Environmental Science Reviewer:, Study notes of Environmental Sociology

Download Environmental Science Reviewer: and more Study notes Environmental Sociology in PDF only on Docsity! Environmental Science Reviewer The science of Environment studies is a multi-disciplinary science because it comprises various branches of studies like chemistry, physics, medical science, life science, agriculture, public health, sanitary engineering etc. Definition of Environment: ‘A person’s environment consists of the sum total of the stimulation which he receives from his conception until his death.’- Boring ‘‘The term environment is used to describe, in the aggregate, all the external forces, influences and conditions, which affect the life, nature, behavior and the growth, development and maturity of living organisms.’ - Douglas and Holland SEGMENTS OF ENVIRONMENT Atmosphere The atmosphere implies the protective blanket of gases, surrounding the earth. Atmosphere is composed of 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, and 1% other gases. Hydrosphere The hydrosphere comprises of all types of water resources: oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, stream, reservoir, polar icecaps, glaciers, and ground water. Earth’s water supply 97% - is in the ocean 2% - is locked in the polar icecaps and glaciers 1% - is available as fresh surface water Lithosphere Lithosphere is the outer mantle of the solid earth. It consists of minerals occurring in the earth's crusts and the soil e.g., mineral, and organic matter. Biosphere Biosphere indicates the realm of living organisms and their interactions with environment, viz atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere. ELEMENTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT 1. Physical elements - are as space, landforms, water bodies, climate soils, rocks and minerals. 2. Biological elements - such as plants, animals, microorganisms and men constitute the biosphere. 3. Cultural elements - such as economic, social and political elements are essentially man-made features. MODULE 1- Humans and Sustainability. Environmental Problems Pollution: is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. These harmful materials are called pollutants. Pollutants damage the quality of air, water, and land. Global Warming: The emission of greenhouse gases due to human activity causes global warming, which in turn causes an increase in temperature that then leads to rising sea levels, melting of polar ice caps, flash floods and desertification. Growing Population: It puts considerable pressure on its natural resources and reduces the gains of development. The greatest challenge before us is to limit the population growth. Waste Disposal: An excessive amount of waste is produced and dumped in the rivers, oceans and lands. Ocean Acidification: The increase in the production of carbon dioxide by humans causes the oceans’ acidity to rise, which has a negative impact on marine life. Loss of Biodiversity: Species and habitats are becoming extinct due to human activity. This causes an imbalance in natural processes like pollination and poses a threat to ecosystems – coral reef destruction is particularly affected. Deforestation: Deforestation refers to the decrease in forest areas across the world that are lost for other uses such as agricultural croplands, urbanization, or mining activities. Loss of trees in order to make space for residential, industrial or commercial projects means that less oxygen is produced, and temperature and rainfall are affected. Ozone Layer Depletion: Pollution caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the air creates a hole in the ozone layer, which protects the earth from harmful UV radiation. Acid rain: Pollutants in the atmosphere such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides cause acid rain, which has negative consequences for humans, wildlife and aquatic species. Public Health issues: Lack of clean water is one of the leading environmental problems currently. Pollutants in the air also cause issues such as respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease. THE PILLAR OF SUSTAINABE DEVELOPMENT AND THEIR COMMON ZONES. PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY Conservation of Ecosystem: The ultimate aim of sustainable development is to conserve the earth. Preservation of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem is necessary for the purpose. Development of Sustainable Society: Sustainability of society depends on the availability of healthy residence, balanced diet, adequate health service, employment and quality education. The society is driven towards conserving the environment. Conservation of biodiversity: necessary to conserve all the living beings in the world. People should learn to conserve the natural resources in order to protect the living beings. Control of Population growth: People maintain their life by utilizing the limited means and resources found on the earth. Due to population growth, human needs like food, clothing, housing etc. increases, the means and resources available in the world cannot be increased to meet the requirements. Development of Human resources: People can play the vital role in the utilization and conservation of the environment. The knowledge and skill on caring of the earth should be developed. Promotion of Public Participation: In order to translate the concept of sustainable development into action, public participation should be increased. Positive attitudes of public should be developed in every program of sustainable development. (17 SDGs- Sustainable Development Goals) Conservation of Cultural heritage: Conservation of social traditions, customs, religious place and cultural aspects of the people. Its conservation supports sustainable development. Included within the carrying capacity of Earth: Development work must be within the carrying capacity of the Earth. Over-exploitation of the resources has negative effects on the environment. Ecological Footprint: measures an individual or a population’s demand for plant-based food and fiber products, livestock and fish products, timber and other forest products, space for urban infrastructure, and forest to absorb its carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels. MODULE 2- Ecology and Sustainability. No life exists in a vacuum. Materials and forces which constitutes its environment and from which it must derive its needs surround every living organism. For various basic requirement, each living organism has to depend and also to interact with different nonliving or abiotic and living or biotic components or the environment. Abiotic In ecology and biology, abiotic components are non- living chemical and physical factors in the environment which affects ecosystems. Affect the ability of organisms to survive, reproduce; help determine types and numbers of organisms able to exist in environment; limiting factors restrict growth. In a terrestrial ecosystem, examples might include temperature, light, and water. In a marine ecosystem, abiotic factors would include salinity and ocean currents.