Scope and importance of environmental studies

Scope,importance of environmental studies

1. Scope and Importance of Environmental Studies (ASES 3101-Environmental Studies and Disaster Management) Prepared by Mr. Chandrasekhar Sahu Assistant Professor Department of Plant Physiology MSSSoA CUTM Odisha

2. Environment is a complex of many variables, which surrounds man as well as the living organisms. Environmental studies describe the interrelationships among organisms, the environment and all the factors, which influence life on earth, including atmospheric conditions, food chains, the water cycle, etc. It is a basic science about our earth and its daily activities,

3. Scope of environmental studies

4. The study creates awareness among the people. K nowledge about ecological systems and cause and effect relationships. N ecessary information about biodiversity richness T he potential dangers to the species of plants, animals and microorganisms in the environment.

5. To understand the causes and consequences due to natural and main induced disasters . Pollutions and measures to minimize the effects. E nables one to evaluate alternative responses to environmental issues. The study enables environmentally literate citizens . E xposes the problems of over population, health, hygiene & Role of arts, science and technology in eliminating/ minimizing the evils from the society

6. To identify and develop appropriate and indigenous eco-friendly skills and technologies to various environmental issues. T eaches the citizens the need for sustainable utilization of resources . E nables theoretical knowledge into practice and the multiple uses of environment.

7. Importance of environmental studies

8. World population is increasing at an alarming rate especially in developing countries. The natural resources in the earth is limited . M ethods and techniques of exploiting natural resources are advanced. Over exploitation of resources -No resources for future generation.

9. U nplanned exploitation pollution. Pollution and degraded environment health of all living things on earth . combined responsibility and appropriate actions for the deteriorating environment. Education and training are needed to save the biodiversity and species extinction.

10. U rban area, coupled with industries, is major sources of pollution. N umber and area existing under protected area should be increased. P eople to adapt appropriate activities and pursue sustainable development. M otivates students to get involved in community action, and to participate in various environmental and management projects.

11. It integrates different approaches of the humanities , social sciences, biological sciences and physical sciences and applies these approaches to investigate environmental concerns. Environmental study is a key instrument for bringing about the changes in the knowledge, values, behaviors and lifestyles required to achieve sustainability and stability within and among countries.

12. Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies

13. Environmental studies deals with every issue that affects an organism. Its components include - 1. Biology 9. Economics 2 . Geology 10. Statistics 3. Chemistry 11. Philosophy 4. Physics 5. Engineering 6. Sociology 7. Health 8. Anthropology

14. Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Science Ex:Air Pollution

15. Need for public awareness

16. Natural resources are dwindling and our environment is being increasingly degraded by human activities. Our thought- Government should do. But if we go on endangering our environment , Government can not perform all these clean-up functions. we must all take part & it must become a part of all our lives. This can only be made possible through mass public awareness.

17. Mass media strongly influence public opinion. If each of us feels strongly about the environment , the press and media will add to our efforts . Politicians always respond positively to a strong publicly supported movement. We are living on spaceship earth with a limited supply of resources. Each of us is responsible for spreading this message to as many people as possible.

18. Suggested further activities

19. Join 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.

20. 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 .

21. Institutions in environment There have been several Government and Nongovernment organizations that have led to environmental protection in our country. They have led to a growing interest in environmental protection and conservation of nature and natural resources.

22. The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Mumbai: It was founded on 15 September 1883 , is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in India engaged in conservation and biodiversity research. It supports many research efforts through grants, and publishes a popular magazine called the Hornbill and also an internationally well-known the Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society.

23. World Wide fund for nature- India (WWF-1), New Delhi : The WWF-1 was initiated in 1969 in Mumbai, after which the headquarters were shifted to Delhi with several State, divisional and Project offices spread across India. In the early years it focused attention on wildlife education and awareness. It runs several programs, including the nature clubs of India program for school children and works as a think –tank and lobby force for environmental and development issues.

