MR.

SHASHIKANT
Asst.Professor
GNIOT

Unit 1
Introduction
‘Environment’
The word ‘Environment’ is derived from the French word ‘Environner’ which means to encircle,
around or surround.
All the biological and non-biological things surrounding an organism are thus included in
environment.
The biologist Jacob Van Uerkal (1864-1944) introduced the term ‘environment’ in Ecology.
Ecology is the study of the interactions between an organism of some kind and its environment.

According to Environment Protection Act 1986,

Environment is defined as “the sum total of water, air and land, inter-relationships that exist
among them and with the human beings, other living organisms and property”.

Environmental Science
is the interdisciplinary field and requires the study of the interactions among the physical, chemical
and biological components of the Environment with a focus on environmental pollution and
degradation.

Environment studies
is a multidisciplinary subject where different aspects are dealt with in a holistic approach( to provide
support that looks at the whole person, not just their mental health needs)

The science of Environment studies comprises various branches of studies like chemistry, physics,
life science, medical science, agriculture, public health, sanitary engineering, geography, geology,
atmospheric science, etc.
It studies the sources, reactions, transport, effect and fate of a biological species in the air, water and
soil and the effect of and from human activity upon these.

The Environment is about the surrounding external conditions influencing development or growth of
people, animal or plants; living or working conditions etc.

The scope of the term ‘Environment’ has been changing and widening by the passage of time. In the
primitive age, the environment consisted of only physical aspects of the planet earth ie., land, water
and air as biological communities.
 MR.SHASHIKANT
Asst.Professor
GNIOT

Multidisciplinary

Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies

Thus, in order to study environment, one needs knowledge inputs from various disciplines.
• Life Sciences including Botany, Zoology, Microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry and
Biotechnology help in understanding the biotic component and their interactions.
• The physical and chemical structure of the abiotic components and energy transfer and flow are
under-stood with the help of basic concepts of Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Atmospheric Science,
Oceanography and Geography.
• Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science serve as effective tools in environmental modelling
and management.
• Subjects like Education, Economics, Sociology and Mass communication provide the inputs for
dealing with the socio-economic aspects associated with various developmental activities.
• A synthesis with Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Hydraulics and Chemical
Engineering form the basis for various technologies dealing with the control of environmental
pollution, waste-treatment and development of cleaner technologies that are important for protection
of the environment.
• Environmental laws provide the tools for effective management and protection of the environment.
 MR.SHASHIKANT
Asst.Professor
GNIOT

Environment: Definition, Types of Environment, Components of environment,

Segments of environment, Scope and importance, Need for Public Awareness
DEFINITIONS OF ENVIRONMENT:
Some important definitions of environment are as under:

1. According to Boring, ‘A person’s environment consists of the sum total of the stimulation which
he receives from his conception until his death.’ Indicating that environment comprises various
types of forces such as physical, intellectual, mental, economical, political, cultural, social, moral
and emotional.

2. Douglas and Holland defined that ‘The term environment is used to describe, in aggregate, all
the external forces, influences and conditions, which affect the life, nature, behaviour and the
growth, development and maturity of living organisms’.
 MR.SHASHIKANT
Asst.Professor
GNIOT

STRUCTURE OF ENVIRONMENT

Environment is both physical and biological. It includes both living and non-living

components.

(i) Physical Environment

The Physical Environment is classified into three broad categories viz.

8 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

(i) Solid,
(ii) Liquid

(iii) Gas.

These represent the following spheres:

(i) The lithosphere (solid earth)

(ii) The hydrosphere (water component) and

(iii) The atmosphere

As such, the three basic of physical environment may be termed as under:

(i) Lithospheric Environment

(ii) Hydrospheric Environment

(iii) Atmospheric Environment

The scientists have classified them into smaller units based on different spatial scales,

e.g.

(i) Mountain Environment

(ii) Glacier Environment

(iii) Plateau Environment

(iv) Coastal Environment

(ii) Biological Environment

 MR.SHASHIKANT
Asst.Professor
GNIOT

The biological of the environment consists of:

(i) Plants (flora)

(ii) Animals (fauna).

Thus, the biotic environment further be divided into floral environment and faunal

environment. All the organisms work to form their social groups and organizations at several
levels. Thus, the social environment is formed. In this social environment the organisms

work to derive matter from the physical environment for their sustenance and development.

This process gives birth to economic environment. Man claims to be most skilled and civilized
of all the organisms. This is the reason why his social organisation is most systematic. The

three aspects of man, e.g. physical, social and economic, function in the biotic environment

as under:

(i) The Physical Man

The ‘Physical Man’ is one of the organisms populations or biological community. He is

in need of basic elements of the physical environment like habitat (space), air, water and

food. Besides, like other biological populations, he releases wastes into the ecosystem.

