UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

The poverty–environment nexus highlights a vicious cycle where poor households rely heavily on nearby land, forests and water for survival. Lacking alternatives, they may overexploit these resources, for example through excessive fuelwood collection or cultivation on steep slopes. Degradation of the resource base then reduces productivity, pushing them into even deeper poverty. This interconnected spiral is a central concern of people-centred environmental policy.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because scarcity and lack of alternatives often force the poor into unsustainable practices despite low overall consumption.

Option B:
Option B is correct; it clearly expresses how poverty and environmental degradation can reinforce each other, creating a difficult trap to escape.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect as many studies show strong links between environmental quality and livelihood security, especially for resource-dependent communities.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because the poor are often the most vulnerable to environmental decline, lacking savings and insurance to cushion shocks.