EVS (Environmental studies)

UNIT-I
• What is the concept of environmental studies?
– Environmental studies is the systematic study of environment it helps to build knowledge
about the difference between environment by nature and environment by human-made.
• What are the types of environmental studies?
– There are many types of environment studies such that ecology, geology, botany and more.

Importance of environmental studies:

Environment studies is all about learning the way we should live and how we can develop
sustainable strategies to protect the environment. It helps individuals to develop an
understanding of living and physical environment and how to resolve challenging
environmental issues affecting nature.

To create awareness among today’s generation on pressing environmental problems, the

University Grants Commission (UGC) has made it mandatory for the universities to introduce
a course in environmental studies and teach students about the eco-system, pollution and
problems concerned with the environment.

how to use resources sustainably

With natural resources such as air, water, oil, minerals are getting depleted rapidly, the
environmental studies course can help students understand the importance of these resources
and how we can improve the situation by taking appropriate actions in our regular lives to
preserve these resources.

Create awareness about preserving the environment

Whether it is spreading awareness against plastic use or air pollution, universities can conduct
various beyond-the-classroom activities as a part of this course to make students understand
the significance of protecting the environment. Activities such as conducting awareness
programs and rallies can prevent the degradation of the environment.

Participate in the mass movement to protect nature

While pursuing a course in environmental studies, students can be a part of mass public
awareness movements and encourage their fellow batchmates to participate. Whether it is
taking an initiative by planting trees in the campus, conducting workshops on various pressing
issues or joining an NGO that supports environmental conservation, students can learn about
various ways of protecting and conserving the environment.

Structure of Eco system:

The structure of an ecosystem is characterised by the organisation of both biotic and abiotic
components. This includes the distribution of energy in our environment. It also includes the
climatic conditions prevailing in that particular environment. The biotic and abiotic
components are interrelated in an ecosystem.
Biotic and abiotic factors are what make up ecosystems. Biotic factors are living things within
an ecosystem; such as plants, animals, and bacteria, while abiotic are non-living components;
such as water, soil and atmosphere.

Types of Ecosystem:
• Terrestrial Ecosystem
• Aquatic Ecosystem
Terrestrial Ecosystems: Terrestrial ecosystems are exclusively land-based ecosystems. There
are different types of terrestrial ecosystems distributed around various geological zones. They
are as follows: 1. Forest Ecosystems 2. Grassland Ecosystems 3. Tundra Ecosystems 4. Desert
Ecosystem.

1.Forest Ecosystem :A forest ecosystem consists of several plants, animals and microorganisms
that live in coordination with the abiotic factors of the environment.
2. Grassland Ecosystems: In a grassland ecosystem, the vegetation is dominated by grasses and
herbs.
3. Tundra Ecosystem :Tundra ecosystems are devoid of trees and are found in cold climates or
where rainfall is scarce. These are covered with snow for most of the year.
4. Desert Ecosystem :Deserts are found throughout the world. These are regions with very little
rainfall. The days are hot and the nights are cold.
Aquatic Ecosystem: it is completely covered by water ex: lakes and rivers.

Functions of Ecosystem:
The functions of the ecosystem are as follows: 1. 1. It regulates the essential ecological
processes, supports life systems and renders stability. 2. It is also responsible for the cycling of
nutrients between biotic and abiotic components. 3. It maintains a balance among the various
trophic levels in the ecosystem. 4. It cycles the minerals through the biosphere. 5. The abiotic
components help in the synthesis of organic components that involves the exchange of energy.

Food Chain :
The sun is the ultimate source of energy on earth. It provides the energy required for all plant
life. The plants utilise this energy for the process of photosynthesis, which is used to synthesise
their food.
Sequential process of transfer of food from one trophic level to another in an eco-system called
as Food chain.

Food web:
Charles Elton presented the food web concept in year 1927, which he termed as food cycle. ▪
Charles Elton described the concept of food web as: ▪ The carnivore animals prey on the
herbivores. ▪ These herbivores obtain the energy from sunlight. ▪ The later carnivores may also
be preyed upon by other carnivores. ▪ Until a reach where an animal has no enemies it forms a
terminus on this food cycle. ▪ There are chains of animals that are related together by food, and
all are dependent on plants in the long run. ▪ This is termed as a food chain and all the food
chains in a community is known as the food web.
Animals that do not eat anything except plants are called herbivorous animals. They are also
called grass-eating animals. Examples are cows, goats, and deer.
A carnivore is an organism that mostly eats meat or the flesh animals .

