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Environmental Studies

The document discusses climate change, highlighting its causes, such as human activities and deforestation, which negatively impact ecosystems and biodiversity. It also addresses the importance of natural resources, their depletion, and conservation measures, including sustainable practices and recycling. Additionally, it mentions key institutions and individuals involved in environmental advocacy and the significance of grassroots movements like the Chipko Movement.

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2 views15 pages

Environmental Studies

The document discusses climate change, highlighting its causes, such as human activities and deforestation, which negatively impact ecosystems and biodiversity. It also addresses the importance of natural resources, their depletion, and conservation measures, including sustainable practices and recycling. Additionally, it mentions key institutions and individuals involved in environmental advocacy and the significance of grassroots movements like the Chipko Movement.

Uploaded by

pahuneegarg
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Environmental

Studies
Lecture 01
CLIMATE CHANGE
• It refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.
Human activities have been the main driver of climate change,
primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas),
which produces heat-trapping gases.

Problems which affects the climate –


• Pollution
• Environment Degradation (Deforestation)
• Global Warming
• Depletion of Ozone Layer
• Loss of Biodiversity
WHAT IS DEFORESTATION?

• Deforestation refers to the decrease in forest areas across the world


that are lost for other uses such as agricultural croplands,
urbanization, or mining activities.

• Greatly accelerated by human activities since 1960, deforestation has


been negatively affecting natural ecosystems, biodiversity, and the
climate.
WHY IS IT HAPPENING?
1. Agriculture - Commercial or industrial agriculture is the reason of
forest loss in the search for space to grow food, fibers or biofuel.

2. Constructions - The construction of human infrastructures has also


been driving deforestation.

3. Urbanization - The populational shift that is leading people to move


from rural areas to urban areas is also contributing to deforestation.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
DEFORESTATION AND CLIMATE
CHANGE
• Deforestation and climate change are closely linked. Trees play a
crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which
helps regulate the Earth's climate. When forests are cut down or
burned, the carbon stored in trees is released back into the
atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global
warming.
• Forests also help maintain the balance of local climates and support
biodiversity, so their loss can have further environmental impacts.
INSTITUTIONS IN ENVIRONMENT
• Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi
This institution played a significant role in shaping environmental
policies in India. They have been instrumental in advocating for stricter
pollution controls, improved environmental regulations, and
sustainable development practices.
• Salim Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON),
Coimbatore
This center works on conservation projects to protect endangered bird
species and their habitats. This includes habitat restoration, species
monitoring, and creating conservation action plans.
People In Environment
Rachel Carson Sunderlal Bahugna
Her most notable contribution He played a central role in the
came through her groundbreaking Chipko Movement. This non-
book, Silent Spring. It challenged violent protest raised awareness
the practices of the chemical about the importance of forests
industry and government policies, and led to significant changes in
advocating for a more cautious forest conservation policies.
and scientifically informed
approach to pesticide use.
Assignment Questions
1. What is the rarity of the resource and where does it originate?
Timber and firewood originates from natural forests. They are becoming rare due to rapid
deforestation, thus making them increasingly scarce.
2. Who uses it most intensively and how?
They are used intensively by industries for construction, paper production, and as fuel.
3. How is it being overused or misused?
These resources are overused due to uncontrolled deforestation practices and also when
trees are felled faster than they can regenerate.
4. Who is responsible for its improper use – the resource collector, the middleman,
the end user?
All are equally responsible since they all play an equal role in contributing to the use of
unsustainable methods.
5. How can we help to conserve it and prevent its unsustainable use?
Reforestation, Public Awareness, Public education and rules and regulations.
Lecture 02
NATURAL RESOURCES
DEPLETION AND CONSERVATIVE MEASURES

• These are the essential elements provided by the Earth that support
life and economic activities.
• Examples - sunlight, wind, fossil fuels, minerals

DEPLETION CONCERNS –
1. Overexploitation
2. Water Scarcity
3. Soil Degradation
CONSERVATIVE MEASURES
•Sustainable Practices: Adopting methods such as sustainable agriculture,
renewable energy use, and responsible mining can help conserve
resources.

•Resource Efficiency: Implementing technologies and practices that


increase the efficiency of resource use and reduce waste can mitigate
depletion.

•Recycling and Reuse: Promoting recycling programs and the reuse of


materials can lessen the demand for new resources.

•Conservation Policies: Enforcing regulations and creating protected areas


can safeguard natural habitats and manage resources sustainably.
Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change
• IPCC is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to
climate change.

• It prepares a comprehensive report about the state of scientific,


technical and socio-economic knowledge on climate change, its
impacts and future risks, and options for reducing the rate at which
climate change is taking place.
Short Note on
1) CHIPKO MOVEMENT

• It was a significant grassroots environmental campaign focused on forest


conservation.
• The movement began in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. It was
driven by concerns over environmental degradation and the impact on
local communities.
• The movement raised global awareness about environmental issues and
contributed to the broader environmental consciousness in India. It
remains a powerful example of grassroots activism and the fight for
sustainable resource management.
2) Natural Cycle

• The hydrological cycle is the continuous movement of water


through evaporation, condensation, precipitation and
infiltration. Water evaporates from surfaces, forms clouds
through condensation, falls as precipitation, infiltrates the
soil or flows as runoff, and eventually returns to bodies of
water, completing the cycle. This process is essential for
distributing and recycling Earth's water resources.

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