Environment - Definition

Environment means surroundings Environment The sum total of all conditions, agencies, influences which affect the development, growth, life and death of an organism, species or race Environment The entire range of external influences acting on an organism, both the physical and biological forces of nature surrounding an individual Environmental studies: Environmental studies is the systematic study of human interaction with their environment. It is a broad field of study that includes the natural environment, built environments, and the sets of relationships between them.

Environmental Studies - Scope

1. 2. 3. 4. Vast in scope related to Physical Environment and Socio-cultural or man-made Environment Related to both Natural and Social Sciences Inter-related and Inter-dependent Distinct from ecology and environmental science, the discipline encompasses study of the basic principles associated with subjects such as: policy, politics, law, economics, social aspects, planning, pollution control, natural resources, and the interactions of human beings and nature. Current environmental problems have evolved into a complex set of interdisciplinary issues involving ecological, political, economic, social, as well as physical and biological considerations. Modern environmental studies must include the study of the urban environment as well as the natural environment.

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Environmental studies - Importance

1. Necessary to understand the environment, ecology and their impact on man.( man- environment relationship) Necessary for the existence of life in all forms on Earth To develop awareness on the threats to the environment To explain causes & effects of environmental degradation To explain causes and effects of the air, water, land, soil, noise and radio-active pollution To study the natural hazards & their impact on environment To discuss the issues & debates surrounding economic development vis--vis environment

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Contd8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. To discuss population explosion & its impact on environment To study global, national, regional & local environment To educate people at all levels about environment To develop long-term and short term plans for conservation of environment To develop strategies for sustainable development Create an atmosphere in which individuals in society protect environment for themselves but also for future generations

Need for Public Awareness

It is essential to make the public aware of the formidable consequences of the Environmental Degradation, which would result in the extinction of life. We are facing various environmental challenges. It is essential to get the country acquainted with these challenges so that their acts may be ecofriendly. Some of these challenges are as under: 1. Growing Population 2. Poverty 3. Agricultural Growth 4. Ground water Depletion . 5. Development And Forests 6. Degradation of Land 7. Reorientation of Institutions 8. Reduction of Genetic Diversity 9. Evil Consequences of Urbanisation 10.Air and water Pollution

Case study
The forest department has leased land for mining in the Sariska Tiger Reserve area by denotifying the protected forest areas. The local people have fought against the mining lobby and have filed a Public Interest Litigation in the Supreme Court in 1991. Q1.Identify the environmental issues in the above case. Q2. What according to you is the relevant solution to the above problem.

Case Study
During the Gulf War, oil installations burned for weeks polluting the air with poisonous gases. The fires wasted 5 million barrels of oil releasing tons of airborne pollutants including sulphur dioxide. Q. How environment is affected due to such human activities? Explain