Environment and Climate Change Environment and its components, Types of Environments, Need of environmental studies Environmental Issues- Climate change ,Global warming, Acid rain, Ozone layer depletion, nuclear accidents, Efect ‘of population growth and industrialization Concept of SR, Individuals’ participation in i)$R policy, i) segregation of waste, and Ii) creating manure from domestic waste sent conrevation in in vedie and pre-vedic india). 11 Need/Scope of Environmental Studies ‘Environment’ is a subject matter not only of sciences but also of the social studies and humanities, To study environment, one has to know the subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology and geography. To save our environment, one also has to study the social sciences like resource management, economics and population issues of country. So the study of environment has a very wide scope and it covers almost all the disciplines of pure as well as applied sciences. Segments of Environment Environment mainly comprises of Hydrosphere 1. Atmosphere 2. 3.__Lithosphere 4. Biosphere Atmosphere The Greek word ‘atmo’ means air. The atmosphere is the body of air which surrounds our Planet. The atmosphere comprises of 78% Nitrogen gas, 21% oxygen and 0.9% argon. Trace gases like carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides, methane and ozone comprise about a tenth of 1% of the atmosphere. Hydrosphere The Greek word ‘Hydro’ means water. The hydrosphere comprises of all the water bodies on or below the surface of the earth, It includes the oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, snow, ice, underground and atmospheric water (moisture in the atmosphere) too, ‘An enormous mass of water is concentrated in oceans and seas. This occupies 71% of the surface of the globe. 97% of the world’s water is comprised in the oceans. Two-and-a-half % is fresh water. However, totally water accounts for only 0.023% of the earth’s total mass. Lithosphere The word lithosphere is derived from the word ‘sphere’ combined with the Greek word ‘lithos’ meaning rock.— Enviro sh mental Education and SUsta re is the solid outer section 0 ock on the f Bart ‘The lithospher des Barth's crust (the "skin" of F Ie inclu 1s well as the Earth), outer layer of planet underlying cool, dense, and rigid upper part of the th upper mantle, The lithosphere extends from the surface of Earth toa depth of about 44-62 mi (70-100 km). This relatively cool and rigid section of Earth is believed to “float” on top of the warmer, non-rigid, and partially melted material directly below. The thickness of the crust varies, The lithosphere is just one of Earth's five great spheres. The lithosphere interacts with the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and ccryosphere to influence the climate and landscape. ofour planet. Biosphere The blosphere is the life-supporting stratum of earth's surface. It extends from a few kilometers into the atmosphere to the depths of the ocean Where marine life abounds, It ts a global ecosystem composed of organisms (biota) and the abioti factors from which they derive nutrients, living ic (non-living) energy and Allthe four spheres interact and other, nourish each other and each other. This intertinkage even ina piece of soit, Interlink with each Inner core Fig. 1.2.1: Segments of Environment Types of Environment: ; On the basis of basic structure, the environne: be divided into ~ Physical /abiotic environment 7 ~ Biotic environment blot Cultural environment oes PHYSICAL/ABIOTIC ENVIRONMENT on the basis of physical characteristics at! © ablotic or physical environment is subdivided ints 1. Solid ie. lithosphere (solid earth) Zh at Liquid Le. hydrosphere (water componet!) Gas Le. atmosphere (gaseous comport) environments can be termed as ios hydrosspheic, atmospheric environment ® be further broken into smaller units different spatial scales like mountain en"! Plateau, plain, lake, river maritime, g@0"", _ environment ete. The physical enviton™'., e also be viewed in terms of climatie iy Providing certain suits of habitat for ae : communities like tropical, temperate *™ 8 environment etc. heEnvironment and Climate Change = The current warming trend is of particular significance because most of it is due to result of human activity since the mid-20® century and proceeding very rapidly. = The heat-trapping nature of carbon dioxide and other gases and their ability to affect the transfer of infrared energy through the atmosphere has been established by NASA. = The increased levels of greenhouse gases certainly cause the Earth to get warmer. ~ Sinking of Ice cores in Greenland, Antarctica, and tropical mountain glaciers show that the Earth's climate gets affected due to changes in greenhouse gas levels. — The planet's average surface temperature has risen about 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 degrees Celsius) since the late 19th century, a change driven largely by increased carbon dioxide and other human-made emissions into the atmosphere. = The oceans have absorbed much of this increased heat, with the top 700 meters (about 2,300 feet) of ‘ocean showing warming of more than 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit since 1969. = Glaciers are retreating almost