Introduction to Environmental Studies
Chapter 1
Introduction
Environmental studies deal with working of earth, its life-support systems, its interactions,
influences, its problems and solutions. K eeping 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.
Multi-disciplinary nature of EVS
Life Sciences including botany, zoology, microbiology, genetics and biochemistry help in
understanding the biotic components and their interactions. Genetics and biotechnology are
emerging as useful tools for finding solutions to environmental problems.
For understanding the physical and chemical structure of abiotic components of
environment along with mass and energy transfers we have to make use of the basic
concept of physics, chemistry, geology, atmospheric science, oceanography and geography.
Mathematics, statistics and computer science likewise serve as effective tools in
environmental modelling.
Subjects like economics, management and sociology provide the inputs for dealing with the
socio-economic aspects associated with various development activities.
A synthesis of civil engineering, hydraulics, chemical engineering and nanotechnology
provide the technical solutions to environmental pollution control and waste treatment that
are extremely important for protection of the environment.
Environmental laws provide the guidelines and legal measures for effective management and
protection of the environment.
Environmental education and mass communication are two important subjects that are
instrumental in disseminating environmental awareness.
Environmental ethics provide the guidelines for a sustainable life style.
Environmental sciences, therefore, is a multi-disciplinary subject where we deal with
different aspects using a holistic approach.
THE SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Due to its complex and multi-disciplinary nature environmental studies as a subject has a
wide scope. It encompasses a large number of areas and aspects, which may be summarized
as follows:
• Natural Resources—their conservation and management.
• Ecology and biodiversity.
• Environmental pollution and control.
• Social issues in relation to development and environment
• Human population and environment
• Research & Development (R & D) in environment
Skilled environmental scientists have an important role to play in examining various
environmental problems in a scientific manner and carry out R & D activities for developing
cleaner technologies and promoting sustainable development.
Green advocacy: With increasing emphasis on implementing various Acts and Laws related
to environment, need for environmental lawyers has emerged, who should be able to plead
the cases related to water and air pollution, forest, wildlife etc
Components of Environment
The Environment is classified into two components: Biotic and Abiotic
Biotic and abiotic are the two essential factors responsible for shaping the ecosystem. The
biotic factors refer to all the living beings present in an ecosystem, and the abiotic factors
refer to all the non-living components like physical conditions (temperature, pH, humidity,
salinity, sunlight, etc.) and chemical agents (different gases and mineral nutrients present in
the air, water, soil, etc.) in an ecosystem. Therefore, both the abiotic and biotic resources
affect survival and reproduction process.
Biotic Meaning
The term “biotic” is formed by the combination of two terms, “bio” meaning life. Thus, the
term means life-like and is related to all the living entities present in an ecosystem.
Biotic Factors
Biotic factors relate to all the living things in the ecosystem. Biotic factors refer to all living
organisms like animals, humans, plants, fungi, and bacteria. The interactions between various
biotic factors are necessary for the reproduction of each species and to fulfil essential
requirements like food, etc.
Examples of Biotic Factors
Examples of biotic resources include all the living components present in an ecosystem.
These include producers, consumers, decomposers.
Abiotic Meaning
The term abiotic refers to all the non-living factors present in an ecosystem. Sunlight, water,
land, all constitutes the abiotic factors.
Abiotic Factors
Abiotic factors refer to all the non-living, i.e. chemical and physical factors present in the
atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. Sunlight, air, precipitation, minerals, and soil are
some examples of abiotic factors. These factors have a significant impact on the survival
and reproduction of species in an ecosystem.
Examples of Abiotic Factors
Abiotic examples typically depend on the type of ecosystem. For instance, abiotic
components in a terrestrial ecosystem include air, weather, water, temperature, humidity,
altitude, the pH level of soil, type of soil and more. Abiotic examples in an aquatic ecosystem
include water salinity, oxygen levels, water flow rate, water depth and temperature.
Objectives and importance of Environmental Studies.
a) Creating the awareness about environmental problems among people.
(b) Imparting basic knowledge about the environment and its allied problems.
(c) Developing an attitude of concern for the environment.
(d) Motivating public to participate in environment protection and environment improvement.
e) Acquiring skills to help the concerned individuals in identifying and solving environmental
problems.
(f) Striving to attain harmony with Nature.
(g) To clarify modern environmental concept like how to conserve biodiversity.
(h) To know the more sustainable way of living.
(i) To use natural resources more efficiently.
(j) To know the behaviour of organism under natural conditions.
(k) To know the interrelationship between organisms in populations and communities.
(l) To aware and educate people regarding environmental issues and problems at local,
national and international levels.
Sustainability and sustainable development
The definition of “sustainability” is the study of how natural systems function, remain diverse
and produce everything it needs for the ecology to remain in balance. It also acknowledges
that human civilisation takes resources to sustain our modern way of life. Sustainability takes
into account how we might live in harmony with the natural world around us, protecting it
from damage and destruction.
“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Sustainable development is defined as an approach to developing or growing by using
resources in a way that allows for them to renew or continue to exist for others.
Using recycled materials or renewable resources when building is an example of sustainable
development.
