Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies

Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies; definition, scope and importance is a unit of environmental studies and disaster management course of bsc agriculture

1. UNIT 1 MULTIDISCIPLINARY NATURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES ARUN

2. Environment  The term "environment" originates from the French verb ' environner ,' meaning to 'encircle or surround.' Environment encompasses the physical, chemical, biological world, along with social and cultural conditions. It includes all factors, living and nonliving, influencing individuals or populations throughout life. The objective of environmental studies is to foster concern and action for environmental protection. Studying the environment provides insights into modern environmental concepts and promotes sustainable lifestyles. Environmental science applies scientific methods to tackle environmental issues effectively. It is a comprehensive field, not limited to any single discipline, often confused with related fields like ecology and environmental engineering. ARUN

3. Types of Environment Two types of environments:    1. Natural environment   2. Man-made environment    Natural environment: Original form without human interference, operates through self-regulating homeostasis.    Man-made or Anthropogenic Environment: Altered by human interference, often without considering consequences.    - Humans, as the most evolved creatures, modify the environment based on their needs. - Increased technologies and population explosion contribute to environmental deterioration. ARUN

4. Scope of Environmental studies The study of the environment serves several vital purposes: 1. Resource Assessment: Evaluates renewable and non-renewable resources, their utilization patterns, and future balance. 2. Ecological Understanding: Provides insights into ecological systems and their cause-and-effect dynamics. 3. Biodiversity Awareness: Informs about biodiversity richness and potential threats to species. 4. Disaster Preparedness: Educates on natural and human-induced disasters and mitigation measures. 5. Response Evaluation: Helps assess alternative responses to environmental challenges. ARUN

5. Scope of Environmental studies 6. Environmental Literacy: Enables informed decisions through understanding laws and regulations. 7. Social Issue Awareness: Highlights societal challenges and solutions using science and technology. 8. Eco-friendly Solutions: Promotes development of sustainable, eco-friendly skills and technologies. 9. Sustainable Practices: Advocates for sustainable resource utilization to preserve for future generations. 10. Application of Knowledge: Encourages practical application of environmental knowledge for multiple uses. ARUN

6. Importance of Environmental education 1. Limited Resources: Earth's natural resources are finite. 2. Advanced Exploitation Techniques: Modern methods lead to over-exploitation. 3. Over-exploitation: Resources are depleted without consideration for future generations. 4. Unplanned Exploitation: Results in pollution at all levels, harming all life forms. 5. Health Impacts: Pollution and degradation adversely affect human and ecosystem health. 6. Shared Responsibility: Collective action is necessary to address environmental degradation. 7. Education for Conservation: Training is essential to preserve biodiversity and prevent species extinction. ARUN

7. Importance of Environmental education 8. Urban Pollution: Urban areas and industries are major pollution sources. 9. Protected Areas: Expansion of protected areas is vital for wildlife conservation. 10. Complexities of Environment: Understanding environmental complexities prompts sustainable actions. 11. Community Involvement: Encourages community engagement and participation in environmental projects. 12. Education Reform: Urges reorientation of education systems to address environmental concerns. ARUN

8. Multidisciplinary approach Involves biology, geology, chemistry, physics, engineering, sociology, health sciences, anthropology, economics, statistics, and philosophy. Requires knowledge from diverse fields to comprehend the intricate workings of the environment Environmental Issue/Topics Major Subject/Topic Knowledge Required Nature and reaction of air pollutants Chemistry and Chemical engineering, Physics and Chemistry Effects of air pollutants on human beings, animals and plants Zoology, botany, and various branches of life science Effect of air pollutants on materials Physics, Chemistry, and various branches of Engineering Effect of climate on air pollution Meteorology, Thermodynamics, Geography Air pollution control devices Physics, Chemistry, and various branches of Engineering History of air pollution and air pollution episodes History Economic impacts of air pollution Economics, Demography Sociological impacts of air pollution Sociology Alternative fuels Various branches of physical sciences Conservation of resources and pollution control Various branches of physical and political sciences Ozone hole and global warming Almost all fields under the sun have something to contribute to the understanding and prevention of these phenomena. ARUN

9. Values of Nature 1. Productive value of nature: Natural species contain numerous complex chemicals used for developing medicines and industrial products. Destruction of forests and wetlands deprives future generations of valuable resources. Agriculture depends on intact forests for successful crop pollination by insects and birds. 2. Aesthetic/recreational value of nature: Nature encompasses living (biodiversity) and non-living parts of the earth, enhancing our existence. National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and urban green spaces provide aesthetic and recreational value, promoting physical and psychological health. Nature tourism fosters respect and love for nature while providing enjoyable experiences. 3. Option value of nature: Nature offers various options for utilizing its goods and services sustainably. It allows us to choose between greedy consumption, which destroys long-term values, and sustainable use, preserving resources for the future. Emphasizes the importance of sustainable resource management to meet needs without compromising the environment. ARUN

