7. Read the following paragraph and choose the correct statement.

Climate change has reduced human security and threatened human well being.
An ignored reality of human progress is that human security largely depends upon
environmental security. But on the contrary, human progress seems contradictory
to environmental security. To keep up both at the required level is a challenge
to be addressed by one and all. One of the ways to curb the climate change may be
suitable scientific innovations, while the other may be the Gandhian perspective
on small scale progress with focus on sustainability.

(A) Human progress and security are positively associated with environmental security.
(B) Human progress is contradictory to environmental security.
(C) Human security is contradictory to environmental security.
(D) Human progress depends upon environmental security.

Question Analysis and Solution

This reading comprehension question requires identifying the statement that best aligns with the paragraph’s key ideas. The paragraph highlights the link between human security, human progress, and environmental security, noting tensions and challenges. Let’s break it down sentence by sentence, then evaluate each option.

Paragraph Summary:

• Climate change harms human security and well-being.

• Human security relies on environmental security (an “ignored reality” of progress).

• Human progress appears to conflict with environmental security.

• Balancing both is a challenge; solutions include scientific innovations and Gandhian sustainability.

The core claims are: (1) human security depends on environmental security, and (2) human progress contradicts environmental security.

Option Evaluation:

• (A) Human progress and security are positively associated with environmental security.
  Incorrect. The paragraph states human progress “seems contradictory to environmental security,” not positively associated. Human security is linked positively to environmental security, but progress is not.

• (B) Human progress is contradictory to environmental security.
  Correct. This directly matches the phrase “human progress seems contradictory to environmental security.” It’s a key idea, presented as a challenge to address.

• (C) Human security is contradictory to environmental security.
  Incorrect. The opposite is true: “human security largely depends upon environmental security.” No contradiction is suggested here.

• (D) Human progress depends upon environmental security.
  Incorrect. The paragraph links human security (not progress) to environmental security. Progress is framed as conflicting with it.

Correct Answer: (B)
This option precisely captures the paragraph’s contrast between human progress and environmental security, without misrepresenting dependencies.

Introduction to Climate Change and Human Security

Climate change has reduced human security and threatened human well-being worldwide. As rising temperatures, extreme weather, and resource scarcity intensify, an ignored reality emerges: human security largely depends upon environmental security. Yet, human progress—through industrialization and urbanization—often appears contradictory to environmental security. This tension poses a critical challenge. Addressing it requires collective action, from suitable scientific innovations to the Gandhian perspective on small-scale, sustainable progress.

The Link Between Human Security and Environmental Security

Human security encompasses protection from threats like poverty, conflict, and disasters, all exacerbated by climate change. The paragraph underscores that environmental security—stable ecosystems, clean air, and resilient biodiversity—is foundational. Without it, human progress falters. For instance, deforestation for development displaces communities, mirroring the paragraph’s warning.

Why Human Progress Seems Contradictory to Environmental Security

At the heart of the issue: human progress is contradictory to environmental security. Rapid economic growth relies on fossil fuels and land exploitation, accelerating climate change. This contradiction challenges policymakers. The paragraph highlights this as a paradox of progress—advancing humanity while degrading the planet that sustains it.

Challenges in Balancing Human Progress and Environmental Security

Maintaining both human progress and environmental security demands innovative strategies. Scientific innovations, like carbon capture and renewable energy, offer scalable fixes. Meanwhile, the Gandhian perspective advocates small-scale progress focused on sustainability—local production, minimalism, and community self-reliance. Together, they curb climate change’s impact on human security.

Solutions and a Call to Action

To resolve this, integrate technology with ethical frameworks. Governments, businesses, and individuals must prioritize environmental security to safeguard human security. Scientific innovations drive efficiency, while Gandhian sustainability ensures equity. One and all must act to harmonize human progress with environmental security.