Definition

Multidisciplinary nature of
Environmental Studies
Scope
 Importance
Need of public awareness
Methods of public awareness
DEFINITION OF ENVIRONMENT

Definition: the term environment is derived

from a French word ‘environner’ which means
‘surrounding’. It refers to an aggregate of all
conditions that affect the existence growth and
welfare of an organism or a group of organisms.

Environment is the sum total of all social,

economical, biological, physical, and chemical
factors which constitute the surrounding of
humans, who are both creators and moulders of
the environment.
 COMPONENTS OF ENVIRONMENT
Some of the important components/segments of environment are as follows:
The environment consists of various segments such as atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and
biosphere

1. Atmosphere:
The following points highlight the vital role played by atmosphere in the survival of life in this
planet:
i. The atmosphere is the protective blanket of gases which is surrounding the earth. It protects the
earth from the hostile environment of outer space.
ii. It absorbs IR radiations emitted by the sun and reemitted from the earth and thus controls the
temperature of the earth.
iii. It acts as a source for C02 for plant photosynthesis and 02 for respiration.
iv. It acts as a source for nitrogen for plants through bacterial nitrogen fixation.
v. The atmosphere transports water from ocean to land.

2. Hydrosphere:
The hydrosphere is a collective term given to all different forms of water. It includes all types of
water resources such as oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, streams, reservoirs, glaciers and ground waters.
i. It provide an important place for many animals and plants to live.
ii. Water comprises of several dissolve nutrients which helps in sustaining aquatic life forms.
iii. Helps in regulating global climate.
.
 COMPONENTS OF ENVIRONMENT
iv . Human used water for several purpose such as drinking, irrigation, industrial and various
house
hold purposes.

3. Lithosphere
i. It is the top hard crust of the Earth which is covered by a thin layer of soil.
ii. It is made up of rocks and minerals. The different types of metals we use in our daily lives are
found in lithosphere.
iii. Lithosphere comprises of large reservoirs of fossil fuels.
iii. The lithosphere helps to provide all the necessary nutrients required for the growth of plants.
iv. The lithosphere provides the space for the shelter of all the animals as well as for the human
beings.

4. Biosphere
The biosphere refers to the realm of living organisms and their interactions with the physical
environment(VIZ: atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere)
i. The biosphere is very large and complex and is divided into smaller units called ecosystems.
ii. The natural cycles operate in a balanced manner providing a continuous circulation of essential
constituents necessary for life and this stabilizes and sustains the life processes on earth.
 Components of environment
The components of environment are broadly
classified as abiotic and biotic components

Abiotic or non-living components of

environment include all the physical and
chemical factors that influence living
organisms. Examples of abiotic components
are air, water, soil rocks, etc.

Biotic or living components are the living

components of the environment and include
microbes, plants, animals and human beings.
How is environmental studies multi-disciplinary in
nature ?

•Environment is complex and has multifarious aspects.

•As environmental studies deals with working of earth,

its life support systems, its interaction, influences, its
problems and solutions.

•Therefore, keeping in view the complex nature of

environment, knowledge and information from various
disciplines of science, social science law and
engineering have to be included in Environmental
studies to understand it completely.
 Multidisciplinary nature of environmental
studies:
Environmental studies requires skills that encompass
a range of disciplines including chemistry, biology,
earth sciences, atmosphere science, statistics,
mathematics and geography, art, physics, history etc.
 Interdisciplinary Nature of the Subject
•Nature and reactions of air pollutants-Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Effects of air pollutants on human beings, plants, animals and materials and understanding
the biotic components and their interaction- Botany, Physics, Zoology, Chemistry
Effects of climate on air pollution, effective tools in environmental modeling : Meteorology,
Geography, Mathematical modelling
Air pollution control devices, for understanding the physical and chemical structure of abiotic
components of environment along with mass and energy transfers : Physics, Chemistry and various
branches of engineering
Economic Impacts of air pollution, provide inputs for dealing with the socio-economic aspects
associated with various development activities : Economics, management, sociology.
History of air pollution episodes: History
•Managing geological and hydrogeological resources such as fossil fuels, minerals, water (surface
and ground water), and land use, defining and mitigating exposure of natural hazards on humans -
Geology
Emerging as useful tools for finding solutions to environmental problems-Genetics and
biotechnology
Provide technical solutions to environmental pollution and control and waste treatment that are
extremely important for protection of the environment.- Civil engineering, chemical engineering and
nanotechnology
Provide the guidelines and legal measures for effective management and protection of the
environment- Environmental law
Helps in disseminating environmental awareness. - Environmental education and mass
communication .
 Scope of Environmental Science
• Natural resource conservation
• Environmental pollution control
• Environmental management
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Research and Development
• Social Development
• Forest management
• Environmental Consulting Firms
• Environmental Journalism
• Environmentalism
SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

1) Ecosystem structure and function: study of the

process that link the living or biotic components
to the non-living or abiotic components.

