Module 1 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Introduction of environment:​
Environment means different things to different people. To some it means home: to
others it may refer to a village, a city a country or the whole world. It is formed by
combining two words, viz., ‘environ’ and ‘ment’ meaning ‘encircle’ or ‘all
round’.​
Definitions of Environment​
Environment is defined as, “the sum of total of all the living and non –non living
things around us influencing one another”.​
TYPES ENVIRONMENT​
Environment can be divided into two categories​
1. Natural environment​
2. Man – environment​
1. Natural environment​
Natural environment is characterized by natural components. All biotic (living)
and abiotic components (non-living) are created through a natural process.
Creation of these biotic and abiotic components do not require any human support.​
Example: soil, water, air, tree, radiations, noise, etc

2 Man – environment​
Man is the most powerful environmental agent. He modifies the environment using
modern technologies, according to his needs to a​
great extent. Thus the man-made environment is created by man.​
Example: House, road, schools, railway lines, parks, etc.,​
SCOPE AND IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENT​
Environmental studies discipline has multiple and multilevel scopes.​
This study is important and necessary not only for children but also for ​
everyone: literate or illiterate: employee or non – employee etc., the scopes are
summarized as follows:​
1. To get an awareness and sensitivity to the total environment and its related
problems​
2. To motivate the active participation in environmental protection and
improvement.​
3. To develop skills for identifying and solving environmental problems​
4. To know the necessity of conservation of natural resources​
5. To evaluate environmental programmers in terms of social, economic,​
ecological, and aesthetic factors​
IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY​
Environmental study is based upon a comprehensive view of various​
environmental systems. It aims to make the citizens competent to do​
scientific work to find out practical solutions to current environmental​
problems.

1.​ World population is increasing at an alarming rate especially in developing

countries
2.​ The natural resources endowment in the earth are limited.
3.​ The methods and techniques of exploiting natural resources area advanced
4.​ The resources are over-exploited and there is no foresight of leaving the
resources to the future generations.​

5.​ The unplanned exploitation of natural resources lead to pollution of all​

types and at all levels​

6.​ The pollution and degraded environment seriously affect the health of all living
things on earth, including man​

7.​ . Education and training are needed to save the biodiversity and species
extinction​

8.​ . The urban areas, coupled with industries, are the major sources of pollution.

PUBLIC AWARENESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES/STUDIES​

Need For Public Awareness:​
The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held at Reo de
Janeiro in 1992 (popularly known as “Earth Summit”) and world summit on
sustainable development at Johannesburg in 2002, have highlighted the key issues
of global environmental concern. They have attracted the attention of people. Any
government at its own cannot achieve the goals of clear environment until the
public participate in action. Public participation is possible only when the public is
aware about the ecological and environmental issues. Eg. Ban- the littering of
polythene.​
​
Methods to propagate environmental Awareness:​
1. Among students through education introducing environmental studies in​
the curriculum.​
2. Among public through mass media- environmental programmmes through​
TV, radio etc.​
3. Among decision makers, planners, leaders etc.​
Role of NGOs​
1. Advise the government in interacting with ground level people​
2. Organize public meetings to create environmental awareness​
Eg. Recent report of “centre for science and environment” on permissible​
limits of pesticides in cola drinks.​
Public awareness is needed in the area​
1. Study of natural resources-conservation and management​
2. Ecology and biodiversity conservation​
3. Environmental Pollution and prevention​
4. Social issues related to development and environment​
5. Human population and environment

Burning Environmental Issues in India

India’s rapid economic growth might have impressed many experts but it does
come at a cost which more often than not is being burnt by the environment. In the
wake of limited natural resources, negative externalities like environmental
degradation, climate change and carbon emissions have largely been put on the
back burner.

Here’s a list of some of the most serious environmental issues in India:

