Unit-I: Environmental Studies PDF

Unit-I: VEC – CE202 – Environmental Studies (SY – Common for all Branches) 1. Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies 1.1 Definition: The word environment is derived from the French word “environ” meaning surroundings. Hence, everything surrounding us is called environment. Every organism...

Unit-I: VEC – CE202 – Environmental Studies (SY – Common for all Branches) 1. Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies 1.1 Definition: The word environment is derived from the French word “environ” meaning surroundings. Hence, everything surrounding us is called environment. Every organism is surrounded by materials and forces that constitute its environment. It is the environment from where every organism must derive its requirement. The environment creates favourable conditions for the existence and development of living organisms. The survival of any organism requires a steady supply of materials and removal of waste products. The natural environment encompasses all living and non-living things. This environment encompasses the interaction of all living species, climate, weather, and natural resources that affect human survival and economic activity. Environmental studies is multi-disciplinary because it comprises various branches of studies like chemistry, physics, medical science, life science, agriculture and public health. It is the science of physical phenomena in the environment. Environmental studies deal with every issue that affects an organism. It is an applied science as it seeks practical answers to making human civilization sustainable on the earth’s finite resources. The environment is constituted by the interacting systems of physical, biological, and cultural elements inter-related in various ways, individually as well as collectively. These elements are a. Physical Elements: Space, landforms, water bodies, climate, soils, rocks, and minerals. They determine the variable character of the human habitat, its opportunities as well as limitations b. Biological Elements: Plants, animals, microorganisms, and human beings constitute the biosphere. c. Cultural Elements: Economic, social, and political elements are essentially manmade features, which constitute the cultural environment. 1.2 Scope and Importance of Environmental Studies Environment studies enlighten us about the importance of protection and conservation of our environment. At present, a great number of environment issues have grown in size and complexity day by day, threatening the survival of mankind on earth. We live in landscapes that have been heavily modified by human beings, in villages, towns or cities. But even those of us who live in cities get our food supply from surrounding villages and these in turn are dependent on natural landscapes such as forests, grasslands, rivers, seashores, for resources such as water for agriculture, fuel wood, fodder, and fish. Thus, our daily lives are linked with our surroundings and inevitably affects them. We use water to drink and for other day-to-day activities. We breathe air, we use resources from which food is made and we depend on the community of living plants and animals which form a web of life, of which we are also a part. Everything around us forms our environment and our lives depend on sustaining its vital systems. The industrial development and intensive agriculture that provides the goods for our increasingly consumer-oriented society uses up large amounts of natural resources such as water, minerals, petroleum products, wood, etc. Non-renewable resources, such as minerals and oil are those which will be exhausted in the future if we continue to extract these without a thought for subsequent generations. Renewable resources, such as timber and water, are those which can be used but can be regenerated by natural processes such as re growth or rainfall. However, these too will be depleted if we continue to use them faster than nature can replace them. Deforestation leads to floods in the monsoon and dry rivers once the rains are over. 1 Unit-I: VEC – CE202 – Environmental Studies (SY – Common for all Branches) What we should implement is Sustainable Development. It is the organizing principle for meeting human needs while at the same time sustaining the ability of natural systems to provide the resources and ecosystem services upon which the economy and society depends. The desirable end result is a society where living conditions and resource use continue to meet human needs without undermining the stability of the natural systems. The scope of environmental studies include: a. Developing an awareness and sensitivity to the environment and its related problems. b. Motivating people for active participation in environmental protection. c. Developing skills to find solutions to environmental problems. d. Imbibe and inculcate in others the necessity for conservation of natural resources. 1.3 Need for Environmental Education Increasing population, urbanization and poverty have exerted pressure on the natural resources and led to degradation of the environment. To prevent the environment from further degradation, the Supreme Court has ordered and initiated environmental protection awareness through government and non-government agencies. Environmental pollution cannot be prevented by laws alone. Public participation is equally important with regards to environmental protection. Environmental Education (EE) is a process of learning by giving an overall perspective of knowledge and awareness of the environment. It sensitizes the society about environmental issues and challenges interested individuals to develop skills and expertise, thereby providing appropriate solutions. Climate change, loss of biodiversity, declining fisheries, ozone layer depletion, illegal trade of endangered species, destruction of habitats, land degradation, depleting ground water supplies, environmental pollution, solid waste disposal, storm water and sewage disposal pose a serious threat to ecosystems in forest, rural, urban and marine ecosystems. Both formal and informal education on the environment will give the interested individual the knowledge, values, skills and tools needed to face the environmental challenges on a local and global level. 