Unit 5 Remote Sensing PDF

UNIT 5 Remote Sensing Remote Sensing is a technology to gather information and analyze an object or phenomenon without making any physical contact. This is done by sensing and recording reflected or emitted energy and processing, analyzing, and applying that information. Wh...

UNIT 5 Remote Sensing Remote Sensing is a technology to gather information and analyze an object or phenomenon without making any physical contact. This is done by sensing and recording reflected or emitted energy and processing, analyzing, and applying that information. When radiation from the Sun reaches the surface of the Earth, some of the energy at specific wavelengths is absorbed and the rest of the energy is reflected by the surface material. A detector/sensor present in a satellite measures the electromagnetic (EM) radiation that is reflected from the Earth’s surface materials. These measurements can help to distinguish the type of land covering, soil, water, and vegetation. A sensor is a device that measures and records electromagnetic energy. Sensors can be divided into two groups-Passive sensors and active sensors. Passive sensors depend on an external source of energy, the sun. Active sensors have their own source of energy. These sensors send out a signal and measure the amount reflected. Active sensors are more controlled because they do not depend upon varying illumination conditions. STEPS/PROCESS: 1. Energy Source: The first requirement for remote sensing is to have an energy source, which illuminates or provides electromagnetic energy to the target of interest. 2. Radiation and the Atmosphere: as the energy travels from its source to the target, it will come in contact with and interact with the atmosphere it passes through. This interaction will take  place once again as the energy travels from the target to the sensor. 3. Interaction with the Target: the energy interacts with the target depending on the properties of both the target and the radiation. 4. Recording of Energy by the Sensor: after the energy has been reflected by, or emitted from the target, sensor collects and records the radiation. 5. Transmission, Reception, and Processing: The energy recorded by the sensor must be transmitted, often in electronic form, to a receiving and processing station at earth where the data are processed and stored in digital form. 6. Interpretation and Analysis: The processed data is interpreted, visually and/or digitally to extract information about the target which was illuminated. Specialized instruments/hardware and software are used for this purpose that are commonly known as image processing tools. 7. Application: the final element of the remote sensing process is achieved when we apply the information, we have been able to extract from the imagery about the target to better understand it, reveal some new information, or assist in solving a particular problem. Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system that analyses and displays geographically referenced information. GIS is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of geographical data.  Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) EIA can be defined as the study to predict the effect of a proposed activity/project on the environment. EIA systematically examines both beneficial and adverse consequences of the project and ensures that these effects are considered during project design. It helps to identify possible environmental effects of the proposed project, proposes measures to mitigate adverse effects and predicts whether there will be significant adverse environmental effects, even after the mitigation is implemented. By considering the environmental effects of the project and their mitigation early in the project planning cycle, environmental assessment has many benefits, such as protection of environment, optimum utilization of resources and saving of time and cost of the project. In 1994, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and CPCB (Central pollution control board), under the guidance of Environmental (Protection) Act 1986, promulgated an EIA notification making Environmental Clearance (EC) mandatory. EIA is made mandatory for various projects such as mining, thermal power plants, river valley, infrastructure (road, highway, ports, harbors and airports) and industries. EIA is done in two steps: Phase I a. Organizing the job: Interdisciplinary team is made to study the EIA, the team includes geologist, biologist, hydrologist, engineers etc. b. Performing the assessment: visiting the site, identifying, evaluating, preparing checklist. c. Writing of EIS: (Environmental impact statement) Description of the site, description of the project, goal and objectives, alternative, measures to minimize the adverse effect. d. Review  Phase II This consists of following steps: a. Screening: First stage of EIA, which determines whether the proposed project requires an EIA and if it does, then the level of assessment required. b. Scoping: This stage identifies the key issues and benefits of the project. This stage also defines the boundary and time limit of the study. c. Impact analysis: This stage of EIA identifies and predicts the environmental and social impact of the proposed project. d. Mitigation measures: This step in EIA recommends the actions to reduce and avoid the adverse environmental consequences of development activities. e. Reporting: This stage presents the result of EIA in the form of a report. f. Review of EIA: Decision-making: It decides whether the project is rejected, approved, or needs further change. Post monitoring: This stage comes into play once the