Environment And Society PDF

E-Text ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY Hello learner, I am Prof. (Dr.) Namita Rajput from Sri Aurobindo College, University of Delhi. Today's topic of discussion is "Environment and Society." In this module, you will understand in-depth information about the environment and its relevan...

E-Text ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY Hello learner, I am Prof. (Dr.) Namita Rajput from Sri Aurobindo College, University of Delhi. Today's topic of discussion is "Environment and Society." In this module, you will understand in-depth information about the environment and its relevance in our lives; learn about factors that degrade the environment; learn about the sustainable environment; and know how we can create it. You will also be able to understand your responsibility towards the environment and society. Introduction It is said that a good environment brings good luck into one's life. An environment has a great impact on one's personality. The environment comprises all living and non-living components on this very planet. Climatic communications, geomorphic fluctuations, and hydrologic alterations all distress our environment. The climate has a direct impact on both human and animal populations. Life on earth is reinforced by its environment. Everything we do, whether we breathe in, feel, or consume energy in us, comes from our settings. The environment is understood as a blanket that preserves life on earth. We receive immense benefits from our environment that we can never fully pay back in our lifetimes. Mother Nature always looks out for us in the form of the environment. The existence of life on this planet depends on all environmental factors. Plants purify water, preserve natural equilibrium, and do many other things, while trees and forests filter the air and absorb dangerous pollutants. In addition to helping control the important processes necessary for the ecosystem, the environment also keeps a regular eye on how it operates. It also supports preserving the earth's culture and standard of living. Environmental factors control daily natural cycles. These organic cycles maintain a balance between the environment and all living beings. The Environment and Its Components Usually, there is a lack of acknowledged description of the word we describe as "environment" among scholars, which is why the term "environment" refers to several dissimilar things, each with a common understanding. Any particular impact on an organism throughout its lifetime is termed the environment. Perception and environment combine to form man's web of associations, which means that anything that a man commits, whether in a political, technological, or cultural setting, is guided by the limitations of his 1|Page environment. The concept of "environment" pertains to all circumstances and events that envelop an organism or group of organisms. They extended their understanding of the environment to incorporate the aspects of society and culture that distress an individual or a group of individuals. Some people label the environment as a set of elements that mainly provide air, land, all plants, man himself, other animals living there, and the interactions that transpire amongst them. The details surrounding an organism (biological or social) throughout its life dictate its ability to grow and exist. The environmental biotic and abiotic characteristics are split into four groups: Atmosphere (Air): The coating of gases that spanned from the surface of the earth up to around 100 km to our planet's outer rim. Hydrosphere: The seas, lakes, rivers, streams, permafrost, and many other bodies of water that dominate our world, in addition to the snow and water in the soil. Biosphere: The smallest layer, which houses biological agents such as plants, animals, mushrooms, etc. The biosphere is populated by humankind, which already relies on the other three spheres to flourish. Lithosphere (Land): The rocks, sediments, and soils that help compensate the earth's outer edges. Interrelationship between the Environment and Society A society is made up of a human population. The environment shapes our lives and the circumstances we encounter while living in it. Since monkeys first stood up and evolved into Homo erectus, this has been the pattern, and it has persisted to the point that we think of ourselves as double-minded. The environment has always motivated us to evolve. Society always adapts to the changes thrown at us by the environment, leading us to develop into the most intelligent and evolved species on the earth. There are several examples to prove that the environment makes humans smarter. Human movement was influenced by how the terrain was shaped. It was necessary to deal with the weather. The presence of society also benefits the environment. Since the beginning of time, man has adapted to nature, making numerous inroads into it. The observation shows how man has continually converted the abundance of nature into the modern means of society and culture. For instance, man has empowered nature to produce electricity, which he then uses to further his own interests and the interests 2|Page of his community. Along with adapting numerous animal and plant species to varied climatic regions, man has also changed the climate of his home. Although society and the environment are linked, and humans cannot live their