ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
World
WHAT TO DO FOR
Nature
INTRODUCTION
Status of environmental awareness subject in current scenario
Need of environmental awareness education:
provide basic knowledge of the environment to all individuals
help in understanding present environmental projects
It helps us to know a more sustainable way of living
provides the necessary skills to solve environmental problems.
It helps us to use natural resources more efficiently.
With the increase in population, there is an increase in the use of natural resources including
land.
it is a basic need to develop consciousness regarding the environment in children, youth, older
people and in all citizens, and every field.”
Environment studies enlighten us, about the importance of protecting and conserving our
indiscriminate release of pollution into the environment.
Environment
The world is surrounded by air, water, fire, land, etc., which are the basic elements for human beings to
live on.
It is also surrounded by other factors such as physical, biological, geographical, chemical, and
ecological that affect human life.
The elements surrounding the earth and its existence may be termed an environment.
The term environment is formulated from the French word “environer,” which means surround.
Therefore, everything that surrounds the earth is called the environment.
Definitions of environment:
According to the Environment Protection Act 1986, environment is the sum total of land, water, and air, and
the interrelationships that exists among and between water, air, land, and also human beings, other living
organisms, plants, microorganisms, and property.
Thus, the above definition clearly includes all the biological and physical surroundings and their
interactions.
A simple definition of an environment can be stated as a system encompassing all biotic and abiotic elements
affecting human life. The biotic or living components comprise all flora and fauna, and abiotic components
include water, sunlight, air, climate, etc.
Why is environment important?
Our forests, rivers, oceans and soils provide us with the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we irrigate our
crops with. We also rely on them for numerous other goods and services we depend on for our health, happiness and
prosperity.
All the components of the environment are divided into two categories
Biotic environment
Abiotic environment
Biotic environment: The Biotic environment/ components encompasses of all living organisms such
as animals, birds, forests, insects, bacteria, and microorganisms like algae, fungi, etc.
Abiotic environment: Abiotic environment encompasses all non-living components such as mountains,
land, rivers, temperature, humidity, cloud, etc., and oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc., are also called as
inorganic compounds while carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, etc., are called organic compounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES:
Definition:
Environmental studies is a study that focuses on the issues related to the environment. It can
be defined as the branch of the study concerned with environmental issues.
Environmental studies are a multidisciplinary study that focuses on examining human
interactions with the environment in order to address complex issues.
It combines principles from the physical sciences, economics, and social sciences to tackle
current environmental challenges.
Its systematic approach aims to find solutions to environmental problems that are beneficial to
society and the planet.
Environmental studies include all aspects that impact organisms and their environment.
It is an applied science that makes an effort to find practical solutions for achieving the
sustainability of human civilization within the limits of the earth’ s finite resources.
Scope of environmental studies: multidisciplinary nature
environmental science, interdisciplinary academic field that draws
on ecology, geology, meteorology, biology, chemistry, engineering, and physics to study environmental problems and human
impacts on the environment.
Environmental Studies are concerned with a variety of issues, including the protection of natural resources, pollution
management, and the influence of a growing human population on the environment.
To solve these complex environmental issues, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary.
The complex relationship that exist in our natural environment among people, animals, others organisms, water soil, air
tree, ocean, and so on.
The interconnections are numerous and involve many different disciplines. We need inputs from diverse disciplines such as
biology, botany, zoology, soil science, technology oceanography, atmospheric science, economics, sociology, anthropology and
ethics.
Environmental studies involve educating the people for preserving the quality of environment
The scope of environmental studies is very wide and it deals with many areas like
i) Conservation of natural resources,
ii) ecological aspects,
iii) pollution of the surrounding natural resources,
iv) controlling the pollution,
v) social issues connected to it, and
vi) impacts of human population on the environment.
Developing an awareness and sensitivity to the total environment and its related problems.
Motivating people for active participation in environmental protection and improvement.
Developing skills for active identification and development of solutions to environmental problems.
Imbibe and inculcate the necessity for conservation of natural resources.
Evaluation of environmental programmes in terms of social, economic, ecological and aesthetic
The four major components of environment include lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere,
corresponding to rocks, water, air and life respectively.
Lithosphere is derived from the word "sphere," combined with the Greek word "lithos" which means rock.
The lithosphere is the solid outer section of Earth which includes Earth's crust (the "skin" of rock on the
outer layer of planet Earth), as well as the underlying cool, dense, and fairly rigid upper part of the upper
mantle. The lithosphere extends from the surface of Earth to a depth of about (70-100 km). The main
component of lithosphere is earth’s tectonic plates
Hydrosphere comprises of all forms of water bodies on earth including marine (oceans, seas) freshwater
(rivers, lakes, ponds, streams) and groundwater resources etc.
It covers 71% of earth’s surface. 97% of water found on Earth is in the oceans in the form of salt water.
Only 3 % of water on Earth is freshwater.
Atmosphere is gaseous layer enveloping the Earth.
The atmosphere with oxygen in abundance is unique to Earth and sustains life.
It mainly comprises 78.08% nitrogen, 20.95% oxygen, 0.93% argon, 0.039% carbon dioxide, and traces
of hydrogen, helium, and noble gases.
The amount of water vapor present is variable (0-3%).
Earth's atmosphere has a series of layers, each with its own specific traits. Moving upward from ground
level, these layers are named the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere.
The troposphere is the lowest layer of our atmosphere.
The next layer up is called the stratosphere. The infamous ozone layer is found within the stratosphere.
Ozone molecules in this layer absorb high-energy ultraviolet (UV) light from the Sun, converting the UV
energy into heat. Above the stratosphere is the mesosphere.
The layer of very rare air above the mesosphere is called the thermosphere.
Role of individual or public participation in environmental awareness
Here are some examples of the kinds of projects and initiatives you could get involved in:
Instead of driving to work or school, take the bus, carpool, walk, or ride your bike to cut down on greenhouse
gas emissions. According to the EPA transportation adds to 33% of the total atmospheric CO₂.
Consider investing in appropriate technology like clean power (solar or wind), if not for your home then
maybe for a community center. This supports a transition to clean and renewable energy.
Buy reusable products such as glass bottles, reusable bags, and reusable cups. Avoid buying disposable goods
such as paper towels, plastic bottles, and plastic bags.
Start a composting and recycling program in communities where there are none. This will help cut down our
waste production.
Support local businesses and farmers, and buy organic and pesticide-free food when you can. Or, start your
own community garden.
