Environmental Studies 3rd Edition Benny Joseph -

eBook PDF install download

https://ebookluna.com/download/environmental-studies-ebook-pdf/

Download more ebook instantly today - Get yours now at ebookluna.com

 We believe these products will be a great fit for you. Click
the link to download now, or visit ebookluna.com
to discover even more!

(eBook PDF) Humans in the Landscape: An Introduction to Environmental

Studies

https://ebookluna.com/product/ebook-pdf-humans-in-the-landscape-an-
introduction-to-environmental-studies/

(eBook PDF) Humans in the Landscape: An Introduction to Environmental

Studies

https://ebookluna.com/product/ebook-pdf-humans-in-the-landscape-an-
introduction-to-environmental-studies-2/

(eBook PDF) Color Studies 3rd Edition

https://ebookluna.com/product/ebook-pdf-color-studies-3rd-edition/

(eBook PDF) Environmental Organic Chemistry 3rd Edition

https://ebookluna.com/product/ebook-pdf-environmental-organic-
chemistry-3rd-edition/
(eBook PDF) Microeconomics Case Studies and Applications 3rd Australia

https://ebookluna.com/product/ebook-pdf-microeconomics-case-studies-and-
applications-3rd-australia/

Clinical Manual and Review of Transesophageal Echocardiography 3rd Edition

Joseph Mathew - eBook PDF

https://ebookluna.com/download/clinical-manual-and-review-of-
transesophageal-echocardiography-ebook-pdf/

(eBook PDF) Case Studies in Health Information Management 3rd Edition

https://ebookluna.com/product/ebook-pdf-case-studies-in-health-information-
management-3rd-edition/

Global Environmental Sustainability: Case Studies and Analysis of the

United Nations’ Journey toward Sustainable Development - eBook PDF

https://ebookluna.com/download/global-environmental-sustainability-case-
studies-and-analysis-of-the-united-nations-journey-toward-sustainable-
development-ebook-pdf/

General Studies for Civil Services Preliminary Examination Vol III Paper I
Geography and Environmental Ecology - eBook PDF

https://ebookluna.com/download/general-studies-for-civil-services-
preliminary-examination-vol-iii-paper-i-geography-and-environmental-
ecology-ebook-pdf/
Environmental Studies
simplified
Third Edition
 ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Benny Joseph graduated in Civil Engineering from Regional
Engineering College, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu. He obtained a
master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from College of
Engineering, Trivandrum, Kerala, and a PhD from Anna University,
Chennai. He has been teaching graduate and postgraduate courses
in various engineering colleges since 1990 and his subjects include
Environmental Engineering, Air and Noise Pollution, Environmental
Safety, Environmental Pollution, Environmental Impact Assessment,
Integrated Water Resources Management, and Environmental Science.
Currently he is working as Principal of Vimal Jyothi Engineering College, Kannur, Kerala.
He has more than 10 research papers in diverse fields to his credit.
Environmental Studies
SIMPLIFIED
Third Edition

Benny Joseph
Principal
Vimal Jyothi Engineering College
Kannur, Kerala

McGraw Hill Education (India) Private Limited

CHENNAI

McGraw Hill Education Offices

Chennai New York St Louis San Francisco Auckland Bogotá Caracas
Kuala Lumpur Lisbon London Madrid Mexico City Milan Montreal
San Juan Santiago Singapore Sydney Tokyo Toronto
 McGraw Hill Education (India) Private Limited
Published by McGraw Hill Education (India) Private Limited
444/1, Sri Ekambara Naicker Industrial Estate, Alapakkam, Porur, Chennai 600 116

Environmental Studies: Simplified, 3e

Copyright © 2017, by McGraw Hill Education (India) Private Limited. No part of this publication may be reproduced
or distributed in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise or stored
in a database or retrieval system without the prior written permission of the publishers. The program listings (if any)
may be entered, stored and executed in a computer system, but they may not be reproduced for publication.

This edition can be exported from India only by the publishers,

McGraw Hill Education (India) Private Limited

Print Book
ISBN-13: 978-93-5260-517-0
ISBN-10: 93-5260-517-9

E-Book
ISBN-13: 978-93-5260-612-2
ISBN-10: 93-5260-612-4

Managing Director: Kaushik Bellani

Director—Science & Engineering Portfolio: Vibha Mahajan
Science & Engineering Portfolio Lead: Hemant K Jha
Content Development Lead: Shalini Jha
Senior Specialist—Product Development: Piyali Chatterjee
Content Developer: Sahil Thorpe
Production Head: Satinder S Baveja
Assistant Manager—Production: Atul Gupta
General Manager—Production: Rajender P Ghansela
Manager—Production: Reji Kumar

Information contained in this work has been obtained by McGraw Hill Education (India), from sources believed to be reliable.
However, neither McGraw Hill Education (India) nor its authors guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information
published herein, and neither McGraw Hill Education (India) nor its authors shall be responsible for any errors, omissions, or
damages arising out of use of this information. This work is published with the understanding that McGraw Hill Education (India)
and its authors are supplying information but are not attempting to render engineering or other professional services. If such
services are required, the assistance of an appropriate professional should be sought.

Typeset at Text-o-Graphics, B-1/56, Aravali Apartment, Sector-34, Noida 201 301, and printed at

Cover Printer:

Visit us at: www.mheducation.co.in

 Dedicated to
My Beloved Parents and Wife
 CONTENTS
Preface xv
Visual Walkthrough xviii
1. Introduction 1
1.1 General 1
1.2 Importance of Environmental Education 2
1.3 Environmental Engineering 4
1.4 Environmentalism 5
1.4.1 The Gaia Theory 5
1.5 Environmental Studies—The Subject and its Multidisciplinary Nature 6
1.6 Components of the Environment and their Interactions 7
1.7 Humans and the Biosphere 10
1.8 Impacts of Development on the Environment 11
1.8.1 Environmental Impacts of Urbanization 11
Review Questions 15
Objective-Type Questions 15
Short-Answer Questions 17
Descriptive Questions 18
Answers to Objective-Type Questions 19
2. Natural Resources 20
2.1 Forest Resources 20
2.1.1 Key Benefits of Intact Forests 22
2.1.2 Deforestation 22
2.1.3 Causes of Deforestation 23
2.1.4 Effects of Deforestation 23
2.1.5 Solutions to the Problems of Deforestation 24
2.1.6 Mining 25
2.1.7 Mineral Resources of India 26
viii Contents

2.2 Dams 27
2.2.1 Dams and Civilization 27
2.2.2 Purposes of Dams 27
2.2.3 Benefits of Dams 27
2.2.4 Problems with Dams 28
2.2.5 Socio-economic Impacts of Dams 28
2.2.6 Controversy on Hydropower 29
2.2.7 Possible Solutions to Improve the Acceptability of Dam Projects 30
2.3 Water Resources 30
2.3.1 Drought 31
2.3.2 Conflicts Over Water 32
2.4 Food Resources 32
2.4.1 Global Food Problems 32
2.4.2 Food Security 32
2.4.3 Adverse Effects of Modern Agriculture on Soil and Water Resources 33
2.4.4 Problems with Fertilizers 34
2.4.5 Pesticides 35
2.4.6 Alternative Methods of Insect Control 36
2.4.7 Organic Agriculture 36
2.4.8 Advantages of Organic Fertilizers 36
2.5 Energy Resources 37
2.5.1 Types of Energy 38
2.5.2 Energy Characteristics 40
2.5.3 Energy and the Environment 40
2.5.4 Fuel Cell 40
2.5.5 Saving Energy 42
2.6 Land Resources 42
2.6.1 Land Degradation 43
2.6.2 Soil Erosion 44
2.6.3 Desertification 45
2.6.4 Landslides 45
Review Questions 47
Objective-Type Questions 47
Short-Answer Questions 51
Descriptive Questions 51
Answers to Objective-Type Questions 53
 Contents ix

