Environmental studies- Definition, nature and scope.pptx

Environmental studies and planning , definitions and scope

1. Environmental studies Nisha Yadav

2. Content Definition Scope Importance of environmental studies Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Need for public awareness Suggested activities Sustainability Sustainable development

3. Definition The word environment is derived from the French word ‘ environner ’ which means to ‘encircle or surround’. Environment literally means the surrounding in which we are living. Environment includes all those things on which we are directly or indirectly dependent for our survival, whether it is a living components like animals, plants or non-living component like soil, air water. Environmental Protection Act (1986 ) defined “Environment as the sum total of water, air and land, their interrelationship among themselves and with the human beings, other living beings and property.”

4. Segments of environment 1. Atmosphere- The Atmosphere is the Protective blanket of gases surrounding the earth. It sustains life on the earth and saves it from the hostile environment of outer space. 2. Hydrosphere- The Hydrosphere comprises all types of water resources oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, streams, reservoir, polar icecaps, glaciers, and ground water . 3. Lithosphere- Lithosphere is the outer mantle of the solid earth. It Contains various types of soils and rocks on the earth. 4. Biosphere- Biosphere composed of all living organisms and their interactions with the environment.

5. Scope of the environment   The study creates awareness among the people. Knowledge about ecological systems and cause and effect relationships. Necessary information about biodiversity richness . The potential dangers to the species of plants, animals and microorganisms in the environment. To understand the causes and consequences due to natural and main induced disasters . Pollutions and measures to minimize the effects. Natural resources- their conservation and management.

6. Scope of the environment Enables one to evaluate alternative responses to environmental issues. The study enables environmentally literate citizens . Exposes the problems of over population, health, hygiene & role of arts, science and technology in eliminating/ minimizing the evils from the society To identify and develop appropriate and indigenous eco- friendly skills and technologies to various environmental issues. Teaches the citizens the need for sustainable utilization of resources . Enables theoretical knowledge into practice and the multiple uses of environment. Social issues in relation to development and environment

7. Career options Several career options have emerged in these fields that are broadly categorized: Research and development in an environment Green advocacy Green marketing Green Media Environmental consultancy

8. Importance of environmental studies Environment Issues are being global Problems Cropped in The Wake of Development Explosively Increase in Pollution: World census reflects that one in every seven persons in this plant lives in India. Evidently with 16 per cent of the world's population and only 2.4 per cent of its land area, there is a heavy pressure on the natural resources including land. Need for An Alternative Solution Need For Wise Planning of Development Need to Save endangered species from Extinction

9. NEED FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS Increasing population, urbanization and poverty have generated pressure on the natural resources and lead to a degradation of the environment. To prevent the environment from further degradation ,the supreme court has ordered and initiated environment protection awareness through government and non government agencies to take part in protecting our environment. Environmental pollution cannot be prevented by laws alone. Public participation is equally important with regard to environmental protection. Environmental education is a process of learning by giving an overall perspective of knowledge and awareness of the environment.

10. NEED FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS It sensitizes the society about environmental issues and challenges interested individuals to develop skills and expertise thereby providing appropriate solution. Climate change, loss of diversity ,ozone layer depletion, illegal trade of endangered species, destruction of habitats, land degradation, environmental pollution, storm water pose a serious threat to ecosystem in forest, rural, urban and marine ecosystem. Both formal and informal education on the environment will give the interested individual the knowledge, values, skills and tools needed to the face the environmental challenges on a local and global level.

11. MULTIDISCIPLINARY NATURE Environmental science is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physical and biological sciences, (including but not limited to Ecology, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Soil Science, Geology, Atmospheric Science and Geography) to the study of the environment, and the solution of environmental problems. Environmental science provides an integrated, quantitative, and interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental systems. Related areas of study include environmental studies and environmental engineering. Environmental studies incorporate more of the social sciences for understanding human relationships, perceptions and policies towards the environment. Environmental engineering focuses on design and technology for improving environmental quality.

12. Suggested activities J oin a group to study nature, such as WWF(World Wide Fund for Nature) or BNHS(Bombay Natural History Society) or another environmental group. Begin reading newspaper articles and periodicals such as ‘Down to Earth’, WWF-I newsletter, BNHS Hornbill Sanctuary magazine, etc. Taking up the cause of environmental issues during discussions with friends and relatives. Practice and promote issues such as saving paper, saving water, reducing use of plastics, practicing the 3Rs principle of reduce, reuse, recycle, and proper waste disposal.

13. Suggested activities Join local movements that support activities such as saving trees in your area, go on nature treks, recycle waste, buy environmentally friendly products. Practice and promote good civic sense. Take part in events organized on World Environment Day, Wildlife Week, etc. Visit a National Park or Sanctuary, or spend time in whatever nature you have near your home.

14. Sustainability Sustainability refers to the ability to maintain or support a process over the long term. In environmental contexts, it refers to practices that do not deplete resources or cause long-term damage to the environment, society, or economy.

15. Sustainability The concept of sustainability is built on three pillars, often referred to as the Triple Bottom Line : Environmental Sustainability : Ensuring that natural resources are used efficiently and responsibly, avoiding depletion, pollution, and harm to ecosystems. Social Sustainability : Promoting well-being, equality, and fair treatment for all individuals, ensuring access to basic needs and improving the quality of life. Economic Sustainability : Fostering economic systems that support growth and development without compromising resources for future generations.

16. Sustainable Development The most widely accepted definition comes from the Brundtland Report (1987): " Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.“ The United Nations has outlined 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the 2030 Agenda.

17. Goals of Sustainable Development

18. Role of Individuals in Sustainability Reducing Waste Conserving Energy Supporting Eco-friendly Businesses Advocacy and Awareness

19. Thank You Nisha Yadav