Environmental Studies - EVS Notes

Chapter 

• 1. The Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies
• 2. Natural Resources
• 3. Ecosystems
• 4. Biodiversity and Its Conservation
• 5. Environmental Pollution
• 6. Social Issues and the Environment
• 7. Human Population and the Environment

1. The Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies

• Definition:
• Interdisciplinary study of human-environment relationships   
• Multidisciplinary Nature:
• Integrates natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities    
• Key Disciplines:
• Natural Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics    
• Social Sciences: Sociology, Economics, Political Science   
• Humanities: Philosophy, History    
• Scope:
• Conservation of Natural Resources    
• Environmental Pollution    
• Biodiversity    

2. Natural Resources

• Types:
• Renewable Resources (e.g., solar, wind, biomass)  
• Non-Renewable Resources (e.g., fossil fuels, minerals)    
• Associated Problems:
• Habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, pollution  
• Forest Resources:
• Deforestation, timber extraction, mining, dams  
• Water Resources:
• Floods, droughts, water conflicts, dams   

 

3. Ecosystems

• Concept:
• Interactions between living organisms and their physical environment    
• Structure and Function:
• Components: Biotic (producers, consumers, decomposers), Abiotic (sunlight, water, soil) 
• Functions: Energy flow, nutrient cycling, habitat provision   
• Energy Flow:
• Producers, consumers (primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary), decomposers    

4. Biodiversity and Its Conservation

• Types of Biodiversity:
• Genetic diversity    
• Species diversity    
• Ecosystem diversity    
• Biogeographical Classification of India:
• Himalayas, Western Ghats, Deccan Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Regions, Gangetic Plain  
• Value of Biodiversity:
• Consumptive use, productive use, social value, ethical value, aesthetic value, option value    

5. Environmental Pollution

• Definition:
• Contamination of the natural environment by harmful substances 
• Types of Pollution:
• Air Pollution (causes, effects, control measures)    
• Water Pollution (causes, effects, control measures)    
• Soil Pollution (causes, effects, control measures)    
• Marine Pollution (causes, effects, control measures)    
• Noise Pollution (causes, effects, control measures)  

  

6. Social Issues and the Environment

• Key Issues:
• Unsustainable vs. Sustainable Development  
• Urban Problems Related to Energy (shortages, pollution, congestion)    
• Water Conservation, Rainwater Harvesting, Watershed Management    
• Resettlement and Rehabilitation of People (problems and concerns)    
• Environmental Ethics (issues and solutions)    

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7. Human Population and the Environment

• Key Aspects:
• Population Growth and Variation Among Nations    
• Population Explosion and Family Welfare Programs    
• Environment and Human Health    
• Human Rights

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