Introduction and Scope of Environmental Studies PDF

ENVIRONMENT L SUSTIN BILITY Introduction nd Scope of environment l studies PATRICK OJO OLOFIN (Master In Environmental Management)  Gener l Studies LE RNING OBJECTIVES At the end of this lesson, you should be able to: 1. Define the environment. 2. Define environmental studies....

ENVIRONMENT L SUSTIN BILITY Introduction nd Scope of environment l studies PATRICK OJO OLOFIN (Master In Environmental Management)  Gener l Studies LE RNING OBJECTIVES At the end of this lesson, you should be able to: 1. Define the environment. 2. Define environmental studies. 3. Discuss the range of topics included in the scope of environmental studies. 4. State the interconnectedness of these topics.  General Studies What is the Environment? The word ‘Environment’ is derived from the French word ‘Environner’ which means to encircle, or surround. As given by Environment Protection Act 1986, Environment is the sum of land, water, air, interrelationships among themselves and also with the human beings and other living organisms (Bhautik, 2023). Thus, Environment refers to the totality in the surrounding of an organism. However, the Environment may be classified into Physical Environment and Social Environment or Natural Environment and Human Environment  Gener l Studies What is environmental studies? Environmental studies are a comprehensive field that examines the various factors that influence living organisms. It takes a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing multiple branches of knowledge, to develop a deep understanding of our natural world and the ways in which human activities impact its health and sustainability. It is an applied science as it’s seeks practical answers to making human civilization sustainable on the earth’s finite resources. It also investigates the complex interrelationship between the environment and human society, and the resultant impact on the ecological, social, and economic systems (Bhautik, 2023).  General Studies Components of environmental studies Environmental studies draw from a variety of disciplines, including: biology, ecology, geology, geography, physics, chemistry, and social sciences, to understand the impacts of human activities on natural systems and the ways in which humans can create sustainable and resilient ecosystems (Bharucha, 2005).  General Studies Scope of environmental studies The scope of environmental studies includes the study of various environmental problems such as climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, water and air pollution, waste management, and natural resource depletion. It also involves the study of environmental policies and regulations as well as sustainability (Gov.uk, 2023).  General Studies Natural resources conservation and management Natural resources are materials or substances that occur naturally in the environment and can be used for economic gain. Conservation is the protection, preservation, management, and restoration of natural resources. Techniques for managing natural resources include sustainable utilisation, ecosystem-based management, and adaptive management.  General Studies Environmental pollution Environmental pollution is the release of harmful substances into the environment, causing negative impacts on living organisms and the natural world. Pollution can come from both natural and human sources, including industries, transportation, and waste disposal.  General Studies Human population and environment The relationship between the human population and the environment is complex. Rapid population growth and urbanization can lead to increased pollution, deforestation, and the depletion of natural resources.  Gener l Studies Let us consider the top ten countries with the highest population. China India United states Indonesia Pakistan Nigeria Brazil Bangladesh Shvili, J. (2021)  General Studies Social issues and the environment Social issues such as poverty, inequality, and unequal access to resources have significant impacts on the environment. e.g. illegal logging Poverty can lead to overuse, exposure to environmental hazards and degradation of natural resources, while inequality can result in unequal access to resources. Ensuring equitable access to resources and environmental protection is critical to sustainable  General Studies Environmental policy and regulation Environmental policy is a set of principles and guidelines that outline how governments, businesses, and individuals should interact with the environment. e.g., the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which commits countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming. Environmental regulations are laws that govern environmental protection, pollution control, and resource management, e.g., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act in the United States, which regulates the management and disposal of hazardous waste.  General Studies Pop Quiz Question 1: How can the study of the environment and the interrelationship between the environment and human society contribute to the development of effective environmental policies and regulations? By identifying the key stakeholders involved in environmental issues. By understanding the key activities that cause environmental issues and exploring solutions that address these issues. By evaluating the effectiveness of existing environmental regulations in solving the environmental issues and analyzing potential gaps.  General Studies Sustainability Sustainability is the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. An example of sustainable development is the use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.  General Studies Environmental justice Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or location, in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies (Environmental Protection Agency, 2022).  General Studies Summary This lesson highlights the definition of the environment and the definition of environmental studies. Its scope ranges from topics such as Natural resource management and climate change analysis. Environmental studies encompass a wide range of subjects, including natural resource management and the analysis of climate change. Its significance lies in comprehending the intricate connections between humans and the environment, as well as in formulating sustainable approaches to address environmental issues. Promoting environmental education and raising awareness are crucial for safeguarding a thriving and enduring future for generations to follow.  General Studies References Bharucha, E. (2005) Environmental Studies Book Bhautik (2023) Chapter 1 Introduction to Environmental Studies and its Multidisciplinary Nature Environmental Protection Agency (2022) EPA. Gov.uk (2023) What are natural resources?, East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Shvili, J. (2021) The 10 most populated countries in the world, WorldAtlas.  Th General Studies n k Y o u