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Environment

The document defines the environment as the sum of all living and non-living elements that influence human life, detailing its functions such as resource provision, life sustenance, waste assimilation, and quality enhancement. It discusses environmental studies as a multidisciplinary field aimed at addressing environmental issues through understanding ecological systems, resource awareness, and promoting sustainable practices. Additionally, it outlines the components of the environment, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, and anthrosphere.

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vandana
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26 views

Environment

The document defines the environment as the sum of all living and non-living elements that influence human life, detailing its functions such as resource provision, life sustenance, waste assimilation, and quality enhancement. It discusses environmental studies as a multidisciplinary field aimed at addressing environmental issues through understanding ecological systems, resource awareness, and promoting sustainable practices. Additionally, it outlines the components of the environment, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, and anthrosphere.

Uploaded by

vandana
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Environment

By:
Dr. Vandana Gupta
Environment …..
 The term “environment” refers to all elements of the physical
and biological world, as well as the interactions between them.

 Environment can be defined as a sum total of all the living and


non-living elements and their effects that influence human life.

 All living or biotic elements are animals, plants, forests,


fisheries, and birds, and non-living or abiotic elements include
water, land, sunlight, rocks, and air.
Function of Environment
 Provides the supply of resources
• The environment offers resources for production.
• It includes both renewable and non-renewable resources.
• Examples: Wood for furniture, soil, land, etc.
 Sustains life
• The environment includes the sun, soil, water, and air, which are essential for human life.
• It sustains life by providing genetic and biodiversity.
 Assimilates waste
• Production and consumption activities generate waste.
• This occurs mostly in the form of garbage.
• The environment helps in getting rid of the garbage.
 Enhances the quality of life
• The environment enhances the quality of life.
• Human beings enjoy the beauty of nature that includes rivers, mountains, deserts, etc.
• These add to the quality of life.
Environmental studies…..
 It is a field dedicated to exploring matters pertaining to the environment.

 It can be characterized as a branch of study that is primarily concerned with environmental


issues.

 This multidisciplinary discipline, known as environmental studies, is centered on the


examination of human interactions with the environment, with the ultimate goal of
addressing intricate problems.

 It draws upon principles from the physical sciences, economics and social sciences to confront
contemporary environmental challenges. By adopting a systematic approach, it endeavours to
identify solutions to environmental dilemmas that can benefit both society and the planet.

 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.
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
utilization 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.
 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.
Scope of Environmental Studies
 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.
 Eco-Friendly Technologies
The field identifies and promotes the development of appropriate, indigenous and eco-
friendly skills and technologies to address various environmental issues.
 Sustainable Resource Use
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.
 Practical Application
Environmental studies bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical
application, demonstrating the multiple uses and benefits of a well-managed environment.
Scope of Environmental Studies
 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 minimize their effects.
 Decision-Making
Environmental studies equip individuals with the ability to evaluate alternative
responses to environmental issues before deciding on a course of action.
 Environmental Literacy
It enables individuals to become environmentally literate citizens by providing
knowledge of environmental laws, rights, rules and regulations.
Components of Environment
 The basic components of the environment are atmosphere or the air, lithosphere or the rocks and soil,
hydrosphere or the water, and the living component of the environment or the biosphere.
 Atmosphere: The atmosphere is the layer of gases that surrounds the Earth. It consists of
nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other trace gases. The atmosphere plays a vital
role in regulating temperature, weather patterns, and protecting the planet from
harmful solar radiation.

 Hydrosphere: The hydrosphere includes all forms of water on Earth, including oceans,
lakes, rivers, groundwater, and even atmospheric water vapor. It is essential for
supporting life, regulating climate, and serving as habitats for various aquatic organisms.

 Lithosphere: The lithosphere refers to the solid outer layer of the Earth, which comprises
the crust and the upper part of the mantle. It encompasses the continents, landforms,
rocks, minerals, and soil. The lithosphere provides habitats for terrestrial organisms and is
a source of natural resources
 Biosphere
The biosphere, usually referred to as the ecosphere, is the totality of all
ecosystems on the planet. It is also known as the Earth’s life zone. With few
inputs and outputs, the biosphere is essentially a closed system with respect to
matter.
According to the broadest definition of biophysiology, the biosphere is the
entire ecological system that includes all living things and their interactions,
including those with the lithosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere, and
atmosphere.

 Anthrosphere
The area of the environment that has been created or altered by people for
use in human activities and human homes is known as the anthroposphere,
which is also frequently referred to as the technosphere. It is a spherical that is
part of the Earth.
Climate and Edaphic

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