2) Natural resources: natural resources such as

forest contribute towards maintaining a balance in the
environment. Therefore, managing and maintenance
of forest and wildlife is an important task under
natural resource conservation.

3) Environmental pollution control: with the

knowledge of environment sciences, one can look
methods to control pollution and manage waste
effectively
4) Environmental management: there are several
independent environmental consultants working with central
and state pollution control boards. These consultants offer
advice related to environment problems and their solutions.
They also direct the concerned industry, looking for advice
on environmental issues, to lawyers specialized in the field
of environmental laws. The consultants working with
government pollution control boards are involved in policy
making, pollution control, and maintenance of ecological
balance.

5) Industry: environmental scientists works towards

maintaining ecological balance, conservation of biodiversity,
and preservation of natural resources. Most industries have a
separate environmental research and developmental section
which governs the impact that their industry has on the
environment. Rapid industrialization is increasingly
degrading the environment. To combat this menace, there is
a growing trend towards manufacture of ‘green’ goods and
products.
6) Research and development: with an increase in public awareness
in regarding environmental issues, there is tremendous scope for
research and development in this field. Various universities and
governmental organizations offer avenues for such research. They
conduct research studies in order to develop theories or methods of
monitoring and controlling environmental pollution. Because of an
increasing threat from global warming, various steps are being taken
towards reduction of greenhouse gases and adoption of renewable
energy sources. There is great awareness now regarding the use of
solar energy.

7) Social development: non-governmental organization(NGOs) help

in creating awareness regarding the protection of the environment.
They also works towards disseminating information and bringing
about in policies that adversely effect the environment. The social
dimension of this profession includes controlling population explosion
by organizing advisory awareness camps.

8) Environmentalists: environmentalists analysis the causes and

effects of environmental issues locally and help in devising ways to
combat the problems. They also works towards gathering public
opinion on environmental issues.
9) Green Media: Environmental awareness can be spread amongst
masses through mass media like television, radio, newspaper,
magazines, hoardings, advertisement etc. for which environ-mentally
educated persons are required.

10) Green advocacy: with the increase in the implementation of

environmental related laws and acts, the need is felt to have
environmental lawyers who can deal with the cases related to water
and air pollution, biodiversity protection, etc.

11) Green marketing: green marketing refers to the process of selling

environmentally friendly products and/or services. There is a growing
interest among the consumers all over the world regarding the
protection of environment. While ensuring the quality of products with
ISO mark, now there is an increasing emphasis on marketing goods
that are environmental friendly. Such products have Ecomark or ISO
14000 certification. Environmental auditors and environmental
managers would be in great demand in coming years.
Importance of environmental studies:

Importance of environmental education is as follows.

It helps us to:
1. understand the relationships between organisms and
environment.
2. conserve biodiversity and natural resources.
3. maintain ecological balance .
4. instruct industries to implement pollution control
strategies through green technologies.
5. use natural resources more efficiently by following
conservation and recycling strategies.
6. education individuals about environmental related
issues and problems.
7. adopt measures to prevent atmospheric pollution and
create a pollution free environment.
 Indian Environmentalists in contemporary times working
for the cause of Environment:
• In modern India, our late Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi was instrumental in
introducing the concept of environmental protection in the Constitution of India as a
fundamental duty.

• Justice Kuldeep Singh popularly known as green judge and Shri M.C. Mehta, the
green advocate have immensely contributed to the cause of environment. In 1991, the
Supreme Court of our country issued directives to make all curricula environment-oriented.
Based on the judgement by Sh. Kuldeep Singh Environmental studies are now being taught
as a compulsory course to all students.

• Shri Sunderlal Bahuguna is known for his ‘Chipko movement’ and ‘Tehri Bachao
Andolan’.

• Smt. Medha Patekar and Ms. Arundhati Roy are known for their ‘Narmada Bachao
Andolan’.

• The Magsaysay awardee Shri. Rajender Singh is known for his water conservation efforts
and popularly known as ‘Water Man of India’.
•Bindeshwar Pathak is an Indian sociologist. He is the founder of Sulabh
International, an India-based social service organization which works to promote
human rights, environmental.

• Shri G.D. Aggarwal a renowned scientist, civil engineer has been deeply
involved in ‘ Ganga Bachao Andolan’. He carried out massive protest inorder to
prevent hydroelectric dams on Ganga

•Shri Mahesh Chandra Mehta a lawyer who has continuously fought against
pollution-causing Industries (Taj Trapezium case). He fought for introducing
lead free gasoline to India and reducing the industrial pollution fouling the Ganges
and eroding Taj Mahal.

