Environmental Studies Notes – Units I &
II
Unit I – Introduction & Natural Resources
1. Introduction to Environmental Studies
Definition: Study of human-environment interaction.
Multidisciplinary: Includes biology, chemistry, physics, etc.
Scope: Biodiversity, pollution, sustainability.
Importance: Awareness, protection, policy making.
2. Sustainability & Sustainable Development
Sustainability: Meet current needs without harming future.
Sustainable Development: Balance economy, environment, and society.
3. Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources
Renewable: Solar, wind, water.
Non-renewable: Coal, oil.
Problems: Overuse, pollution, scarcity.
4. Forest Resources
Uses: Timber, medicine, fuel.
Problems: Deforestation, displacement.
Case Studies: Chipko Movement, Silent Valley.
5. Water Resources
Uses: Drinking, agriculture.
Issues: Overuse, pollution, disputes.
Dams: Pros - irrigation, power; Cons - displacement, ecology.
6. Mineral Resources
Uses: Metals, fuels.
Problems: Pollution, land damage.
Case: Niyamgiri Hills.
7. Food Resources
Issues: Hunger, overgrazing, pesticide use.
Case: Green Revolution – pros & cons.
8. Energy Resources
Needs rising due to growth.
Renewable: Solar, wind.
Non-renewable: Oil, coal.
Case: National Solar Mission.
9. Land Resources
Issues: Degradation, erosion, landslides, desertification.
10. Individual’s Role
Conserve water/energy, plant trees, eco-friendly habits.
11. Equitable Use
Access for all, reduce inequality, community participation.
Unit II – Ecosystems
1. Concept of an Ecosystem
Definition: Functional unit of living and non-living interactions.
Examples: Pond, forest, desert.
2. Structure of an Ecosystem
Biotic: Producers, Consumers, Decomposers.
Abiotic: Light, temperature, water, minerals.
3. Functions of Ecosystem
Productivity, energy flow, nutrient cycling, ecological succession.
4. Energy Flow
10% energy passed to next level.
Trophic levels: Producers → Consumers → Decomposers.
5. Ecological Succession
Gradual change in community.
Primary: On bare land.
Secondary: On disturbed land.
6. Food Chains & Food Webs
Chain: Grass → Deer → Tiger
Web: Interconnected chains.
7. Ecological Pyramids
Types: Number, Biomass, Energy.
Energy pyramid always upright.
8. Types of Ecosystems
Forest: Rich biodiversity.
Grassland: Grasses dominate.
Desert: Extreme climate, cactus.
Aquatic: Lakes, ponds, oceans, estuaries.
Unit III – Biodiversity and Conservation
1. Definition of Biodiversity
Biodiversity: Variety of life forms – genes, species, ecosystems.
Types:
- Genetic diversity: Variation within species
- Species diversity: Different species in a region
- Ecosystem diversity: Variety of habitats/ecosystems
2. Biogeographical Classification of India
India has 10 biogeographic zones:
- Trans-Himalaya, Himalaya, Desert, Semi-Arid, Western Ghats, Deccan Plateau, Gangetic
Plain, NE India, Coasts, Islands
3. Values of Biodiversity
- Consumptive use: Direct use (food, fuel, medicine)
- Productive use: Commercial products
- Social value: Cultural, religious
- Ethical value: Right to exist
- Aesthetic value: Beauty
- Option value: Potential future use
4. Levels of Biodiversity
- Global: ~8.7 million species
- National (India): 7.6% mammals, 12.6% birds
- Local: Community level diversity
5. India as a Mega-Diversity Nation
India has:
- 2.4% of land, ~8% of global species
- 4 biodiversity hotspots
- Rich in endemic species
6. Hotspots of Biodiversity
India's hotspots:
1. Himalaya
2. Western Ghats
3. Indo-Burma
4. Sundaland
Criteria: High endemism & habitat loss
7. Threats to Biodiversity
- Habitat loss & fragmentation
- Poaching of wildlife
- Human-wildlife conflict
- Invasive species
- Pollution & climate change
8. Endangered and Endemic Species
- Endangered: Risk of extinction (e.g., Bengal tiger, Indian vulture)
- Endemic: Found only in one region (e.g., Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed macaque)
9. Conservation of Biodiversity
In-situ: On-site conservation (e.g., national parks, sanctuaries)
Ex-situ: Off-site conservation (e.g., zoos, seed banks)
Efforts: Project Tiger, Project Elephant
Unit IV – Environmental Pollution
1. Definition of Pollution
Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment that
cause adverse effects.
2. Air Pollution
Causes: Vehicle emissions, industries, burning fossil fuels
Effects: Respiratory problems, acid rain, climate change
Control: Catalytic converters, air filters, clean fuels
3. Water Pollution
Causes: Industrial waste, sewage, agricultural runoff
Effects: Waterborne diseases, ecosystem damage
Control: Sewage treatment, strict laws, awareness
4. Soil Pollution
Causes: Pesticides, industrial waste, deforestation
Effects: Reduced fertility, toxic crops
Control: Organic farming, soil testing, afforestation
5. Marine Pollution
Causes: Oil spills, plastic waste, sewage dumping
Effects: Harm to marine life, food chain disruption
Control: Waste management, banning ocean dumping
6. Noise Pollution
Causes: Traffic, construction, loudspeakers
Effects: Stress, hearing loss, sleep disturbances
Control: Silent zones, regulations, soundproofing
7. Thermal Pollution
Causes: Power plants, industrial discharge
Effects: Disrupts aquatic ecosystems
Control: Cooling towers, recycling water
8. Nuclear Hazards
Causes: Radiation leaks, nuclear accidents
Effects: Cancer, genetic mutation, death
Control: Safety protocols, radioactive waste management
9. Solid Waste Management
Causes: Urbanization, industrialization
Effects: Land pollution, disease
Control: Reduce-Reuse-Recycle (3Rs), segregation, composting
10. Role of Individual in Pollution Prevention
Reduce plastic, use public transport, conserve energy, spread awareness, adopt eco-friendly
habits
11. Pollution Case Studies
- Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984): MIC gas leak
- Minamata Disease (Japan): Mercury poisoning
- Love Canal (USA): Toxic waste dump exposure
12. Disaster Management
Types:
- Floods: Waterlogging, loss of life
- Earthquakes: Infrastructure damage, casualties
- Cyclones: Storms, crop loss
- Landslides: Displacement, deforestation
Measures: Preparedness, early warning, evacuation plans
