A Complete Guide to Understanding Air Quality Monitoring.pptx
EVS_MDU UNIT 1.pdf
1.
2. UNIT 1
Environmental studies – Nature, scope and importance,
need for public awareness; Gnatural resources – renewable
and non-renewable resources, use and overexploitation/
over-utilization of various resources and consequences; role
of an individual in conservation of natural resources;
equitable use of resources for sustainable lifestyles.
3. The Environment
The word Environment is a derivative of a French word “Environner” means “surround”.
General definition of Environment
Everything (biotic and abiotic) that surrounds and affects living organisms is called Environment.
According to Environment (Protection) Act 1986
“The sum total of water, air and land, the inter-relationships that exist among them and with the human
beings , other living organisms & materials”.
Organisms and the environment are dynamic and interdependent. The term environment means
surrounding. It includes biotic (living organisms and biological life- animals, birds, forests, bacteria
etc.) as well as abiotic factors (land, mountains, rivers, dust, clouds etc.) that surrounds an organism.
Any biotic or abiotic component that affects living things is referred to as an environmental factor.
Environmental Pollution Animation 2 YouTube.mp4
6. Some of the important components/segments of environment are as follows:
The environment consists of various segments such as atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere
1. Atmosphere:
The following points highlight the vital role played by atmosphere in the survival of life in this planet:
The atmosphere is the protective blanket of gases which is surrounding the earth. It protects the earth from
the hostile environment of outer space.
It absorbs IR radiations emitted by the sun and reemitted from the earth and thus controls the temperature of
the earth.
It acts as a source for C02 for plant photosynthesis and 02 for respiration.
It acts as a source for nitrogen for plants through bacterial nitrogen fixation.
The atmosphere transports water from ocean to land.
2. Hydrosphere:
The hydrosphere is a collective term given to all different forms of water. It includes all types of water
resources such as oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, streams, reservoirs, glaciers and ground waters.
It provide an important place for many animals and plants to live.
Water comprises of several dissolve nutrients which helps in sustaining aquatic life forms.
Helps in regulating global climate.
7. 3. Lithosphere
It is the top hard crust of the Earth which is covered by a thin layer of soil.
It is made up of rocks and minerals. The different types of metals we use in our daily lives are
found in lithosphere.
Lithosphere comprises of large reservoirs of fossil fuels.
The lithosphere helps to provide all the necessary nutrients required for the growth of plants.
The lithosphere provides the space for the shelter of all the animals as well as for the human
beings.
4. Biosphere
The biosphere refers to the realm of living organisms and their interactions with the physical
environment(VIZ: atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere)
The biosphere is very large and complex and is divided into smaller units called ecosystems.
The natural cycles operate in a balanced manner providing a continuous circulation of essential
constituents necessary for life and this stabilizes and sustains the life processes on earth.
10. How is environmental studies multi-
disciplinary in nature ?
• Environment is complex and has multifarious aspects.
• As environmental studies deals with working of earth, its
life support systems, its interaction, influences, its problems
and solutions.
• Therefore, keeping 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.
13. 1) Ecosystem structure and function: study of the process that link the living or biotic components to the non-
living or abiotic components.
2) Natural resources: natural resources such as forest contribute towards maintaining a balance in the
environment. Therefore, managing and maintenance of forest and wildlife is an important task under natural
resource conservation.
3) Environmental pollution control: with the knowledge of environment sciences, one can look methods to
control pollution and manage waste effectively.
4) Environmental management: there are several independent environmental consultants working with central
and state pollution control boards. These consultants offer advice related to environment problems and their
solutions. They also direct the concerned industry, looking for advice on environmental issues, to lawyers
specialized in the field of environmental laws. The consultants working with government pollution control
boards are involved in policy making, pollution control, and maintenance of ecological balance.
5) Industry: environmental scientists works towards maintaining ecological balance, conservation of
biodiversity, and preservation of natural resources. Most industries have a separate environmental research and
developmental section which governs the impact that their industry has on the environment. Rapid
industrialization is increasingly degrading the environment. To combat this menace, there is a growing trend
towards manufacture of ‘green’ goods and products.
14. 6) Research and development: with an increase in public awareness in regarding environmental issues, there
is tremendous scope for research and development in this field. Various universities and governmental
organizations offer avenues for such research. They conduct research studies in order to develop theories or
methods of monitoring and controlling environmental pollution. Because of an increasing threat from global
warming, various steps are being taken towards reduction of greenhouse gases and adoption of renewable
energy sources. There is great awareness now regarding the use of solar energy.
7) Social development: non-governmental organization(NGOs) help in creating awareness regarding the
protection of the environment. They also works towards disseminating information and bringing about in
policies that adversely effect the environment. The social dimension of this profession includes controlling
population explosion by organizing advisory awareness camps.
8) Environmentalists: environmentalists analysis the causes and effects of environmental issues locally and
help in devising ways to combat the problems. They also works towards gathering public opinion on
environmental issues.
9) Green Media: Environmental awareness can be spread amongst masses through mass media like
television, radio, newspaper, magazines, hoardings, advertisement etc. for which environ-mentally educated
persons are required.
