Unit 1 Scope and Importance Of Environmental Science

Summary

The lecture introduces the concept of the environment, derived from the French word 'environner,' meaning surroundings. Environmental science is the study of the interrelationships between living and non-living components, emphasizing the importance of air, water, and soil. The discussion covers environmental issues like global warming, climate change, and biodiversity loss, explaining the need for environmental studies. The course also highlights the multidisciplinary nature of environmental science, the significance of public awareness, and careers in this field, such as environmental scientists, engineers, and conservationists.

Takeaways

• 😀 Environmental science is the study of the interrelationship between living organisms, their surroundings, and their environment.
• 😀 The word 'environment' is derived from the French word 'enviriner,' meaning 'to surround.' It refers to everything that affects living organisms.
• 😀 Environmental science includes the study of water, air, land, and their interrelationships with humans and other organisms.
• 😀 There are three main environmental factors: atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (water), and lithosphere (soil), which together form the biosphere.
• 😀 The importance of environmental studies lies in addressing global issues such as global warming, climate change, ozone depletion, and loss of biodiversity.
• 😀 Environmental problems often arise from urbanization, industrialization, transportation, and intensive agricultural practices.
• 😀 Population growth is a major factor in increased dependence on natural resources, leading to depletion and scarcity of resources.
• 😀 Environmental science is multidisciplinary, drawing from fields such as ecology, biology, chemistry, geology, sociology, and political science.
• 😀 Public awareness can be raised through various means such as forming action groups, NGOs, media campaigns, and local environmental movements.
• 😀 There are numerous career opportunities in environmental science, including roles as environmental scientists, engineers, zoologists, and environmental consultants.

Q & A

What is the meaning of the term 'environment'?

The term 'environment' is derived from the French word 'enviriner,' meaning surroundings. It refers to everything that surrounds and affects living organisms.

What is environmental science?

Environmental science is the study of the total sum of water, air, and land, and their interrelationship with living organisms, humans, and material components of the environment.

What are the three main components that make up the environment?

The three main components of the environment are the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. These components together form the biosphere, which is the zone where all living organisms exist.

Why is the study of environmental science important?

Studying environmental science is crucial due to global environmental issues such as global warming, climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. These issues have significant impacts on the planet's health and human well-being.

What are the major environmental issues discussed in the lecture?

The lecture discussed several major environmental issues, including pollution, global warming, overpopulation, natural resource depletion, waste disposal, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity.

What is the concept of sustainable development in the context of environmental science?

Sustainable development refers to the idea of meeting current economic development needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It emphasizes the need for long-term solutions that are resource-efficient and environmentally friendly.

What are some ways to create public awareness about environmental issues?

Public awareness can be raised through organizing debates, using social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, forming action groups or NGOs, and promoting the three Rs principle: reduce, reuse, and recycle.

What is the three Rs principle?

The three Rs principle stands for Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. It is a fundamental approach to managing waste and conserving resources.

What are the career opportunities in the field of environmental science?

Career opportunities in environmental science include roles such as environmental scientists, environmental engineers, forest officers, ecologists, environmental consultants, zoologists, and environmental lawyers, among others.

What is the significance of biodiversity and its conservation?

Biodiversity is crucial for the balance and health of ecosystems. Its conservation ensures the survival of various species and the maintenance of ecosystem services. The lecture discussed threats to biodiversity and the importance of preserving it through various conservation methods.