(ii) The Social Man

The ‘Social Man’ performs the following functions:

(a) Establishing social institutions,

 MR.SHASHIKANT
Asst.Professor
GNIOT

Segment OF ENVIRONMENT: The environment consists of four segments of the earth

namely atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere:

1. Atmosphere: The Atmosphere forms a distinctive protective layer about 100 km thick around
the earth. A blanket of gases called the atmosphere surrounds the earth and protects the
surface of earth from the Sun’s harmful, ultraviolet rays. It sustains life on the earth. It also
regulates temperature, preventing the earth from becoming too hot or too cold. It saves it
from the hostile environment of outer space. The atmosphere is composed of nitrogen and
oxygen besides, argon, carbon dioxide and trace gases.
The major gases that are constituents of the atmosphere are:
Nitrogen (78%)
Oxygen (21%)
Carbon Dioxide (0.03%)
Argon (0.9%)
 MR.SHASHIKANT
Asst.Professor
GNIOT

The atmosphere consists of various layers namely

Troposphere
Stratosphere
Mesosphere
Thermosphere

Hydrosphere
The Hydrosphere comprises all types of water resources oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, streams,
reservoirs, polar icecaps, glaciers, and ground water. Oceans represent 97% of the earth’s water and
about 2% of the water resources is locked in the polar icecaps and glaciers. Only about 1% is available
as fresh water as surface water in rivers, lakes, streams, and as ground water for human use.

The word hydro corresponds to water. So, the hydrosphere contributes to that part of the earth
where water exists. About 75% of the surface of the earth is a hydrosphere.

The figure below represents the major usage of freshwater:

The atmosphere has a marked effect on the energy balance at the surface of the Earth. It absorbs
most of the cosmic rays from outer space and a major portion of the electromagnetic radiation from
the sun. It transmits only ultraviolet, visible, near infrared radiation (300 to 2500 nm) and radio
waves. (0.14 to 40 m) while filtering out tissue-damaging ultra-violate waves below about 300 nm.

2. Lithosphere: Lithosphere is the outer mantle of the solid earth. It consists of minerals
occurring in the earth’s crusts and the soil e.g. minerals, organic matter, air and water.
 MR.SHASHIKANT
Asst.Professor
GNIOT

It is sometimes known as Geosphere and belongs to that part of earth where minerals,
organic matters, metals, rocks, soils, etc. exist. It is the outer surface of earth mainly
constitutes the earth’s crust and soil. In simplest terms, the lithosphere constitutes the
solid component of earth.

4. Biosphere: Biosphere indicates the realm of living organisms and their interactions with
environment, viz atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere.

The scope of environmental studies is very wide and it deals with many areas like i) Conservation of
natural resources, ii) ecological aspects, iii) pollution of the surrounding natural resources, iv)
controlling the pollution, v) social issues connected to it, and vi) impacts of human population on the
environment.

Elements of Environment

Environment is constituted by the interacting systems of physical, biological and cultural elements
inter-related in various ways, individually as well as collectively. These elements are:

(1) Physical elements

Physical elements are space, landforms, water bodies, climate, soils, rocks and minerals. They
determine the variable character of the human habitat, its opportunities as well as limitations.
(2) Biological elements
Biological elements such as plants, animals, microorganisms and men constitute the biosphere.

(3) Cultural elements

Cultural elements such as economical, social and political elements are essentially man- made
features, which make the cultural background.
Scope and Importance:
ENVIRONMENT STUDIES: IMPORTANCE
Importance of Environment Studies: The environment studies enlighten us, about the importance of
protection and conservation of our indiscriminate release of pollution into the environment.
At present a great number of environment issues, have grown in size and complexity day by day,
threatening the survival of mankind on earth. We study about these issues besides and effective
 MR.SHASHIKANT
Asst.Professor
GNIOT

suggestions in the Environment Studies. Environment studies have become significant for the
following reasons:
1. Environment Issues Being of International Importance
It has been well recognized that environment issues like global warming and ozone depletion, acid
rain, marine pollution and biodiversity are not merely national issues but are global issues and hence
must be tackled with international efforts and cooperation.
2. Problems Cropped in The Wake of Development
Development, in its wake gave birth to Urbanization, Industrial Growth, Transportation Systems,
Agriculture and Housing etc. However, it has become phased out in the developed world. The North,
to cleanse their own environment has, fact fully, managed to move ‘dirty’ factories of South. When
the West developed, it did so perhaps in ignorance of the environmental impact of its activities.
Evidently such a path is neither practicable nor desirable, even if developing world follows that.
3. Explosively Increase in Pollution
World census reflects that one in every seven persons in this planted lives in India. Evidently with 16
per cent of the world's population and only 2.4 per cent of its land area, there is a heavy pressure on
the natural resources including land. Agricultural experts have recognized soils health problems like
deficiency of micronutrients and organic matter, soil salinity and damage of soil structure.
4. Need for An Alternative Solution
It is essential, specially for developing countries to find alternative paths to an alternative goal. We
need a goal as under:

(1) A goal, which ultimately is the true goal of development an environmentally sound and sustainable
development.

(2) A goal common to all citizens of our earth.

(3) A goal distant from the developing world in the manner it is from the over-consuming wasteful
societies of the “developed” world.
5. Need To Save Humanity From Extinction
It is incumbent upon us to save the humanity from exinction. Consequent to our activities constricting
the environment and depleting the biosphere, in the name of development.
6. Need For Wise Planning of Development
Our survival and sustenance depend. Resources withdraw, processing and use of the product have
all to by synchronised with the ecological cycles in any plan of development our actions should be
planned ecologically for the sustenance of the environment and development.
7. Misra’s Report
 MR.SHASHIKANT
Asst.Professor
GNIOT

Misra (1991) recognized four basic principles of ecology, as under:

(i) Holism

(ii) Ecosystem

(iii) Succession

(iv) Conversation.
Holism has been considered as the real base of ecology. In hierarchical levels at which interacting
units of ecology are discussed, are as under:

Individual<population<community<ecosystem<biome<biosphere.

Misra (1991) has recognised four basic requirements of environmental management as under:

(i) Impact of human activities on the environment,

(ii) Value system,

(iii) Plan and design for sustainable development,

(iv) Environment education.

Keeping in view the of goal of planning for environmentally sustainable development India
contributed to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also
referred to as “Earth Summit” held at Rio de Janciro, the Capital of Brazil, 3rd-14th June, 1992.

NEED FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS

It is essential to make the public aware of the formidable consequences of the Environmental
Degradation, if not retorted and reformative measures undertaken, would result in the extinction of
life. We are facing various environmental challenges. It is essential to get the country acquainted with
these challenges so that their acts may be eco-friendly.
Some of these challenges are as under:

1. Growing Population

A population of over thousands of millions is growing at 2.11 per cent every year. Over 17 million
people are added each year. It puts considerable pressure on its natural resources and reduces the
gains of development. Hence, the greatest challenge before us is to limit the population growth.
Although population control does automatically lead to development, yet the development leads to
a decrease in population growth rates. For this development of the women is essential.
 MR.SHASHIKANT
Asst.Professor
GNIOT

2. Poverty

India has often been described a rich land with poor people. The poverty and environmental
degradation have a nexus between them. The vast majority of our people are directly dependent on
the nature resources of the country for their basic needs of food, fuel shelter and fodder. About 40%
of our people are still below the poverty line. Environment degradation has adversely affected the
poor who depend upon the resources of their immediate surroundings. Thus, the challenge of
poverty and the challenge environment degradation are two facets of the same challenge. The
population growth is essentially a function of poverty. Because, to the very poor, every child is an
earner and helper and global concerns have little relevance for him.

3. Agricultural Growth

The people must be acquainted with the methods to sustain and increase agricultural growth with
damaging the environment. High yielding varities have caused soil salinity and damage to physical
structure of soil.

4. Need to Ground water

It is essential of rationalizing the use of groundwater. Factors like community wastes, industrial
effluents and chemical fertilizers and pesticides have polluted our surface water and affected quality
of the groundwater. It is essential to restore the water quality of our rivers and other water bodies
as lakes is an important challenge. It so finding our suitable strategies for consecration of water,
provision of safe drinking water and keeping water bodies clean which are difficult challenges is
essential.

5. Development And Forests

Forests serve catchments for the rivers. With increasing demand of water, plan to harness the mighty
river through large irrigation projects were made. Certainly, these would submerge forests; displace
local people, damage flora and fauna. As such, the dams on the river Narmada, Bhagirathi and
elsewhere have become areas of political and scientific debate. Forests in India have been shrinking
for several centuries owing to pressures of agriculture and other uses. Vast areas that were once
green, stand today as wastelands. These areas are to be brought back under vegetative cover. The
tribal communities inhabiting forests respect the trees and birds and animal that gives them
sustenance. The role of these people in restoring and conserving forests. The modern knowledge and
skills of the forest deptt. should be integrated with the traditional knowledge and experience of the
local communities. The strategies for the joint management of forests should be evolved in a well-
planned way.

