Chapter: Basic principles
Topic: “Introduction of Environmental
Studies”
Lecturer: [Link] Hafeez Khan
Course code: GEN-202
[Link]
unioffaisalabad
Course Objectives:
To provide orientation on the evolution and scope of this emerging discipline.
To learn the importance of environmental sciences in human life, its relationship with various segments of
society.
To become familiar with current national, regional and global challenges for sustainable development.
[Link]
unioffaisalabad
Definitions:
• The term environment is derived from French word Environ which mean “Surrounding”.
• Environment is the sum total of all social, economical, biological, physical and chemical factors which
constitute the surroundings of humans, who are both creators and moulders of the environment.
• Environmental studies is the process of educating the people for preserving the quality of environment.
Components of Environment
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unioffaisalabad
The component of environment is • Abiotic component
broadly classified as two • Biotic component
components:
Nonliving Include
Example
Abiotic compone physical
air, water,
compone nts of and
soil and
nt: environm chemical
rock etc.
ent factors
Includes
Living microbes,
Biotic
components of plant, animals
component:
environment and human
beings
Categories of Abiotic components:
Atmosphere:
• Air envelops the Earth is known as Atmosphere.
• Extend up to 500kms from earth surface.
• It comprises 78% of Nitrogen, 21% of Oxygen and 1% of other gases.
Composition of Atmospheric Air:
Functions of Atmosphere:
It maintains the heat balance on the earth by absorbing the IR radiations.
The gaseous constitutes paly an important role in sustaining the life on earth.
1. Oxygen: Support life of living organisms
2. Carbon-dioxide: Essential for photosynthetic activity of plant.
3. Nitrogen: Essential nutrient for plant growth.
Lithosphere
• The soil and rock component of earth.
• Functions:
1. Home for human beings and wildlife.
2. Storehouse of minerals and organic matter.
Hydrosphere
• The aqueous envelope of the earth. Oceans , stream, lakes, river and water vapors constitutes hydrosphere.
• 97% of the Earth water is in the oceans.
• 3% available as fresh water.
Functions:
1. It is used for drinking purpose and also supports the aquatic life.
2. It is also used for irrigation, power production and industries and transport.
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Types of environment:
Man-made
Natural environment
environment
Environment created by man
using modern technologies
Include biotic and abiotic
component, don’t require
human support
Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental studies
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Need for Public Awareness
Individual/Group efforts
Massin their
publicown
awareness
every possible
on conserving
way hasour
to be
environment.
made to
protect our environment.
Earth's resources are dwindling
Governmentandalso
ourcant
environment
perform all
is being
the clean-up
increasingly
functions.
degraded by human activities and hence something needs to be done.
Methods of Public Awareness
Environmental Education Through Research P
Through organizing seminar and
conferences