project is commissioned. It checks to ensure that the impacts of the project do not exceed the legal standards and implementation of the mitigation measures are in the manner as described in the EIA report. Environmental Management System (EMS) It is a set of processes and practices that enable an organization to reduce its environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency. Environmental management system (EMS) is an approach to identifying the ways that the environment is impacted by our work activities. Running an effective EMS will help you with improving resource efficiency and reducing unnecessary expenditure - you will have policies and procedures in place that help you manage waste and resources more effectively. This can reduce your associated raw materials and operating costs. EMS follows a Plan-Do-Check-Act, or PDCA, Cycle model that involves: Planning, including identifying environmental aspects and establishing goals (Plan), Implementing (or doing), including training and operational controls (Do), Checking, including monitoring the system and taking corrective actions (Check), and Reviewing, including progress reviews, and taking actions to make the needed changes (Act). ISO 14001 International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an internationally agreed standard that sets the requirements for an environmental management system (EMS). It provides a framework that an organization/company can follow to enhance its environmental performance. ISO 14001 which was introduced in 1996. The purpose of establishing the ISO 14001 Standard is to protect the environment from the negative impacts of hazardous and non-hazardous waste produced by industries and humans. ISO 14001 is a set of standards created to help companies to reduce their adverse impact on the environment. It helps organizations improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste, gaining a competitive advantage. The standard aims to reduce an organization’s waste, pollution, and energy consumption. ISO 14001 certification will remain valid for three years. Maintaining the certification requires an assessment once a year and recertification every three years to ensure EMS is still operating to the standards required by ISO 14001.  Environmental Stewardship This refers to the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through active participation in conservation efforts and sustainable practices by individuals, small groups, and non- profit organizations. Environmental stewardship conserves natural resources, combats pollution, and protects biodiversity. Anybody can be an environmental steward by being aware and knowledgeable of the world around them and making sure they do as little as possible to negatively impact our world. Environmental stewards can be categorized into three roles: doers, donors, and practitioners. Doers actively engage in environmental aid, such as volunteering. Donor’s support causes financially including fundraising or personal donations. Practitioners work daily in environmental stewardship, acting as advocates in collaboration with various environmental agencies and groups. NGO Non-Governmental Organization or a non-profitable group that functions independently with the objective of improving social conditions. Examples: 1. HelpAge India: mainly focused on concern for elders and helping them to improve their standard of living. 2. Chipko movement, also called Chipko Andolan, aimed at protecting trees and forests. The Chipko movement was started by Sunderlal Bahuguna in the Garhwal forests. 3. Care India aims to Reduce Poverty and social injustice. 4. CRY (Child Rights and You) works for health, education & safety of children. 5. Smile Foundation: The smile foundation promote education among the underprivileged. 6. Make-A-Wish Foundation helps fulfil the wishes of children with a critical illness.  7. Akshaya Patra is an initiative of ISKCON Bangalore to provide mid-day meals in the rural schools for the underprivileged children and thus support their education. 8. Red Cross society: To extend relief and help to the victims of any calamity – fire, flood, famine, earthquakes, etc. Blood bank and to extend all possible first-aid in an accident. 9. Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the leading environmental nongovernmental organization (NGO) in India. CSE works on environment-development issues in India, poor planning, climate shifts. Example: CSE exposed the high level of pesticides present in soft drinks such as Coke and Pepsi. 10. PETA: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals: it is an animal rights organization which prevent abuse and cruelty to animals. 11. Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA) was the first- ever animal shelter of its kind in Bengaluru. 12. People for Animals (PFA) works to rescue and rehabilitate sick and needy animals. They set up and run shelters, ambulance services, sterilization programs, treatment camps and disaster rescue missions for animals. Environmental Legislation Environmental legislation is the collection of laws and regulations pertaining to air quality, water quality, endangered wildlife, and other environmental factors. In 1972, first major effort to conserve and protect the human environment at the international level was held. As a result, the States were required to approve legislative mandate to protect and improve the environment in concerned State. On June 5, 1972, the United Nations General Assembly established World Environment Day as a day to raise people's awareness and take action on environmental problems. Each year,  World Environment Day focuses on a specific theme related to environmental challenges. Importance of celebrating Environmental day: 1. Raises Awareness: It helps people understand the importance of nature and the need to protect it. 2. Encourages Action: It motivates individuals, communities, and governments to take positive environmental actions. 