1.​ Air pollution: Air pollution levels in the country have been rising to scary
levels for the past few decades. As per a World Health Organisation survey
released in June 2018, New Delhi and Kolkata are two of the most polluted
cities in the country.
2.​ Water Pollution: As per the statistics released by Central Pollution Control
Board (CPCB), the number of polluted rivers in the country has risen from 121
 to 275 in the last five years, with Maharashtra faring the worst among states in
keeping its rivers clean.
3.​ Noise Pollution: Sound pollution has been consistently rising in Indian cities.
Currently, Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow and Delhi are the noisiest cities
because of reasons like population growth, overcrowding and traffic.
4.​ Soil Pollution: One of the kinds of pollution the country is reeling under soil
pollution, thanks to reasons like careless disposal of chemical and menstrual
waste and excessive use of pesticides.
5.​ Land Denudation: The rapid deforestation is leading to soil erosion and land
being denuded when floods ravage areas located near rivers.
6.​ Plastic use: Despite the country’s commitment to do away with single-use
plastic this year, India needs to go miles ahead to curb usage of other forms of
plastic like microplastic.
7.​ Coastal zone management: Rapid economic development in areas nears
coastlines have not only led to loss of habitat for marine life but also loss of
livelihood for locals who are involved in fishing.
8.​ Environmental governance: The Centre needs to revamp its environmental
governance tactics which are lying in limbo due to slow pace of infrastructure
development and fragmented policies.
9.​ Climate Change: The country is vulnerable to climate change due to
combination of factors like high dependence of exhaustible energy resources,
high population and rampant poverty.
10.​Smog: Months after Delhi was covered by an unprecedented cover of smog, the
Union government is yet to crack down on burning of crop residue by farmers.
11.​Man-animal conflicts: Conflicts between predators like tigers, leopards and
lions with locals living nearby have been rising over the last few years, often
leading to man-animal conflicts.
12.​Dams: Research shows that dams have disrupted the connectivity of rivers
blocked sediment deposition and impeded breeding of fishes and other aquatic
animals.
13.​Encroachment in coastal areas: Tribal groups whose primary occupation is
fishing are fast losing their livelihoods due to commercial activities in coastal
areas. The influx of commercial fishing and fish trawlers for export has led to a
rapid rise in conflicts involving strikes and violent clashes.
14.​Uncontrolled mining: Government-backed support and easy policies led to a
rapid rise in mining activities in post-Independence era in the country.
Consequently, regions rich in minerals have witnessed environmental
degradation and deforestation.
15.​Ecological restoration: Over the years, the efforts on the part of the
government to undo the damage done to the environment have been slow and
 tepid. On the other hand, voluntary organizations, on many occasions with the
local populace, have organized drives for ecological restoration.
16.​Population: With India’s population inching closer to world’s most populous
nation, China, the country also needs to think about accommodating its citizens,
both at present and in future. As a result, rapid urbanization has led to various
environmental problems like deforestation and loss of habitat of animals.
17.​Hazards of chemical abuse: Once used to increase yield of crops, the excessive
use of pesticides has over the years caused substantial damage to the
environment by hampering soil quality. Research suggests that over the last
three decades, the average per hectare consumption of pesticides has increased
by a wide margin.
18.​Greenhouse effect: India is yet to adopt a stringent strategy to tackle rising
emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). Though it has a set of laws to bring
down GHG emissions, but there is lack of effective implementation. A PBL
Netherlands Environment Assessment Agency report, released in 2017, showed
that in 2016 India’s GHG emissions went up by 4.7%.
19.​Poaching: Despite being illegal, poaching still thrives in India. Endangered
animals continue being killed in India for their body parts which are in great
demand in other countries for their use in medicine and resale value. The rapid
extinction of animals also threatens to dislodge the ecological balance and
adversely affect biodiversity.
20.​Lack of accountability: India’s regulatory framework for environment laws
follows the ‘polluter pays principle’, which literally translates to strict
punishment for the polluter and compensation for the one affected by the act.
However, the framework is followed only on paper. As per the Environmental
Performance Index—an index which ranks 180 countries based on 24
indicators—India ranked 177th.
21.​Wildlife preservation: India’s efforts to preserve wildlife lag behind, with
many animals on their way to extinction. Rapid urbanization, poaching, lack of
government support are just some of the reasons to be blamed for the problem.
22.​Lack of public participation: A much ignored reason behind the failure of
drives to spread awareness about environmental conservation in India is the lack
of public participation.
The following factors are responsible for the costs of economic growth and
environmental degradation:

1. Industrialization:
The strategy of heavy industrialization is the main cause of environmental
degradation in different countries. The establishment of such industries as
fertilizers, iron and steel, chemicals, refineries etc. has led to land, air and water
pollution. The use of fossil fuel, minerals and timber as sources of industrial energy
is depleting these natural resources and degrading the natural ecosystem.

2. Agricultural Development:
Agricultural development has been a major factor in environmental degradation.
Intensive farming and excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides has led to over
exploitation of land and water resources. These have led to land degradation in the
form of soil erosion, water-logging and salination.

3. Urbanization:
Urbanization which is the concomitant result of economic growth and industrial
growth has led to atmospheric pollution. Rapid and unplanned urbanisation has led
to degradation of urban environment. Slums and shanty towns pollute air and
water, and generation of solid and hazardous wastes have contributed to
environmental degradation on a vast scale.

4. Deforestation:
Deforestation also causes environmental problems. Deforestation leads to felling of
trees and of natural plants growth for setting up industries, and building towns,
roads, highways and dams etc. It destroys flora and fauna. It leads to localised
flooding in hilly and adjoining areas.

