NCERT Class 11 English Hornbill: Chapter 9 — 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 Earth as a living organism. The text introduces 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 towards partnership. The chapter details the depletion of Earth's biological systems—fisheries, forests, grasslands, and croplands—and the catastrophic consequences of unsustainable resource use. It emphasizes the ethical responsibility to preserve the planet for future generations, urging a move from domination to partnership in our relationship with nature. This chapter is crucial for understanding environmental ethics and the importance of conservation in CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Hornbill |
| Chapter | Chapter 9 — 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 Earth.
- 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 world as an interconnected whole, emphasizing the relationships between living organisms and their environment. |
| inter alia | Among other things; in addition to other matters. |
| 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 a large proportion of. |
| languish | To lose strength or vigor; to exist in an unpleasant or prolonged situation. |
| catastrophic depletion | A disastrous reduction in the quantity or supply of something. |
| ignominious darkness | A state of shame or disgrace, characterized by obscurity or lack of knowledge. |
| transcending concern | A worry or interest that goes beyond ordinary or limited boundaries. |
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Practice questions
- What is the Green Movement and when did it start? Answer: The Green Movement is a global movement focused on environmental protection, which started nearly twenty-five years before the article was written (around 1972).
- How has human perception of the world shifted, according to the text? Answer: Human perception has shifted from a mechanistic view to a holistic and ecological view, recognizing Earth as a living organism.
- Define sustainable development. Answer: Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their 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: The notice implies that humans are the world's most dangerous animal, highlighting the need for a change in perspective and behavior towards nature.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote 'The Ailing Planet: the Green Movement's Role'?
The article was written by Nani Palkhivala.
When and where was the article first published?
It was published in The Indian Express on 24 November 1994.
What is the main message of the chapter regarding the Earth?
The chapter emphasizes that the Earth is a living organism with vital needs that must be respected and preserved, and its health is declining due to human actions.
What does 'sustainable development' mean?
It means development that meets current needs without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
What are the four key biological systems that support the global economy?
The four systems are fisheries, forests, grasslands, and croplands.
What shift in perspective does the chapter advocate for?
It advocates for a shift from a system based on domination to one based on partnership with nature.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 11 English — Hornbill — Chapter 9 — The Ailing Planet: the Green Movement’s Role. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.