everyday lives without nature, nature can exist without humans. The organisation, structure, and interaction of human civilization have changed over time with the development of technology. The human society is not an island, but rather the significance of this dyadic link is emphasised in a physical context; the idea that a man's ability to survive entirely depends on the capacity of the environment to survive him necessitates welfare (food, shelter, and clothing). On the other side, the concept of sustainability is linked to human behaviour and attitude and how efficiently he or she employs most of the environment and its endless resources, which assures and guarantees the true foundation for humankind's continued existence. However, as urbanisation and technological innovation expand along with the human population, man has not always used the environment's riches (bread, freshwater, energy, mineral deposits, forests, and wildlife) sensibly. Man encroaches on the environment while battling to fulfil his basic and developmental needs in a quest to accommodate the escalating demands of a growing community. As a result, by outlining the purposes of the environment, the link between man and his environment can be quantified and summarised. In 1986, three fundamental roles of the environment were identified that are fundamental prerequisites for human existence. These roles are as follows: (a) the environment (which covers air, water, and raw materials) affords the resources necessitated by life; (b) it also serves as a space for the storage of waste, comprising sewage, trash, and human waste; and (c) it is where people and other living things inhabit. As an outcome, as was previously established, the partnership between man and the environment focuses on nature's capacity to fulfil these three basic requirements for each individual and his or her population. It is possible to vividly depict the history of humankind and human civilization as being characterised by constant collaboration between a man and his background. It is noteworthy that this relationship between people and the environment has persisted across time and what this communication looks like. The importance of a Sustainable Environment Following the understanding of environmental sustainability, environmental conservation engagement is critical for environmental quality while minimising resource depletion or degradation. It is believed that sustainability includes irreversible pollution, nature preservation, and other ecological and environmental concerns. Some of these include the well-being of people and the quality of their lives. 3|Page Due to the environment's constrained capabilities and lower level than it is now, sustainability will be challenging to achieve in the future. This brings up sustainability's second aspect, the economy. An international food catastrophe, an energy crisis, and an intensification of greenhouse gas discharge resulting in a global warming crisis are all outcomes of unmanaged resource depletion. However, if we place too many restrictions on how to use natural elements, we run the risk of halting the growth of both technology and the economy. Hence, sustainability is important for societal development and a healthy environment. The Modern Era of Environmental Degradation by Society There is an ecological system of balance and equilibrium, so man and his environment have a mutually beneficial connection. However, as the population grew, there was an excess of waste production compared to what the ecology could handle. In a bid to improve society, humanity invented technical advancements for the extraction of natural resources, but doing so subjugated the ecosystem. Demands on the planet's resources have increased due to rapid population expansion, which has sped up environmental degradation and brought on a possibly dangerous change in the world climate. As land usage has changed—natural vegetation is destroyed for agricultural use, settlements and urbanisation grow, resources are created, minerals are exploited, and more acreage is developed for recreation—humans have significantly impacted the land. Deforestation of forests, degradation of soils and wetlands, and desertification are all major causes. Exotic plants and animals are carefully monitored and promoted to mitigate the negative impacts of land misuse in regions where natural ecosystems have been destroyed, decreasing biodiversity and depleting soils. We count profoundly on the environment for bread, clothing, and accommodation in our wish to live comfortably. So that we could construct living areas, we had to cut a number of trees. The environment is highly affected by deforestation. The future environment will become unsuitable for life as the supplementary forest is removed for human use, causing increasing carbon dioxide levels. Both the human population and its requirements are expanding at an unexpected rate. All natural resources are being depleted and wasted because the environment can meet most human requirements. Although most of these resources are supposedly renewable, increasing human demand causes them to be used more frequently, eventually leading to the depletion of natural resources. Pollution is also a reason for environmental degradation. Pollution can occur on land, in the water, or in the air. These natural resources are 4|Page contaminated by numerous companies, factories, and