There is loss of human and animal life. The green landscape changes into factories,
residential and commercial buildings. They produce more heat, noise and pollution
which bring environmental degradation and ultimately, result in death of humans
and cause of birth defects and genetic mutations.

5. Transport Development:
Environmental degradation is also due to transport development in the different
parts of the world. Road, air and sea transportation lead to air pollution, noise
pollution and sea pollution. The development of port and harbors have led to oil
spills from ships and adversely affected fisheries, coral reefs, mangroves and
landscapes.

6. Solid and Hazardous Waste:

Solid wastes also create air and water pollution in urban and semi-urban areas.
Unregulated urban growth without such facilities as collection, transportation
treatment and disposal of solid wastes pollutes the atmosphere and water resources.
Rotting garbage and blocked drains spread communicable diseases and pollute
groundwater resources.

7. Market failure:
An important cause of environmental degradation is market failure. It reflects the
failure of government policy in removing market distortions created by price
controls and subsidies. Market failure, also called externalities, are caused by lack
of individual property rights and jointness in either production or consumption.

For instance, individual farmers living in hilly areas cause soil degradation through
deforestation and overgrazing of land that flood areas of people living in lower
areas. Negative externalities (costs and adverse effects on people in lower areas)
are not considered by the inhabitants of hilly areas. The effects of such
environmental degradation are not controlled by market forces.

Managing in Global Environment (Managerial Function)

With fast development in the business field, management environments are
becoming more diverse and multifaceted. Global Organizations are those which
operate and compete in more than one country. These are uncertain and
unpredictable. The global environment of such companies is a set of forces and
conditions outside of the organization's boundaries that affects the way it operates
and shapes its behavior.
These forces alter over time and therefore present global managers have to get
many opportunities as well as threats.
To recognize opportunities or threats due to global environmental forces, it is
necessary that managers must differentiate between the task environment and the
more surrounding general environment.
The task environment is the set of forces and conditions that affect an
organization's ability to obtain inputs and dispose of its outputs. It consists of the
organization's suppliers, customers, distributors, and competitors, and has the most
immediate and direct effect on managers. Suppliers are individuals and
organizations that provide an organization with the input resources that it needs to
produce goods and services such as raw materials, component parts, and
employees.
In a global environment, relationships with suppliers can be complicated due to
materials shortages, unions, and lack of substitutes. Suppliers who are the only
source of a critical item are in a strong bargaining position to raise their prices.
Managers can reduce these supplier effects by increasing the number of suppliers
of an input. Another element of the task environment is distributors. These are
organizations that help other organizations sell their goods or services to
customers. Powerful distributors can limit access to markets through its control of
customers in that market. Customers purchase the goods and services that an
organization produces. Identifying an organization's main customers and producing
the goods and services they want is vital to organizational and managerial victory.
Competitors also affect the global environment of firms. Competitors manufacture
goods and services that are comparable to a particular organization's merchandise
and services. Strong competitive enmity results in price competition, and falling
prices reduce access to resources and lower profits.
The general environment includes the wide-ranging economic, technological,
socio-cultural, demographic, political and legal, and global forces that affect the
organization and its task environment. Economic Forces include interest rates,
inflation, unemployment, economic expansion and other factors that affect the
general health and well-being of a nation or the regional economy of an
organization. Technological Forces that affect the global environment are outcomes
of changes in the technology that managers use to design, produce, or distribute
goods and services. Sociocultural Forces are pressures emanating from the social
structure of a country or society or from the national culture. Demographic forces
are result of change in, or changing attitudes toward, the characteristics of a
population, such as age, gender, ethnic origin, race, sexual orientation, and social
class. Most developed nations are experiencing the aging of their populations.
Political and Legal Forces are outcomes of changes in laws and regulations, such
as the deregulation of industries, the privatization of organizations, and increased
emphasis on environmental protection.
It can be established that organizations must create a global framework for
environmental management and set targets and geographically implement action
plans in all areas of its activity, from production and technical development,
manufacturing, marketing and sales to other divisions. To perform its global
environmental management, the company must adopt an organizational approach
linking its various functions and regions.
To summarize, the area of global companies includes its goods and services and its
customers. Companies must cope up with forces in specific and general
environments. Specific environmental forces comprises outside stakeholder groups
that directly impact the ability to obtain resources like customers, distributors,
unions, the government, competitors, and suppliers. General environmental forces
are economic, international, technological, demographic and cultural, political, and
environmental forces. Complexity, dynamism, and richness determine the extent of
environmental uncertainty. A simple, steady and comfortable environment has
some uncertainty, but a multifaceted, dynamic, poor environment is highly
uncertain. Management researchers stated that the global marketplace create
uncertain environment
 Fig 1 Forces and factors in global environment

Career opportunities:

Environmental management deals with the regulation process and protection of the
health of our planet, by promoting human behaviors that make a positive impact on
the natural environment. Professionals in the field investigate problems, develop
solutions, and work in teams to address various types of environmental crises
throughout the world.

