Introduction to Environmental Science.pptx

Environmental science is the interdisciplinary study of biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and social sciences solved environmental problems or issues.
Studies relationships between organisms (including humans) and their environments.
Focuses on interactions between natural and human-made systems.
Human activities like industrialization, deforestation, and pollution affect ecosystems.
Real-world Example:
Oil spill: Marine biologists, chemists, and economists collaborate.

1. Introduction to Environmental Science Convergence of Ecology, Economics, and Sociology Environmental Science Lectures by Mr. Amjad Khan Afridi 1 Mr. Amjad Khan Afridi Lecturer, Department of Health and Biological Sciences Abasyn University Peshawar World Environment Day is a special day celebrated worldwide on June 5th each year

2. Environmental Sciences is interdisciplinary study 2

3. What is Environmental Science? 3 Environmental science is the interdisciplinary study of physical, chemical, and biological factors affecting organisms. It integrates knowledge from multiple disciplines to solve environmental problems .

4. Cont . … 4 “ Environmental science is inherently interdisciplinary ” Environmental science is the interdisciplinary study of biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and social sciences solved environmental problems or issues. Studies relationships between organisms (including humans) and their environments . Focuses on interactions between natural and human- made systems . Human activities like industrialization , deforestation , and pollution affect ecosystems . Real-world Example : Oil spill: Marine biologists, chemists, and economists collaborate.

5. 5 Environmental science provides tools to mitigate or reduce these ( natural and human- made ) impacts and inform public policies . Tools: Pollution monitoring , environmental modeling, sustainable agriculture . Public awareness: Climate change, resource depletion, conservation. Why is Environmental Science Important?

6. 6 It directs attention towards the problems of population explosion, depletion of natural resources , pollution , the methods of solving such problems , food security and sustainable development It demonstrates how man can derive benefits from environment without destroying it To integrate environmental concerns in development planning and management Why is Environmental Science Important?

7. The Interdisciplinary Nature of Environmental Science “Environmental science merges multiple fields .” Ecology : Interactions between organisms and their surroundings This p rovides biological insight/ awareness. Economics : Resource allocation / distribution and environmental costs Assesses costs and benefits from the environment. Sociology : Impact of society on the environment and vice versa. It deals with policy and social acceptance. Example : Plastic pollution , affects marine life , economics (clean- up costs), and social behavior . 7

8. The Interdisciplinary Nature of Environmental Science “Environmental science merges multiple fields .” Ecology : Interactions between organisms and their surroundings. Economics : Resource allocation / distribution and environmental costs Sociology : Impact of society on the environment and vice versa. Example : Plastic pollution , affects marine life , economics (clean- up costs), and social behavior . 8

9. Convergence of Ecology, Economics, and Sociology 9 Thes are essential for understanding and addressing complex global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, resource depletion, and inequality. These three disciplines are deeply interconnected when it comes to building sustainable societies . “ Integration of disciplines is essential for addressing environmental issues.” Ecology provides biological insight/ awareness. Economics assesses costs and benefits. Sociology deals with policy and social acceptance. Example : Deforestation impacts biodiversity, economy, and local communities .

10. Importance of the Convergence 10 “A holistic approach is crucial for resource management .” Consider nature , people's lives , and the economy when solving environmental problems . Example : Sustainable forest management balances wildlife protection , community use, and long- term financial benefits .

11. History and Evolution of Environmental Science 11 “Environmental science has ancient roots but became structured in modern times.” Ancient civilizations practiced sustainable resource management. Modern environmental science emerged in the mid- 20th century (e.g., Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring ). Today’s Context : Influences international agreements like the Paris Agreement on climate change.

12. Contributions of Environmental Science to Society 11 “Environmental science has a direct impact on policy, technology, and public health.” Development of renewable energy technologies (solar, wind). Shaping environmental laws (Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act). Raising public awareness on climate change and conservation. Pollution Control and Waste Management Biodiversity Protection Environmental Health and Public Safety and much more…….!

13. Components of Environment : The environment is composed of four major, interdependent physical and biological components :  The atmosphere ( gaseous layer ), The hydrosphere (water bodies), The lithosphere (land and soil), and The biosphere (all living organisms).  13 These are further divided into abiotic (non-living) components like air, water, soil, and climate, and biotic (living) components, which include plants, animals, and microorganisms.

14. Current Environmental Conditions 14 Land conversion have shrunk the world’s forest as much as half Soil degradation has affected two- thirds of the world’s agricultural land Deforestation- (Biodiversity lost, lost of natural habitat species) Marine fish stocks are over harvested due to contaminated & waste water. Flooding and Glacial Melting (Pakistan's northern areas, especially the Himalayas and Karakoram , have thousands of glaciers that are rapidly melting due to rising temperatures & main source of flooding , which affects local communities, agriculture, and infrastructure.

15. Current Environmental Conditions 14 Air pollution – Caused respiratory diseases & also effected on other living organisms. Water pollution- caused water born diseases, reduce drinking water etc. Agricultural Pollution- Cause chemicals, damaged to the soil and living organisms Climate Change ( Temperature, Shifting rainfall, & wind etc.) Waste management (Rapid urbanization, cause pollution, public spaces, and health issues)

16. How nature works? How the environment affects us? How we affect the environment? How to deal with environmental problems and live more sustainably? Goals of environmental science are to learn

17. Why learning Environmental Science is much more important now? It directs attention towards the problems of population explosion, depletion of natural resources, pollution, the methods of solving such problems, food security and sustainable development It demonstrates how man can derive benefits from environment without destroying it To integrate environmental concerns in development planning and management

18. ‘ Environmental Management ’ is the process by which environmental health is regulated. Environmental Management System (EMS) is a set of processes and practices that enable an organization to reduce its environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency. It includes the organizational structure, planning and resources for developing, implementing and maintaining policy for environmental protection. An EMS: Serves as a tool to improve environmental performance Provides a systematic way of managing an organization’s environmental affairs  Gives order and stability for organizations to address environmental concerns through the allocation of resources, assignment of responsibility and ongoing evaluation of practices, procedures and processes.

19. Scope of Environmental Science 19 The scope of environmental science is broad, covering every aspect of the environment from natural processes and human influences to the technologies and policies that can help protect and sustain our planet . This interdisciplinary field has grown in importance as the world faces complex environmental challenges like climate change, resource depletion, pollution, and biodiversity loss . Environmental science plays a critical role in finding solutions to these challenges, promoting sustainability, and ensuring a healthier future for all living organisms on Earth.

20. 20 19 th March, 2025, Wednesday Thank You