1.4 Concept of Sustainability and Sustainable Development Definition of sustainability: In the broadest sense, sustainability refers to the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time. Definition of sustainable development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In business and policy contexts, sustainability seeks to prevent the depletion of natural or physical resources, so that they will remain available for the long term. Accordingly, sustainable policies emphasize the future effect of any given policy or business practice on humans, ecosystems, and the wider economy. The concept often corresponds to the belief that without major changes to the way the planet is run, it will suffer irreparable damage. As concerns about anthropogenic climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution have become more widespread, the world has shifted to embrace sustainable practices and policies, primarily through the implementation of sustainable business practices and increased investments in green technology. a. Key Components of Environmental Sustainability i. Resource Management 2 Unit-I: VEC – CE202 – Environmental Studies (SY – Common for all Branches) Renewable Resources: These are resources that can be replenished naturally over time, such as forests, water, and soil. Sustainable management involves using these resources at a rate that allows them to regenerate. For example, sustainable forestry practices ensure that trees are harvested in a way that allows forests to regenerate. Non-Renewable Resources: These are resources that do not naturally regenerate on a human timescale, such as fossil fuels and minerals. Sustainable management involves minimizing consumption, improving efficiency, and investing in alternatives or technologies that reduce dependence on these resources. ii. Pollution Prevention: Reducing or eliminating the release of pollutants into the air, water, and soil is crucial for environmental sustainability. This involves controlling industrial emissions, managing waste effectively, and promoting cleaner technologies to minimize environmental harm. iii. Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting a wide variety of species and ecosystems is essential for maintaining ecological balance and resilience. Conservation efforts include protecting natural habitats, restoring degraded ecosystems, and implementing policies to prevent the extinction of endangered species. iv. Climate Change Mitigation: Addressing climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration is a key aspect of environmental sustainability. This involves transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and adopting practices that reduce the carbon footprint. v. Sustainable Land Use: Using land in a way that preserves its ability to support life and maintain ecological functions is important. This includes practices like sustainable agriculture, urban planning that minimizes environmental impact, and land conservation efforts. vi. Ecosystem Services: Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans receive from natural ecosystems, such as clean water, pollination of crops, and climate regulation. Ensuring the sustainability of these services is critical for maintaining human well- being and environmental health. b. Principles of Environmental Sustainability i. Intergenerational Equity: The principle of intergenerational equity involves ensuring that the actions taken today do not compromise the ability of future generations to enjoy a healthy and functional environment. ii. Precautionary Principle: When there is uncertainty about the potential environmental impacts of an action or policy, the precautionary principle advocates for taking preventive measures to avoid harm, even if some cause-and-effect relationships are not fully established. iii. Ecosystem Resilience: Building and maintaining the ability of ecosystems to withstand and recover from disturbances, such as natural disasters or human activities, is important for long-term sustainability. iv. Sustainable Consumption and Production: Encouraging efficient use of resources and reducing waste through sustainable consumption and production practices helps minimize environmental impact and supports long-term sustainability. 3 Unit-I: VEC – CE202 – Environmental Studies (SY – Common for all Branches) c. Importance of Environmental Sustainability i. Protecting Natural Resources: Ensures that essential resources such as water, soil, and air quality are preserved for future use. ii. Mitigating Climate Change: Helps to reduce the impact of climate change by promoting practices that lower greenhouse gas emissions. iii. Maintaining Biodiversity: Supports the health and stability of ecosystems, which are vital for the well-being of all living organisms. iv. Enhancing Quality of Life: Contributes to cleaner environments, healthier communities, and overall improved quality of life. QUESTIONS 1. Environmental Studies is multidisciplinary in nature. Discuss. 2. What are renewable resources? Give examples. 3. Discuss the need for the environmental education. 4. What is the importance of studying environmental studies? 5. Environmental pollution cannot be prevented by laws alone. Discuss. 6. Explain sustainable development. 7. What are natural resources. Give examples. 8. What are the physical, biological and cultural elements that constitute environment? 9. List out the scope of environmental studies. 10. What are non-renewable resources? Give examples 4