Introduction to
Environmental Science
Why To Study
Environmental Science?
• To understand the natural
processes that sustain life on Earth.
• To identify human impacts on the
environment (like pollution,
deforestation, and climate change).
• To promote sustainable living and
the responsible use of natural
resources.
• To protect ecosystems and ensure
environmental health for future
generations.
Major Areas of Environmental
Science
Ecology – Study of Atmospheric Science Geoscience – Studies Environmental Environmental
interactions among – Focuses on weather, Earth’s structure, Chemistry – Analyzes Policy and
organisms and their climate, and air processes like erosion pollutants and Management –
environment. pollution. and plate tectonics. chemical changes in Develops laws and
the environment. strategies for
environmental
protection.
Key Concepts in
Environmental
Science
•Ecosystem: A community of living
organisms interacting with their physical
environment.
•Biodiversity: The variety of life in a
given ecosystem, region, or the planet.
•Sustainability: Using resources in
ways that do not deplete them for future
generations.
•Pollution: Introduction of harmful
substances into air, water, or soil.
•Climate Change: Long-term alterations
in temperature, precipitation, and other
atmospheric conditions due to natural
and human causes.
What is
Environment?
•‘Environment’—it comes from the
French word "Environ", meaning
surrounding.
•Environment includes everything that
surrounds us:
•Biotic components: living things like
humans, animals, plants, and microbes.
•Abiotic components: non-living things
like air, water, sunlight, soil, etc.
•Highlight that environment is not just
nature; it includes social and cultural
aspects too.
Components of
Environment
Break down the four major components:
1.Hydrosphere – All water bodies
(lakes, rivers, oceans).
2.Lithosphere – Earth's crust,
including rocks, minerals, and soils.
3.Atmosphere – Layer of gases around
Earth that protects us and supports
life.
4.Biosphere – The zone where life
exists; includes all living organisms
and their interactions.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC
Definition of
Environmental
Studies
•It is a multidisciplinary field that brings
together sciences (like biology, chemistry,
physics) and social studies (like sociology,
economics).
•It helps us study the environment
scientifically and find solutions to
environmental problems.
Multidisciplinary Nature
Emphasize that How Environmental Environmental Environmental
environmental studies engineering focuses studies include social science examines
connect many fields. on pollution control awareness and policy nature and its
technologies. making. processes.
Scope of Environmental Studies
1 2 3 4 5
Understanding Conserving Managing Using Creating
ecosystems – natural pollution – air, renewable environmental
how living and resources – water, noise, and energy – solar, policies and
non-living things forests, water, soil pollution. wind, and biogas. laws.
interact. minerals.
Environmental Scientist
Pollution Control Officer
NGO Worker
Applications
and Careers Environmental Journalist
Researcher in renewable energy
Environmental Engineer This makes the
subject career-oriented and relevant for
the future.
Importance of Environmental Studies
GLOBAL OZONE POLLUTION BIODIVERSITY DEFORESTATIO
WARMING DEPLETION LOSS N
WATER
SCARCITY
Need for Public
Awareness
•Overpopulation, urbanization, and
poverty increase stress on natural
resources.
•People must understand the impact of
their actions.
•Public participation in tree planting,
water conservation, reducing plastic
use is vital.
Role of Students
Encourage students to:
• Save electricity and water
• Reduce, reuse, and recycle
• Avoid plastic
• Participate in environmental
clubs
• Educate others about eco-
friendly practices
Summary
Wrap up with key points:
• Environment = Everything around us
• Environmental Studies = Multidisciplinary subject
• Scope = Very broad and includes both nature and
human activities
• Importance = For health, economy, and survival
Thank You