10. Need for Public Awareness Earth's natural resources are depleting rapidly, and human activities are degrading the environment. Measures to enhance environmental awareness:     1. Join nature study groups like WWF-1 or BNHS to learn more about environmental issues.     2. Read newspapers, periodicals, and environmental websites to stay informed about current environmental issues.     3. Advocate for resource conservation by discussing environmental issues with friends and family, promoting practices like saving paper, water, and reducing plastic use.     4. Participate in local movements supporting activities such as tree conservation, nature treks, recycling, and buying environmentally friendly products.     5. Promote civic sense and hygiene by discouraging behaviors like spitting, littering, smoking in public, and urinating/defecating in public places.     6. Engage in events organized on World Environment Day, Wildlife Week, etc., to raise awareness.     7. Visit National Parks, Sanctuaries, or natural habitats near your home to appreciate and understand the importance of nature conservation. ARUN

11. Environmental issues of global concern Main environmental issues: deforestation, biodiversity loss, soil erosion, climate change, pesticide build-up, industrial, and municipal pollution. Categorized into three main issues:   1. Population explosion  2. Land degradation 3. Environmental pollution  (industrialization, agriculture, fertilizer, pesticide, greenhouse gases, air pollution, acid rain, ozone depletion, greenhouse effect, water pollution, and deforestation). Environmental problems in India categorized into poverty, negative effects of development, improper implementation of environmental protection laws. ARUN

12. Institutions in Environment Institution Name Function Bombay Natural History Society ( BNHS ), Mumbai Engages in conservation and biodiversity research. Publishes magazines and journals on natural history. Associated with prominent naturalists. World Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF-India), New Delhi Focuses on wildlife education, awareness, and environmental lobbying. Runs programs like Nature Clubs of India. Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi Conducts research and advocacy on sustainable development. Publishes documents on India's environment and biodiversity. C.P.R Environmental Education Centre, Madras Conducts programs to increase environmental awareness. Produces educational materials and received environmental awards. Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad Promotes environmental awareness and sustainable development. Undertakes projects, develops educational materials, and promotes sustainable technologies. Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Institute of Environment Education & Research, Pune Offers education and research programs on environmental studies. Conducts outreach programs and focuses on biodiversity conservation. Salim Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore Engages in research, conservation, and education related to India's biodiversity. Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun Offers training and academic courses in wildlife research and management. Engaged in research, habitat management, and environmental assessment. Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) Conducts zoological research and surveys. Maintains a collection of specimens and coordinates conservation activities. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT), Chennai Founded for crocodile conservation and reptile breeding. Conducts sea turtle conservation programs and environmental education. Andaman and Nicobar Islands Environmental Team (ANET), Andaman Conducts ecological studies and conservation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Engaged in snake conservation and reforestation. Uttarakhand Seva Nidhi (USKN), Almora Conducts environmental education programs and campaigns for sustainable resource use. Kalpavriksh , Pune Works on environmental education, research, and advocacy. Active in awareness programs and policy development. Botanical Survey of India (BSI) Conducts surveys and monitors botanical resources. Analyzes plant occurrence, distribution, and conservation status. ARUN

13. People in Environment Environmental Thinker/Activist Contributions Charles Darwin "The Origin of Species" highlighted the relationship between habitats and species, revolutionizing understanding of evolution. Ralph Emerson Warned about environmental dangers posed by commerce as early as the 1840s. Henry Thoreau Advocated for wilderness preservation and pioneered concepts like human ecology and unity with nature. John Muir Advocated for wilderness preservation, leading to the creation of national parks like Yosemite and Sequoia in the USA. Aldo Leopold Known as the father of wildlife ecology, emphasized living in harmony with nature and authored "A Sand County Almanac." Rachel Carson Wrote "Silent Spring," which led to a ban on DDT and sparked the modern environmental movement. E. O. Wilson Emphasized the importance of biodiversity and highlighted the risks of human-induced disturbances to ecosystems. Salim Ali Renowned ornithologist known as the "birdman of India," conducted pioneering bird surveys and contributed to conservation efforts. Indira Gandhi As Prime Minister, played a significant role in expanding India's network of protected areas and formulating wildlife protection laws. S. P. Godrej Supported wildlife conservation and nature awareness programs, advocating for wildlife preservation in India. M. S. Swaminathan Founded research foundation focused on conserving biological diversity and promoting sustainable agriculture. Madhav Gadgil Notable ecologist involved in various conservation efforts and research on ecological issues in India. M. C. Mehta Environmental lawyer who initiated government action on environmental education and led efforts to protect iconic landmarks in India. Anil Agarwal Journalist who authored influential reports on India's environment and founded an NGO supporting environmental causes. Medha Patkar Advocate for tribal communities affected by environmental degradation, particularly due to dam construction on the Narmada river. Sunderlal Bahuguna Led the Chipko movement for forest conservation and fought against dam construction in the Himalayas, advocating for environmental protection. ARUN

14. Thank You ARUN