India Case Study

Issues in Biological Conservation, India Case Study The public image that India has acquired throughout history is rapidly changing. This all began in the 1990s when economic independence was achieved. Industrialism has caused India’s economy to grow at very fast pace. As a result, urbanization has sharply increased as well. This and many other changes have impacted both the people and the natural environment of India. The natural environment of India is extremely diverse. Landscapes include but are not limited to plains, plateaus, mountains, deserts, tropical forests, and islands. This large variety of settings provides for varied climates. The main seasons in India include winter, summer, monsoon, and post monsoon. Changes between these are typically very sudden. However, some areas shaded by the Himalayans experience transition seasons of spring and fall. The Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal also have an impact on climate. Just when temperatures are at their highest, cool winds blow in from the coasts and result in monsoons. This annual phenomenon is an important source of water for many of India’s coastal landscapes. The people of India have learned to adapt to the challenges of their unique environment. India’s population is currently the second-largest in the world. Urbanization has been increasing steadily since industrialization began. The main problem that Indian city-dwellers face is overcrowding. Along with this come poverty, inadequate healthcare, and poor living conditions. However, the standard of living for the average Indian citizen is on the rise. A study done in 2011 reported that income per capita is rising as well. This may be attributed to reform efforts in India’s government; a parliamentary republic. The two most common religions in India are Hinduism and Buddhism. Both of these emphasize respect for living things. This is very important considering the fact that India’s wildlife makes up 7% of the world’s biodiversity.