Based on the syllabus and previous year question papers, here are some important topics and
their answers:
Unit 1: Introduction to Environmental Science
● Scope and Importance of Environmental Studies:
○ Environmental studies is a multidisciplinary field that examines the interactions
between humans and the natural world.
○ It is important for understanding and addressing environmental problems,
promoting sustainability, and fostering responsible citizenship.
● Components of Environment:
○ The environment consists of the atmosphere (gases surrounding the Earth),
hydrosphere (water bodies), lithosphere (Earth's crust), and biosphere (living
organisms and their interactions).
● Natural Resources and Associated Problems:
○ Natural resources like land, water, and energy are essential for human survival but
face problems like deforestation, soil erosion, and depletion.
● Sustainability and Sustainable Development:
○ Sustainability is the ability to meet current needs without compromising future
generations.
○ Sustainable development aims to achieve environmental, social, and economic
balance.
Unit 2: Ecosystems and Biodiversity
● Biomes:
○ Major biomes are large ecological areas on the earth’s surface, with fauna and flora
adapting to their environments, examples include tropical, temperate, forest,
grassland, desert, tundra, wetland, estuarine and marine.
● Ecosystems:
○ An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical
environment.
○ Key components include biotic (living) and abiotic (nonliving) factors, energy flow,
food chains, and food webs.
● Biodiversity and Conservation:
○ Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing different levels such
as genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.
○ Conservation practices include in-situ (within natural habitats) and ex-situ (outside
natural habitats) methods.
Unit 3: Environmental Pollution
● Types of Pollution:
○ Environmental pollution includes air pollution (e.g., smog, ozone depletion), water
pollution, soil pollution, noise pollution, thermal pollution and nuclear pollution.
● Causes, Effects, and Control Measures:
○ Each type of pollution has specific causes, harmful effects on the environment and
human health, and control measures that can be implemented.
● Major Environmental Issues:
○ Important issues include the greenhouse effect, Bhopal Gas Tragedy, Fukushima
Nuclear Disaster, and Chernobyl Disaster.
Unit 4: Environmental Laws and Legislations
● Environmental Law:
○ Environmental law consists of regulations and policies designed to protect the
environment and promote sustainability.
● Key Acts:
○ Important acts in India include the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, the
Water (Prevention and control of Pollution) Act, the Wildlife Protection Act, and the
Forest Conservation Act.
Unit 5: Environmental Movements and Global Efforts
● International Agreements and Programs:
○ International agreements like the Stockholm Conference, Kyoto Protocol, Paris
Agreement, and Montreal Protocol address global environmental challenges.
● Environmental Movements:
○ Environmental movements such as the Chipko Movement, Appiko Movement,
Narmada Bachao Andolan, and Western Ghat Movement have played a crucial role
in raising awareness and advocating for environmental protection.
● Role of Organizations:
○ National and international organizations like the United Nations (UN), UNEP, IUCN,
SPCB, CPCB, and EPCO are involved in environmental conservation and
monitoring.
● IT and Environment:
○ Information Technology plays an important role in environmental monitoring, data
analysis, and raising awareness.
These topics cover the key areas emphasized in the syllabus and previous year papers, and the
answers provided are derived from the reference text.