3. Addresses Global Issues: It focuses on pressing environmental issues like pollution, climate change, deforestation, and wildlife conservation. 4. Promotes Sustainability: It encourages sustainable living and responsible use of resources. Environmental day theme (2024) is "Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience." It's about bringing back healthy land, preventing deserts from growing, and dealing with water shortages. The protection and improvement of environment is a fundamental duty under Constitution Act of 1976. Indian Parliament inserted two Articles, i.e., 48–A and 51–A(g) in the Indian Constitution in 1976. Article 48–A of the Constitution rightly directs that the State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife of the country. Article 51– A(g) imposes a duty on every citizen of India, to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, river, and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures. ACTS: 1. Wildlife [Protection] Act, 1972 was passed to provide protection for wild animals, plants, and birds. This Act prohibits hunting of birds and animals as specified in the schedules of this Act. This Act also prohibits damaging, uprooting, picking, destroying etc. any specified plant from any forest. 2. Water [Prevention and Control of Pollution] Act, 1974- provides for the prevention and control of water pollution. 3. Forest [Conservation] Act, 1980 was enacted to analysis and  check deforestation of forests. 4. Air [Prevention and Control of Pollution] Act, 1981 has been designed to prevent, control and abatement of air pollution in the climate. 5. Environment [Protection] Act, 1986 was enacted to provide for the protection and improvement of the quality of environment and preventing, controlling, and abating environmental pollution. The Act came into existence as a direct result of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. 6. National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 provide for strict obligation for compensations produced by any accident that happens while dealing with any dangerous material in factories. It draws inspiration from India's constitutional provision of Article 21 Protection of life and personal liberty, which assures the citizens of India the right to a healthy environment. This Act provides for establishment of a National Environment Tribunal for effective, speedy, and expeditious disposal of cases related to environmental protection, conservation of forests, and other natural resources. This imposes legal liability on the owner of an enterprise to pay damages or compensation in case of death or injury to any person; or harm to any property or environment resulted from an accident occurred while handling hazardoussubstances. Department of Environment was formed in the year 1980, latter on they changed the name to Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) in 1985. Although tackling climate change was already a responsibility of the ministry, its priority was raised when in May 2014 the ministry was renamed to the current title of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. (MoEFCC) The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India is a statutory organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It was established in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of pollution) Act, 1974. It Co-ordinates the activities of the State Pollution Control Boards by providing technical assistance and guidance and  resolves disputes among them. International bodies UN- United Nations WHO -The World Health Organization FAO - The Food and Agriculture Organization UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund, previously called United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, it was previously called International Union for the Protection of Nature (IUPN). It is an international organization working in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. ▪ The organization (IUCN) is known for compiling and publishing the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (Red data book), which assesses the conservation status of species worldwide. ▪ IUCN was involved in establishing the WWF and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC). 1. The WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), working in the field of wilderness preservation, and the reduction of human impact on the environment. It was formerly named the “World Wildlife Fund”. WWF aims to "stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. 2. World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) it works with scientists and policy makers worldwide to place biodiversity at the heart of environment and development decision-making to enable enlightened choices for people and the planet. It also address the relationship between trade and the environment and the wider aspects of biodiversity assessment. UNEP -United Nations Environment Program also called UN Environment coordinates the organization's environmental activities and assists developing countries in implementing environment policies and practices. UNEP has also  been active in funding and implementing environment related development projects. UNDP - United Nations Development Program. It advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life for themselves.