Scribd
Upload
2 views

Environmental_Science_Short_Notes

The document outlines key concepts in environmental science, including ecosystems, biodiversity, biogeochemical cycles, and the impact of pollution and climate change. It discusses environmental management strategies such as waste management, conservation practices, and relevant laws and policies. Additionally, it highlights international treaties aimed at addressing global environmental issues.

Uploaded by

Mahasin tarafdar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2 views

Environmental_Science_Short_Notes

The document outlines key concepts in environmental science, including ecosystems, biodiversity, biogeochemical cycles, and the impact of pollution and climate change. It discusses environmental management strategies such as waste management, conservation practices, and relevant laws and policies. Additionally, it highlights international treaties aimed at addressing global environmental issues.

Uploaded by

Mahasin tarafdar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Environmental Science - Short Notes

Core Environmental Concepts


Ecosystems and Biodiversity:

An ecosystem includes all living organisms and their physical environment functioning together.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms in an ecosystem.

Biogeochemical Cycles (Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, etc.):

These are natural pathways by which essential elements circulate through the environment,

involving biological, geological, and chemical processes.

Ecological Succession:

A natural process through which ecosystems change and develop over time, moving from a

disturbed state to a stable one.

Environmental Pollution (Air, Water, Soil, Noise):

Contamination of natural resources by pollutants leading to harmful effects on organisms and

ecosystems.

Climate Change and Global Warming:

Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns, largely caused by human activities like

burning fossil fuels.

Environmental Issues & Management


Ozone Layer Depletion:

Caused mainly by CFCs, leading to increased UV radiation reaching Earth, which can cause skin

cancer and harm ecosystems.

Acid Rain:

Rainfall made acidic by atmospheric pollution, mainly from sulfur and nitrogen emissions, damaging

forests and aquatic systems.

Solid Waste Management:


Processes for collecting, treating, and disposing of solid waste to minimize environmental impact.

Hazardous Waste and E-waste:

Toxic waste materials including chemicals and electronic items that require special disposal

methods.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):

A tool to evaluate the environmental consequences of proposed projects before decisions are made.

Conservation and Sustainability


Biodiversity Conservation (In-situ & Ex-situ):

In-situ: conservation in natural habitats; Ex-situ: conservation in controlled environments like zoos or

seed banks.

Renewable and Non-renewable Resources:

Renewable: naturally replenished (e.g., solar); Non-renewable: finite (e.g., coal, oil).

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

A set of 17 global goals set by the UN to promote prosperity while protecting the planet.

Forest and Wildlife Conservation:

Efforts like afforestation and wildlife sanctuaries to preserve ecosystems and species.

Environmental Laws and Policies


Environment Protection Act, 1986:

An umbrella act to protect and improve the environment in India.

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:

Provides protection to wildlife and their habitats in India.

Forest Conservation Act, 1980:

Restricts deforestation and aims at forest conservation.

Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974:

Provides for the prevention and control of water pollution.

Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981:


Aims to control and reduce air pollution.

International Treaties and Conventions


Paris Agreement:

A global pact to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming.

Kyoto Protocol:

An earlier international treaty to reduce carbon emissions by industrialized countries.

Montreal Protocol:

A global agreement to phase out ozone-depleting substances.

UNFCCC:

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change - the main international treaty on climate

action.

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):

A global treaty to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable use.

You might also like