VAC-EVS-I-01 E-Text

GOVT.
HRANGBANA COLLEGE
VALUE ADDED COURSE
Lesson Plan
Subject Value Added Course - 103

Name of the Subject Environmental Science
Module Environmental Studies
Module ID VAC-VAC-I-01
Learning Objectives After studying this module students will:
❖ know the term environment and its components
❖ understand the multidisciplinary nature of
environmental studies
❖ comprehend the scope and importance of
Learning Outcomes After studying this module students should be able to:
❖ describe the term environment and its segments
❖ explain the multidisciplinary nature of
❖ discuss the scope and importance of
❖ explain the need of public awareness for the
protection of environment
Course Coordinator B. Lalrawngbawla

Content Writer B. Lalrawngbawla
Content Reviewer Dr. Lalmalsawma Ralte
Keywords: environment, abiotic, biotic, biosphere, ecology, multidiscipline,

sustainable development, environmental awareness.
Module: Meaning and Components of Environment; Meaning, Scope, Importance of

Environmental Studies
The term ‘environment’ originated from the French word environ meaning ‘to surround’.
From this etymology, environment means the things or events that surround something
else. In other words, environment means the area in which something exists or lives.
Environment is defined as the social, cultural and physical conditions that surround,
affect and influence the survival, growth and development of people, animals or plants.
The environment includes everything around us. It encompasses both the living (biotic)
and nonliving (abiotic) components of the earth.
The environment consists of four segments. These are briefly discussed below:
Atmosphere: It is the blanket of gases surrounding the earth. The atmosphere forms a
protective shell over the earth. The troposphere is the lowest layer and is only about 12
km thick. It is the only part warm enough for us to survive in.
The stratosphere is 50 km thick and contains a layer of sulphates which is important for
the formation of rain. It also contains a layer of ozone, which absorbs ultraviolet light
known to cause cancer
Hydrosphere: It is composed of various water bodies on the earth. It includes the

oceans, lakes, rivers, etc. Water is also stored in the atmosphere as water vapour which
drives the earth’s climate.
Lithosphere: It contains various types of soils and rocks on earth. The lithosphere is the
rigid outermost shell of a rocky planet. The lithosphere includes the crust and the
uppermost mantle, which constitute the hard and rigid outer layer of the earth.
Biosphere: It is composed of all living organisms and their interactions with the
environment, viz. atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere. The biosphere is the
earth’s zone of air, soil, and water that is capable of supporting life.
The biosphere is the earth’s zone of air, soil, and water that is capable of supporting life.
It is a zone which reaches about 10 km into the atmosphere and down to the deepest
ocean floor. Processes in the biosphere include life and death, and evolution and
extinction. Within the biosphere, the basic unit of analysis or study is the ecosystem.
Thus, the biosphere is the global sum of all ecosystems.
Components of the Environment
Physical, biological and cultural environments are the three distinct dimensions of the
environment. The study of cultural environment (i.e. social environment, economic
environment and political environment) has been allocated to sociologists, economists
and managers. Biologists are in charge of studying our biological environment [which
comprises plants (flora), animals (fauna) and microorganisms]. Environmentalists take
care of the physical environment (lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere).
The components of the environment are classified in terms of biotic and abiotic
components based upon living components and nonliving components respectively. It
is from this component system that the study of the structure of ecosystems has
evolved.
Meaning of Environmental Science
Environmental studies, also known as environmental science, is a multidisciplinary

field of study that explores the interactions between the physical, chemical, and
biological components of the environment, as well as the social and economic factors
that affect them. The ultimate goal of environmental studies is to promote sustainable
development and improve the quality of life for humans and other living beings.
Environmental studies encompasses a wide range of topics, including ecology,

conservation biology, environmental chemistry, geology, geography, atmospheric
science, hydrology, environmental policy, environmental economics, and
environmental sociology. These disciplines are integrated to study the complex
relationships between humans and the natural world, and to develop strategies for
managing and protecting natural resources.
One of the key themes in environmental studies is sustainability. Sustainability refers to

the ability of a system or process to continue functioning over the long term without
depleting natural resources or causing harm to the environment. In order to achieve
sustainability, environmental studies emphasizes the need for responsible use and
management of resources, such as water, land, and energy. This includes reducing
waste and pollution, conserving biodiversity, and developing technologies that promote
sustainability.
Environmental studies also examines the impacts of human activities on the

environment. This includes the effects of pollution, deforestation, climate change, and
other forms of environmental degradation. Environmental studies seeks to understand
these impacts and develop strategies to mitigate or prevent them. For example,
environmental studies may explore the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar
or wind power, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
In addition to exploring environmental issues, environmental studies also look at the