• Indian environmentalist Dr. R.K Pachauri along with former US vice

president, Al Gore jointly conferred with Nobel peace prize in 2007 for their
contribution in research related to global warming and climate change.
Important institution related to environment in India :
Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Mumbai – It is a wild life research
organization which has been promoting the cause of nature conservation since 1883.

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi. It creates awareness about
problems and proposes solutions through campaign, workshops and publications.

National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) Nagpur- The

institute mainly works on issues related to water supply, waste disposal and
communicable disease.

Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun – It offers training programme, academic

courses and Research related to wildlife conservation and management.

Centre for Environment education (CEE ) , Ahmedabad : - Promote environmental

awareness throughout India.

The Energy Research Institute (TERI), New Delhi: The organization promotes
efficient use of resources.
Environmental Protection Efforts at National Level
A full fledged ministry named Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate
Change since 1986,is looking after all environment related issues and framing
guidelines, policies, and legislations for environmental protection.

Concept of ecomark : In order to increase consumer awareness about environment,

the Govt of India introduced a scheme of ecolabelling of consumer products as
‘Ecomark’ in 1991.
• It is an ‘earthen pitcher’ – a symbol of eco-friendliness and our traditional
heritage.
•This certification is issued by Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) ( the national
standards organization of India).
• A product that is made, used or disposed off in a harmless manner is called eco-
friendly and is awarded with this ecomark.
• The MoEF have so for identified 16 products categories to be covered under the
scheme of ECOMARK
Eco-clubs : The MoEF has set up Eco-clubs in schools for involving school children in
environmental protection activities like tree plantation activities and for awareness
drive.
Children are encouraged to participate in environmental awareness campaigns on
Earth day (22 April), World environment day (5 June), World forest day (21
March), World water day (22 March).

Eco-task force : Ecological Task Forces (ETFs) Scheme was initiated by the Ministry
of Defence in 1982 with a view to securing involvement of ex-servicemen in
afforestation and eco-development in remote and difficult areas to undertake
restoration of degraded ecosystems through afforestation, soil conservation and
water resource management techniques.
Need for public awareness
Human life is affected directly or indirectly by the
changes that occur in the environment. Therefore, it is
essential to be familiar with different environmental
problems. Moreover, environmental protection is beyond
the capacity of one individual, one institution, or one
government.
Many of the environmental problems are global nature;
therefore every citizen of the world need to be actively
participate in protecting global environment. For active
participation, public awareness is essential.
Need of public awareness
The main objectives of creating pubic awareness
regarding the environment are:

• To identify various plants and animals and other

components of the environment that are endangered

• To take appropriate decision regarding the use of

natural resources

• To conserve nature and natural resources for the

betterment of society from the point of view of
social, cultural, and economic development

• To adopt appropriate ways and means to solve

existing environmental problems
 1. Growing population
2. Poverty
3. Agricultural Growth
NEED FOR 4. Need for Ground water
5. Development and Forest
PUBLIC 6. Degradation of Land
AWARENESS 7. Reorientation of Institutions
8. Reduction of Genetic Diversity
9. Evil consequences of Urbanisation
10.Air and water pollution
 METHODS OF PUBLIC AWARENESS
Environmental education: environmental
education can be introduced as a subject in schools and
colleges. It is the most successful methods for
propagating environmental awareness.

Through mass media: mass media such as

newspapers magazines, radio, TV, etc., can play an
important role in educating the masses regarding
environmental problems and issues.

Through organizing seminars and conferences:

organizing meeting, seminars and conferences at
various levels may help in spreading environmental
information to general public. Awareness can also be
spreads by organizing various competition on
environmental problems, non-conventional energy
sources, etc.
Entertainment: environmental awareness can also be
propagated through folk songs, street plays,
documentaries, etc.

Science centres: establishing science centers in villages

and remote areas can be an effective way of disseminating
information about environmental problems, their causes,
and control measures.

Involvement of public figures: the involvement of

well-known personalities and the effective use of the
respected public figures in media can be a portent way of
increasing the understanding of the importance of
environmental issues and enforcement.

Institutions: There are various institutions, which are

playing positive role towards environment to make people
aware regarding environment like BSI (Botanical Survey
of India, 1890), ZSI (Zoological Survey of India, 1916),
WII (Wild Life Institute of India, 1982) etc.
Involvement of youth: young people comprise nearly 30
percent of the global population and will be the decision
markers of the future. Their ideas about the environment will
definitely shapes tomorrows world.

Awareness raising campaigns: such campaigns are often

the most successful when they are targeted at specific groups
because information can be tailored to the activities, needs
and challenges of the group. Therefore, involving
organizations and communities in environmental protection
and enforcement can create a sense of stewardship towards
the environment, ease hardship through the collaboration,
and provide a forum for new ideas and greater participation.

Through print , broadcast, and internet media: the

print, broadcast, and internet media can be powerful medium
in educating the public on environmental matters.