Environmental management addresses hot topic issues such as global warming,

pollution, deforestation, soil erosion, landfills, or depletion of Earth's natural
resources.
Students of environmental management learn how to assess, manage and monitor
the environmental effects of organizations, participate in multidisciplinary project
work, as well as develop critical thinking, problem solving and research skills.
Most programmes include practical experience through fieldwork and
project-oriented group-work, dealing with common real-life issues.

Employment opportunities in the field include working for consultancies, local

authorities, utilities providers (such as water, electricity and gas), and organisations
within the voluntary sector.

Public and private organisations are also looking for competent personnel capable
of operating environmental management systems that comply with national and
international legislation.

Top careers in environmental science:

●​ Environmental Scientist
●​ Environmental Lawyer
●​ Environmental Engineer
●​ Zoologist
●​ Conservation Scientist
●​ Hydrologist
●​ Teacher

1.​ Environmental Scientist

Things to know

Job duties, working conditions and focus are all very varied in this career;
depending on your employer, you could be part of a one-person team conducting in
depth analysis of a specific body of water, or you could work as part of a large
multi-disciplinary team analyzing a wide range of environmental samples.
Typical Responsibilities

●​ Informing and supporting businesses, governments and the general public on

health risks and environmental hazards
●​ Choose the best data collection method for research projects
●​ Analyze samples of soil, water, air, food and other materials to collect
environmental data
●​ Assess threats to the environment through scientific analysis
 ●​ Present technical reports on findings, and explaining research and findings
●​ Develop strategies to prevent, limit or fix environmental problems such as
land or water pollution
2.​ Environmental Lawyer

Things to know

Environmental law is a broad and complex specialism, which is increasingly in

demand. This is an area of law that requires highly technical understanding of
environmental issues alongside the key skills required to practice law. This career
offers an opportunity to work hard to change attitudes and policy, as an alternative
to searching for scientific solutions to environmental problems.
Typical Responsibilities

●​ Analyze and interpret data obtained from case law, literature reviews,
research and sample findings
●​ Convince judges and juries of legal culpability through carefully constructed
arguments which are evidenced persuasively
●​ Determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution
●​ Interpret data through interviews with scientists, often as part of the court –
enabling them to give expert opinions, testify and inform

3.​ Environmental Engineer

Things to know

Environmental engineering is not solely concerned with the construction of

eco-friendly buildings or renewable energy facilities. It involves all of the ways
buildings and sites can impact on the environment, including tackling
contamination or dealing with waste water or developing regulations to prevent
mishaps during construction.
Typical Responsibilities

●​ Design projects that contribute to environmental protection

●​ Inspect government and private factories and facilities to ensure that they
comply with environmental standards
●​ Advise governments and businesses on managing and cleaning contaminated
sites
 ●​ Evaluate the significance of an environmental hazard and advise of treating
or containing it
●​ Research the environmental impact of construction projects
4.​ Zoologist

Things to know

Zoology is one of the many branches of science that environmental science

influences and is influenced by. Although zoology is a very specialized discipline,
many zoologist make a detailed study of animal habitats, the impact of human
behavior and the way animals interact with the environment, all of which is closely
relevant to environmental science.
Zoology also has a strong focus on research, conservation and protection, which
makes it attractive to scientists who are passionate about the environment.
Typical Responsibilities

●​ Develop and carry out experimental studies with animals

●​ Collect specimens and data for scientific analysis
●​ Utilizing geographic information systems and modeling software to analyze
animal behavior
●​ Analyze the impact of human activity on wildlife and habitats
●​ Develop conservation plans and recommend courses of action on wildlife
conservation and management issues to stakeholders
5.​ Conservation Scientist

Things to know

Although conservation scientists and environmental scientists appear very similar,

and often have similar education, in fact the roles are very different. Whereas
environmental scientists focus on a broader study of air, water and soil;
conservation scientists are typically concerned with land use and the effect of
consuming land related natural resources such as wood.
Typical Responsibilities

●​ Support governments and landowners to decide the most ecological and

prudent use of land
●​ Help manage parks, forests, natural areas and private land
●​ Monitoring forestry and conservation activities to ensure they are complying
with government regulations
 ●​ Creating and implementing plans to manage lands and resources
●​ Create plans taking into consideration disease prevention, harmful insect
invasions and the use of fertilizer

