biological systems mentioned in the text? Answer: The four principal biological systems are fisheries, forests, grasslands, and croplands.
- What does the notice in the Lusaka zoo cage imply? Answer: It implies that humans are the most dangerous animal, highlighting the need for a change in perspective and behavior towards the planet.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote 'The Ailing Planet: the Green Movement's Role'?
The article was written by Nani Palkhivala.
When was the article published?
It was published in The Indian Express on 24 November 1994.
What is the Green Movement?
It is a global movement that started about twenty-five years before the article's publication, focusing on environmental awareness and protection.
What does 'sustainable development' mean?
It means development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
What are the Earth's principal biological systems?
They are fisheries, forests, grasslands, and croplands, which form the foundation of the global economic system.
What is the main message of the Lusaka zoo cage notice?
The notice implies that humans are the most dangerous animal, urging a realization of our impact and a shift towards responsible stewardship.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 11 English — Hornbill — Chapter 4 — The Ailing Planet: the Green Movement’s Role. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.