Unit -1 Chapter- 1 Introduction to Environmental studies
Environment and its different component:
Definition: Environment can be defined as an area in which an organisms live and which is
influenced by the abiotic and biotic components which surround it.
OR
The area in which an organism live and which is influenced by the abiotic and biotic
components which surrounds it.
The environment is mainly consists of two components:
1) Abiotic components:
Abiotic components in an environment includes the nonliving things which form the
structural components of the environment include radiant energy from the sun, water,
minerals atmospheric gases like carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen etc..
2) Biotic components: The biotic component in an environment includes the living things
which also form the structural component of an environment. This can be further
classified into different type.
a. Producers
b. Consumers
c. Decomposers
Components of Environment;
The environment includes four different spheres which interact with each other and the four
spheres are:
✔ Atmosphere: This is the outer layer of the earth which consists of essential gases and
oxygen. Earth’s atmosphere is composed of about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1%
other gases.
✔ Biosphere: The earth which includes the living organism which is continuously
interacting with abiotic component.
✔ Hydrosphere: the layer of earth which include water
✔ Lithosphere: The upper most layer of the earth crust on which all the living and non
living things exists
Multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies:
Unit -1 Chapter- 1 Introduction to Environmental studies
An environmental study is a multi disciplinary subject as it involves different concept of
various disciplinary subject. To understand the environmental concept it requires basic
knowledge of every branches of Science, Art and Commerce Engineering disciplines.
Environmental studies and science discipline:
The science discipline which involves the different branches like physics, chemistry,
mathematic, biology and others sub branches like statistic, ecology, anthropology etc.,
Some of the important branches of science which is essential in the study of environmental
studies are biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics are as discussed below.
Environmental studies and Biology:
The environmental studies deals about the life as one of main aspect, is known as
environmental biology. The environmental biology helps us to understand the interaction of
abiotic component with biotic components, how a toxic element reacts with the living
organisms etc.
Environmental studies and Chemistry:
The environmental studies which deal about the chemical reactions in known as
environmental chemistry. The environmental chemistry help us to know what are the
components present in the environment and how do the chemicals interact with each other
their reactions, chemical effect and nature of chemicals present in water or air etc.,
Environmental studies and Geology:
The relationship between Geology and Environmental Studies is studied in a branch called
Environmental Geology. This branch deals with the study of environment related to the earth,
like earth quakes, volcanoes, natural resources etc.
Environmental studies and Mathematics:
Unit -1 Chapter- 1 Introduction to Environmental studies
Mathematics helps the environmentalist to predict the amount and effect of the pollutants in
particular area through their models. By using mathematical models we can predicts the
effect without the laboratory experiment through calculations.
The other branches of sciences which are essential in the study of environment are
Metrology, Statistics, Mineralogy, Climatology, Paleontology etc.
Environmental studies and Commerce discipline:
The commerce discipline comprises the subjects like Economic, Business Management and
accountancy etc., having knowledge of studying of commerce subjects help to run the
business successfully. The subject of commerce discipline help environmental studies in
many ways and some of the major subjects involved in the study of environmental studies are
discussed below.
Environmental science and Economics;
The branch of Environmental studies which deals with economics aspects is known as
Environmental Economics. Increasing production and deceasing the cost of the production is
the main aim of the economic but to get the sustainable production the environmental
economic play a vital role. The economics advantages or the disadvantages with respect to
environment of an industry or the mega project can be observed through the cost benefit
analysis.
Environmental studies and Accountancy:
Environmental Auditing I a branch of environmental studies which is primarily derived from
the accountancy. Environmental auditing is a one of essential area which is very much
practiced in major industries to check the amount of waste to decrease the burden to the
environment.
Environmental studies and Business management:
The Business Management plays a key role in maintain the business or industries. Some of
the procedure to manage the environment is derived from the business management subject.
Some of the strategies derived from the business management are useful to manage the
natural resource which exist on earth to its optimum level with minimum degradation
Environmental studies and Arts discipline:
Law, Philosophy, Political Science, History etc. are some of the major subject of the arts
discipline. These subjects play a vital role in the environmental studies to conserve the
environmental. The subjects of art discipline which is very much essential for environmental
studies are discussed below.
Environmental studies and Law:
Environmental law is a separate branch of Law derived to protect and conserve environment.
The over exploitation of the natural resources lead to an instability in the society. To
maintain peace in the society and to develop sustainability we require a good law. The branch
of environmental science deals with the study of the law is known as Environmental law.
Environmental studies and Philosophy:
The branch of Environmental Studies deals with the Philosophy with respect to environment
is called Environmental Ethic. The environmental ethics plays a vital role in the preaching
about correct guidelines which should be practiced in the conservation of natural resource
and how to interact with the nature without affecting her.
Unit -1 Chapter- 1 Introduction to Environmental studies
Environmental studies and political science:
The natural resources are present in the different pockets around the world the earth, the
chance of sustainable development are slim because of the political boundaries created by
man. The Political Science with respect to environment tries to minimize the crises created
by the political issue toward the environment
The other branches of arts discipline which are essential for the study of environmental
studies re History, sociology, Psychology etc.
Environmental studies and Engineering disciplines:
The discipline of engineering plays a key role in the study and protecting the environment by
designing the industry, designing pollution control device, deriving the eco-friendly
procedure in producing the materials etc.
Sustainability and Sustainable Development
Sustainable development is a common agenda for global concern, which everybody agrees
upon, but bringing this global concern into public policies is a difficult task. The most
accepted definition of sustainable development according to the Brundtland's report is, “To
meet the needs of present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs”. It advocated the idea of “sustainable growth”. According to The World
Conservation Strategy report (1980), by the International Union for the Conservation of
Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), for development to be sustainable it must take into
account the social and economic factors as well as the ecological ones.