3. Ecology 54
3.1 Ecosystem 54
3.2 Ecosystem–Anthroposystem Comparison 57
3.3 Biome and Ecosystem 57
3.4 Energy Flow Through an Ecosystem 58
3.5 Ecological Succession 59
3.6 Food Chains and Webs 59
3.7 Ecological Pyramids 60
3.8 Biological Magnification or Biomagnification 61
3.9 Human Versus Natural Food Chains 62
3.10 Biogeochemical Cycles 62
3.11 Water Cycle (Hydrologic Cycle) 63
3.12 Carbon Cycle 63
3.13 Oxygen Cycle 65
3.14 Nitrogen Cycle 66
3.15 Phosphorus Cycle 68
3.16 Sulphur Cycle 69
3.17 Forest Ecosystems 69
3.17.1 Vertical Structure—Vegetation Layers 70
3.17.2 Horizontal Structure 71
3.17.3 Environmental Influences 71
3.17.4 Forest Ecosystem Processes 71
3.17.5 Biomass and Productivity 72
3.17.6 Functions of Forest Ecosystems 72
3.18 Grassland Ecosystems 72
3.19 Aquatic Ecosystems 73
3.19.1 Environmental Factors Affecting the Aquatic Ecosystem Performance 73
Review Questions 74
Objective-Type Questions 74
Short-Answer Questions 77
Descriptive Questions 77
Answers to Objective-Type Questions 78
4. Biodiversity 79
4.1 Introduction 79
4.2 Genetic Diversity 80
4.3 Species Diversity 81
4.4 Ecosystem Diversity 81
x Contents

4.5 Value of Biodiversity 82

4.6 Value of Genes 84
4.7 Biopiracy 84
4.8 Biogeographical Classification of India 85
4.9 India as a Mega Diverse Nation 86
4.10 Endemic Species of India 87
4.11 Threats to Biodiversity 87
4.12 Hotspots of Biodiversity 88
4.12.1 Hotspots in India 89
4.13 Endangered Species of India 89
4.14 Conservation of Biodiversity 90
4.14.1 In-situ and Ex-situ Conservation 90
4.14.2 Preservation and Conservation 90
4.14.3 Project Tiger 91
4.14.4 Project Elephant 91
4.15 Genetic Engineering and Biodiversity 91
Review Questions 93
Objective-Type Questions 93
Short-Answer Questions 94
Descriptive Questions 95
Answers to Objective-Type Questions 95
5. Environmental Pollution 96
5.1 Air Pollution 96
5.1.1 General 96
5.1.2 Sources of Air Pollution 97
5.1.3 Major Air Pollutants 97
5.1.4 Effect of Air Pollution on Animals, Plants and Property 99
5.1.5 Toxic Air Pollution 99
5.1.6 Primary and Secondary Air Pollutants 100
5.1.7 Smog 100
5.1.8 Photochemical Smog 100
5.1.9 Automobile and Air Pollution 100
5.1.10 Air Pollution Control Technologies 101
5.1.11 Catalytic Converter 104
5.2 Water Pollution 105
5.2.1 Major Forms of Water Pollution 105
5.2.2 Sources of Water Pollution 106
 Contents xi

5.2.3 Point and Non-point Sources 106

5.2.4 Groundwater Pollution and its Control 106
5.2.5 Management of Municipal Sewage 106
5.3 Soil Pollution 118
5.3.1 Control of Soil Pollution 118
5.4 Marine Pollution 118
5.5 Noise Pollution 120
5.5.1 Sources of Noise 120
5.5.2 Measurement of Noise 120
5.5.3 Effects of Noise 120
5.5.4 Noise Pollution Control 121
5.6 Thermal Pollution 121
5.7 Solid Waste Management 122
5.7.1 Solid (Non-Hazardous) Waste 122
5.7.2 Refuse 122
5.7.3 Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) 122
5.7.4 Hazardous Waste 122
5.7.5 Illegal Dumping 122
5.7.6 MSW Management Practices 122
5.7.7 Source Reduction 130
5.7.8 Recycling 130
5.7.9 Composting 130
5.7.10 Classification of Composting Based on Oxygen Use 131
5.7.11 Vermicomposting 131
5.7.12 Landfills 131
5.7.13 Combustion/Incineration 132
5.7.14 Disposal and Recycle Options 132
5.7.15 Prohibited Wastes 133
5.8 Hazardous Waste Management 133
5.8.1 Hazardous Waste 133
5.8.2 General Hazardous Waste Management Strategies 134
5.8.3 Treatment Technologies for Hazardous Wastes 134
5.8.4 Land Disposal Methods for Hazardous Wastes 135
5.8.5 Radioactive Wastes 135
5.8.6 Not In My Backyard Principle (NIMBY) 135
5.8.7 Guidelines for Handling Household Hazardous Chemicals 136
5.8.8 Disposal Methods for Household Hazardous Wastes 136
5.8.9 Chemical Waste 137
xii Contents

5.8.10 Chemical Incompatibilities 137

5.8.11 Biomedical Waste 137
5.8.12 Infectious Waste 138
5.8.13 Central Pollution Control Board Standards 138
5.8.14 Computer and Electronic Scrap Recycling 138
5.8.15 Technology for Processing Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) 139
5.9 Pollution Prevention 139
5.10 Disaster Management 140
5.10.1 Major and Minor Calamities 140
Review Questions 141
Objective-Type Questions 141
Short-Answer Questions 145
Descriptive Questions 147
Answers to Objective-Type Questions 150
6. Social Issues and the Environment 151
6.1 From Unsustainable to Sustainable Development 152
6.1.1 Sustainability: Theory and Practice 152
6.2 Urban Problems Related to Energy 155
6.2.1 Urban Energy Crisis 155
6.2.2 Renewable Energy 155
6.3 Water Conservation 156
6.3.1 Some Ancient Indian Methods of Water Conservation
and Harvesting 156
6.3.2 Rainwater Harvesting 156
6.3.3 Reducing Water Demand in Agriculture 157
6.4 Watershed Management 159
6.5 Environmental Ethics 159
6.6 Green Chemistry and its Twelve Principles 159
6.7 Acid Rain 160
6.7.1 Effects of Acid Rains 161
6.8 Ozone-Layer Depletion 161
6.8.1 Chlorofluorocarbons 163
6.8.2 Measuring Ozone Depletion 163
6.8.3 Impacts of Ozone Depletion 164
6.8.4 Steps to Protect the Ozone Layer 164
6.9 Greenhouse Effect, Global Warming and Climate Change 165
6.9.1 Effects of Global Warming 167
 Contents xiii