everywhere around the world including in the Alps, Himalayas, Andes, Rockies, Alaska and Africa. Source by: Read more at ttps://[Link]/evidence/ 1.5 Acid Rains 1.5.1 Introduction (0) Sinking of Ice Sheets = The precipitation in the form of rains, snow, dew may bring back the acids sent through the fumes on the surface of the earth. Itis known as Acid Rains. = The normal pH value of the rain water should be U = When these acids get mixed up with the rain water the pH value is reduced upto 3 to be called as acid- rains, = Generally the regions having more chemical (d) Glaciers Retreat Fig. 1.4.1 industries observe acid rains. Techknowledgea inability Environmental Education and SUStas i 15.2 Sourcing of Acid in the Ra ; cids, nitric actds an through the chemical ‘The fumes of sulphuric a hydrochloric acids emitted industries. of a ‘The release of precursors a oxides and Nitrogen oxides get converted acids by the secondary activities. When the air having such acids in the gasses, form get saturated by the water vapour ie, when the relative humidly reaches 100% the rainfall brings back these acids icids like sulphur 15.3. Effect of Acid Rains ~ _ Itdamages the vegetation eg, in the recent years thas been observed in the highly industrial region of Western Europe more than 30% of the forests are lost due to the chemical actions of these acid rains, ~ The surface and the ground water also get affected by the acidic waters and the aqua life in the surface wateris reduced, When the acid rain water percolates through the Soll the soil pH is also reduced up to 3 to 4, This affects the fertility of soils, reduce the emission of s, the industries, By using low sulphur coal be reduced, ~ Replacing coal by natural gag emission of S0,, : the emission °FS02 can 2N reduce the - BY reducing the use of Private emission of gases can be reduceq “*Hele the lly lost and due to UV radiation Environment an 6 a Replacing the conventional eng like thermal power by non-conveng,” resources like Solar, Wind, 11a," reduced the emission of gases acid rains. . le 1.6 1.6.1 Introduction of Depletion ofo,, Layer — The layer above the troposphere \, Stratosphere in which a separate lay, formed at the height between 15 and 39), the sea level. - _ Itis called as Ozonosphere. Ozone (0) which has the capacity to absorb large of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and $0 thy sphere has been developed on land surfa the water bodies. ~The UV radiation is very toxic to the up matter. The layer of ozone is getting deples to emission of gases through the industiss the cooling industries, 16.2 Causes of Ozone Deplet ~The chlorine atoms are released % dissociation of Chloroftuorocarbons (%! Fesponsible for the depletion of ozone lat: The release of CFC is confined to th Ml activities, © Refrigeration © Air conditioning © Extinguishing fires © Cleaning solvents in industries © Blowing agents in plastic industries ° Solvents used in the paintindust One Chlorine Atom (Ci) is estimated © 120 Llakkhs ozone molecules. ifits co" if ia {28er Period the natural filter of ozo" be total Environm - The oth Met 163 | = Itds - te orb tea - Ital chat 164 1 - Byn unde chen prod - Bye cond unde 17_N - Darin - emi weap 17.1 Ba = Sucha This s — At thi these earth. = Also i whenEnvironmental Education and Sustainability Concept of 5R 1.9.1 5R policy The SR policy—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse, and Repurpose is a practical framework aimed at promoting sustainable living by 1g waste generation and maximizing resource efficiency. This approach emphasizes responsible consumption, resource conservation, and waste management, encouraging individuals and communities to shift toward an eco- friendly, circular economy. By applying these principles, we can reduce environmental harm, conserve natural Tesources, and ensure sustainable development, 1. Reduce Reducing focuses on minimizing the use of resources, and avoiding waste generation at its source, ~ How to Practice: © Only purchase items that are genuinely necessary to avoid overconsumption and unnecessary waste. © Conserve energy by switching off lights and appliances when not in use. Similarly, save water by repairing leaks and using water- efficient fixtures. © Plan meals to prevent food wastage and creatively use leftovers to reduce organic waste. ~ Why It Matters : Reducing consumption decreases the demand for raw materials, cuts energy use, and lowers environmental stress. 2. Reuse Reusing extends the life of products by using them ‘multiple times instead of discarding them. ~ How to Practice: © Switch to reusable items such as cloth shopping bags, stainless steel water bottles, and durable containers. © Repair broken or damaged goods like furniture, electronics, and clothing rather than replacing them. Environment and Climate Change © Donate items such as old clothes, toys, or furniture to people in need, giving them a second life - Why It Matters : Reuse reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills and cuts down the demand for new resources, conserving both energy and materials, 3. Recycle Recycling involves converting waste materials into new products to give them a second life. = Howto Practice: © Separate recyclables metals, and glass from general waste and dispose of them in designated bins like paper, plastics, © Participate in local recycling programs or initiatives to ensure proper waste processing. © Purchase products made from recycled materials to support the recycling industry. ~ Why It Matters : Recy Tesources, reduces energy use in manufacturing, 1g conserves natural and helps combat pollution by minimizing the need for new raw materials. 