6.​ Hydrologist

Things to know

Hydrologists analyze how water influences the environment and how the
environment impacts on the quality and quantity of water. There are different kinds
of hydrologists – including groundwater hydrologists, who study the water below
the Earth’s surface; and surface water hydrologists, who study above ground water
such as streams, lakes and snow packs.
Typical Responsibilities

●​ Measure volume, stream flow, pH and pollution levels of bodies of water

and water samples
●​ Analyze data on how pollution, erosion drought and other problems impact
the environment
●​ Research ways to minimize the impact of natural and man-made changes to
bodies of water, such as sedimentation, erosion and pollution
●​ Use computer modelling software to forecast water supplies, floods and the
spread of pollution
●​ Evaluate whether water related projects such as hydro-electric power plans,
irrigation systems and wastewater treatment facilities are feasible
7.​ Teacher

Things to know

Teaching is an important aspect of environmental science – ensuring future

generations understand the importance of the environment and the impact humans
have upon it is vital to ensure that preservation and conservation continue in the
future. Typically, the older the pupils the greater the opportunity to specialize in
environmental science related topics – secondary teachers are usually expected to
teach physics, chemistry or biology whereas university lecturers have greater
opportunity to specialize.
Typical Responsibilities

●​ Planning and teaching lessons

 ●​ Assessing students to identify weaknesses and strengths
●​ Inspiring students to develop their interests and abilities
●​ Adapt lessons to any changes in class size, ability or attitude
●​ Supervise students outside the classroom – for instance in clubs or trips

Sustainable development

Environmental governance advocates sustainability as the supreme consideration

in managing all human activities – political, social and economic. The concept of
sustainability relies on sustainable development. Sustainable development can be
explained in various ways, but the most widely recognised definition was phrased
by the Brundtland Commission in 1987:
“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs
of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs.”
Sustainable development is based on the three pillars of sustainability: economic,
environmental and social sustainability. It is only achieved when there is balance
or a trade-off between these three aspects (see figure below).

The SDGs build on decades of work by countries and the UN, including the UN
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
At the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in 2015, world leaders
adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes a set of
17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at ending poverty, fighting
inequality and injustice and tackling climate change and working to preserve our
oceans and forests. by 2030. These 17 goals, listed below, are all accompanied by
specific targets – 169 in total.

Sustainable Development Goals

1.​ End poverty in all its forms everywhere

2.​ End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote
sustainable agriculture
3.​ Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
4.​ Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong
learning opportunities for all
5.​ Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
6.​ Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for
all
7.​ Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
8.​ Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and
productive employment and decent work for all
9.​ Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable
industrialization and foster innovation
10.​Reduce inequality within and among countries
11.​Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
12.​Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
13.​Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
14.​Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for
sustainable development
15.​Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems,
sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land
degradation and halt biodiversity loss
16.​Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,
provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and
inclusive institutions at all levels
17.​Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership
for sustainable development
Need of energy:

Energy is a basic requirement for economic development. Every sector of the

national economy – agriculture, industry, transport, commercial and domestic –
needs inputs of energy. The economic development plans implemented since
Independence necessarily required increasing amounts of energy to remain
operational. As a result, consumption of energy in all forms has been steadily rising
all over the country. In this background, there is an urgent need to develop a
sustainable path of energy development. Promotion of energy conservation and
increased use of renewable energy sources are the twin planks of sustainable
energy. The energy resources can be divided into renewable and non-renewable
resources.

India is presently one of the least energy efficient countries in the world. We have
to adopt a cautious approach for the judicious use of our limited energy resources.
For example, as concerned citizens we can do our bit by using public transport
systems instead of individual vehicles; switching off electricity when not in use,
using power-saving devices and using non-conventional sources of energy. After
all, “energy saved is energy produced”.
Sector Wise Energy Consumption in India​
The major commercial energy consuming sectors in the country are classified as
shown in the Figure . As seen from the figure, industry remains the biggest
consumer of commercial energy and its share in the overall consumptions 49%.
(Reference year: 1999/2000)
Energy resources in India
​
Energy can be classified into several types based on the following criteria:​
• Primary and Secondary energy​
• Commercial and Non commercial energy​
• Renewable and Non-Renewable energy

●​ Primary and Secondary Energy​

Primary energy sources are those that are either found or stored in nature.
Common primary energy sources are coal, oil, natural gas, and biomass(such as
wood). Other primary energy sources available include nuclear energy from
radioactive substances, thermal energy stored in earth's interior, and potential
energy due to earth's gravity.

The major primary and secondary energy sources are shown in Figure 1.1

Primary energy sources are mostly converted in industrial utilities into secondary
energy sources; for example coal, oil or gas converted into steam and electricity.

Primary energy can also be used directly. Some energy sources have non-energy
uses, for example coal or natural gas can be used as a feedstock in fertilizer plants.
 Figure 1.1 Major Primary and Secondary Sources

●​ Commercial Energy and Non Commercial Energy

​
Commercial Energy: The energy sources that are available in the market for a
definite price are known as commercial energy.

