Environmental Studies

This textbook has been written according to the syllabus designed by the UGC for a core course in environmental studies. It will be useful for undergraduate students, of all Indian universities, studying this subject as part of their BSc, BCom, BA and BTech course. Salient Features Complete coverage of the UGC course curriculum. Simple and holistic approach using case studies. Balanced micro- and macro-level analysis of human interaction with the environment. Dedicated chapter providing guidelines for field work Student-friendly pedagogical features to facilitate. # 1. The Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies 2. Natural Resources?Renewable and Non-Renewable 3. Ecosystem 4. Biodiversity and its Conservation 5. Environmental Pollution 6. Social Issues and the Environment 7. Human Population and the Environment 8. Field Work Appendices Cover Contents 1. The Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies 1.1 Definition 1.2 Scope and Importance 1.3 Need for Public Awareness 1.4 Disaster Management Summary Review Questions Objective Questions Answers 2. Natural Resources—Renewable and Non-Renewable 2.1 Renewable Resources 2.2 Non-renewable Resources 2.3 Forest Resources 2.4 Water Resources 2.5 Confl icts Over Water 2.6 Dams—Benefi ts and Problems 2.7 Mineral Resources 2.8 Food Resources 2.9 Energy Resources 2.10 Land Resources 2.11 Soil Erosion 2.12 Water Erosion 2.13 Wind Erosion 2.14 Role of an Individual in Conservation of Natural Resources 2.15 Equitable Use of Resources for a Sustainable Lifestyle Summary Review Questions Objective Questions Answers 3. Ecosystem 3.1 Concept of an Ecosystem 3.2 Definitions 3.3 Structure of an Ecosystem 3.4 Dynamics or Functions of an Ecosystem 3.5 Ecological Succession 3.6 Food Chains 3.7 Food Web 3.8 Ecological Pyramids 3.9 Types of Ecosystem 3.10 Estuaries Summary Review Questions Objective Questions Answers 4. Biodiversity and its Conservation 4.1 Definition 4.2 Levels of Biodiversity 4.3 Biogeographical Classifi cation of India 4.4 Value of Biodiversity 4.5 Biodiversity at Global, National and Local Levels 4.6 India as a Megadiversity Nation 4.7 Biodiversity Hot Spots 4.8 Threats to Biodiversity 4.9 Endangered and Endemic Species in India 4.10 Conservation of Biodiversity Summary Review Questions Objective Questions Answers 5. Environmental Pollution 5.1 Definition of Pollution 5.2 Pollutants 5.3 Types of Pollution 5.4 Solid Waste Management 5.5 Role of an Individual in Prevention of Pollution 5.6 Pollution–Case Studies Summary Review Questions Objective Questions Answers 6. Social Issues and the Environment 6.1 From Unsustainable to Sustainable Development 6.2 Urban Problems Related to Energy 6.3 Water Conservation 6.4 Resettlement and Rehabilitation of People 6.5 Environmental Ethics 6.6 Climate Change 6.7 Global Warming 6.8 Acid Rain 6.9 Ozone Layer Depletion 6.10 Nuclear Accidents and Holocaust 6.11 Wasteland and Its Reclamation 6.12 Consumerism and Waste 6.13 Acts for Protection of Environment in India 6.14 Issues Involved in Enforcement of Environmental Legislation 6.15 Public Awareness Summary Review Questions Objective Questions Answers 7. Human Population and the Environment 7.1 Population Growth and Variation among Nations 7.2 Population Explosion and Family Welfare Programs 7.3 Environment and Human Health 7.4 Human Rights 7.5 Value Education 7.6 HIV/AIDS 7.7 Women and Child Welfare 7.8 Role of Information Technology in Environment and Human Health Summary Review Questions Objective Questions Answers 8. Field Work Experiment No. 1 Experiment No. 2 Experiment No. 3 Experiment No. 4 Experiment No. 5 Experiment No. 6 Experiment No. 7 Experiment No. 8 Experiment No. 9 Appendices Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Appendix 4 Index Overview: This Textbook Has Been Written According To The Syllabus Designed By The Ugc For A Core Course In Environmental Studies. It Will Be Useful For Undergraduate Students, Of All Indian Universities, Studying This Subject As Part Of Their Bsc, Bcom, Ba And Btech Course. Salient Features: (i) Complete Coverage Of The Ugc Course Curriculum. (ii) Simple And Holistic Approach Using Case Studies. (iii) Balanced Micro- And Macro-level Analysis Of Human Interaction With The Environment. (iv)dedicated Chapter Providing Guidelines For Field Work Student-friendly Pedagogical Features To Facilitate.