ways in which humans interact with the environment. This includes studying human
behavior, values, and attitudes towards the environment, as well as the cultural and
historical factors that shape these perspectives. By understanding these factors,
environmental studies seeks to develop strategies for promoting environmental
awareness and behavior change.
Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies
Environmental studies is an interdisciplinary field that draws on a wide range of

methodologies and approaches. This includes quantitative methods, such as statistical
analysis and modeling, as well as qualitative methods, such as ethnography and
discourse analysis. Environmental studies also incorporates field work and laboratory
experiments, as well as policy analysis and advocacy.
The environment is everybody’s concern as we all live on the same planet. An

understanding of the working of the environment requires the knowledge of various
fields.
To sum up, environmental science incorporates the principles of pure sciences (like
physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, agriculture, engineering, computer science,
etc.) with input from the social sciences (such as political science, law, philosophy,
sociology and economics), thus creating a new interdisciplinary field.
It is essentially a multidisciplinary approach that brings about an appreciation of our

natural world and human impacts on its integrity.
Scope of Environmental Studies:
Environmental studies is a field of study that examines the relationship between human
societies and the natural environment. It is a multidisciplinary field that draws on
knowledge from various academic disciplines, such as biology, ecology, geology,
geography, economics, political science, sociology, anthropology, and philosophy.
Environmental studies seeks to understand the complex interactions between humans
and their environment and to promote sustainable development that meets the needs
of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.
The nature of environmental studies is characterized by its interdisciplinary and holistic

approach. Environmental problems are complex and require a multidisciplinary
approach to understanding and solving them. Environmental studies brings together
various academic disciplines to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex
interactions between human societies and the natural environment. The
interdisciplinary approach is essential because environmental problems are often
interrelated, and their solutions require an understanding of the interconnections
between different systems.
The scope of environmental studies is broad and covers a wide range of topics,
including the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Environmental studies
seeks to understand the physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur in the
environment, as well as the social, economic, and political factors that affect them.
Some of the main areas of focus within environmental studies include ecology,
conservation biology, environmental chemistry, geomorphology, climate science,
environmental economics, etc.
Importance of Environmental Studies:
• Understanding Environmental Problems: Environmental studies provides a

comprehensive understanding of the complex environmental problems facing the world
today, such as climate change, air pollution, water pollution, deforestation, and
biodiversity loss. By understanding the causes and effects of these problems, we can
develop effective strategies to address them.
• Promoting Sustainable Development: Environmental studies promotes

sustainable development that meets the needs of the present generation without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It examines the
economic, social, and environmental factors that affect sustainability and develops
strategies to promote sustainable development.
• Developing Environmental Policies and Regulations: Environmental studies

provides the knowledge and expertise needed to develop effective environmental
policies and regulations. It examines the political and economic factors that shape
environmental policy and evaluates the effectiveness of different policy approaches.
• Encouraging Environmental Awareness and Education: Environmental studies

promotes environmental awareness and education by raising public awareness of
environmental problems and their solutions. It encourages individuals to take action to
reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable living practices.
Probable Questions
Descriptive
(5 Marks each)
1. Define environment.
2. What are the components of environments?
3. What are the importance of environmental studies?
4. Describe the multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies.
5. What do you understand by biosphere?
6. Discuss the physical components of the environment.
8. Differentiate between abiotic and biotic components.
9. What is sustainability?
10. What are the four segments of environment?

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GOVT.

Subject Value Added Course - 103

Course Coordinator B. Lalrawngbawla

Keywords: environment, abiotic, biotic, biosphere, ecology, multidiscipline,

Module: Meaning and Components of Environment; Meaning, Scope, Importance of

Hydrosphere: It is composed of various water bodies on the earth. It includes the

Meaning of Environmental Science

Environmental studies, also known as environmental science, is a multidisciplinary

Environmental studies encompasses a wide range of topics, including ecology,

One of the key themes in environmental studies is sustainability. Sustainability refers to

Environmental studies also examines the impacts of human activities on the

In addition to exploring environmental issues, environmental studies also look at the

Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies

Environmental studies is an interdisciplinary field that draws on a wide range of

The environment is everybody’s concern as we all live on the same planet. An

It is essentially a multidisciplinary approach that brings about an appreciation of our

Scope of Environmental Studies:

The nature of environmental studies is characterized by its interdisciplinary and holistic

Importance of Environmental Studies:

• Understanding Environmental Problems: Environmental studies provides a

• Promoting Sustainable Development: Environmental studies promotes

• Developing Environmental Policies and Regulations: Environmental studies

• Encouraging Environmental Awareness and Education: Environmental studies

2. What are the components of environments?

3. What are the importance of environmental studies?

4. Describe the multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies.

5. What do you understand by biosphere?

6. Discuss the physical components of the environment.

8. Differentiate between abiotic and biotic components.

10. What are the four segments of environment?

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