6.9.2 Solutions for Global Warming 167

6.10 Pollution Control Boards and Control Pollution Acts in India 169
6.10.1 Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) 169
6.10.2 The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 169
6.10.3 The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 170
6.10.4 The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 170
6.10.5 The Wildlife Protection Act, 1971 170
6.10.6 The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 170
6.10.7 Constitutional Provisions 171
6.11 Nuclear Hazards and Accidents 171
6.11.1 Facts About Radiological Accidents 172
6.11.2 Ways to Minimize Radiation Exposure 172
6.12 Environmental Impact Assessment 173
6.12.1 Different Types of Impact Assessments 173
6.12.2 The Benefits of EIA 174
6.12.3 The EIA Process 175
6.12.4 Contents of a Typical Environmental Impact Assessment 175
6.12.5 Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation 176
6.13 Risk Management 177
6.14 Precautionary Principle 178
6.15 Polluter-Pays Principle 178
6.16 The Beneficiary-Pays Principle 178
6.17 The ISO 14000 Series of Environmental Management Standards 178
6.18 Economy and Environment 180
6.18.1 Environmental Economics 180
Review Questions 180
Objective-Type Questions 180
Short-Answer Questions 183
Descriptive Questions 184
Answers to Objective-Type Questions 185
7. Human Population and the Environment 186
7.1 Population Growth 186
7.1.1 Population Variations among Nations 188
7.1.2 Population Pyramids 189
7.1.3 Problems of Population Growth 190
7.2 Human Rights 197
7.2.1 Human Rights as Inspiration and Empowerment 197
xiv Contents

7.2.2 Human Right Act, 1993 198

7.2.3 Amnesty International 203
7.3 Value Education 204
7.4 HIV/AIDS 205
7.4.1 Process of Infection 206
7.4.2 HIV Test 207
7.4.3 Transmission of HIV 207
7.4.4 Survival of HIV Outside the Body 208
7.4.5 HIV and AIDS in India 208
7.5 Environment and Human Health 209
7.5.1 A History of Pandemics 209
7.6 Family Welfare Programmes 209
7.7 Women and Child Welfare 210
7.7.1 Subjects Allocated to the Department 210
7.7.2 Child Development 211
7.8 Role of Information Technology in Environment and Human Health 212
Review Questions 213
Objective-Type Questions 213
Short-Answer Questions 216
Descriptive Questions 217
Answers to Objective-Type Questions 217
Appendix 1 International Conventions and Protocols 218
Appendix 2 Glossary 223
Index 240
 PREFACE
Introduction to the Course

A course on Environmental Studies or Environmental Science and Engineering is offered

with the intention of imparting an understanding of the impact of technological solutions
in societal and environmental contexts, and to enable the students to demonstrate the
knowledge of, and need for sustainable development. Basic topics such as natural resources,
ecology, biodiversity, and environmental pollution are dealt in detail in this book. In
addition to these topics, the concept of sustainable development and population growth
related issues are also discussed.

Target Audience

This textbook is designed to cater to the needs of all the discerning learners of this course
at undergraduate level in Indian universities. Efforts are made to accommodate the widest
possible variations in the background of the students.

Objective of the Revision

Since the first edition of Environmental Studies, the level of environmental awareness
among the general public and graduate students of India have gone up extensively, and
hence it was felt that a lot of introductory explanations and details in the earlier edition
were becoming incongruous. The above perspective is the rationale behind this edition
and it is also kept in mind that the course on Environmental Studies should not be felt
as a difficult requirement or unnecessary academic hurdle by the students. The main
objective of this revision is to ease the learning curve and to reduce the amount of time to
complete the course successfully without omitting the core concepts. The strategy adopted
for attaining the above objective is the conversion of considerable amount of theory to
graphical representations. In addition to the above, facts and figures are updated based
on recent developments around the world.
xvi Preface

Roadmap to Target Courses

For courses offered in engineering programmes, all the topics dealt in this book may be
taken up with careful details. For other degree programmes, some of the topics such as
water treatment, wastewater treatment, air pollution control equipment, municipal solid
waste management, etc. may be dealt with a lesser rigorousness.

What is New in This Edition

A large number of illustrations and tables are added to this version for easy understanding
by converting the existing knowledge base. Every chapter is provided with learning
outcomes to make the learning process more focused and conclusion based.

Organization of the Book

Chapter 1 tries to sensitize the students about the importance of Environmental Studies
and its multidisciplinary nature. It also draws a broader picture of the role of human beings
in biosphere and major environmental issues that our planet is currently facing.
Chapter 2 deals in major natural resources such as water, forest, minerals and energy
resources. It also highlights the current issues affecting these natural resources and
possible ways for conservation. Topics relating to food security and land resources are
also discussed in detail.
Chapter 3 discusses ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles. The material and energy flow
in an ecosystem is illustrated and the same is compared with that of an anthroposystem.
Chapter 4 looks at biodiversity, its importance, threats to biodiversity, and conservation
efforts. India as a mega biodiverse nation is discussed and some of the endemic species
facing extinction are also highlighted.
Chapter 5 on environmental pollution discusses air, water, soil and marine pollution
in detail with their causes, effects and solutions. Some associated topics such as noise
pollution and thermal pollution are also discussed. The issue of management of municipal
solid waste and hazardous waste is illustrated in detail.
Chapter 6 introduces the concept of sustainable development and looks at the underlying
social concerns behind the environmental issues. Topics such as climate change and ozone
hole are dealt in detail here.
 Preface xvii

Chapter 7 considers the universal issues relating to human population changes (both
growth and reduction) in various parts of the globe. Topics such as human rights, HIV and
value education are also dealt here.

Acknowledgements
The author wishes to place on record his heartfelt thanks to the entire editorial team of
McGraw Hill Education, India, for their hand-holding during the revision process with a
special mention of Ms Piyali Chatterjee and Mr Atul Gupta. I would express my gratitude
to Ms Shobhika Puri for painstakingly making all the illustrations within the chapters.
I would also like to acknowledge various reviewers who took out time to review this book
and gave their valuable feedback and suggestions. Their names are given below.
Himanshu Sharma Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut,
Uttar Pradesh
Laiju A.R. National Institute of Technology Uttarakhand, Uttarakhand
Kritanjali Jaiswal Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Management and Technology,
Guwahati, Assam
Arup Ratan Biswas Techno India University, Kolkata, West Bengal
Prasant Rath Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Manoj H. Mota Sharad Institute of Technology, Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Thirumala Prasad Kota DVR & Dr. HS MIC College of Technology, Kanchikacherla,
Andhra Pradesh
H. Ramamohan Aditya Institute of Technology and Management, Srikakulam,
Andhra Pradesh
Debapriya Dey MCKV Institute of Engineering, Howrah, West Bengal

Benny Joseph
 VISUAL WALKTHROUGH

The readers can take a tour of this book through the visual walkthrough given below. It
highlights different elements present within the chapters and also gives a brief introduction
about them.

3 ECOLOGY

“The first law of ecology is that everything is related to everything else.”

Barry Commoner
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Learning Outcomes
Chapters are organized into multiple
learning objectives which help students
� Explain the concept of ecosystem and compare it with anthroposystem.
and instructors to indulge in planned � Illustrate the terms Food Chain, Food Web and Ecological Pyramid.
and focussed learning of concepts. � Sketch and explain the major biogeochemical cycles.
�

3.1 ECOSYSTEM
Ecology is the study of the relationship between organisms and their environment.
An ecosystem is a biotic assemblage of plants, animals, and microbes, taken together with
their physico-chemical environment. In an ecosystem the biological cycling of materials
 Visual Walkthrough xix

FIGURES AND TABLES

The figures illustrate the various concepts
discussed in the chapter. This makes the
learning process stimulating. Details pertaining
to different concepts have been presented in
tabular form at various places.

