Introduction to Environment Science PDF

Module: 1 Introduction to Environment Science Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Definition, scope and importance: Definition: Everything (biotic and abiotic) that surrounds and affects living organisms is called environment. It is essentially a multidisciplinary approach that...

Module: 1 Introduction to Environment Science Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Definition, scope and importance: Definition: Everything (biotic and abiotic) that surrounds and affects living organisms is called environment. It is essentially a multidisciplinary approach that brings about an appreciation of our natural world and human impacts on its integrity. It is an applied science as its seeks practical answers to making human civilization sustainable on the earth’s finite resources. Its components include biology, geology, chemistry, physics, engineering, sociology, health, anthropology, economics, statistics, computers and philosophy. Life Sciences (Botany, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Zoology): These helps in understanding biotic components and its interaction with surroundings. Law: It provides guidelines and legal measures for effective management and protection of environment. Education: Teach in schools, colleges, universities, and awareness programs. Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Scope: Environmental studies are concerned with a variety of issues, including the protection of natural resources, pollution management, and the influence of a growing human population on the environment. To solve these complex environmental issues, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary. The scopes are summarized below: 1. Conservation of natural resources: Natural resources (air, water, soil, sunlight) are the sources for human beings from the earth without which human beings cannot survive. Conservation means to protect and take care of. In today’s world, human activities have caused an severe damage to the environment. Without these natural resources, human life is nothing on this earth. Hence, it is important to protect or conserve the natural resources in such a way that they meet the needs of our present and future. Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies 2. Ecological aspects: This involves the study of the physical and biological components of ecosystems and how they interact with each other. Ecological aspects include the study of ecosystems, biodiversity and the impact of human activities on the natural environment. Ecological aspects are a critical component of environmental studies, informing efforts to manage and conserve ecosystems for future generations. 3. Pollution of natural resources: This includes study of various pollution of natural resources like water pollution, air pollution, and soil pollution. The aim is to understand the source of pollution and its effects on the environment and human health. 4. Control of pollution: This involves developing strategies and policies to reduce and control pollution. This includes measures such as pollution prevention and green technologies. Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Importance of environmental studies: According to National Education Policy 1986, it is a basic need to develop consciousness regarding the environment in children, youth, older people and in all citizens. Environment studies enlighten us, about the importance of protecting and conserving our indiscriminate release of pollution into the environment. Environmental studies provide basic knowledge of the environment to all individuals and help in understanding present environmental projects. It helps us to know a more sustainable way of living and provides the necessary skills to solve environmental problems. It helps us to use natural resources more efficiently. The significance of environmental concerns such as global warming, ozone depletion, acid rain, marine pollution, and biodiversity are widely acknowledged as not limited to specific countries but rather having global implications. Therefore, addressing these issues necessitates international collaboration and collective efforts. Environmental study could help to solve a variety of global issues. Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies What are the needs for public awareness in environment studies? Increasing population, urbanization and poverty have generated pressure on the natural recourses and lead to a degradation of the environment. To prevent the environment from further degradation, the supreme court has ordered and initiated environment protection awareness through government and non government agencies to take part in protecting our environment. Environmental pollution cannot prevented by laws alone. Public participation is equally important with regard to environmental protection. Environmental education is a process of learning by giving an overall perspective of knowledge and awareness of the environment. Climate change, loss of diversity ,ozone layer depletion, illegal trade of endangered species, destruction of habitats, land degradation, environmental pollution, storm water pose a serious threat to ecosystems (forest, rural, urban and marine ecosystem). Both formal and informal education on the environment will give the interested individual the knowledge, values, skills and tools to solve the problems. Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Public awareness could be achieved in a variety of ways: 1. Use of Media: Media can play a vital role in creating peoples’ awareness about the environment and conservation of natural resources. Mass media is a robust tool that can serve the purpose of creating awareness by means of its multi-channel regional and network service comprising programs such as talks, interviews, plays and documentaries etc. 2. Classroom Education: Environment education should start at the very beginning of child’s education. Even when distinctive discipline has been opted by the student in their career, they still require constant sensitization and education on the environment. Education on environmental issues and sustainable development at college and university levels will enhance the knowledge and will bring in pro-environment action for solutions to environmental problems and methods for conservation of natural resources. Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies 4. Association with Environment NGOs or local movements: The civil society has a very crucial role play. They are the opinion-creators and has the ability to upheave the public mood towards the cause of the environment. A variety of activities which essentially focusses on recycling waste, environmentally friendly products and being promoted by NGOs and the local community should get the space it deserves and should be promoted. These NGOs definitely has an indispensable role to play. 5. Participation in public discussions or events on the environment: Events are a great way to find out what’s happening in specialist areas, discover new ideas, get inspired, meet like-minded people and promote environmental awareness. Participating in environmental calendar events like earth day, wetland day, environmental day. This would also enhance individual knowledge and motivate others. We as individuals should also practice and promote saving resources like paper, energy, water, reduce plastic, and to follow 3R rules such as Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies