CHAPTER I Lesson I Definition and Scope of Environmental Science

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RANGEL VI PRINCESS D.

TOBIAS
CAFED - Instructor
CHAPTER
Environmental Science: An Introduction
I
“Our planet Earth is almost completely isolated from everything in the universe and is
totally exposed to sunlight”

It is often compared to a vast spaceship whose life support system consists


of the communities of organisms that inhabit it, plus the support energy from the
sun. These organisms produce oxygen, transfer energy, and recycle water and
nutrient minerals with great efficiency. However, none of these ecological
processes would be positive without the physical or abiotic environment of the
spaceship Earth. As the sun warms our planet, it powers the hydrologic cycle,
drives ocean currents and the atmospheric circulation patterns and produces
much of the climatic conditions to which organism are adapted. The sun also
supplies the energy that almost all organisms use to carry on the life processes.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME

At the end of the module, the students should be able to:


• Discuss the scope and importance of Environmental Science

• Explain the interdisciplinary nature of Environmental Science

• Enumerate, explain and cite examples of situations regarding the seven environmental principles

• Explain the consequences of the various perspective of humans regarding the environment.
LESSON I DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL
SCIENCE
The science of ecology deals with the abiotic environment as well as the
biotic (living organisms). The individual communities of organisms and their abiotic
environments are called ecosystems. An ecosystem encompasses all the
interactions among organism and their abiotic environment. The Earth which
encompasses the biosphere (all of the Earth’s communities) and its interactions
with the Earth’s water, soil, rocks, and atmosphere is the largest ecosystem.

To further understand and appreciate the relationship between organism


and their environment, the external forces and conditions acting on the
community of organisms, the following terms are defined:
Ecology is the Greek word “oikos” meaning “household” and “logos”
which means knowledge. This is the study of the relationships between organisms
and their environment. The environment includes not only physical but also the
biological conditions under which an organism lives while relationships involved the
interaction with the physical world as well as the interrelationships with the number
of the species and the individuals of the same species.

On the other hand, ecosystem is an integrated


unit consisting of a community of organism and
the physical environment. Individual organisms
interact with each other and with their environment
or habitat in a series of relationships that depends
on the flow of energy and nutrients through the
system.
ENVIRONMENT EXPLAINED
Literary environment means the surrounding external conditions influencing development
or growth of people, animal or plants; living or working conditions etc. This involves three questions:

• What is surrounded
The answer to this question is living objects in general and man in particular.
• By what surrounded
The physical attributes are the answer to this question, which become environment. In fact,
the concern of all education is the environment of man. However, man cannot exist or be understood
in isolation from the other forms of life and from plant life. Hence, environment refers to the sum
total of condition, which surround point in space and time. The scope of the term Environment
has been changing and widening by the passage of time. In the primitive age, the environment
consisted of only physical aspects of the planted earth' land, air and water as biological communities.
As the time passed on man extended his environment through his social, economic and political
functions.
• Where surrounded
The answer to this question. It is in nature that physical component of the plant earth, viz
land, air, water etc., support and affect life in the biosphere. According to a Goudie, environment is
the representative of physical components of the earth where in man is an important factor affecting
the environment
OTHER DEFINITIONS OF ENVIRONMENT
Some important definitions of environment are as under:

• Boring: ‘A person’s environment consists of the sum total of


the stimulation which he receives from his conception until his death.’
• It can be concluded from the above definition that Environment comprises
various types of forces such as physical, intellectual, economic, political,
cultural, social, moral and emotional. Environment is the sum total of all the
external forces, influences and conditions, which affect the life, nature, behavior
and the growth, development and maturation of living organisms.
• Douglas and Holland: ‘The term environment is used to describe, in the
aggregate, all the external forces, influences and conditions, which affect the life,
nature, behavior and the growth, development and maturity of living organisms.
SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENT
The environment consists of four segments as under:
ATMOSPHERE: The atmosphere implies the protective blanket of
gases, surrounding the earth.
(a) It sustains life on the earth.
(b) It saves it from the hostile environment of outer space.
(c) It absorbs most of the cosmic rays from outer space and a
major portion of the electromagnetic radiation from the sun.
(d) It transmits only here ultraviolet, visible, near infrared radiation (300 to
2500 nm) and radio waves. (0.14 to 40 m) while filtering out tissue-
damaging ultraviolet waves below about 300 nm. The atmosphere is
composed of nitrogen and oxygen. Besides, argon, carbon dioxide, and
trace gases.

HYDROSPHERE: The Hydrosphere comprises all types


of water resources oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, streams,
reservoir, polar icecaps, glaciers, and ground water.
(a) Nature 97% of the earth’s water supply is in the oceans,
(b) About 2% of the water resources is locked in the polar icecaps and
glaciers.
(c) Only about 1% is available as fresh surface water-rivers, lakes streams,
and ground water fit to be used for human consumption and other uses.
LITHOSPHERE: The Lithosphere is the outer
mantle of the solid earth. It consists of minerals
occurring in the earth’s crusts and the soil e.g.
minerals, organic matter, air and water.

BIOSPHERE: The Biosphere indicates the


realm of living organisms and their
interactions with environment, viz atmosphere,
hydrosphere and lithosphere.
ELEMENTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT
ELEMENTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Environment is constituted by the interacting systems of physical,
biological and cultural elements inter-related in various ways,
individually as well as collectively.
These elements may be explained as under:
• PHYSICAL ELEMENTS - Physical elements are as space,
landforms, water bodies, climate soils, rocks and minerals. They
determine the variable character of the human habitat, its
opportunities as well as limitations.
• BIOLOGICAL ELEMENTS - Biological elements such as plants,
animals, microorganisms and men constitute the biosphere.
• CULTURAL ELEMENTS - Cultural elements such as economic,
social and political elements are essentially manmade features,
which make cultural milieu.
STRUCTURE OF ENVIRONMENT
Environment is both physical and biological. It includes both living and non-living
components.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
The Physical Environment are classified into three broad categories:
• Solid
• Liquid
• Gas

These represent the following spheres:


• The lithosphere (solid earth)
• The hydrosphere (water component) and;
• The atmosphere (composed of nitrogen and oxygen)
As such, the three basics of physical environment may be termed as under:
• Lithospheric Environment
• Hydrosphere Environment
• Atmospheric Environment

The scientists have classified them into smaller units based on different spatial
scales,
• Mountain Environment
• Glacier Environment
• Plateau Environment
• Coastal Environment
BIOLOGICAL COMPONENT
The biological component of the environment consists of:
• Plants (flora)
• Animals (fauna)

• Thus, the biotic environment further be divided into floral environment and faunal
environment. All the organisms work to form their social groups and organizations at
several levels.
• Thus, the social environment is formed. In this social environment the organisms work
to derive matter from the physical environment for their sustenance and development.
This process gives birth to economic environment. Man claims to be most skilled and
civilized of all the organisms. This is the reason why his social organization is the most
systematic.
SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Environmental Science is the study of the interactions among physical,
chemical and biological components of the environment.
It is an interdisciplinary science overlapping the areas in natural
sciences, engineering sciences and social sciences. It uses concepts and
information from ecology, chemistry, geology, engineering, economics, politics
and ethics. In the planet.
Environmental science primarily deals on pollution and other conditions
and developments as a result of human activities and their impact on biological
diversity (biodiversity) and sustainability.
It covers development and issues concerning climate change,
biodiversity, conservation and desertification, use of energy resources (both
renewable and non-renewable), waste management, pollution and sustainable
development.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES DISCIPLINE HAS MULTIPLE AND
MULTILEVEL SCOPES
This study is important and necessary not only for children but also for
everyone. The scopes are summarized as follows:

1. The study creates awareness among the people to know about various
renewable and nonrenewable resources of the region. The endowment or potential,
patterns of utilization and the balance of various resources available for future use in the state
of a country are analyzed in the study.
2. It provides the knowledge about ecological systems and cause and effect
relationships.
3. It provides necessary information about biodiversity richness and the potential dangers
to the species of plants, animals and microorganisms in the environment.
4. The study enables one to understand the causes and consequences due to natural and
main induced disasters (flood, earthquake, landslide, cyclones etc.,) and pollutions and
measures to minimize the effects.
5. It enables one to evaluate alternative responses to environmental issues before
deciding an alternative course of action.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES DISCIPLINE HAS MULTIPLE AND
MULTILEVEL SCOPES
6. The study enables environmentally literate citizens (by knowing the
environmental acts, rights, rules, legislations, etc.) to make appropriate
judgments and decisions for the protection and improvement of the
earth.
7. The study exposes the problems of over population, health, hygiene, etc. and the
role of arts, science and technology in eliminating/ minimizing the evils from the society.
8. The study tries to identify and develop appropriate and indigenous eco-friendly skills
and technologies to various environmental issues.
9. It teaches the citizens the need for sustainable utilization of resources as these
resources are inherited from our ancestors to the younger generating without deteriorating
their quality.
10. The study enables theoretical knowledge into practice and the multiple uses of
environment.
IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Environmental study is based upon a comprehensive view of various
environmental systems. It aims to make the citizens competent to do scientific
work and to find out practical solutions to current environmental problems.
IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
• World population is increasing at an alarming rate especially in developing
countries.
• The natural resources endowment in the earth is limited.
• The methods and techniques of exploiting natural resources are advanced.
• The resources are over-exploited and there is no foresight of leaving the
resources to the future generations.
• The unplanned exploitation of natural resources leads to pollution of all
types and at all levels.
• The pollution and degraded environment seriously affect the health of all
living things on earth, including man.
• The people should take a combined responsibility for the deteriorating
environment and begin to take appropriate actions to space the earth.
• Education and training are needed to save the biodiversity and species
extinction.
• The urban area, coupled with industries, is major sources of pollution.
• The number and area extinct under protected area should be increased
so that the wild life is protected at least in these sites.
• The study enables the people to understand the complexities of the
environment and need for the people to adapt appropriate activities and
pursue sustainable development, which are harmonious with the
environment.
• The study motivates students to get involved in community action, and to
participate in various environmental and management projects.
• It is a high time to reorient educational systems and curricula towards
these needs.
• Environmental studies take a multidisciplinary approach to the study of
human interactions with the natural environment. It integrates different
approaches of the humanities, social sciences, biological sciences and
physical sciences and applies these approaches to investigate
environmental concerns.
• Environmental study is a key instrument for bringing about the changes
in the knowledge, values, behaviors and lifestyles required to achieve
sustainability and stability within and among countries
MULTIDISCIPLINARY NATURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Environment belongs to all the lining beings and thus is, important for all.
Each and every body of whatever occupation he or she may have is affected by environmental issues like
global warming, depletion of ozone layer, dwindling forest, energy resources, of global biodiversity etc..
Environment study deals with the analysis of the
processes in water, air, land, soil and organisms which
leads to pollute or degrade environment. It helps us for
establishing standard, for safe, clean and healthy natural
ecosystem. It also deals with important issues like safe and
clean drinking water, hygienic living conditions and clean
and fresh air, fertility of land, healthy food and
development.
Because, the environment is complex and actually made
up of many different environments, including natural,
constructed and cultural environments, environmental
studies is the inter disciplinary examination of how
biology, geology, politics policy studies, law, geology,
religion engineering, chemistry and economics combine
to inform the consideration of humanity’s effects on the
natural world.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE/TOPIC MAJOR SUBJECT-TOPIC KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
Nature of Reaction of air pollution Chemistry and chemical engineering
Effects of air pollutants on human being, animal and plants Zoology and botany and various branches of life science.
Physics and Chemistry
Effects of air pollutants on materials Meteorology, Thermodynamics, Geography
Effect of Climate on Air Pollution 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 science
Ozone hole and global warming Almost all fields under the sun has got something to contribute
to the understanding and prevention of these phenomenon.

The table below shows a list of topics dealt commonly in air pollution and the related traditional fields of
knowledge illustrating the interdisciplinary nature of the subject.
The multidisciplinary nature of environmental science can also be shown using the diagram.
UNIFORMITY OF WRITTEN OUTPUTS FORMAT

Kindly follow the format:


All outputs shall be written in a one whole sheet of paper (yellow paper).

SURNAME, GIVEN NAME, MIDDLE INITIAL COURSE/YEAR/SECTION DATE RATINGS

Module No.
Lesson No.
Task No.
Subject-instructor:
LEARNING TASK 1

Answer briefly the following questions given:

1. What is environment? Discuss the scope of environment?


2. Describe the importance of environmental science?
3. “The need for public awareness about environment is of vital importance”.
Discuss.
4. Differentiate biological and physical environment.
5. Give at least one (1) concrete example of interaction/s on the following components of
the environment. Explain briefly.
• Living things to living things
• Living things to non-living things
• Non-living things to non-living things.
LEARNING TASK 2

MULTIDISCIPLINARY WHEEL

Direction:
1. Think of an environmental phenomenon
or an environmental topic or issue.
2. Cite how the different disciplines can be
of help to understand the identified
phenomenon or environmental
topic/issue that you have.
UNIFORMITY OF WRITTEN OUTPUTS FORMAT

Kindly follow the format:


All outputs shall be written in a one whole sheet of paper (yellow paper).

SURNAME, GIVEN NAME, MIDDLE INITIAL COURSE/YEAR/SECTION DATE RATINGS

Module No.
Lesson No.
Examine No.
Subject-instructor:
EXAMINE 1

QUIZ NO. 1
Be ready for a long quiz
CHAPTER I - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: AN INTRODUCTION
LESSON 1: DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
CITED REFERENCES

• Contributor: Dr. Joemar J. Cabradilla


• http://ecoursesonline.iasri.res.in/mod/page/view.php?id=128611#:~:
text=The%20scope%20of%20environmental%20studies,human%20populatio
n%20on%20the%20environment
• http://www.pcpolytechnic.com/computer/pdf/18.pdf
• http://eagri.org/eagri50/ENVS302/pdf/lec01.pdf
• http://www.tezu.ernet.in/denvsc/IDC/Study%20material%20Unit%201.pdf
• https://
www.yourarticlelibrary.com/environment/environmental-studies/importance-a
nd-multidisciplinary-nature-of-environmental-studies/30027
End of slide.
That’s all thank you for listening…

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