A typical rainwater harvesting facilty for a building is shown in Fig. 6.4.

Fig. 6.4 Typical Rainwater Harvesting Facility for a Building

Table 2.2

Energy type Advantages Disadvantages

Renewable � Wide availability � Unreliable supply
� Lower running cost � Usually produced in small quantities
� Decentralized power production � Often very difficult to store
� Low pollution � Currently per unit cost of energy is
� Available for the foreseeable future more compared to other types
Non-renewable � Available in highly concentrated form � Highly polluting
� Easy to store � Available only in a few places
� Reliable supply � High running cost
� Lower cost per unit of energy produced � Limited supply and will one day get
as the technology is matured exhausted
Sustainable � Highly reliable � Risk of radioactivity
(Nuclear power) � Produces large amounts of energy � High waste disposal costs
with very little CO2 emissions � High capital investment and
� Uses small amount of raw material maintenance cost
per unit energy production
xx Visual Walkthrough

CASE STUDIES AND BURNING TOPICS

Latest case studies and burning topics are also
covered in book for better understanding of
different topics.

CASE Canada: Education, Migration, Divorce

STUDY Cause, Fall in Birth Rate

Canada’s birth rate fell to 10.5 births for every 1,000 people, down by 25% in the last decade of 20th
century. Women are having the same 1.5 babies that they’ve been having for the past 10 years but
there are fewer women in the fertile age group 25 to 30. Experts point to an array of factors, including
increasing education for women, the urbanization of society and the breakdown in family units. Where
a new generation was born every 20 years, it’s now closer to 30. When you increase the time between
generations, there will be fewer children. All agree that the fertility rate has seen a decline over the
last 40 years. One factor is higher education that has given women career opportunities that caused
women to delay pregnancies until their careers have been established. Education has also given women
better knowledge about birth control products. The move to urban living has an effect as agrarian
societies, babies are viewed as a source of future labour supply but in urban settings, children are
more likely to be economic drains on their parents. Urban parents rely on pension plans, rather than
their children. Many working class women are putting off children because they simply can’t afford
to support them. Family change, such as divorce, cohabitation and looseness of relationships, comes
with fewer children because there’s less security.

BURNING
Climate Change: An Inconvenient Truth
TOPIC

Weather is the mix of events that happen every day in our atmosphere including temperature, rainfall
and humidity. Climate is the average weather pattern in a place over many years.
Climates will change if the factors that influence them fluctuate. To change climate on a global scale,
either the amount of heat that is let into the system changes, or the amount of heat that is let out of
the system changes. For instance, warming climates are either due to increased heat let into the Earth
or a decrease in the amount of heat that is let out of the atmosphere.
In the early 19th century, scientists discovered that trace amounts of atmospheric gases, including
carbon dioxide and methane, were responsible for retaining some of the sun’s heat in the lower
atmosphere. They theorized that without these gases, the earth’s temperature would not support the
variety of life found on this planet. However, the huge amount of fossil fuels burned since the Industrial
Revolution has increased the atmospheric concentration of these gases and dramatically changed the
energy balance of the planet, retaining heat that otherwise would be radiated out into space. Like the
glass in a greenhouse, this raises the average air temperature in the lower atmosphere.
The gases responsible for this phenomenon are known as greenhouse gases (GHG). CO2 is the
major GHG and the other gases that could contribute this effect are identified as CH4, N2O, HFCs
(hydrofluorocarbons), PFCs (perfluorocarbons) and SF6 (sulphur hexafluoride) (Fig. 6.11).
 Visual Walkthrough xxi

CHAPTER-END EXERCISE
More than 400 chapter-end exercises are con-
structed to assess the student’s understanding
of concepts discussed in each chapter. These
are formed as objective-type questions, short-
answer questions and descriptive questions.
Answer to MCQs have been provided at the
end of each chapter.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

Objective-Type Questions
1. As per the FAO definition the minimum percentage of depletion of tree crown
cover, that can be considered as deforestation is
(a) 50% (b) 60%
(c) 70% (d) 90%
2. Which of the following statements about the forest is not correct?
(a) Reduces soil erosion
(b) Provides recreational opportunities
(c) Provides a source of economic development
Short-Answer Questions
(d) None of the above
3. Which of the following1. type
Define
ofthe term extraction
timber deforestation.
is least damaging to the
environment? 2. Differentiate between deforestation and forest degradation.
(a) Clear felling 3. Cite examples for aesthetic, recreational, economic, historical, cultural and religious
(b) Reduced impact loggingvalues of forests around your place.
(c) Mechanized logging4. List the effects of deforestation.
(d) Hand logging
5. List the possible social impacts of mining on local communities.
6. Write a short note on the mineral resources of India.
7. Identify the core causes of currentt water crisis in the world.
8. Define meteorological drought.
Descriptive Questions
9. Define food security. 1. Describe the history of population growth on earth mentioning the factors
contributing to it.
10. Enumerate the desired qualities off an ideal pesticide.
2. Draw a typical population pyramid of a developing country and discuss how it is
11. Define organic farming. likely to differ from that of a developed country.
12. List the advantages of organic agriculture
riculture over thethe
3. Explain conventional one.problems posed by population explosion.
environmental
13. What are the major energy sourcess of4.planet earth?
Discuss the salient features of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by UN.
14. Differentiate between renewable, non-renewable
5. Explainand
thesustainable
steps that sources of energy
are being taken in India to impart value education from
with examples. school days.
h h l 6. Discuss the process of HIV infection.
7. What are the modes of transmission of HIV and how can it be prevented?
8. What are the steps that have to be taken to control the AIDS epidemic in India?
9. Discuss the role of Information Technology in the protection of environment
and human health.

Answers to Objective-Type Questions

1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (b) 6. (d) 7. (a)
8. (b) 9. (d) 10. (c) 11. (d) 12. (b) 13. (b) 14. (a)
15. (d)
xxii Visual Walkthrough

APPENDICES

∑ Book-end appendix will give the reader

knowledge about major International
Environmental Conventions and Environ-
mental Protocols.
∑ Glossary of technical terms frequently used APPENDIX INTERNATIONAL
in environmental science has been included
at the end of book. This will help readers
improve their vocabulary on the subject.
1 CONVENTIONS
AND
PROTOCOLS

In order to deal with regional and global environmental changes, it is necessary to develop
new scientific and political mechanisms that could operate at the international level. An
international convention is intended to build an international consensus that a particular
ecological, wildlife or pollution problem exists. The convention is worded in general terms
to allow all countries to “sign on” recognizing that the problem exists and that there is
some need for concern and multinational action.
Once a convention has been established, countries can then begin to negotiate specific
control actions. The protocol mechanisms allow large problems to be broken down into more
achievable steps. The protocol mechanism allows for a wide range of actions to be agreed
upon including the control
contr of emissions, the control of production, trade in substances of
concern, and financial aid
ai mechanisms. It would not be possible to negotiate all of these
items at one time or with
within one time frame but the protocol process allows for substantial
APPENDIX progress to be made in sspite of great complexities of the overall actions being taken.
The protocol process can virtually supersede the convention itself. In the case of

