Unit I Fundamental of Environment and sustainability
a) Definition and Scope of Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the interaction
between humans and the natural environment, including physical, biological, and
social components.
Scope:
Study of natural resources (air, water, land, energy)
Ecology and ecosystems
Biodiversity conservation
Environmental pollution and control
Climate change and global environmental issues
Environmental laws, ethics, and sustainability
Role of humans in environmental degradation and protection
b) Components of Environment
1. Atmosphere
The gaseous layer surrounding the Earth
Major gases: Nitrogen (78%), Oxygen (21%), Carbon dioxide, Argon
Protects life by regulating temperature and blocking harmful UV radiation
Plays a vital role in weather and climate
2. Hydrosphere
Includes all water bodies: oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater, glaciers
Covers about 71% of Earth’s surface
Essential for life, climate regulation, and water cycle
3. Lithosphere
The solid outer layer of Earth (crust and upper mantle)
Source of minerals, soil, fossil fuels
Supports terrestrial life and human activities
4. Biosphere
, The zone of life on Earth
Includes plants, animals, and microorganisms
Interacts with atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere
c) Ecosystems: Structure, Function, and Energy Flow
Structure of Ecosystem:
Biotic components: Producers, consumers, decomposers
Abiotic components: Air, water, soil, sunlight, nutrients
Functions:
Productivity (primary and secondary)
Nutrient cycling (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus cycles)
Decomposition of organic matter
Energy transfer
Energy Flow:
Energy enters as sunlight
Flows unidirectionally: Sun → Producers → Consumers → Decomposers
Follows the 10% law (only ~10% energy transfers to the next trophic level)
d) Sustainable Development: Goals and Indicators
Sustainable Development means meeting present needs without compromising
future generations’ ability to meet their needs.
Goals:
Environmental protection
Economic development
Social equity
Resource conservation
Climate action
Indicators:
Energy efficiency
Use of renewable resources
Pollution levels
a) Definition and Scope of Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the interaction
between humans and the natural environment, including physical, biological, and
social components.
Scope:
Study of natural resources (air, water, land, energy)
Ecology and ecosystems
Biodiversity conservation
Environmental pollution and control
Climate change and global environmental issues
Environmental laws, ethics, and sustainability
Role of humans in environmental degradation and protection
b) Components of Environment
1. Atmosphere
The gaseous layer surrounding the Earth
Major gases: Nitrogen (78%), Oxygen (21%), Carbon dioxide, Argon
Protects life by regulating temperature and blocking harmful UV radiation
Plays a vital role in weather and climate
2. Hydrosphere
Includes all water bodies: oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater, glaciers
Covers about 71% of Earth’s surface
Essential for life, climate regulation, and water cycle
3. Lithosphere
The solid outer layer of Earth (crust and upper mantle)
Source of minerals, soil, fossil fuels
Supports terrestrial life and human activities
4. Biosphere
, The zone of life on Earth
Includes plants, animals, and microorganisms
Interacts with atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere
c) Ecosystems: Structure, Function, and Energy Flow
Structure of Ecosystem:
Biotic components: Producers, consumers, decomposers
Abiotic components: Air, water, soil, sunlight, nutrients
Functions:
Productivity (primary and secondary)
Nutrient cycling (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus cycles)
Decomposition of organic matter
Energy transfer
Energy Flow:
Energy enters as sunlight
Flows unidirectionally: Sun → Producers → Consumers → Decomposers
Follows the 10% law (only ~10% energy transfers to the next trophic level)
d) Sustainable Development: Goals and Indicators
Sustainable Development means meeting present needs without compromising
future generations’ ability to meet their needs.
Goals:
Environmental protection
Economic development
Social equity
Resource conservation
Climate action
Indicators:
Energy efficiency
Use of renewable resources
Pollution levels