Ecological pyramids ▪
The trophic levels of different organisms based on their ecological position as producer to final
consumer is represented by ecological pyramid. ▪ The food producer is present at the base of
the pyramid and on the top. ▪ Other consumer trophic levels are present in between. ▪ The
pyramid includes a number of horizontal bars presenting specific trophic levels. ▪ The length
of each bar stands for the total number of individuals or biomass or energy at each trophic level
in an ecosystem. ▪ An ecological pyramid is a graphical representation outlined to show the
biomass or bio productivity at each trophic level in a given ecosystem. ▪ These are trophic
pyramid, energy pyramid, or sometimes food pyramid.

Ecological pyramids ▪ The trophic levels of different organisms based on their ecological
position as producer to final consumer is represented by ecological pyramid. ▪ The food
producer is present at the base of the pyramid and on the top. ▪ Other consumer trophic levels
are present in between. ▪ The pyramid includes a number of horizontal bars presenting specific
trophic levels. ▪ The length of each bar stands for the total number of individuals or biomass or
energy at each trophic level in an ecosystem. ▪ An ecological pyramid is a graphical
representation outlined to show the biomass or bio productivity at each trophic level in a given
ecosystem. ▪ These are trophic pyramid, energy pyramid, or sometimes food pyramid.

Biodiversity
The term biodiversity (from “biological diversity”) refers to the variety of life on Earth at all
its levels, from genes to ecosystems, and can encompass the evolutionary, ecological, and
cultural processes that sustain life.
Biodiversity Hotspots – 2 Main Qualifying Criteria
According to Conservation International, a region must fulfill the following two criteria to
qualify as a hotspot:

1. The region should have at least 1500 species of vascular plants i.e., it should have a
high degree of endemism.
2. It must contain 30% (or less) of its original habitat, i.e. it must be threatened.

Following the criteria must for an area to be declared as Biodiversity Hotspot, there are major
four biodiversity hotspots in India:

1. The Himalayas
2. Indo-Burma Region
3. The Western Ghats
4. Sundaland
 Threats to Biodiversity
• Human Activities and Loss of Habitat: ...
• Deforestation: ...
• Desertification: ...
• Marine Environment: ...
• Increasing Wildlife Trade: ...
• Climate Change:

Conservation of biodiversity

Conservation of biodiversity is protection, upliftment and scientific management of

biodiversity so as to maintain it at its threshold level and derive sustainable benefits for
the present and future generation.
two types of methods are employed to conserve biodiversity. They are- In situ conservation
and Ex-situ conservation.
In situ conservation
It is the methods of conserving all the living species, especially the wild and endangered
species in their natural habitats and environment. In-situ conservation of Biodiversity
includes biosphere reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, etc.

Ex situ conservation
Ex situ conservation literally means, "off-site conservation". ... The degree to which humans
control or modify the natural dynamics of the managed population
Ex situ conservation is the technique of conservation of all levels of biological diversity
outside their natural habitats through different techniques like zoo, captive breeding,
aquarium, botanical garden, and gene bank.

Renewable Resources & Non-Renewable Resources

The resources which cannot be exhausted even after continuous utilization are termed as
renewable resources. Examples of renewable resources are the sun, wind, and tidal energy.

Non-Renewable Resources
The resources which cannot be immediately replaced once they are depleted are called Non-
renewable resources. Examples of Non-renewable resources include fossil fuels, such as coal,
petroleum and natural gas and rare minerals typically found in meteorites.
Differences between Renewable and Non-renewable Resources
Following are major differences between renewable and non-renewable resources.

Renewable Resources Non-renewable Resources

Depletion

Renewable resources cannot be depleted over Non-renewable resources

time deplete over time

Sources

Renewable resources include sunlight, water, Non-renewable energy includes

wind and also geothermal sources such as hot fossil fuels such as coal and
springs and fumaroles petroleum.