2 GLOSSARY
stratospheric ozone depletion,
dep
leading to the Montreal Protocol.
the Vienna Convention which was the umbrella agreement

I. MAJOR INTERNATIONAL
INTERN ENVIRONMENTAL
CONVENTIONS
CONVENTION
Ramsar Convention (Convention
(Co on Wetlands of International Importance especially
as Waterfowl Habitat)
Most of the waterfowl th
that inhabit marshes or swamps are migratory birds. International
cooperation to preserve
preserv the marshlands has been regarded as necessary in order to

A
Abiotic: A non-living (physical or chemical) component of the environment.
Abatement: The reduction in degree or intensity of pollution.
Acid rain: Precipitation which has a pH of less than 5.6.
Acute toxicity: Any poisonous effect produced within a short period of time, resulting in
severe biological harm and often, death.
Adsorption: The adhesion of a substance to the surface of a solid or liquid. Adsorption
is often used to extract pollutants, by causing them to be attached to adsorbents such as
activated carbon or silica gel. Hydrophobic, or water-repulsing adsorbents, are used to
extract oil from waterways in oil spills.
Advanced wastewater treatment: The removal of any dissolved or suspended contaminants
beyond secondary treatment. Often, it is the removal of the nutrients—nitrogen and/or
phosphorus.
Aeration: The process by which air is circulated through, mixed with or dissolved in a
liquid or substance.
Aerobes: Organisms which require molecular oxygen as an electron acceptor for energy
production.
Agricultural pollution: The liquid and solid wastes from farming, including runoff from
pesticides, fertilizers, and feedlots; erosion and dust from plowing; animal manure and carcasses.
 1 INTRODUCTION

“The earth provides enough to satisfy every person’s need but not every
person’s greed.”
Mahatma Gandhi

Learning Outcomes
On successful comple on of this chapter, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of environmental educa on.
Outline the Gaia theory in the context of environmentalism.
Comprehend the mul disciplinary nature of the course Environmental Studies.
Illustrate the components of the environment and its interac ons.
Outline the causes, effects and management op ons for various environmental
problems related to air, water and land.

1.1 GENERAL
Throughout history, humankind has adapted to the natural variations of the earth’s system
and its climate. However, in the last century, human population and consumption of
various natural resources have increased significantly and this essentially is the root cause
of all the environmental issues. Figure 1.1 shows some of the current impacts of human
activities on the environment.
2 Environmental Studies: Simplified

Fig. 1.1 Impacts of Human Activities on the Environment

Environmental awareness among the public and policymakers has been growing since
the 1960s, when it became widely recognized that human activities were having harmful
and largescale effects on the environment.

1.2 IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Environment is the physical and biotic habitat that surrounds us. Environmental issues
affect, and are affected by, all our activities to varying degrees. The need to have a
working knowledge of environmental issues is not confined to environmental scientists,
engineers and policymakers. In our society, all the educated citizens need to have a
working understanding of the fundamental principles involved in environmentally
 Introduction 3

responsible decision-making to protect planet earth. Figure 1.2 lists some of the functions
of environmental education.

Fig. 1.2 Functions of Environmental Education

The following are some of the guiding principles and features suggested for effective
environmental education.
Environmental Education
Considers the environment in its totality, i.e., ecological, political, natural,
technological, sociological, aesthetic and built environments.
Develops awareness of the importance, beauty and wonders that can be found in
these aspects of the environment.
Explores not only the physical qualities of the human relationship with the
environment, but also the spiritual aspect of this relationship.
Is a response to the challenge of moving towards an ecologically and socially
sustainable world.
Is concerned with the interaction between the quality of the biophysical environment
and the socio-economic environment.
Transcends the division of knowledge, skills and attitudes by seeking commitment
to action in an informed manner to realistic sustainability.
Recognizes the value of local knowledge, practices and perceptions in enhancing
sustainability.
4 Environmental Studies: Simplified

Supports relevant education by focusing on learning local environments.

Considers the global as well as the local environment. Since the world is a set of inter-
related systems, there is a need for a world perspective on environmental issues.
Focuses on current and future perspectives on environmental conditions.
Is interdisciplinary and can be taught through and used to enhance all subjects in
the curriculum.
Emphasizes participation in preventing and solving environmental problems and
revokes the passive accumulation of information about the environment.
Environmental literacy is the capability for a contextual and detailed understanding of an
environmental problem in order to enable analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and ultimately sound
and informed decision-making at a citizen’s level.

1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

Environmental Engineering is one of the most complex and fastest growing disciplines
of Engineering. The scope of this field includes issues from public health protection to
aesthetics, and from impact on business development to the development of legislation,
standards, regulations, and guidelines, to their enforcement and environmental protection.
A challenging aspect of Environmental Engineering is the rapid changes in the field
due to the rate of knowledge increase in the fields of science, technology and health.
Figure 1.3 illustrates some of the core areas of Environmental Engineering.

Fig. 1.3 Some Core Areas of Environmental Engineering

 Introduction 5

1.4 ENVIRONMENTALISM
Although it can be argued that environmental consciousness is ancient, and forms part of
many religions, it was not until the 1960s that environmentalism became an organized
force. The milestone marking the birth of the environmental movement was the publication
of the book Silent Spring by Rachel Carson in 1962 in the USA. Silent Spring inspired a
new public awareness that human beings were harming the environment. Since the 1960s,
the movement has grown dramatically. In Silent Spring, Carson exposed the perils of the
indiscriminate use of pesticides, particularly DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane).

Fig. 1.4 Silent Spring by Rachel Carson – The book that marked the Birth of Environmental Movement

1.4.1 The Gaia Theory

Named after the Greek mother Earth goddess, Gaia, the theory was developed in the 1960s
by scientist Dr James Lovelock. This theory suggests a holistic view of the world, where all
life on earth interacts with the physical environment to form a complex system that can
be thought of as a single super organism. Thus, the earth acts as a superorganism with the
ability to regulate environmental conditions needed to sustain itself, as much as the human
body keeps its water content, temperature, and other conditions at a relatively constant
state to keep the body alive. Lovelock believed that the earth is a self-regulating system
and is able to keep its climate and chemical composition comfortable for living organisms.
In particular, it regulates the chemistry of the oceans, composition of the atmosphere and
the surface temperature. The film Avatar (2009) is an illustration of the Gaia theory where
a world (Pandora) functions like a single organism.
6 Environmental Studies: Simplified

Fig. 1.5 Lovelock and the Gaia Theory

Fig. 1.6 Daisyworld Mathematical Model

1.5 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES—THE SUBJECT AND

ITS MULTIDISCIPLINARY NATURE
Environmental Studies is a distinct programme that gives the students an opportunity
to experience the interdisciplinary nature of the subject. Environmental Studies educate
students in the fundamentals of environmental and social sciences along with major
environmental issues.
An understanding of the working of the environment requires the knowledge from
wide-ranging fields. Table 1.1 shows a list of topics dealt commonly in air pollution and
 Introduction 7

the related traditional fields of knowledge, illustrating the interdisciplinary nature of the
subject.
Table 1.1 Interdisciplinay Nature of the Subject—Air Pollution

Environmental issue/Topic Major subject/ Topic knowledge required

Nature and reactions of air pollutants Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Effects of air pollutants on human beings, animals, Zoology and Botany and various branches of life
plants and materials science, Physics, and Chemistry
Effect of climate on air pollution Meteorology, Thermodynamics, Geography,
Mathematical modelling, etc.
Air pollution control devices Physics, Chemistry and various branches of
Engineering
History of air pollution and air pollution episodes History
Economic impacts of air pollution Economics, Demography
Sociological impacts of air pollution Sociology
Alternative fuels Various branches of physical sciences
Conservation of resources and pollution control Various branches of physical and political sciences
Ozone hole and global warming Almost every branch of study has got something to
contribute to the understanding of this phenomenon.

1.6 COMPONENTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND

THEIR INTERACTIONS
Chemicals on earth are distributed among four major environmental components or
conceptual spheres—atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. While such a
classification of nature is arbitrary, it helps in organizing and extending our knowledge of
distribution and flow of chemicals. A schematic representation of the four environmental
components and their interrelationships is shown in Fig. 1.7. The circles represent the
spheres and the curved arrows the flow pathways of the matter. In the diagram, circles
and curved arrows are used instead of boxes and straight line connections to emphasize
the close, dynamic, inseparable, organic coupling among the environmental components.
If one component or linkage changes, all other components respond. In this conceptual
frame, every sphere has a two-way linkage to every other sphere, including itself. The two-
way linkage signifies that the matter may flow from one component to another in both
8 Environmental Studies: Simplified

directions. Some arrows show the transfer within a given component from one location
to another indicating movement of the substance from one physical location to another
without leaving the sphere. Since matter cannot be created or destroyed, the major objective
is to find the location and chemical form of the substance at any given time.

Fig. 1.7 Components of the Environment

Fig. 1.7(a) Atmosphere

 Introduction 9

Fig. 1.7(b) Hydrosphere

Fig. 1.7(c) Lithosphere

10 Environmental Studies: Simplified

Fig. 1.7(d) Biosphere

1.7 HUMANS AND THE BIOSPHERE

Humans are part of the biosphere, and human activities most closely resemble the functions
of the biosphere. Humans are responsible for the largescale redistribution of chemicals
on earth. Population explosion, coupled with increased per capita consumption of natural
resources, is the root cause of all the adverse human impacts on the biosphere.
The atmosphere and the hydrosphere are effective transporters of matter; and, as a
result, many of the anthropogenic chemicals are transferred to the land or the oceans
where they are subsequently incorporated in these long-term geochemical reservoirs.
Much of the environmental damage is done in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere
and biosphere during the transit from one long-term geochemical reservoir to another.
 Introduction 11

1.8 IMPACTS OF DEVELOPMENT ON THE

ENVIRONMENT
Over the years, in the name of development, man has been unscrupulously exploiting the
environmental resources and which, in turn, has resulted in many adverse effects on air,
water and land. The extent of impact is so much that it even threatens the very existence
of life on earth.

1.8.1 Environmental Impacts of Urbanization

Table 1.2 shows a list of adverse effects of urbanization on the various environmental
components such as atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere.
Table 1.2 Environmental Impacts of Urbanization

Environmental Population Urban component

component (numbers and density) Land use Transportation Services
Atmosphere Increased release Increased average Air pollution Particulate matter
of CO2, decreased temperature for from combustion and noxious fumes
O2 production, as most urbanized of fuel creation from incinerators,
plant colonies areas. of photo- landfills and
are destroyed by chemical smog. sewage treatment
spreading urban plants.
areas.
Hydrosphere Greater demand on More intense use of Rain and Leaching of
water resources (both hydrologic resources surface waters pollutants
surface and ground causing increased polluted with from landfills.
water). pollution. lead. Drainage Discharges from
patterns sewage outfalls
altered by pollution from
infrastructure. boats.
Lithosphere Increased Complete changes Disruption or Sanitary landfill of
transformation due to construction, disfigurement of urban wastes and
of uninhabited landscaping, etc. landscape, etc. installation/repairs
agricultural or of services disturb
unutilized land to landscape.
urban uses.

Causes, effects and management options for various environmental problems related to
air, water and land are listed in Table 1.3.
12 Environmental Studies: Simplified

Table 1.3 Summary of Urban Environmental Issues and Options

Problem area Effects Causes Management options

Ambient air Health problems Industrialization Fuel pricing
pollution Economic costs from Increase in motorized Regulations, standards,
healthcare costs and fleet and congestion emissions charges
productivity losses Use of highly polluting Demand management
Amenity losses fuels Transport planning
(aesthetic, cultural, and Energy pricing policies Appropriate technology
recreational) Topography and climate (clean fuels, air
pollution control
equipment, etc.)
Indoor air Health problems Use of low-quality fuels Substitution of fuel and
pollution (chronic obstructed for cooking and heating equipment pricing
lung disease, acute (biomass and high Fuel switching
respiratory infections, sulphur coal) Building codes
low birth weights, Poorly ventilated Public education
cancer) dwellings and Tax hazardous products
Economic costs workplaces and processes
from healthcare and Passive smoking
productivity losses Cottage industry
activities
Surface water Health problems Pricing policies Regulations, standards,
pollution Economic costs Poor regulations and/or licensing, charges
(additional treatment, enforcement Improve monitoring
new sources of supply, Municipal and and enforcement
health costs) industrial waste Demand management
Amenity losses disposal practices and wastewater reuse
Urban runoff Appropriate technology
Irrigation practices Land use controls
Waste management
Groundwater Reduced water quality Pricing policies Regulation, standards,
pollution from saline intrusion Poor regulations and/or licensing charges
depletion Health impacts enforcement Waste management
Economic costs Unsustainable Appropriate technology
extraction (rain water harvesting)
Sanitation, municipal Demand management
and industrial waste Controls on land
disposal practices use and sources of
Poor demand infiltration
management
(Contd.)
 Introduction 13

Table 1.3 (Contd.)

Problem area Effects Causes Management options
Coastal/lake Health effects due to Unclear property rights Regulations, standards,
pollution contaminated seafood Poor regulations and/or licensing charges
and direct contact enforcement Appropriate technology
Loss of recreational Municipal and Coastal zone
resources and tourism industrial waste management and
revenues disposal practices preservation
Damage to fisheries Disposal of shipboard Shipping facilities
Amenity losses wastes Waste management
Eutrophication Land use control
Degradation of Declining agricultural Changes in relative Internalize ecological
land productivity value of land uses value in land prices
Reduced renewable Uncontrolled urban Designate special areas
resource base growth for management
(deforestation, lost soil Unclear property rights Local participation
fertility) Mining and quarrying Clarify property rights
Erosion and siltation activities Economic resource
Amenity losses Land disposal of pricing
Loss of natural habitat municipal and Land use controls
and species industrial wastes
Loss of cultural Loss of heritage Lack of regulation and/ Internalize costs of
and historical Loss of tourism or enforcement loss in redevelopment
property revenues Air pollution planning
Damage to culturally Land subsidence and Tax incentives for
values buildings, poor drainage preservation
monuments, natural Zone and building codes
sites Pollution control
Degradation of Health hazards Failure to anticipate Public education
ecosystems Resettlement costs effects in planning and Internalize costs of
Loss of habitat and development rural degradation
species Pricing policies Resource pricing
Air, water, and land Lack of rural political Clarify property rights
pollution power
Municipal solid Household costs related Poor management Private sector delivery
wastes to blocked drainage and (improper collection of collection and
flooding and disposal, little disposal
Water pollution from resource recovery) Waste minimization
leachates Pricing (no cost recovery) (recycling, recovery,
Air pollution from Disposal impacts source reduction)
burning external to the Regulations, standards,
Amenity losses community licensing, charges
Input pricing Institutional
Expanded coverage strengthening
(Contd.)
14 Environmental Studies: Simplified

Table 1.3 (Contd.)