India is presently emerging as an economic superpower, but in contrast, there is another
profile of India. We constitute around 17% of the world's population, but account for about
35% of the poor and 40% of the illiterates in the world. Experiences from the economic
reform indicate that while there have been improvements in economic growth, foreign
exchange, IT revolution, export growth, and so on, inequality in income distribution has been
growing simultaneously
There are four dimensions to sustainable development – society, environment, culture and
economy – which are intertwined, not separate. Sustainability is a paradigm for thinking
about the future in which environmental, societal and economic considerations are balanced
in the pursuit of an improved quality of life. For example, a prosperous society relies on a
healthy environment to provide food and resources, safe drinking water and clean air for its
citizens.
Sustainability is often thought of as a long-term goal (i.e. a more sustainable world), while
sustainable development refers to the many processes and pathways to achieve it (e.g.
sustainable agriculture and forestry, sustainable production and consumption, good
government, research and technology transfer, education and training, etc.).
The 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are:
Unit -1 Chapter- 1 Introduction to Environmental studies
1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Good health and well-being
4. Quality education
5. Gender equality
6. Clean water and sanitation
7. Affordable and clean energy
8. Decent work and economic growth
9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
10. Reduced inequalities
11. Sustainable cities and communities
12. Responsible consumption and production,
13. Climate action
14. Life below water
15. Life on land
16. Peace, justice, and strong institutions
17. Partnerships for the goals
Scope of Environmental Studies
The field of environmental studies encompasses a wide range of scopes, which are
summarized as follows:
Resource Awareness
Environmental studies foster awareness about both renewable and nonrenewable resources in
a particular region. This involves assessing the available resources, their utilization patterns
and the need to maintain a balance for future generations.
Ecological Understanding
It imparts knowledge about ecological systems and the cause-and-effect relationships within
them.
Biodiversity Awareness
Environmental studies provide essential information about the richness of biodiversity and
the potential threats to plant, animal and microbial species in the environment.
Disaster Preparedness
This field helps individuals understand the causes and consequences of natural and human-
induced disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, cyclones and various types of
pollution. It also explores measures to minimize their effects.
Decision-Making
Environmental studies equip individuals with the ability to evaluate alternative responses to
environmental issues before deciding on a course of action.
Unit -1 Chapter- 1 Introduction to Environmental studies
Environmental Literacy
It enables individuals to become environmentally literate citizens by providing knowledge of
environmental laws, rights, rules and regulations. This knowledge empowers them to make
informed judgments and decisions for the protection and improvement of the Earth.
Social Issues
Environmental studies shed light on societal problems like overpopulation, public health and
hygiene. It also emphasizes the role of arts, science and technology in addressing these
challenges.
Eco-Friendly Technologies
The field identifies and promotes the development of appropriate, indigenous and eco-
friendly skills and technologies to address various environmental issues.
Sustainable Resource Use
It educates citizens about the importance of sustainable resource utilization, emphasizing that
these resources are inherited from our ancestors and must be passed on to future generations
without compromising their quality.
Practical Application
Environmental studies bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical
application, demonstrating the multiple uses and benefits of a well-managed environment.
Importance of Environmental Studies
Environmental studies raise awareness about the critical importance of safeguarding and
conserving our planet, as well as the detrimental effects of pollution on the environment.
Challenges stemming from population growth, industrialization and other factors have made
the task of survival increasingly difficult.
Numerous environmental issues have grown in scale, progressively complicating the global
system and endangering humanity’s existence on earth. The significance of environmental
studies can be attributed to the following reasons:
Global Nature of Environmental Issues
It is widely acknowledged that environmental problems, such as global warming, ozone
depletion, acid rain, marine pollution and biodiversity loss, transcend national boundaries.
Consequently, addressing these issues requires international collaboration and concerted
efforts.
Development and Its Environmental Impact
The development brings about urbanization, industrial expansion, advanced
telecommunications and transportation systems, high-tech agriculture and housing, among
other advancements. However, it has often come at the cost of environmental degradation.
Some developed regions have shifted polluting industries to developing nations, contributing
to environmental challenges. The environmental consequences of development are not
limited to specific regions but affect the entire world.
Unit -1 Chapter- 1 Introduction to Environmental studies
Escalating Pollution Levels
The world’s population is on the rise and India, for instance, is home to a significant portion
of the global population. This puts immense pressure on natural resources, including land.
Soil health problems, such as nutrient deficiencies, soil salinity and degradation; have been
recognized by agricultural experts.
The Need for Alternative Solutions
Particularly in developing countries, there is a pressing need to chart alternative pathways
towards sustainable development. This involves setting goals for development that are
environmentally responsible and sustainable. Such a goal should be universal, transcending
the division between the developing and over-consumptive developed world.
Preserving Humanity
It is of utmost importance to prevent the potential extinction of humanity due to activities
that harm the environment in the name of development. Striking a balance between
development and environmental protection is essential.
Wise Development Planning
Survival and sustenance rely on the availability of resources. Therefore, any development
plan should be ecologically sound and synchronized with the natural cycles of the
environment. Planning should prioritize environmental sustainability alongside economic
development.
Conclusion
Environmental studies play a crucial role in fostering awareness, understanding and
responsible action towards environmental and social challenges, making it relevant and
essential for people of all ages. Environmental studies serve as a vital tool for understanding
the urgency of protecting our planet and addressing the complex challenges that threaten our
existence. By recognizing the global nature of environmental issues and promoting wise and
sustainable development, we can work towards a shared goal of preserving the Earth’s
environment for the well-being of all its inhabitants.
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