By far the most important forms of commercial energy are electricity, coal and
refined petroleum products. Commercial energy forms the basis of industrial,
agricultural, transport and commercial development in the modern world. In the
industrialized countries, commercialized fuels are a predominant source not only
for economic production, but also for many household tasks of general population.​
Examples: Electricity, lignite, coal, oil, natural gas etc.​
Non-Commercial Energy :The energy sources that are not available in the
commercial market for a price are classified as non-commercial energy.
Non-commercial energy sources include fuels such as firewood, cattle dung and
agricultural wastes, which are traditionally gathered, and not bought at a price
used especially in rural households. These are also called traditional fuels.
Non-commercial energy is often ignored in energy accounting.​
Example: Firewood, agro waste in rural areas; solar energy for water heating,
electricity generation, for drying grain, fish and fruits; animal power for transport,
threshing, lifting water for irrigation, crushing sugarcane; wind energy for lifting
water and electricity generation.

●​ Renewable and Non-Renewable energy sources

I.​ Renewable resources: which are inexhaustive and can be regenerated

within a given span of time eg. Forests, wildlife, wind energy, biomass
energy etc. Solar energy is also a renewable form of energy as it is an
inexhaustible source of energy.
II.​ Non-renewable resources which cannot be regenerated eg. Fossil fuels like
coal, petroleum etc. Once we exhaust these reserves, the same cannot be
replenished.

Even our renewable resources can become non-renewable if we exploit them

to such extent their rate of consumption exceeds their rate of regeneration.

Renewable energy resources:

I.​ Solar energy:

a.​ Sun releases enormous quantity of energy in the form of heat and
light.
b.​ The solar energy received by the near earth space is approximately1.4
kJ/s/m2 known as solar constant.
c.​ Now we have several techniques for harnessing solar energy.
d.​ Solar heat collectors, solar cells, solar cooker, solar water heater, solar
furnace and solar power plant are some important solar energy
harvesting devices.
II.​ Wind Energy:
 a.​ The high speed winds have a lot of energy in them as kinetic energy
due to their motion.
b.​ Wind energy is very useful as it does not cause any air pollution.
c.​ After the installation cost, the wind energy is very cheap.
III.​ Hydro power:
a.​ The water flowing in a river is collected by constructing a big dam
where the water is stored and allowed to fall from a height.
b.​ The blades of turbine located at the bottom of the dam move with the
fast moving water which in turn rotates the generator and produces
electricity.
c.​ Hydro power does not cause any pollution.
d.​ Hydro power projects help in controlling floods, used for irrigation,
navigation etc.
IV.​ Tidal energy:
a.​ Ocean tides produced by gravitational forces of sun and moon contain
enormous amounts of energy.
b.​ The tidal energy is harnessed by constructing a tidal barrage.
c.​ During high tide, the water flows into the reservoir of the barrage and
turns the turbine, which in turn produces electricity by rotating the
generators.
d.​ During low tide, when the sea-level is low, the sea water stored in the
barrage reservoir flows out into the sea and again turns the turbines.
V.​ Ocean thermal energy (OTE):
a.​ The energy available due to the difference in the temperature of water
at the surface of the tropical oceans and at deeper levels is called
OTE.
b.​ This energy is used to boil liquid like ammonia.
c.​ The high pressure vapours of the liquid formed by boiling are then
used to turn the turbine of a generator and produce electricity.
VI.​ Geothermal energy:
a.​ The energy harnessed from hot rocks present inside the earth is called
geothermal energy.
b.​ Sometimes the steam or boiling water underneath the earth does not
find any place to come out.
c.​ We can drill a hole up to the hot rocks and by putting a pipe in it make
the steam or hot water gush out through the pipe at high pressure
which turns the turbine of a generator to produce electricity.
VII.​ Biomass energy:
 a.​ Biomass is the organic matter produced by the plants or animals
which include wood, crop, residues, cattle dung agricultural wastes
etc.
b.​ The burning of biogas cause air pollution and produce a lot of ash.
c.​ It is therefore more useful to convert biomass into biogas or bio fuels.

VIII.​ Biogas:
a.​ Biogas is a mixture of methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and
hydrogen sulphide.
b.​ Biogas is produced by anaerobic degradation of animal wastes in the
presence of water.
c.​ Anaerobic degradation means break down of organic matter by
bacteria in the absence of oxygen.
d.​ Biogas has many advantages. It is clean, non-polluting and cheap.
e.​ There is direct supply of gas from the plant and there is no storage
problem
IX.​ Bio fuels:
a.​ Biomass can be fermented to alcohols like ethanol and methanol
which can be used as fuels.
b.​ Gasohol is common fuel in Brazil and Zimbabwe for running cars and
buses.
c.​ Methanol is very useful since it burns at a lower temperature than
gasoline or diesel.
d.​ Due to its high calorific value, hydrogen can serve as an excellent
fuel.
e.​ Moreover it is non-polluting and can be easily produced.
f.​ Presently H2 is used in the form of liquid hydrogen as a fuel in
spaceships.