4. Refuse Refusing involves actively declining items that contribute to environmental harm or are unnecessary. — How to Practice: © Avoid single-use plastics such as disposable straws, cutlery, and shopping bags, opting for sustainable alternatives instead. © Refuse products with excessive packaging or those made from non-recyclable materials. © Say no to freebies or items you don't need, reducing clutter and waste. = Why It Matters : products, individuals reduce their environmental footprint and encourage businesses to adopt By refusing unsustainable greener practices. ‘Techinowledge1 abil Environmental Education and Su ‘oe a waste or old items Repurposing transforms ; and useful products, reducing the need for disposa = Howto Practice: © Use old glass jars as storage containers ge kitchen items or DIY projects. Convert worn-out clothing into cleaning rags, cushion covers, or other creative uses. © Take on do-it-yourself (DIY) projects to repurpose items like wooden pallets into furniture or decorations. ~ Why It Matters : Repurposing gives waste materials a new purpose, reducing landfill contributions and fostering creativity. By adopting the SR principles, individuals contribute to environmental sustainability, conserve resources, and Promote a cleaner, healthier planet. These small changes ‘in daily life collectively create a significant positive impact ‘on reducing waste and protecting the environment for future generations. 19.2 Segregation of Waste Waste segregation involves sorting waste into categories to facilitate eficient recycling and disposal. [tis essential for reducing landfill us Sustainable waste management. Key Categories of Waste: 1. Biodegradable Waste : Or, rganic waste like food Scraps, leaves, and garden clippings. "age and promoting © Example : Composting vegetable Peels a or 1B vege Is at 2 Recyclable Waste : Materials Paper, plastics, ; ils like qi 7 ° Example + Segregating plastic bottles for Bal 8 S fo Non-1 Recyclable Waste; Sanitary prod ceramics, and Styrofoam, or © Example ; Dispose of f designated bins, anktary napkins in er Clim, Waste : Batteries, 4, Hazardous chemicals. o Example : Dispose of olg 4. designated collection centers Case Study : Pune’s SWaCH Cooperative decentralized waste management s, households segregate waste into w., hazardous categories. Waste picker under the SWaCH cooperative process significantly reducing landfill contribu, and Disadvantages of Advantages Segregation ‘Advantages : = Promotes efficient recycling by se. recyclable and non-recyclable materials = Reduces landfill usage, emissions and environmental impact. lowering Facilitates proper disposal of hazardous preventing soil and water contamination. > Generates employment opportunities i management and recycling sectors Disadvantages : > Requires significant public _awareneS Participation for effectiveness, Improper segregation can disrupt res disposal processes, Can be challenging to implement Populated areas or regions lacking infras™ fed Tnltial setup costs for segregation syst" igh, *9:3. Creating Manure from Domesti™” Composting is a simple yet impact! " Sonverting kitchen and garden waste into ™ man ea! te, contributing to sustainable agricul reduction, Environmet — Steps for, 1. Setuy baleoi 2. Wast like fr Avoid 3. Layer 4 Mois 5. Harv Examples: - House Advantages from Dome Advantages - Convert reducin Promot and reds Minimiz decomp¢ - Can be industria_— transitioning to green enerBy: mate efforts. suting to Climate Change | anthropogenic factors drive rriations : Changes in solar fect Earth's climate, although nimal compared to human- : Large eruptions, like Mount e aerosols that temporarily not long-term contributors. sions: (C02) : Burning fossil fuels f of global CO, emissions. : Emitted from agriculture nfl rest loss reduces carbon buting to atmospheric CO, Heavy industries release pollutants, ® contribute ~70% of global high energy consumption, ee Economic cost: cleaner technologies. Resistance from industries reliant on fos 1.11 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Sustainable Development Goals in India is development that satisfies th Sustainabil of the present without compromising the capacity , future generations, guaranteeing the balance betw economic growth, care for the environment and s well-being. Therefore, Sustainable development is organizing principle for meeting human developme; goals while simultaneously sustaining the ability natural systems to provide the natural resources and ecosystem services based upon which the economy and society depend, The desired result is a state of society where ing conditions and resources are used continue to meet human needs without undermining th: integrity and stability of the natural system. Sustainable development can be defined 3s development that meets the needs of the presen! without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, The United Nations created ‘They were designed to hel and solve some global below: a these 17 goals as SD¢s Ip the world improve by 2 Problems. The goals are state! No Poverty : End extreme poverty and help people access basic needs like food, shelter, and educatio™le and Clean Energy : Make energy nable, and affordable for everyone. 