Environmental Science - Short Notes
Core Environmental Concepts
Ecosystems and Biodiversity:
An ecosystem includes all living organisms and their physical environment functioning together.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms in an ecosystem.
Biogeochemical Cycles (Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, etc.):
These are natural pathways by which essential elements circulate through the environment,
involving biological, geological, and chemical processes.
Ecological Succession:
A natural process through which ecosystems change and develop over time, moving from a
disturbed state to a stable one.
Environmental Pollution (Air, Water, Soil, Noise):
Contamination of natural resources by pollutants leading to harmful effects on organisms and
ecosystems.
Climate Change and Global Warming:
Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns, largely caused by human activities like
burning fossil fuels.
Environmental Issues & Management
Ozone Layer Depletion:
Caused mainly by CFCs, leading to increased UV radiation reaching Earth, which can cause skin
cancer and harm ecosystems.
Acid Rain:
Rainfall made acidic by atmospheric pollution, mainly from sulfur and nitrogen emissions, damaging
forests and aquatic systems.
Solid Waste Management:
Processes for collecting, treating, and disposing of solid waste to minimize environmental impact.
Hazardous Waste and E-waste:
Toxic waste materials including chemicals and electronic items that require special disposal
methods.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):
A tool to evaluate the environmental consequences of proposed projects before decisions are made.
Conservation and Sustainability
Biodiversity Conservation (In-situ & Ex-situ):
In-situ: conservation in natural habitats; Ex-situ: conservation in controlled environments like zoos or
seed banks.
Renewable and Non-renewable Resources:
Renewable: naturally replenished (e.g., solar); Non-renewable: finite (e.g., coal, oil).
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
A set of 17 global goals set by the UN to promote prosperity while protecting the planet.
Forest and Wildlife Conservation:
Efforts like afforestation and wildlife sanctuaries to preserve ecosystems and species.
Environmental Laws and Policies
Environment Protection Act, 1986:
An umbrella act to protect and improve the environment in India.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:
Provides protection to wildlife and their habitats in India.
Forest Conservation Act, 1980:
Restricts deforestation and aims at forest conservation.
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974:
Provides for the prevention and control of water pollution.
Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981:
Aims to control and reduce air pollution.
International Treaties and Conventions
Paris Agreement:
A global pact to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming.
Kyoto Protocol:
An earlier international treaty to reduce carbon emissions by industrialized countries.
Montreal Protocol:
A global agreement to phase out ozone-depleting substances.
UNFCCC:
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change - the main international treaty on climate
action.
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):
A global treaty to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable use.