Problem area Effects Causes Management options
Hazardous wastes Surface, ground, coastal Inadequate regulations Regulations, standards,
water contamination and/or enforcement licensing and standards
Related health, economic No incentives for Improve monitoring
and resource impacts treatment and enforcement
Accumulation of toxics in Input pricing for waste- Treatment and disposal
the food chain producing industries incentives
Reduced property values Low visibility, Economic input pricing
nonlinear, long-term Waste minimization
effects Marginal cost pricing
Dispersed small-scale Special incentives for
and cottage industries small-scale generators
Privatization of
treatment and disposal
operations
Natural and man- Health effects (death, Natural forces Reduce constraints on
made hazards injuries) Land market failures supply of usable land
Economic costs (loss (lack of alternatives for Appropriate incentives
of lives, property, squatters, artificially (prices, taxes, tenure,
infrastructure) constrained supply) housing finance)
Land degradation Land policies (no Land use controls
(flooding, landslides, taxation, no/ Improve knowledge
earthquakes) unenforced protection about risks and
Amenity losses of high risk lands) alternatives
Poor construction
practices
Inadequate Health impacts Inappropriate technology Gear sanitation options
sanitation (diarrhoeal diseases, Pricing (no cost recovery) to willingness to pay
parasites, high infant Poor management Community approaches
mortality, malnutrition) (lack of operations Cost recovery
Related economic costs and maintenance, Hygiene education
Eutrophication uncoordinated
Amenity losses investments)
Inadequate hygiene
education
Inadequate Health effects Inadequate hygiene Community
drainage Property damage education management of
Accidents Increased urban maintenance
Reduced urban runoff due to Strategic investment in
productivity (shutdown impermeabilization and drainage
of business, transport upstream deforestation Land use controls and
systems) Occupation of low-lying market liberalization
lands Solid waste
management
 Introduction 15

Table 1.4 Pros and Cons of Biofuels

Biofuels
Pros Cons
Promoted as a planetfriendly, renewable source of Critics argue that biofuel production takes valuable
energy. agricultural land.
Substitute for coal and oil. Sugarcane cultivation encroaches on wildlife habitat,
degrades soil and causes pollution when fields are
burned.
Burn cleaner and produce less greenhouse gas than Causes destruction of rain forests.
fossil fuels.
Farmers can produce them domestically, reducing About 70% more energy is required to produce
dependence on foreign sources of oil. ethanol than the energy that actually is in ethanol.

Fig. 1.8 Composition and Examples of Biofuel

REVIEW QUESTIONS

Objective-Type Questions
1. Who is the author of the book ‘Silent Spring’?
(a) Robin Cook (b) Arthur Hailey
(c) Rachel Carson (d) Charles Darwin
16 Environmental Studies: Simplified

2. DDT is
(a) not soluble in water (b) more soluble in fat than water
(c) less soluble in fat than water (d) not soluble in fat
3. Which of the following scientists rediscovered DDT in 1939?
(a) Paul Hermann Müller (b) Madam Curie
(c) Rachel Carson (d) Alexander Fleming
4. POPs is
(a) Persistent Oxidizing Pollutants
(b) Permanent Organic Pesticides
(c) Persistent Organic Pesticides
(d) Persistent Organic Pollutants
5. Who proposed the Gaia theory?
(a) Rachel Carson (b) James Lovelock
(c) Charles Darwin (d) William Golding
6. The objective of environmental education is
(a) to raise consciousness about environmental conditions
(b) to teach environmentally appropriate behaviour
(c) to create an environmental ethic that fosters awareness about the ecological
inter-dependence of economic, social and political factors in a human
community and the environment
(d) all of the above
7. Which of the following is not influenced by human activities?
(a) Depletion of ground water
(b) Destruction of mangroves and wetlands
(c) Increased extinction rates of species
(d) None of the above
8. The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) was signed in
the year
(a) 1999 (b) 1998
(c) 2000 (d) 2001
9. Which of the following statements about environmental education is false?
(a) Environmental education is evolving to be education for sustainable and
ethical development both at local and global levels.
(b) Environmental education will prepare the next generation to plan appropriate
strategies for addressing developmental environmental issues.
 Introduction 17

(c) Environmental education does not advocate a particular viewpoint or course

of action.
(d) Environmental education is essential for the younger generation only.
10. Which of the following conceptual spheres of the environment is having the least
storage capacity for matter?
(a) Atmosphere (b) Lithosphere
(c) Hydrosphere (d) Biosphere
11. Which of the following components of the environment are effective transporters
of matter?
(a) Atmosphere and hydrosphere (b) Atmosphere and lithosphere
(c) Hydrosphere and lithosphere (d) Lithosphere and hydrosphere
12. Which of the following one is not related to the loss of productivity of croplands?
(a) Desertification (b) Waterlogging
(c) Salt buildup in topsoil (d) None of the above
13. Biosphere is
(a) the solid shell of inorganic materials on the surface of the earth
(b) the thin shell of organic matter on the surface of the earth comprising all the
living things
(c) the sphere which occupies the maximum volume of all the spheres
(d) all of the above
14. Which of the following is an example of impact of developmental activities on the
hydrosphere?
(a) Air pollution (b) Soil pollution
(c) Soil erosion (d) Water pollution
15. Global atmospheric temperatures are likely to be increased due to
(a) burning of fossil fuels (b) water pollution
(c) soil erosion (d) none of the above
16. Which of the following is a management option for air pollution?
(a) Regulations and standards (b) Emission charges
(c) Transport planning (d) All of the above

Short-Answer Questions
1. What are the factors that have led to the increased resource consumption on earth
in recent years?
18 Environmental Studies: Simplified

2. Define the term “environment”.

3. What are the major objectives of environmental education?
4. Define environmental literacy.
5. List the instances pointing to the fact that humans have significantly affected the
earth’s natural systems.
6. What is the role of science and engineering in the protection of the environment?
7. Why is it beneficial to follow a student-centered and participatory process for
environmental education?
8. List the pesticides polluting the environment in your locality.
9. Why is the ban on DDT not imposed in certain parts of the world?
10. List the four conceptual spheres in the earth’s environment.
11. Differentiate between biosphere and lithosphere.
12. What are the impacts of urbanization on atmosphere?
13. Differentiate between conveyor and reservoir.
14. What are the impacts of urbanization on hydrosphere?
15. List the causes, effects and management options for the following environmental
issues.
∑ Air pollution
∑ Water pollution
∑ Land degradation
∑ Loss of cultural and historical property
∑ Degradation of ecosystems
∑ Municipal solid waste management
∑ Hazardous waste management
∑ Inadequate drainage and sanitation

Descriptive Questions
1. Explain the importance of environmental education in the present-day context.
2. Explain the scope of environmental engineering.
3. ‘Knowledge about the environment is not an end, but rather a beginning.’ Explain.
4. List the types of environmental engineering taking place around your locality and
analyze its root causes.
5. Explain the scope of environmental engineering.
 Introduction 19

6. With the help of a neat sketch, explain the flow of matter among the various
components of the environment.
7. Explain the role of human beings in the grand-scale redistribution of chemicals on
earth.
8. List the major urban environmental issues in India.
9. Explain the components of environment and their major interactions.
10. Explain the impact of urbanization on the environment.
11. Explain the causes, effects and management options for the various urban
environmental issues.
12. What are the impacts of urbanization on the air quality in your locality?
13. What are the major obstacles in maintaining air quality in your locality?
14. Explain the impact of land use changes on the water quality of your nearest river.
15. If environmenal degradation is considered as a side-effect of development, express
your views on the current pattern of development activities in India.
16. ‘Biofuel is a cure worse than the disease.’ Comment on the statement.
17. Conduct a survey and find out how chemicals and various materials are distributed/
cycled in your campus.