Non -Renewable energy resources:

I.​ Coal:
a.​ Coal was formed 255-250 million years ago in the hot, damp regions
of the earth during the carboniferous age.
 b.​ The ancient plants along the banks of rivers were buried after death
into the soil and due to the heat and pressures gradually got converted
into peat and coal over million years of time.
c.​ When coal burnt it produces carbon dioxide, which is a green house
gas responsible for causing enhanced global warming.
II.​ Petroleum:
a.​ It is the life line of global economy.
b.​ Petroleum is a cleaner fuel as compared to coal as it burns completely
and leaves no residue.
c.​ It is also easy to transport and use.
d.​ Crude petroleum is a complex mixture of alkane hydrocarbons.
e.​ Hence it has to be refined by the process of fractional distillation,
during which we get large variety of products namely, petroleum gas,
kerosene, petrol, diesel, fuel oil, lubricating oil, paraffin wax etc.
f.​ The petroleum gas is easily converted to liquid form under pressure as
LPG.
III.​ Natural gas:
a.​ It is mainly composed of methane with small amounts of propane and
ethane.
b.​ It is used as a domestic and industrial fuel in thermal power plants for
generating electricity.
c.​ It is used as a source of hydrogen gas in fertilizer industry and as a
source of carbon in tier industry.
IV.​ Nuclear energy:
a.​ Nuclear energy is known for its high destructive power.
b.​ Nuclear energy can be generated by two types of reactions:
(i) Nuclear fission: It is the nuclear reaction in which heavy isotopes
are split into lighter nuclei on bombardment by neutrons. Fission reaction of
U235 is given below.

U235 +0n1 →
92 36Kr92 + 56Ba141 + 3 0n1 + energy
 (ii) Nuclear fusion: Here two isotopes of a light element are forced
together at extremely high temperatures (1 billion ºC) until they fuse to form
a heavier nucleus releasing enormous amount of energy in the process.

1H2+1H2 → 3He2+0n1+energy

Nuclear energy has tremendous potential but any leakage from the reactor
may cause devastating nuclear pollution. Disposal of the nuclear waste is also a big
problem.
 Figure 1.2 Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy

Indian Energy Scenario​

Coal dominates the energy mix in India, contributing to 55% of the total primary
energy production. Over the years, there has been a marked increase in the share of
natural gas in primary energy production from 10% in 1994 to 13% in 1999. There
has been a decline in the share of oil in primary energy production from 20% to
17% during the same period.​
Energy Supply

​
Coal Supply:​
India has huge coal reserves, at least 84,396 million tonnes of proven recoverable
reserves (at the end of 2003). This amounts to almost 8.6% of the world reserves
and it may last for about 230 years at the current Reserve to Production (R/P) ratio.
In contrast, the world's proven coal reserves are expected to last only for 192 years
at the current R/P ratio.​
Reserves/Production (R/P) ratio: If the reserves remaining at the end of the year
are divided by the production in that year, the result is the length of time that the
remaining reserves would last if production were to continue at that level. India is
the fourth largest producer of coal and lignite in the world. Coal production is
concentrated in these states (Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya
Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Jharkhand, West Bengal).​
Oil Supply: Oil accounts for about 36 % of India's total energy consumption. India
today is one of the top ten oil-guzzling nations in the world and will soon overtake
Korea as the third largest consumer of oil in Asia after China and Japan. The
country's annual crude oil production is peaked at about 32 million tonne as
against the current peak demand of about 110 million tonne. In the current
scenario, India's Oil consumption by end of 2007 is expected to reach 136 million
tonne(MT), of which domestic production will be only 34 MT. India will have to
pay an oil bill of roughly $50 billion, assuming a weighted average price of $50 per
barrel of crude. In 2003-04, against total export of $64 billion, oil imports
accounted for $21 billion. India imports 70%of its crude needs mainly from gulf
nations. The majority of India's roughly 5.4 billion barrels in oil reserves are
located in the Bombay High, upper Assam, Cambay, Krishna-Godavari. In terms of
sector wise petroleum product consumption, transport accounts for 42% followed
by domestic and industry with 24% and 24% respectively. India spent more than
Rs.1,10,000 crore on oil imports at the end of 2004.