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth : Create jobs support fair pay, and grow economies in 9, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure : Build strong infrastructure, promote innovation, and support industries 40. Reduced Inequalities : Make sure everyone has sof their equal opportunities, regar background |. Sustainable Cities and Communities : Make cities safe, sustainable, and inclusive for all. 412, Responsible Consumption and Production : Use natural resources wisely and reduce waste, imate change by reducing issions and protecting the 13, Climate Action greenhouse gas planet. 14, Life Below Water : Protect oceans and marine from p 15. Life on Land + desertification, and protect w/ ul fairness in society + Work together peace, wtnerships for the slobally to achieve these goals Envronm: [SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT! ® 1.11.1 Core Elements of Su Development developmen ‘economic and environmental protect explained below: = Beonomic Growth: Thi sustainable approach to ods w supports liv and impactful technologie © Encouraging generates weal the environment. © Ensuring fair resources to enable = Environmental Sustain responsible and balance topreserve them for fut 0 Avoiding excessiv investments, eff friendly _transpor construction metho 1 = Social Sustainabi ‘where equality and f olf OO{6 Challenges in implementation 4, Financial Constraints © High costs of renewable eneray infrastruc and technology 2, Coordination Issues nal and tate policies effective ne personnel to implement and 1.13. Zero Carbon footprint for sustainable development ‘The carbon footprint represents the total vlume of ‘greenhouse gases (GG) resulting from everyday economle and human activi. ‘The carbon footprint measures the greenhouse ‘gases (66) produced by human activity. What isa carbon footprint abundant and most important contributor to global warming, = Definition : A zero-carbon footprint refers to achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing emissions with carbon removal or liminating emission altogether, ~ Significance +t is crucial for mitigating climate ‘hang, conserving natural resources, and ensring long-term environmental and. societal sustainability How to reduce your carbon footprint The next few years wll be deve In our pgye imate change and our sues wil era —— Environment and Climat, = choose a 100 % renewable eneray thoy energy-saving appliances, and co ireonditioning (0 ave eNeTEY. anda pinata and tel ties at Te np a ‘reducing the carbon footprint. Reduce waste: Reuse your packaging, if this is not possible, dispose appropriate container: ‘Strategies to Achieve Zero Carbon Policy and Regulation: pa 1, Governments imposing carbon taxes trade systems. 2 Setting national targets for’ GHG reduction » renewable energy usage. Corporate Initiatives: 1, Companies adopting carbon-neutral com 2 Examples: Google, Microsoft, and Apple or targeting nt-zero operations. ‘Technological Innovation: 1 ‘Advancements in energy storage (bat Hydrogen, and direct air capture technolo % Development of smart cities with integat!! solutions, Public Engagement: 1 Awerenaa’ ness campaigns on reducing ceaguDbtion, adopting sustainabl ‘pPorting renewable energy projects: Benefits Environ odEnvironmental Education and Sustainability 1 7 Environment and Climate Change Benefits of Zero Carbon Footprint: Environmental Benefits Impact: 1. Greenhouse gases (GHGs), particularly carbon dioxide (C0;), are the primary co slobal warming. Acheving a zero-arbon footprint which degrade air to clean energy eliminates these harmful emissions. 2 Impact : Cleaner air leads to fewer re cardiovascular diseases in hum: industrial runoff and emissions improve water ‘quality, safeguarding aquatic ecosystems. Economic Benefits Creation of Green Jobs in Renewable Energy and Sustainable Industries: 1. Transitioning to a zero-carbon economy drives demand for skilled labor in renewable energy sectors (solar, wind, and geothermal power) sustainable construction, and green technology development 2. Impact + This shift boosts local economies by creating employment opportu wi supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in ‘dean technology. nergy Cos Savings and Innovation Driven Growth: 1, Renewable energy sources, such as wind and sola, hhave low operational costs co Energy efficiency measures also reduce over ‘consumption, term savings from reduced energy fasues, Achleving zero. emissions le urban areas with high Enhanced Community Disasters: tte change Increases the frequency and environmental changes, ensuring food security y and reduced vulnerability 1.14 (KS-Environment Conservation Invedic and Pre-vedic India) Indian Knowledge System (KS): Environment Conservation in Vedic and Pre-Vedic India people viewed nature as sacred, wi environment revered and protected harmony uals, and practices that