individuals that release toxins into the air, water, and land. Some of these contaminants are dangerous and result in major health issues. We endanger our lives and contribute to soil pollution when we discard waste items like plastic and other toxins. All nations improved faster between 2000 and 2012 in all areas of human development, including life expectancy, educational accomplishment, and child and maternal mortality. Effects or consequences of global environmental deterioration have been one of the countries' biggest issues in recent decades (deforestation, desertification, soil degradation, and pollution). Climate change and other environmental indicators are the two main effects of global environmental deterioration and include the following: Degradation of the land and soil can result from various events, notably ineffective farming practices, excessive fertiliser and pesticide use, landfill leaks, and others. As a consequence of this, these invasive species can devastate the environment badly. Illegal dumping, significant industrial waste discharge into adjoining rivers or lakes, debris dumped in oceans, etc. are also all examples of water pollution. Water pollution really does have a deleterious impact on the aquatic biodiversity, including the animals and plants that thrive there. Aquatic life suffers when there are more minerals in the water, a condition known as eutrophication that is brought on by dangerous substances. Atmosphere degradation: This is caused by deteriorating air quality, particle pollution, and ozone layer depletion. Air pollution causes the depletion of ozone, which protects us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Exposure to UV light can expedite the skin's ageing process and cause indicators of sun damage, such as wrinkles, leathery skin, liver spots, etc. Your eyes could also be harmed by UV radiation. These anthropocentric (i.e., human-centred) interactions between society and the environment have undoubtedly contributed to the ozone hole, global warming, and climate change that are recognised as modern global environmental challenges. Lessons from the Environmental Collapse of Past Societies Environmental problems affect things like climate change. As long as the weather is cooperative, a civilization that mistreats its environment may be able to get away with it, but if it becomes cold, hot, or rainy, society may crumble. Strong recent evidence from the realms of archaeology and other sciences points to some mysterious collapses as ecological suicides. Even if those earlier societies that sooner or later did disintegrate had considerably 5|Page fewer members and less potent disparaging technologies than our own, they were caused by human impacts on the environment, leading to issues that are comparable to the environmental worries we have now. There are numerous instances when human society abuses the environment, and therefore it must endure Mother Nature's retaliation. How can One Achieve a Sustainable Environment? Several actions can be taken in order to have sustainable development of the environment. Creating sanitary living and working conditions for people is the first and most important step. Between society and nature, sustainability is maintained through a clean environment. A clean environment promotes the development of more renewable energy sources and reduces sickness. Environmental challenges with a regional focus may be the subject of intense research. Many environmental issues, such as pollution, deforestation, and global warming, need to be addressed. These factors must be taken into account since they lead to environmental degradation. We need to promote afforestation. It results in many positive outcomes and prolongs the life of oxygen on this planet. Including environmental education in college and high school curricula will also be advantageous. All environmental issues must be social and human like this. Create an environment devoid of plastic. Plastic never breaks down. It is now found in billions of pounds in swirling convergences that cover around 40% of the ocean's surface. Each year, a large number of birds and marine animals perish as a result of ingesting plastic or becoming entangled in it. With a few urgent measures, you can drastically reduce your plastic waste. Carry reusable bags with you wherever you make purchases; avoid single-use plastic cups, bags, and straws; and, if at all possible, steer clear of almost anything manufactured or packaged in plastic. Although there are many choices, from fruit to coffee to apparel, some stand out as having the least detrimental effects on the environment and animals. If you like coffee, look for "shade-grown" types made without damaging the woods, which are necessary habitats for migrating birds and other wildlife. Wherever feasible, choose organic foods as they prevent toxic compounds from entering our water and land. You may tremendously reduce your carbon footprint by changing the way you drive. When travelling to work, explore by using transit, joining a carpool, riding a motorcycle, or a hybrid of these. Participate in local car-free events or plan one yourself. In addition, regular tune-ups and proper tyre inflation are 6|Page  essential to maintaining the health of your vehicle. With tune-ups, you may boost the vehicle's fuel efficiency. We must discontinue using fossil fuels if we want to retain biodiversity, halt