What Is Environmental Science?

What do you think would happen if all of the trees in the rainforest were cut down, or if chemicals
were spilled in a river, or if snow and rain fall increased drastically? These are some of the many
topics that are studied in the field of environmental science.

The term "environment" encompasses the surroundings in which organisms exist and interact,
comprising both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors. Overall, environmental science is the
field of science that studies the interactions of the physical, chemical, and biological components of
the environment and also the relationships and effects of these components with the organisms in
the environment.

Environmental science focus on the interactions between humans and the environment,
encompassing the natural world, ecosystems, and human activities that impact the environment.

Components of the Environment

Atmosphere: The gaseous envelope surrounding the Earth, vital for supporting life and influencing
weather patterns.
Hydrosphere: All water on Earth, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater, essential for
various life processes.
Lithosphere: The solid outer layer of the Earth, comprising the crust and upper mantle, where
geological processes occur.
Biosphere: The zone of Earth where life exists, including all ecosystems and living organisms.

The components of an environment are essential in environmental science due to their

interconnected roles in ecosystem functioning and stability. These components interact
dynamically, shaping Earth's environmental systems and influencing its habitability. Understanding
the importance of these components helps environmental scientists assess and address
environmental challenges, ensuring the sustainability and resilience of ecosystems for present and
future generations.

Goals

The field of environmental science can be divided into three main goals, which are to learn how the
natural world works, to understand how we as humans interact with the environment, and also to
determine how we affect the environment. The third goal of determining how humans affect the
environment also includes finding ways to deal with these effects on the environment.

Interdisciplinary Field

Environmental science is also referred to as an interdisciplinary field because it incorporates

information and ideas from multiple disciplines. Within the natural sciences, such fields as biology,
chemistry, and geology are included in environmental science. When most people think of
environmental science, they think of these natural science aspects, but what makes environmental
science such a complex and broad field is that it also includes fields from the social sciences and
the humanities.

The social science fields that are incorporated into environmental science include geography,
economics, and political science. Philosophy and ethics are the two fields within the humanities that
are also included in environmental science. By combining aspects of the natural sciences, social
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sciences, and the humanities, the field of environmental science can cover more concepts and also
examine problems and topics from many different points of view.

Importance of Environmental Science

At this current time, the world around us is changing at a very rapid pace. Some changes are
beneficial, but many of the changes are causing damage to our planet. The field of environmental
science is a valuable resource for learning more about these changes and how they affect the world
we live in.

Let's examine a major change that is currently occurring and its relationship to environmental
science. The large change is the dramatic increase in the number of humans on earth. For most of
human history, the population has been less than a million people, but the current population has
skyrocketed to over seven billion people. This equals out to seven thousand times more people!

Due to this increase in the human population, there has also been an increase in pressure on the
natural resources and ecosystem services that we rely on for survival. Natural resources include a
variety of substances and energy sources that we take from the environment and use. Natural
resources can be divided into renewable and nonrenewable resources. Renewable natural
resources are substances that can be replenished over a period of time, such as sunlight, wind, soil,
and timber. On the other hand, nonrenewable natural resources are substances that are in finite
supply and will run out. Nonrenewable resources include minerals and crude oils.

Due to the increase in the human population, natural resources are being used up at a more rapid
rate than in the past. Although renewable natural resources can be replenished, when they are used
too rapidly, they cannot be replenished fast enough to meet human demand. Even worse, when
nonrenewable natural resources are used too rapidly, they become closer to running out completely
and being gone forever.

Natural resources have been referred to as the 'merchandise' produced by the environment, and in
this respect, ecosystem services are the 'facilities' that we rely on to help produce the
merchandise. Ecosystem services are the environment's natural processes that provide us with the
resources we need to support life. Common ecosystem services include water and air purification,
nutrient cycling, climate regulation, pollinating of plants, and the recycling of waste. Just like some
natural resources, ecosystem services are also limited and can be used up if not regulated.

Now, let's tie it together and think about population growth and its influence on both natural
resources and ecosystem services. As the human population increases and natural resources and
ecosystem services are used rapidly and potentially degraded, the future of humans on earth is in
jeopardy. This is one major example of why environmental science is important and valuable.

Scope of Environmental science

The scope of environmental science ranges from studying local ecosystems to addressing global
environmental challenges. It plays a crucial role in informing sustainable development practices,
conservation efforts, and policymaking to safeguard Earth's resources for future generations.
Understanding environmental science is essential for fostering a harmonious relationship between
human societies and the natural world, ensuring the well-being of both. Let's explore its scope
through some easy-to-understand points:

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Study of Natural Systems: It focuses on understanding natural systems like ecosystems,
biodiversity, climate, and geology, and how human activities impact them. For example, they might
study how a forest ecosystem supports diverse plant and animal life.

Human-Environment Interactions: Environmental science examines the complex relationships

between humans and their environment, including how human actions affect the environment and
vice versa. An example is studying how cutting down forests for agriculture can lead to soil erosion
and loss of habitat for animals.

Problem Solving: It aims to identify and address environmental issues such as pollution,
deforestation, climate change, habitat loss, and resource depletion through scientific research and
problem-solving techniques. For instance, they might research ways to reduce air pollution from
factories.

Sustainability: This means using resources in a way that doesn't harm the environment or future
generations. For example, sustainable farming methods aim to protect soil health and biodiversity
while providing food for people.

Policy and Management: It informs policy-making and resource management decisions at local,
national, and global levels. Environmental science helps governments and organizations make rules
and plans to protect the environment. For instance, laws might be created to limit emissions from
cars to improve air quality.

Education and Awareness: Environmental science plays a crucial role in raising awareness about
environmental issues, fostering environmental literacy, and empowering individuals and
communities to take action towards environmental stewardship. For example, they might educate
communities about the importance of preserving wetlands for clean water and wildlife.

Global Perspective: It recognizes the interconnectedness of environmental issues across

geographical boundaries and promotes international cooperation to address global environmental
challenges effectively. Environmental problems like climate change affect everyone, so scientists
work together worldwide to find solutions. For instance, countries might come together to agree on
reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow down global warming.