THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY NATURE OF

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Definition, scope and importance,
Need for public awareness.
 Definition of Environment
Environment -French word - 'environ meaning surroundings.
Hence, everything surrounding us -"ENVIRONMENT".
Environmental Protection Act (1986) defined Environment as the sum total of
air, water and land, their interrelationship among themselves and with the
human beings, other living beings and property.
It can also be defined as external surroundings and conditions which directly
or indirectly affects the living organisms.
Environmental science is a systemic study of our environment and our place in
it - mainly the abiotic and biotic components.
It is a comprehensive sum of all living and non living things and their
interactions.
It is an applied science as its seeks practical answers to making human
civilization sustainable on the earths finite resources.
Its components include biology, geology, chemistry, physics, engineering,
sociology, health, anthropology, economics, statistics, computers and
philosophy.
 Definitions:-
Environment is defined as The Complex of Physical, Chemical & Biotic factors
affecting an organism and ultimately determining its form and survival.
All the living and non living factors affecting an organism and ultimately
determining its form and survival is known as Environment.
Some other Definitions of Environment:-
All the external factors influencing the life and activity of people, plant and
animals.
All the things (i.e. Object & Circumstances) surrounding us is known as
Environment.
Environmental Science: Environmental Studies:

The systematic & scientific study of
our environment and our role in it.
This branch include the knowledge
of Pure science & to some extent
Social Sciences.
The branch of Study concerned with
environmental issues. It has a
broader coverage than environment
science and includes the social
aspects of the environment.
EVS is an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary
field, drawing on many diverse disciplines.
 Scope of Environmental Studies
Natural resources- their conservation and
management
Ecology and biodiversity
Environmental pollution and control
Social issues in relation to development and
environment
Human population and environment
 Objectives of Environmental Education

An AWARENESS of the environment and its problems.

Basic KNOWLEDGE and understanding of the environment
and its inter-relationship with man.
Social VALUES and ATTITUDES which are in harmony with
environmental quality.
SKILLS to solve environmental problems.
Sense of responsibility and urgency towards environment
so as to ensure appropriate ACTIONS to solve
environmental problems.
Consider environment in its totality.
 Components of Environment
Environment can be divided into following
Components
Biotic components: It Includes all the living
organisms.
e.g. plants, animals, etc.
Abiotic components: All the non living things
are included in this category.
e.g. Climatic conditions, soil, minerals etc.
 Physical components of environment
Atmosphere - The atmosphere implies the protective blanket of
gases, surrounding the earth.

Hydrosphere The Hydrosphere comprises all types of water

resources oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, streams, reservoirs, polar
icecaps, glaciers, and ground water.

Lithosphere - Lithosphere is the outer mantle of the solid earth.

Biosphere Biosphere indicates the realm of living organisms

and their interactions with environment, viz. atmosphere,
hydrosphere and lithosphere
 Elements of Environment
Physical elements - space, landforms, water bodies,
soils, rocks and minerals.
Biological elements - plants, animals and
microorganisms.
Cultural elements - economic, social and political
elements are essentially manmade features.
 The importance of Environmental studies
To clarify modern environmental concept like how to
conserve biodiversity.
To know the more sustainable way of living.
To use natural resources more efficiently.
To know the behavior of organism under natural
conditions.
To know the interrelationship between organisms in
populations and communities.
To aware and educate people regarding environmental
issues and problems at local, national and international
levels.
THANK YOU