climate change, and safeguard our lands and ecosystems. Choose a provider that is Green-e certified and uses a minimum of half of its energy from wind, solar, and other cleaner sources. Analyse your alternatives and any financial benefits of implementing solar water heating or rooftop solar panels in your house. Depending on your output, you might be able to cut your carbon footprint even more by supplying clean energy to the grid. One of the most incredible things you can do for habitat and wildlife now and in the future is to collaborate with regional and national environmental activists. Identify candidates who possess a clear strategy for environmental policy. We can reduce the number of families we have and our overall carbon footprint by having greater information and access to family-planning alternatives. Reduced resource use, reuse, and recycling will benefit the environment. Furthermore, it lessens the desire to use resources. In this way, the goals of sustainable development would be accomplished. It is crucial to protect the indigenous people, their culture, and their cultural legacy. Encouragement for community involvement should be given to all segments of the population. Population growth can be regulated by enacting the proper policies. This approach can lead to sustainability. Challenges in Achieving a Sustainable Environment The difficulty of sustainable development is in managing resources and protecting the environment without sacrificing the objectives of progress and development. As a result, it entails a procedure that uses human and environmental regeneration as a tool for economic development and environmental regeneration. In terms of economic growth policies, it restructures qualitative development and redefines wealth. Sustainable development is revolutionary in and of itself because it replaces exchange value with intrinsic value, market regulation with self-regulation, and capital accumulation with de-accumulation. The objective is to save developing countries from societal decay, exploitation, inequality, and waste. Individual and Government Roles in Achieving a Sustainable Environment As a culture, we are beginning to see and understand human activity's damage to the environment. We are less aware of the detrimental effects of 7|Page actions on one another, though. The phrase "sustainable development" has come to mean a variety of ideas since it has been used in so many different contexts. In order to satisfy human needs while safeguarding the environment for future generations and the present, sustainable development aims to balance both. Governments play a role in creating and implementing frameworks and standards for water quality, controlling pollutants released into the environment, waste management, recycling, and reuse, to name a few, which are significant parts of reaching development objectives and aims. Summary The environment and society are interdependent in many ways. They can't grow and evolve independently of one another. Environment-related social interactions have changed over time and vary by place. Numerous environmental problems need to be solved. In this world, environmental sustainability is necessary to support life. However, achieving sustainability will take a long time. Society uses environmental resources for its own benefit. Resource depletion results from this. There are many ways to make the environment more sustainable by incorporating little changes into daily life. Government and non-government groups are essential in raising public awareness. With this, we come to the end of today’s lecture. Thank you very much. REFERENCES Sibiri, E. A. (2009) Environmental Pollution and Food Insecurity in Bayelsa State: Uniport, Department of Sociology. Unpublished PhD Thesis. Enger Eldon and Smith Bradley (2006): Environmental Science: A Study Of Interrelationships. McGraw-Hill Publication. New York. Jack Jackson T.C.B (2014): Indigenous Knowledge and Biodiversity Conservation in Kalabari Rural Communities: Implications for Environmental Conservation in the Niger Delta. Uniport, Department of Sociology. Unpublished MSc Thesis. Cunningham, W.P. and Cunningham, M.A. (2004): Principles of Environmental Science: Enquiry and Applications. McGraw Hills. New York. Okaba, B. (2008). Environmental Education and the Challenges of Environmental Sustainability. The South-South experience. Niger Delta Digest Vol. 1, NDU. W. Island Schaefer, R.T. and Lamm, R.P. (1986) Sociology: New York McGraw Hills 8|Page  Wordu, S.A (2010): Marxian Environmentalism: A Content Analysis of Classical and Neo Classical Literature. A Monograph. Pam Unique Publishers, Port Harcourt. Onuoha Freedom C. (2008): Oil Exploitation, Environmental Degradation and Climate Change: Assessing Vulnerability of The Niger Delta Environment To Natural Disaster. In Conference Proceedings. International Conference on The Nigerian State, Oil Industry and The Niger Delta. Horey Publications, Port Harcourt. Redclift Michael and Woodgate Graham (eds.) (2010): The International Handbook of Environmental Sociology. Edward Elgar Publishing. Cheltenham, UK WEBLINKS http://www.jareddiamond.org/Jared_Diamond/Collapse.html https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/population_and_sustainability /sustainability/live_more_sustainably.html#plastic http://www.legalservicesindia.com/article/452/Role-of-Individual-&- Sustainable-Development.html 9|Page