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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

14. Thank You