24. CPR Environmental Education Centre, Madras: The CPR EEC was set up in 1988. It conducts a variety of programs to spread environmental awareness and creates an interest in conservation among the general public. Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad : The Centre for Environment Education,Ahmedabad was initiated in 1989. It has a wide range of programs on the environment and produces a variety of educational material.

25. Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Institute of Environment Education & Research, Pune It was established in 1993. This is part of the Bharati Vidyapeeth deemed University. Its major focus is to spread the message of the need for pro-environmental action in society at large through a dual strategy of formal and non –formal integrated activities. BVIEER is a one of a kind institution that caters to the need of Environment Education at all levels - PhD, M.Sc and Diploma.

26. Salim Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore It is a national centre for information, education and research in ornithology and natural history in India. This institution was Dr. Salim ali’s dream, which became a reality only after his demise and was named in honor of Salim Ali, the leading pioneer of ornithology in India. Its mission is "To help conserve India’s biodiversity and its sustainable use through research, education and peoples’ participation, with birds at the centre stage".

27. Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun : This Institution was established in 1982, as a major training establishment for Forest Officials and Research in Wildlife Management. Its most significant publication has been ‘Planning A Wildlife Protected Area Network for India’ (Rodgers and Panwar , 1988).

28. Botanical Survey of India (BSI) is an institution set up by the Government of India In 1887 to survey the plant resources of the Indian empire. The Botanical Survey was formally instituted on 13 February 1890 under the direction of Sir George King, who had been superintendent of Royal Botanic Garden, Calcutta since 1871. King became the first ex-officio Director of BSI. Presently, it has nine regional centre. It carries out surveys of plant resources in different regions. It monitors botanical resources by analyzing their occurrence, distribution, ecology, economic utility, conservation, environment impact, etc.

29. People in Environment There are several internationally known environmental thinkers. Among those who have made landmarks, the names that are usually mentioned are Charles Darwin, Ralph Emerson, Henry Thoreau, John Muir, Aldo Leopald , Rachel Carson and EO Wilson. Each of these thinkers looked at the environment from a completely different perspective.

30. Charles Darwin: wrote the origin of species , which brought to light the close relationship between habitats and species. Ralph Emerson : spoke of the dangers of commerce to our environment way back in the 1840s. Henry Thoreau in the 1860s wrote that the wilderness should be preserved after he lived in the wild for a year. He felt that most people did not care for nature and would sell it off for a small sum of money.

31. John Muir is remembered as having saved the great ancient sequoia trees in California’a forests. In the 1890s he formed the Sierra club, which is a major conservation NGO in the USA. Aldo Leopold: was a forest official in the US in the 1920s. He designed the early policies on wilderness conservation and wildlife management. He was considered the father of wildlife ecology and a true Wisconsin hero. His book, ‘ A Sand County Almanac’ is acclaimed as the century's literary landmark in conservation, which guided many to ‘live in harmony with the land and with one another’.

32. In the 1960s Rachel Carson published several articles that caused immediate worldwide concern on the effects of pesticides on nature and mankind. She wrote a well known book called ‘ Silent Spring ’ which eventually led to a change in Government policy and public awareness. EO Wilson: is an entomologist who envisioned that biological diversity was a key to human survival on Earth. He wrote ‘Diversity of life’ in 1993, which was awarded a prize for the best book published on environmental issues.

33. There are several individuals who have been instrumental in shaping the environmental history of our country. To name a few with their significant contributions Goes as follows: Salim Ali : was an Indian ornithologist and naturalist, Known as the "birdman of India", Salim Ali was among the first Indians to conduct systematic bird surveys across India. He was instrumental in creating the Bharatpur bird sanctuary ( Keoladeo National Park) and prevent the destruction of what is now the Silent Valley National Park. He was awarded India's second highest civilian honour , the Padma Vibhushan in 1976. His autobiography, fall of a sparrow , should be read by every nature enthusiast. He was our country’s leading conservation scientist and influenced environmental policies in our country for over 50 years.

34. Other eminent persons include Smt. Indira Gandhi S P Godrej M. S. Swaminathan Madhav Gadgil M. C. Mehta Anil Agarwal Medha Patkar Sunderlal Bahuguna