6. Degradation of Land
 MR.SHASHIKANT
Asst.Professor
GNIOT

At present out of the total 329 mha of land, only 266 mha possess any potential for production. Of
this, 143 mha is agricultural land nearly and 85 suffers from varying degrees of soil degradation. Of
the remaining 123 mha, 40 are completely unproductive. The remaining 83 mha is classified as forest
land, of which over half is denuded to various degrees. Nearly 406 million head of livestock have to
be supported on 13 mha, or less than 4 per cent of the land classified as pasture land, most of which
is overgrazed. Thus, our of 226 mha, about 175 mha or 66 per cent is degraded to varying degrees.
Water and wind erosion causes further degradation of almost 150 mha This degradation is to be
avoided.

7. Reorientation of Institutions

The people should be roused to orient institutions, attitudes and infrastructures, to suit conditions
and needs today. The change has to be brought in keeping in view India’s traditions for resources use
managements and education etc. Change should be brought in education, in attitudes, in
administrative procedures and in institutions. Because it affects way people view technology
resources and development.

8. Reduction of Genetic Diversity

Proper measures to conserve genetic diversity need to be taken. At present most wild genetic stocks
have been disappearing from nature. Wilding including the Asiatic Lion are facing problem of loss of
genetic diversity. The protected areas network like sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves
are isolating populations. So, they are decreasing changes of one group breeding with another.
Remedial steps are to be taken to check decreasing genetic diversity.

9. Evil Consequences of Urbanisation

Nearly 27 per cent Indians live in urban areas. Urbanisation and industrialisation has given birth to a
great number of environmental problem that need urgent attention. Over 30 percent of urban
Indians live in slums. Out of India’s 3,245 towns and cities, only 21 have partial or full sewerage and
treatment facilities. Hence, coping with rapid urbanization is a major challenge.
10. Air and water Population

Majority of our industrial plants are using outdated and population technologies and makeshift
facilities devoid of any provision of treating their wastes. A great number of cities and industrial areas
that have been identified as the worst in terms of air and water pollution. Acts are enforced in the
country, but their implement is not so easy. The reason is their implementation needs great
resources, technical expertise, political and social will.

Again the people are to be made aware of these rules. Their support is indispensable to implement
these rules.
 MR.SHASHIKANT
Asst.Professor
GNIOT

According to Kurt Lewin, environment is of three types which influence the personality of an
individual as under:
(a) Physical Environment,

(b) Social and Cultural Environment, and

(c) Psychological Environment.

These may be explained as under:

1. Physical Environment

Physical environment, refers to geographical climate and weather or physical conditions wherein
and individual lives. The human races are greatly influenced by the climate. Some examples are as
under:

(a) In the cold countries i.e. European countries the people are of white colour. Likewise, in Asian
and African countries, that is, in hot countries people are of dark complexion.
(b) The physique of an individual depends on climate conditions as the individual tries to adjust in
his physical environment.

(d) The human working efficiency also depends on the climatic conditions.

2. Social Environment
Social Environment includes an individual’s social, economic and political condition wherein he
lives. The moral, cultural and emotional forces influence the life and nature of individual behaviour.
Society may be classified into two categories as under:

(i) An open society is very conductive for the individual developement.

(ii) A closed society is not very conductive for the developenment.

3. Psychological Environment

Although physical and social environment are common to the individual in a specific situation. Yet
every individual has his own psychological environment, in which he lives.

Kurt Lewin has used the term ‘life space’ for explaining psychological environment. The
Psychological environment enables us to understand the personality of an individual. Boththe
person and his goal form psychological environment.
 MR.SHASHIKANT
Asst.Professor
GNIOT

If a person is unable to overcome the barriers, he can either get frustrated or completed to change
his goal for a new psychological environment. But adopting this mechanism, the individual is helped
in his adjustment to the environment.

(b) Forming social organisations,

(c) Formulating laws, principles and policies,

(d) Taking steps to safeguard his existence, interest and social welfare.

(iii) The Economic Man

The economic man derives and utilises resources from the physical and biotic environment with his
skills and technologies. The economic function makes the man an environment/ geomorphic
process as he transports matter and energy from one component of the ecosystem to the other.
There may be any following two situations:
(a) His exploitative functions may be in harmony with the natural environment. Such, functions do
not necessarily involve change in the working of the ecosystem.

(b) These functions may exceed the critical limit. Consequently, the equilibrium of the
nvironment/ecosystem is disturbed and a great number of environment and ecological problems
crop up. These are determental to man him besides to whole population of human species in a
given ecosystem.
 MR.SHASHIKANT
Asst.Professor
GNIOT

Important QUESTIONS

1. What is Environment? Discuss the scope of Environment.

2. Describe the importance of environment studies.

3. “The need for public awareness about environment is of vital importance.” Discuss.

4. Discuss the various types of environment.

Short Answer Type Questions

1. Define environments.

2. Discuss the scope of environment.

3. Write a note on the importance of environment studies.

4. Write a note on the need of public awareness about environment.

5. Write a note on physical environment.

6. Write a note on biological environment.