Answers to Objective-Type Questions

1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (b) 6. (d) 7. (d)
8. (c) 9. (d) 10. (a) 11. (a) 12. (d) 13. (b) 14. (d)
15. (a) 16. (d)
 2 NATURAL
RESOURCES

“ Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Learning Outcomes
On successful comple on of this chapter, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of forest resources and the major threats to it
such as mining and dams.
Summarize the water resources of the planet and discuss the topics such as drought and conflicts
over water.
Explain the terms Food Resources and Food Security in the context of modern-day agriculture.
Compare and contrast various energy resources.

2.1 FOREST RESOURCES

Due to rapid urbanization, the area of forest is decreasing all over the world. The protection
of forest resources is essential for the survival of our species. This section explains the
components, benefits and uses of forest to underline the necessity of protection of forest
resources.
 Natural Resources 21

Figure 2.1 depicts the various living and non-living components of a natural forest.

Fig. 2.1 Components of Forest

22 Environmental Studies: Simplified

2.1.1 Key Benefits of Intact Forests

The following is a list of key uses and benefits of intact forests.

Fig. 2.2 Some Uses and Benefits of Forests for Humans

2.1.2 Deforestation
Deforestation refers to the loss of forest cover; land that is permanently converted from
forest to agricultural land, golf courses, cattle pasture, homes, lakes, or desert. The depletion
of forest tree crown cover less than 90% is considered forest degradation. Logging most
often falls under the category of forest degradation and thus is not included in deforestation
 Natural Resources 23

statistics. Therefore forest degradation rates are considerably higher than deforestation
rates.
If the current rate of deforestation continues, the world’s forests will vanish within the
next 100 years—causing unknown effects on global climate and eliminating the majority
of plant and animal species on the planet.

2.1.3 Causes of Deforestation

The causes of deforestation are very complex. A competitive global economy drives the need
for money in economically weak developing countries. At the national level, governments
sell timber to raise money for projects, to pay international debt, or to develop industry.

Fig. 2.3 Major Causes of Deforestation

2.1.4 Effects of Deforestation

Since many people are dependent on the world’s forests, deforestation will have many social,
economic and ecological effects. The major effects of deforestation on the environment
are classified and illustrated in Fig. 2.4.
Other documents randomly have
different content
 Ke — ———————— XIV CENTURY, fee PLATE Vi. Parts of
Borders from Addl. MS. 17,341, British Museum.
 PLATE VII. XIV CENTURY. om ILS ENN Sah SRN Ci = ON UY
7 3 SxS
 i \ or ADE VIL A, XIV CENTURY. SBM D CG wy Was Title
Page Border from Missal in possession of G. E. Street, Esq.
The text on this page is estimated to be only 37.21%
accurate

= UOMestyN Sic [ SOUe KT TePeune ey some ll): me

“6£9%1T “SIN “[ppy ‘MaiqayT vovndésg leg 1amoT Us} | \ a) s So ,
Sut ¢ Ay rc i UV, Nyy Yj a \ 7
 fers: LATE IX. XIV CENTURY. Bordcr and Letter E from Addl.
MS, 23,145, British Museum.
 XIV CENTURY. PLATE Mie A. ie tL A Oo E | O ; ISS Ivy
Border from MS. Addl 23,145, British Museum.
The text on this page is estimated to be only 30.50%
accurate

Z Poke oreo erie + Na oe ak Wiel r 3

 XIV CENTURY. RAE. xX. Common Ivy Border from Missal in
possession of G. E. Street, Esq.
 ePLATE xr. (Late) Xint CENTURY. Ac i (@ fy Powe Itter A,
from Fragment of French Letter C, from MS, Advocates’ Folio Choir-
book., | Library, Edinburgh.
The text on this page is estimated to be only 40.73%
accurate

eeu De aa sie eA wen han Md pe ja ees ce t ; i » = 4 3 3 ¢

 a abe PLATE XU. - (Late) x11 CENTURY. =< L, = Seber eke
atetapers EN) | OTD TEB ONS label be BED « Pais tel cS CHA“ J
“OO. \Va RECA ere ey 3 Ke] Es S) F = a CORIO GS ee Nel CelaeH/
ae aN \ Pp Letter B from MS. Bible, Advocates’ Library, Edinburgh.
 PLATE XIIUI. XIV CENTURY. Letter D, from folio MS. in
possession of G. FE, Street, ‘Esq.
The text on this page is estimated to be only 45.60%
accurate

a! 7 a eS
 ah IY Se ERIS 5 2 Si as ag FALE AlLV, From Addl. MS.
23,145, British Museum. Letter G, (English Flower Type), MS. I-E, IX.
Letter F from MS. Bible, Advocates’ British Museum. Library,
Edinburgh.
‘* ihe th eae hhc H es int meee aw Bil Sees fats 1 x LAY
 XIV CENTURY. From Addl. MS. 23,145, British Museum.
PLATE XIV. ANN REED Ie |> hes alee ba =D De p= Debs =) DS MS
lPxpab= bee phe baba bape PPa EPS) \S&) PREPPED asa oe eo PAE
XIII CENTURY. wer Type), MS. I-E. IX. British Museum. Letter G,
(English Flo Letter F from MS. Bible, Advocates’ Library, Edinburgh.
 PLATE XV. 5 XIV CENTURY. VAP Sata santo SON Hf Or 5S
[Mi ESAS Trt ‘ 3 Bll . * ines Letters H and K from Berri Bible, &c.
British Museum.
 XIT CENTURY, PLATE XVI. XIII CENTURY. Hetter 1 Ms.
Bible, Advocates’ Library, Edinburgh. | tter I from MS, Gospels,
British Museum, Letter J from ‘ Vegetius’ MS. British Museum,
The text on this page is estimated to be only 28.33%
accurate

Sat reteset RH eS meer

Welcome to our website – the ideal destination for book lovers and
knowledge seekers. With a mission to inspire endlessly, we offer a
vast collection of books, ranging from classic literary works to
specialized publications, self-development books, and children's
literature. Each book is a new journey of discovery, expanding
knowledge and enriching the soul of the reade

Our website is not just a platform for buying books, but a bridge
connecting readers to the timeless values of culture and wisdom. With
an elegant, user-friendly interface and an intelligent search system,
we are committed to providing a quick and convenient shopping
experience. Additionally, our special promotions and home delivery
services ensure that you save time and fully enjoy the joy of reading.

Let us accompany you on the journey of exploring knowledge and

personal growth!

ebookluna.com