10) Green advocacy: with the increase in the implementation of environmental related laws and acts, the need
is felt to have environmental lawyers who can deal with the cases related to water and air pollution,
biodiversity protection, etc.
11) Green marketing: green marketing refers to the process of selling environmentally friendly products
and/or services. There is a growing interest among the consumers all over the world regarding the protection
of environment. While ensuring the quality of products with ISO mark, now there is an increasing emphasis
on marketing goods that are environmental friendly. Such products have Ecomark or ISO 14000 certification.
Environmental auditors and environmental managers would be in great demand in coming years.
16. Need for Public Awareness
1. Growing population
2. Poverty
3. Agricultural Growth
4. Need for Ground water
5. Development and Forest
6. Degradation of Land
7. Reorientation of Institutions
8. Reduction of Genetic Diversity
9. Evil consequences of Urbanization
10. Air and water pollution
17. Need of public awareness
The main objectives of creating pubic awareness regarding the
environment are:
• To identify various plants and animals and other components of the
environment that are endangered
• To take appropriate decision regarding the use of natural resources
• To conserve nature and natural resources for the betterment of society
from the point of view of social, cultural, and economic development
• To adopt appropriate ways and means to solve existing environmental
problems
18. METHODS OF PUBLIC AWARENESS
➢ Environmental education: environmental education can be introduced as a subject in schools and colleges. It is the most
successful methods for propagating environmental awareness.
➢ Through mass media: mass media such as newspapers magazines, radio, TV, etc., can play an important role in educating the
masses regarding environmental problems and issues.
➢ Through organizing seminars and conferences: organizing meeting, seminars and conferences at various levels may help in
spreading environmental information to general public. Awareness can also be spreads by organizing various competition on
environmental problems, non-conventional energy sources, etc.
➢ Entertainment: environmental awareness can also be propagated through folk songs, street plays, documentaries, etc.
➢ Science centres: establishing science centers in villages and remote areas can be an effective way of disseminating information
about environmental problems, their causes, and control measures.
➢ Involvement of public figures: the involvement of well-known personalities and the effective use of the respected public figures
in media can be a portent way of increasing the understanding of the importance of environmental issues and enforcement.
➢ Institutions: There are various institutions, which are playing positive role towards environment to make people aware regarding
environment like BSI (Botanical Survey of India, 1890), ZSI (Zoological Survey of India, 1916), WII (Wild Life Institute of
India, 1982) etc.
➢ Involvement of youth: young people comprise nearly 30 percent of the global population and will be the decision markers of the
future. Their ideas about the environment will definitely shapes tomorrows world.
➢ Awareness raising campaigns: such campaigns are often the most successful when they are targeted at specific groups because
information can be tailored to the activities, needs and challenges of the group. Therefore, involving organizations and
communities in environmental protection and enforcement can create a sense of stewardship towards the environment, ease
hardship through the collaboration, and provide a forum for new ideas and greater participation.
➢ Through print , broadcast, and internet media: the print, broadcast, and internet media can be powerful medium in educating
the public on environmental matters.
19. Indian Environmentalists in contemporary times working for the
cause of Environment:
In modern India, our late Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi was instrumental in
introducing the concept of environmental protection in the Constitution of India as a
fundamental duty.
Justice Kuldeep Singh popularly known as green judge and Shri M.C. Mehta, the green
advocate have immensely contributed to the cause of environment. In 1991, the Supreme
Court of our country issued directives to make all curricula environment-oriented. Based
on the judgement by Sh. Kuldeep Singh Environmental studies are now being taught as a
compulsory course to all students.
Shri Sunderlal Bahuguna is known for his ‘Chipko movement’ and ‘Tehri Bachao
Andolan’.
Smt. Medha Patekar and Ms. Arundhati Roy are known for their ‘Narmada Bachao
Andolan’.
The Magsaysay awardee Shri. Rajender Singh is known for his water conservation efforts
and popularly known as ‘Water Man of India’.
20. Bindeshwar Pathak is an Indian sociologist. He is the founder of Sulabh International,
an India-based social service organization which works to promote human rights,
environmental.
Shri G.D. Aggarwal a renowned scientist, civil engineer has been deeply involved in ‘
Ganga Bachao Andolan’. He carried out massive protest in order to prevent hydroelectric
dams on Ganga
Shri Mahesh Chandra Mehta a lawyer who has continuously fought against pollution-
causing Industries (Taj Trapezium case). He fought for introducing lead free gasoline to
India and reducing the industrial pollution fouling the Ganges and eroding Taj Mahal.
Indian environmentalist Dr. R.K Pachauri along with former US vice president, Al Gore
jointly conferred with Nobel peace prize in 2007 for their contribution in research related
to global warming and climate change.
62. Equitable Use of Resources for Sustainable Life Style
• Equitable use of resources means using natural resources in a fair and
just manner, ensuring that everyone has access to them without
degrading the environment.
• It involves reducing waste, conserving resources, and using them
efficiently to meet the needs of the present and future generations.
One of the key aspects of equitable use of resources is adopting a
sustainable lifestyle. Sustainable lifestyle refers to living in a way that
minimizes harm to the environment and promotes social and economic
well-being.
• This involves making conscious choices about what we consume, how
we consume, and how we dispose of waste.
