Karnataka's geography ranges from the lush Western Ghats to the semi-arid Deccan Plateau, creating a diverse but fragile environment.
* **Protected Areas:** The state has 5 National Parks (including Bandipur, Nagarhole, and Bannerghatta) and over 30 wildlife sanctuaries. It boasts some of India's highest populations of tigers and Asian elephants. * **Biodiversity:** The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a global biodiversity hotspot known for rare flora and fauna, such as the lion-tailed macaque and king cobra. * **Air Quality:** While coastal and hill areas enjoy good air quality, urban centers (particularly Bengaluru) struggle with vehicular pollution and seasonal particulate matter. * **Water Resources:** The state relies heavily on monsoon rains and major rivers like the Cauvery, Krishna, and Tungabhadra. Groundwater depletion in urban and agricultural belts is a pressing issue. * **Sustainability:** Karnataka is a leader in renewable energy. The Pavagada Solar Park is one of the largest in the world, and the state has substantial wind energy installations in districts like Chitradurga.