Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Lecture #1 Unit I Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Lecture #1

Outline Definition Scope and Importance Need for public Awareness Green Technology

Introduction “If you plan for one year, plant rice, if you plan for 10 years plant trees and if you plan for 100 years, educate people” So, if we want to manage our earth, we must make people environmentally educated Definition: Environmental Studies is the scientific study of the environmental system and the status of its changes on organism Environment can be defined as the circumstances or conditions that surrounds an organism Environmental Sciences, is the systematic study of our environment and existence in it

Framework for addressing environmental problem Scientific Assessment: Collection of information, data, simulations , model, predict the future Risk Analysis: Results from simulations are analyzed. Potential effects Public Education and involvement: Through publications, awareness through media Explanation of the problem along with probable cost Political Action: Course of Action Evaluation: Actions to be evaluated, monitored Improve the initial assessment Scientific Assessment Risk Analysis Public Education and Involvement Political Action Evaluation

Objectives of environmental studies Awareness To help people acquire an awareness of and a sensitivity to the total environment and its allied problems Knowledge To help people acquire basic understanding of the total environment and associated problems Attitude To help people acquire social values, strong feelings of concern for the environment and the motivation to act in protecting and improving Skills To help people acquire the skills for identifying and solving environmental problems Evaluation Ability Evaluate environmental measures and education programs Participation Active involvement at all levels in working towards resolving environmental problems

Importance of Environmental Studies Conservation of energy by introduction alternate sources, improved technologies, processes compatible with environment Increase in economic productivity through improved health of people Conservation of fast depleting natural resources New ways and means to maintain ecological balance Knowledge about waste management, treatment and disposal techniques Social responsibility towards control of environmental pollution and protection

Major Global Environmental Problems Rapid population growth Food shortage and famines Water Storage Depletion of non renewable fossil fuels Damage to the environment Acid Rain Global Warming Deforestation Disposal of solid and hazardous wastes

Solutions towards Global issues REDUCE Consumption of natural resources to the extent possible Emission of carbon into atmosphere Developmental projects affecting environment Human activities accelerating global warming and climate changes Deforestation for developmental activities Consumption of non biodegradable materials in every day life Human activities causing pollution of water bodies, air, forests, soil Consumption of energy to reduce pollution and exploitation of nature RECYCLE – All wasted/spent natural resources to reduce their consumption All used materials with the available technologies All used materials manufactured with trees/plants to reduce deforestation REUSE – All spent natural resources to reduce more fresh consumption All materials manufactured with trees/plants for their conservation All recycled materials to reduce the demand

Solutions towards Global issues cont.. Increasing awareness towards environmental issues Progress has been made in establishing laws, policies in controlling air and water pollution Food production has improved the nutrition of millions in developing world Decline in % of undernourished individual “If we don’t act now, we may not have another chance to do so”

Public Awareness Major Goals of Environment Education Environmental consciousness to be propagated at all the levels Present and future generations all want to share and enjoy clean environment and natural resources Sustainability development and conservation of natural resources and the eco system Major Goals of Environment Education development of educational material Encourage NGO’s, media to promote awareness at all levels Promote environmental education through existing educational / research institutes Training in environment education People’s awareness for preservation and conservation of environment

Environmental Education Formal Environmental education in school system Environmental education at college & university level Environmental Appreciation course Environmental concepts in management and Business studies Non- formal NGO’s Campaign Eco Clubs

Green Technology It is also known as Clean Technology It is application of environmental Sciences to conserve the natural environment and resources by curbing the negative impacts of human involvement The field of "green technology" encompasses a continuously evolving group of methods and materials, from techniques for generating energy to non-toxic cleaning products.

Expected Goals from green technology Sustainability Meeting the needs of society in ways that can continue indefinitely into the future without damaging or depleting natural resources. Cradle to Cradle design Cycle of manufactured products, by creating products that can be fully reclaimed or re-used Source Reduction Reducing waste and pollution by changing patterns of production and consumption Innovation Developing alternatives to technologies - whether fossil fuel or chemical intensive agriculture - that have been demonstrated to damage health and the environment. Viability Technology used should not only be environmentally benign but also economical to enhance its implementation

Areas of Green Technology Energy The most urgent issue for green technology Includes the development of alternative fuels, new means of generating energy and energy efficiency Green Buildings Green building encompasses everything from the choice of building materials to building’s location Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Search for products whose contents and methods of production have the smallest possible impact on the environment Green Nanotechnology Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of materials at the scale of the nanometer, one billionth of a meter "Green nanotechnology" is the application of green chemistry and green engineering principles to this field Green Chemistry The invention, design and application of chemical products and processes to reduce or to eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances.

Example: 20 percent – of building materials were from recycled content and over 75 percent of construction waste was recycled Power used for operations will be green power supplied by wind energy The office chair contains 42% recycled material and is 96% recyclable