Module 1: Introduction to Environmental Studies PDF

# Unit I: Lecture 1- Introduction to Environmental Studies Dr M Prabhu Inbaraj ## Environment - Definition * Environment refers to the sum of all conditions which surrounds man at a given point in space and time - C.C. Park. * The term environment is used to describe, in aggregate, all the extern...

# Unit I: Lecture 1- Introduction to Environmental Studies Dr M Prabhu Inbaraj ## Environment - Definition * Environment refers to the sum of all conditions which surrounds man at a given point in space and time - C.C. Park. * The term environment is used to describe, in aggregate, all the external forces, influences and conditions, which affect the life, nature, behavior, growth, development and maturity of living organisms - Douglas and Holland. * The word environment is derived from the French word “environ” meaning “encompass” "encircle" etc. It is believed to have been introduced into the subject by biologist Jacob Van Erkul in the early 1900. ## Constituents of Environment ### **Components of environment:** | Component | Sub-components | |---|---| | **Physical** | Land, Air, Water | | **Biological** | Plants, Animals, Humans, Microbes | | **Cultural** | Economical, Social, Political | ## Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies The diagram shows how environmental studies are multidisciplinary. It includes subjects such as: * **Life Science:** Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology * **Physical Science:** Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science, Geography * **Technology:** Civil, Chemical, Nanotechnology, Mechanical * **Management/Law:** Economics, Sociology, Law, Mass Communication * **Modelling:** Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics ### **Why is environmental studies multidisciplinary?** * Systematic understanding. * Highly interdisciplinary. * Holistic. * To overcome environmental crisis. ## Engineering in Environmental Studies ### **Engineering sectors that play a crucial role in environmental studies:** | Sector | Impact | |---|---| | Information Technology | Remote sensing and GIS Database, Computational Toxicology, ENVIS | | Chemical Engineering | Comprehensive solutions to Wastewater treatment, Curbing Air Pollution | | Electrical Engineering | Efficient transformers, Efficient motors / engines, LED | | Civil Engineering | Green Buildings, Geotechnical engineers, Environmental engineers | ## Major Environmental Problems * Global Warming * Ozone Layer Depletion * Acid Rain * Deforestation * Loss of Biodiversity * Water Pollution * Desertification * Waste Disposal * Rapid Population Growth * Depletions of Non-Renewable Energy Resources * Food and Water Shortage ## Importance of Environmental Studies * Enlightens - Protection & Conservation * Environmental issues are of international importance. * Explosive increase in population. * Need for alternative solutions. * Need for wise planning of development. * Need to save humanity from extinction. ## Need for Public Awareness * To understand natural and man-made environment are interdependent. * To understand the consequences of Environmental Degradation. * Every individual's duty to protect the environment. * Environmental consciousness to be propagated. * Importance of reformative measures to be taken.. * Mass media such as newspapers, radio, television, strongly influence public opinion. ### **Ways to join the movement:** * Agency for Non-conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT) * Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) * Delhi Greens (NGO) * Environmentalist Foundation of India * Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) ### **Other ways to support environmental awareness:** * Discussions with friends and relatives - saving paper, water, etc. * Practice - 3Rs principle of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. * Join local movements that support environmental activities. * Practice and promote good civic sense. * Take part in events organized on World Environment Day, Wildlife Week, etc. * Spend time with Nature. ## Objectives of Environmental Education ### **International Conference, Tbilisi, USSR (1977):** | Objective | Description | |---|---| | Awareness | Environment & its allied problems | | Knowledge | Basic understanding and associated problems | | Attitude | Concern and motivation to protect | | Evaluation | Environmental measure & educational program | | Skill | Identifying & Solving | | Participation | Sense of responsibility | ## Environmental Education: GOALS * To promote the exchange of ideas and information. * To develop teaching materials for the formal education sector. * To encourage NGOs for promoting awareness. * To promote environmental education through educational and research institutes. * To ensure training and manpower development in environmental education. * To mobilize people's awareness for the preservation and conservation of the environment. ## Formal Environmental Education in India * **In Schools:** Through text books, audio-visual and field visits. * **In Colleges & University:** * M.Sc., Ph.D. in Environmental Science. * M.E. and M.Tech. in Environmental Engineering. * PG diploma in Environmental Management. * **Environmental Appreciation Course:** * IGNOU & MOEF - 3 months awareness course. * **In Management and Business Schools:** * Managers can introduce environmentally sound practices. ## Non-Formal Environmental Education * **National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC)** * Introduced in 1986, multi-media campaign. * Financial assistance to NGO's/Schools/Institutions to conduct awareness programs. * Activities - Seminars, workshops, camps, rallies, exhibitions, debates, planting of trees, etc.. * **Eco Clubs of National Green Corps** * To sensitize school students. * Eco-clubs - 100 schools in every district * Training to teachers. ## Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) * India joined in 2000. * Students of GLOBE collect data about environmental parameters to explain various hypothesis. * Students interact with GLOBE scientist. * Students participate in workshops. ## Mass Awareness * Focused on rural areas. * Doordarshan telecast environmental based programs/documentaries/commercials. ## Other awareness programs * Green Olympiad by TERI - 80000 students for Russia, UAE and India * Awareness activities on Environment Day (June 5) - ATREE * Quiz programs * Tribal get educated ## Environmental Ethics * A branch of applied ethics that deals with the ethical relationship between human beings and the natural environment. * A systematic and critical study of practices, beliefs, and rules applied to the environment that are considered moral, i.e., good/bad, right/wrong, and virtuous/vicious. ## Three Ethical Perspectives * **Biocentrism:** All living things also have value; All life has ethical standing; Development is opposed if it destroys life, even if it creates jobs. * **Ecocentrism:** Whole ecological systems have value; Values the well-being of species, communities, or ecosystems; Holistic perspective. * **Anthropocentrism:** "This is our planet: planet Earth. It contains an astonishing variety of landscapes and climates. Since life began, around 4,000 million years ago, it has gone through extraordinary changes in its climate and in the species that Live on it. But now it seems that our planet is being transformed - not by natural events, but by the actions of one species: mankind" - David Attenborough's opening narration in _The Truth about Climate Change_ (2006). ## Ecological Footprint The diagram shows how many Earths we would need if the world's population lived like the following countries: * **U.S.A:** 5.0 * **Australia:** 4.1 * **South Korea:** 3.5 * **Russia:** 3.3 * **Germany:** 3.0 * **Switzerland:** 2.9 * **U.K.:** 2.9 * **France:** 2.8 * **Japan:** 2.8 * **Italy:** 2.6 * **Spain:** 2.3 * **China:** 2.2 * **Brazil:** 1.8 * **India:** 0.7 * **World:** 1.7 ## Carbon Footprint The diagram shows what contributes to the biggest carbon footprints, by country: * **China:** 28% * **United States:** 15% * **Rest of the world:** 21% * **Russia:** 5% * **India:** 7% ## Water Footprint The diagram shows the water footprint of different products, measured in liters. * Corn: 450 * Wheat: 500 * Rice: 1700 * Soybeans: 900 * Apples: 70 * Oranges: 50 * Coconut: 2500 * Cheese: 2500 * Bread: 650 * Tea: 90 * Coffee: 840 * Wine: 720 * Beer: 150 * Potato Crisps: 185 * Milk: 1000 * Beer: 4500 * Goat meat: 1200 * Pork: 1440 * Sheep meat: 1830 * Chicken: 1170 * Eggs: 200 ## Sustainable Development The diagram shows the UN's goal for sustainable development. Achieving it entails meeting these goals, focusing on: * **People:** End poverty and hunger in all forms and ensure dignity and equality. * **Planet:** Protect our planet's natural resources and climate for future generations. * **Prosperity:** Ensure prosperous and fulfilling lives in harmony with nature. * **Partnership:** Implement the agenda through a solid global partnership. * **Peace:** Foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies. **UN:** Development that "meets the needs of the present without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet theirs". **Using resources to satisfy current needs without compromising future availability of resources.** ## People in Environment 1. **Charles Darwin:** - 'Origin of Species' 2. **Ralph Emerson:** - dangers of commerce to our environment 3. **Henry Thoreau:** - Wilderness 4. **John Muir:** - Sequoia trees 5. **Rachel Carson:** - Pesticide effects 6. **E.O Wilson:** - Diversity of Life 7. **Salim Ali:** - SACON - Fall of Sparrow 8. **Indira Gandhi:** - The Wildlife Protection Act 9. **S P Godrej:** - Wildlife Conservation 10. **M S Swaminathan:** - Agriculture 11. **Madhav Gadgil:**- Ecologist 12. **M C Mehta:** - Leading Environmental Lawyer - protecting the Taj Mahal, cleaning up the Ganges River, initiating Government to implement environmental education. 13. **Medha Patkar:** - Tribal people welfare 14. **Sunderlal Bahugna:** - Chipko Movement ## Environmental Calendar | EVENT | DATE | |---|---| | World Wetland Day | February 2 | | World Forest Day | March 21 | | World Day for Water | March 22 | | Earth Day | April 24 | | International Biodiversity Day | May 31 | | World Environment Day | June 5 | | World Ocean Day | June 8 | | World Population Day | July 11 | | World Ozone Day | September 16 | | World Conservation Day | October 24 | | International Day for Biological Diversity | December 29 | # Thank You Dr. M Prabhu Inbaraj