014: Introduction to Environmental Studies: Multidisciplinary Nature. #EnvironmentalStudies

Summary

This presentation introduces environmental studies, covering the definition of environment, its types (natural and man-made), and the scope of the study. It emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies, highlighting contributions from various fields like economics, sociology, life sciences, and engineering. The importance of environmental studies is also discussed, focusing on the productive, aesthetic, and option values derived from nature. The presentation encourages awareness and better management of environmental challenges such as pollution and resource depletion.

Takeaways

• 😀 The term 'environment' is derived from the French word 'enderon', meaning surroundings or external conditions affecting our lives and growth.
• 😀 Environment consists of both physical and biological, social, cultural, geographical, and political factors that influence living organisms.
• 😀 The environment is categorized into two types: the natural environment (e.g., forests, rivers) and the artificial environment (e.g., gardens, farmlands).
• 😀 Both natural and artificial environments play crucial roles in shaping our daily lives.
• 😀 The study of environmental studies helps us understand critical problems like pollution, natural resource depletion, and population explosion.
• 😀 Environmental studies aim to find solutions to environmental problems and encourage people’s participation for better management.
• 😀 Environmental studies are multidisciplinary, involving fields such as economics, political science, sociology, and life sciences to raise awareness and create solutions.
• 😀 Mathematics and computer science help in creating models for managing environmental issues like earthquake or cyclone prediction.
• 😀 Life sciences such as botany, zoology, and microbiology are essential to understanding the interaction between organisms and their environment.
• 😀 Physical sciences like physics, chemistry, and geology contribute to the study of environmental systems and systems management.
• 😀 Engineering and technology, including pollution control devices, play an essential role in reducing environmental problems and protecting biodiversity.

Q & A

What is the definition of environment?

The environment refers to the surrounding conditions that influence the lives of living organisms, including physical, biological, social, cultural, geographical, and political factors.

What are the two basic types of environment?

The two basic types of environment are the natural environment, which includes elements like forests and rivers, and the artificial or man-made environment, such as gardens, aquariums, and farmlands.

How does the environment affect living organisms?

The environment affects living organisms by influencing their behavior, growth patterns, development, and overall survival. This includes both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) factors.

Why is the study of environmental studies important?

Environmental studies are crucial as they help in understanding environmental problems like pollution, natural resource depletion, and population explosion, while also offering solutions and protection measures.

What is the scope of environmental studies?

The scope of environmental studies includes understanding various environmental issues, finding solutions, managing resources, and creating awareness through participation.

What does 'multidisciplinary nature' of environmental studies mean?

The 'multidisciplinary nature' of environmental studies refers to the involvement of various fields like economics, sociology, political science, life sciences, and physical sciences in understanding and solving environmental problems.

How do life sciences contribute to environmental studies?

Life sciences like botany, zoology, biochemistry, and microbiology help in understanding organisms and their interactions with the non-living world, which is crucial in studying ecosystems and biodiversity.

What role do physical sciences play in environmental studies?

Physical sciences such as physics, chemistry, geology, and oceanology help in studying various environmental systems, enabling better management of natural phenomena and environmental changes.

How do technological advancements help in environmental studies?

Technological advancements, such as engineering and algorithm development, help in designing solutions like pollution control devices and prediction models for natural disasters like earthquakes and cyclones.

What are some examples of the productive value of the environment?

The productive value of the environment includes natural products like food, timber, clothing, and wood used for furniture, all derived from nature and essential for human livelihood.