Natural Gas Supply​

Natural gas accounts for about 8.9 per cent of energy consumption in the country.
The current demand for natural gas is about 96 million cubic metres per day
(mcmd) as against availability of 67 mcmd. By 2007, the demand is expected to be
around 200 mcmd. Natural gas reserves are estimated at 660 billion cubic meters.​
Electrical Energy Supply​
The all India installed capacity of electric power generating stations under utilities
was 1,12,581 MW as on 31st May 2004, consisting of 28,860 MW- hydro, 77,931
MW - thermal and 2,720 MW- nuclear and 1,869 MW- wind (Ministry of
Power).The gross generation of power in the year 2002-2003 stood at 531 billion
units (kWh).​
Nuclear Power Supply​
Nuclear Power contributes to about 2.4 per cent of electricity generated in India.
India has ten nuclear power reactors at five nuclear power stations producing
electricity. More nuclear reactors have also been approved for construction.​
Hydro Power Supply​
India is endowed with a vat and viable hydro potential for power generation of
which only 15% has been harnessed so far. The share of hydropower in the
country's total generated units​
has steadily decreased and it presently stands at 25% as on 31st May 2004. It is
assessed that​
exploitable potential at 60% load factor is 84,000 MW.​
Final Energy Consumption​
Final energy consumption is the actual energy demand at the user end. This is the
difference​
between primary energy consumption and the losses that takes place in transport,
transmission​
& distribution and refinement. The actual final energy consumption (past and
projected) is​
given in Table 1.2.
Long Term Energy Scenario for India

Coal​
Coal is the predominant energy source for power production in India, generating
approximately 70% of total domestic electricity. Energy demand in India is
expected to increase over the​
next 10-15 years; although new oil and gas plants are planned, coal is expected to
remain the​
dominant fuel for power generation. Despite significant increases in total installed
capacity during the last decade, the gap between electricity supply and demand
continues to increase. The​
resulting shortfall has had a negative impact on industrial output and economic
growth.​
However, to meet expected future demand, indigenous coal production will have to
be greatly​
expanded. Production currently stands at around 290 Million tonnes per year, but
coal demand​
is expected to more than double by 2010. Indian coal is typically of poor quality
and as such​
requires to be beneficiated to improve the quality; Coal imports will also need to
increase dramatically to satisfy industrial and power generation requirements.​
Oil​
India's demand for petroleum products is likely to rise from 97.7 million tonnes in
2001-02 to​
around 139.95 million tonnes in 2006-07, according to projections of the Tenth
Five-Year Plan.​
The plan document puts compound annual growth rate (CAGR) at 3.6 % during the
plan period. Domestic crude oil production is likely to rise marginally from 32.03
million tonnes in​
2001-02 to 33.97 million tonnes by the end of the 10th plan period (2006-07).
India's self sufficiency in oil has consistently declined from 60% in the 50s to 30%
currently. Same is expect ed to go down to 8% by 2020. As shown in the figure 1.8,
around 92% of India's total​
oil demand by 2020 has to be met by imports.

Natural Gas ​
India's natural gas production is likely to rise from 86.56 million cmpd in 2002-03
to 103.08 million cmpd in 2006-07. It is mainly based on the strength of a more
than doubling of production by private operators to 38.25 mm cmpd

Electricity​
India currently has a peak demand shortage of around 14% and an energy deficit of
8.4%.Keeping this in view and to maintain a GDP(gross domestic product) growth
of 8% to​
10%, the Government of India has very prudently set a target of 215,804 MW
power​
generation capacity by March 2012 from the level of 100,010 MW ason March
2001, that is a capacity addition of 115,794 MW in the next 11 years .In the area of
nuclear power the objective is to achieve 20,000 MW of nuclear generation
capacity by the year 2020.​
QUSTIONS:
1.​ State / define Environment
2.​ State/ define Sustainable development
3.​ State /define abiotic &biotic environment
4.​ List the types of environment
5.​ State Natural environment
6.​ State Man made environment
7.​ Explain the scope and importance of environment
8.​ State why public awareness in case of environmental is needed
9.​ State global environment
10.​ what are different opportunities to work for global environment
11.​ Explain the managerial functions in case of environmental management or
explain the managers role in case of environmental management or Forces
and factors in global environment
12.​ Explain Burning Environmental Issues in India
13.​Explain Sustainable development & UN SDGs (2030)

14.​ Explain Sector Wise Energy Consumption in India

15.​ Explain the Energy resources available India
16.​ Classify energy resources available in India
17.​Explain Renewable energy resources available in India
18.​ Explain Non -Renewable energy resources available in India
19.​ Explain Indian Energy Scenario
20.​ State Commercial Energy and Non Commercial Energy
21.​ Explain the Sector Wise Enbergy Consumption in India