ENVIRONMENTAL

STUDIES
Scope of Environmental
studies
Definition of Environmental studies
• Environmental studies is a field dedicated to exploring matters
pertaining to the environment. It can be characterised as a branch of
study that is primarily concerned with environmental issues.
• This multidisciplinary discipline, known as environmental studies, is
centred on the examination of human interactions with the
environment, with the ultimate goal of addressing intricate problems.
• By adopting a systematic approach, it endeavours to identify solutions
to environmental dilemmas that can benefit both society and the
planet.
Scope of Environmental Studies

• The field of environmental studies encompasses a wide range of

scopes, which are not only important for children but also for
individuals of all ages.
Resource
Awareness

• Environmental studies foster

awareness about both
renewable and
nonrenewable resources in a
particular region. This
involves assessing the
available resources, their
utilisation patterns and the
need to maintain a balance
for future generations.
Ecological
Understanding

• It imparts knowledge about

ecological systems and the cause-
and-effect relationships within
them.
• Ecology is the scientific
discipline that studies
interactions between individual
organisms and their
environments, including
interactions with both
conspecifics and members of
other species.
Biodiversity Awareness

• Environmental studies provide essential

information about the richness of
biodiversity and the potential threats to
plant, animal and microbial species in
the environment.
• Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life
you’ll find in one area—the variety of animals,
plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like
bacteria that make up our natural world. Each
of these species and organisms work together
in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to
maintain balance and support life.
• Three-quarters of the land-based environment
and roughly 66% of the ocean environment
have been significantly altered.
• More than a third of the world's land surface
and nearly 75% of freshwater resources are now
devoted to crop or livestock production.
Disaster
Preparedness

• This field helps individuals

understand the causes and
consequences of natural and
human-induced disasters,
such as floods, earthquakes,
landslides, cyclones and
various types of pollution.
• It also explores measures to
minimise their effects.
Environmental Literacy

• It enables individuals to become

environmentally literate citizens by providing
knowledge of environmental laws, rights, rules
and regulations.
• This knowledge empowers them to make
informed judgments and decisions for the
protection and improvement of the Earth.
• Environmental literacy is the ability to understand and
act on environmental issues.
• It involves having knowledge of natural systems,
environmental problems, and possible solutions, as well
as the skills and motivation to participate in civic and
environmental actions.
• Helps people develop skills they can use to make
responsible and wise decisions about the
environment and environmental health.
• Each day people make decisions that affect the
environment, whether they are getting ready to go to
work, preparing dinner, or buying products for the
house or garden.
Environmental literacy is a key
component of global citizenship and
a vital skill for the 21st century
• Helps Decision Making
• Sense of Connection and Responsibility
Towards Nature
• Empowers Action for Environmental Justice and
Sustainability
• Improves Well-being and Quality of Life
Social Issues

• Environmental studies shed light on societal problems

like overpopulation, public health and hygiene.
• It also emphasises the role of arts, science and
technology in addressing these challenges.
• Environmental changes affect family and community
stability, social relationships, health, and
sometimes survival.
• A well-designed social environment helps foster
positive peer relationships, creates positive
interactions between adults and children, and
provides opportunities for adults to support children
to achieve their social goals
 • The field identifies and
promotes the development
of appropriate, indigenous
Eco-Friendly and eco-friendly skills and
technologies to address
• Recycled, recyclable
and/or biodegradable
Technologies various environmental
issues.
content.
• Plant-based materials.
• Eco-friendly technology, also • Reduction of polluting
known as green technology ( substances.
or ‘clean’ tech|) is an
umbrella term for any type • Reduction of greenhouse
of technology that uses less gas emissions.
energy and minimises the • Renewable energy.
impact on our natural
environment. It can include • Energy-efficiency.
anything from renewable • Multi-functionality.
energy sources to everyday
consumer products. • Low-impact
manufacturing.
• Green technology covers the development of
new technology such as electric cars as well as
improving the sustainability of existing
technology. There are many different types of
eco-friendly technology. Some examples include:
• · Solar panels for solar power and wind turbines
to harness wind power
• · Energy-efficient appliances and lighting
• · Electronic devices
• · Green transportation, such as electric vehicles
and bike-hiring programmes
Reasons to use eco-
friendly technology
• Environmental protection: Eco-friendly
technologies can help preserve the
environment by reducing pollution, harmful
emissions, and waste.
• Efficiency: Eco-friendly technologies can be
more efficient and less polluting than other
technologies.
• Product durability: Eco-friendly technology
can make products more durable.
• Health and safety: Eco-friendly technologies
can help reduce health issues.
• Renewable resources: Eco-friendly
technologies can use renewable resources like
solar and wind power.
• Sustainable living: Eco-friendly technologies
can help promote sustainable living by reducing
reliance on fossil fuels.
Sustainable Resource Use

• Sustainable resource management can be defined as the

application of sustainable practices by managing resources in
a way that will benefit current and future generations.
• It educates citizens about the importance of sustainable
resource utilisation, emphasising that these resources are
inherited from our ancestors and must be passed on to
future generations without compromising their quality.
• Some key points of sustainable resource management
include considering how you are managing the resources
that your organisation uses, as well as making sure that
they are sustainable.
• Balancing use
Using resources responsibly to meet current needs while preserving them for
future generations
• Avoiding depletion
Ensuring resources aren't depleted to the point where they impact future
generations
• Considering the environment
Understanding that renewable natural resources are better for the environment
• Developing compatible methods
Developing environmentally and socially compatible resources and waste
management methods
• Reusing and recycling
Reusing or recycling material flows and energy
 Practical Application
Environmental studies bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge
and practical application, demonstrating the multiple uses and benefits
of a well-managed environment.
Agro-ecosystem management
Biodiversity conservation
Biotechnology
Conservation biology
Disturbance management
Ecosystem restoration
Environmental engineering
Environmental technology
Habitat management
Invasive species management
Landscape use (including development planning)
Protected areas management
Rangeland management
Restoration ecology
Wildlife management
• Environmental Monitoring
• Climate Change Studies
• Archaeology and Geology
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Forensic Investigations
• Waste Management and Remediation
• Air and water quality monitoring