MULTIDISCIPLINARY NATURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND NATURAL RESOURCES

MULTIDISCIPLINARY NATURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND NATURAL RESOURCES

UNIT I: MULTIDISCIPLINARY NATURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Definition, Scope, Importance, and Need for Public Awareness

NATURAL RESOURCES

• Types of Resources: Renewable and Non-renewable
• Issues Related to Natural Resources:
  • Forest Resources: Over-exploitation, deforestation, timber extraction, mining, dams, groundwater depletion, floods, droughts, water conflicts, benefits, and problems of dams.
  • Mineral Resources: Use and effects on forests and tribal people, environmental impacts of extraction and usage.
  • Water Resources: Over-utilization of surface and groundwater, environmental effects, case studies.
  • Food Resources: World food problems, impacts of agriculture and overgrazing, modern agriculture effects, fertilizer and pesticide issues, water logging, salinity, case studies.
  • Energy Resources: Growing needs, renewable and non-renewable sources, alternative energy sources, case studies.

1.1 MULTIDISCIPLINARY NATURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

1.1.1 INTRODUCTION

• The term "environment" originates from the French word ‘environner,’ meaning to encircle or surround.
• The environment encompasses the social, cultural, and physical conditions that influence the survival, growth, and development of people, animals, and plants.
• It includes both natural and technological environments, as well as cultural and social contexts.
• All factors, living and nonliving, that affect an individual or population are part of the environment.

1.1.2 SEGMENTS OF ENVIRONMENT

The environment consists of four segments:

1. Atmosphere: A blanket of gases surrounding the Earth.
2. Hydrosphere: All water bodies on Earth.
3. Lithosphere: Various types of soils and rocks.
4. Biosphere: All living organisms and their interactions with the environment.

1.1.3 MULTIDISCIPLINARY NATURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

• Environmental studies is multidisciplinary, encompassing fields like chemistry, physics, medical science, life science, agriculture, public health, and sanitary engineering.
• It involves the study of physical phenomena and human activities' impact on air, water, and soil.
• Environmental studies integrates biology, geology, politics, policy, law, religion, engineering, chemistry, and economics to understand humanity's effects on the natural world.
• This subject fosters an appreciation for the complexity of environmental issues and prepares students to become knowledgeable citizens and experts.
• Students gain interdisciplinary and methodological knowledge essential for solving environmental problems.

1.1.4 SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Environmental studies cover a broad range of areas:

• Conservation and management of natural resources
• Ecology and biodiversity
• Environmental pollution and control
• Human population and environmental interactions
• Social issues related to development and environment

Career Options in Environmental Studies:

1. Research and Development: Examining environmental problems and developing cleaner technologies.
2. Green Advocacy: Environmental lawyers who handle cases related to water, air, forests, wildlife, and pollution control.
3. Green Marketing: Promoting environmentally friendly products with eco-mark or ISO 14000 certification.
4. Green Media: Spreading environmental awareness through mass media.
5. Environmental Consultancy: Helping organizations tackle environmental problems.

1.1.5 IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

• Environmental studies can reverse current environmental degradation trends through educated, organized communities and expert involvement.
• Environmental factors significantly influence all organisms and their activities.
• Studying environmental issues provides solutions and emphasizes the importance of conserving natural resources and preventing pollution.

Significance of Environmental Studies:

1. Global Importance of Environmental Issues: Issues like global warming, ozone depletion, acid rain, marine pollution, and biodiversity loss require international cooperation.
2. Development-Related Problems: Urbanization, industrial growth, and other developments have caused environmental issues that need alternative solutions.
3. Pollution Increase: India faces high population pressure on natural resources, leading to soil health problems and pollution.
4. Alternative Solutions: Developing countries need environmentally sound and sustainable development goals.
5. Humanity’s Survival: It is crucial to prevent activities that destroy the environment and deplete the biosphere.
6. Wise Development Planning: Development plans must align with ecological cycles for sustainable development.

1.1.6 NEED FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS

1. Growing Population: Rapid population growth puts pressure on natural resources and development gains.
2. Poverty: Poverty and environmental degradation are interconnected, affecting those reliant on natural resources.
3. Agricultural Growth: Sustainable agricultural practices are necessary to prevent soil damage.
4. Groundwater Management: Rationalizing groundwater use and preventing pollution is essential.
5. Forests and Development: Forest conservation is critical for water catchments and biodiversity. Joint management strategies are needed.
6. Land Degradation: Preventing soil erosion and degradation is vital for productivity.
7. Urbanization Effects: Urbanization causes environmental problems that require effective management.
8. Pollution: Outdated industrial technologies cause air and water pollution. Public awareness and support are essential for implementing pollution control laws.

1.1.7 INSTITUTIONS IN ENVIRONMENT

Efficient management of natural resources requires effective institutions at all levels. Some prominent organizations include:

• Government Organizations:

  • Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
  • Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)

• Non-Governmental Organizations:

• Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
• World Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF-India)
• Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)
• C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre
• Centre for Environment Education (CEE)
• Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Institute of Environment Education & Research
• Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON)
• Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
• Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT)

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