Environmental Impact

Non-renewable energy has a

Most renewable resources have low carbon
comparatively higher carbon
emissions and low carbon footprint
footprint and carbon emissions.

Cost

The upfront cost of renewable energy is high. –

Non-renewable energy has a
For instance, Generating electricity using
comparatively lower upfront
technologies running on renewable energy is
cost.
costlier than generating it with fossil fuels

Infrastructure Requirements

Infrastructure for harvesting renewable energy

is prohibitively expensive and not easily Cost-effective and accessible
accessible in most countries. infrastructure is available for
 non-renewable energy across
most countries

Area Requirements

Requires a large land/ offshore area, especially Comparatively lower area

for wind farms and solar farms requirements

What are Minerals?

Minerals are homogeneous naturally occurring substances normally found in solid, liquid and
gaseous state.

Types of Minerals
Minerals are classified into two types: Metallic and non-metallic.

Metallic Minerals: They are further sub-divided into ferrous and non-ferrous.

• Ferrous minerals: They contain iron.

Non-ferrous minerals: They contain metals other than iron.

Examples include gold, silver, copper, lead, bauxite, tin and magnesium

Non-metallic Minerals: They are limestone, nitrate, potash, mica, gypsum, coal, petroleum.

Energy Resources:
Energy is one of the important components of economic development.
Two main sources of energy:
• Conventional energy sources: these are also called as non renewable sources. These sources
are in limited quantity. These are divided into two types: 1. Commercial 2. Non commercial 1.
Commercial: these are coal, petroleum and electricity.
• Non-Conventional sources of energy: it is also called as renewable source of energy. E.g.
solar energy, wind, tidal.

Forest Resources:
In India, forests form 23 percent of the total land area. The word ‘forest’ is derived from the
Latin word ‘foris’ means ‘outside.
Forest is one of the important natural resources used by man. Man has depended on forest for
his survival. Forest resources in India have always been one of the richest resources. Forest
resources in India: Forests provide renewable natural resources and contribute considerably to
the economic development of the nation. Forest plantations comprise a vital part of the forest
resources.
Uses of Forest Resources: The direct benefits from forests are:
(a) Fuel Wood: Wood is used as a source of energy for cooking purpose and for keeping warm.
(b) Timber: Wood is used for making furniture, tool-handles, railway sleepers, matches,
ploughs, bridges, boats etc.
(c) Bamboos: These are used for matting, flooring, baskets, ropes, rafts, cots etc. (d) Food:
Fruits, leaves, roots and tubers of plants and meat of forest animals form the food of forest
tribes.
(e) Shelter: Mosses, ferns, insects, birds, reptiles, mammals and micro-organisms are provided
shelter by forests.
(f) Paper: Wood and Bamboo pulp are used for manufacturing paper (Newsprint, stationery,
packing paper, sanitary paper)
(g) Rayon: Bamboo and wood are used in the manufacture of rayon (yarns, artificial silk-
fibres)
(h) Forest Products: Tannins, gums, drugs, spices, insecticides, waxes, honey, horns, musk,
ivory, hides etc. are all provided by the flora and fauna of forests.
The indirect benefits from forests are:
(a) Conservation of Soil: Forests prevent soil erosion by binding the soil with the network of
roots of the different plants and reduce the velocity of wind and rain — which are the chief
agents causing erosion.
(b) Soil-improvement: The fertility of the soil increases due to the humus which is formed by
the decay of forest litter.
(c) Reduction of Atmospheric Pollution: By using up carbon dioxide and giving off oxygen
during the process of photosynthesis, forests reduce pollution and purify the environment.
(d) Control of Climate: Transpiration of plants increases the atmospheric humidity which
affects rainfall and cools the atmosphere.

Water conservation
It is the practice of using water efficiently to reduce unnecessary water usage. According
to Fresh Water Watch, water conservation is important because fresh clean water is a limited
resource, as well as a costly one.
Water conservation includes all the policies, strategies and activities to sustainably manage
the natural resource of fresh water, to protect the hydrosphere, and to meet the current and
future human demand (thus avoiding water scarcity)
Water-saving technology for the home includes:

• Low-flow shower heads sometimes called energy-efficient shower heads as they also use
less energy
• Low-flush toilets, composting toilets and incinerating toilets. Composting toilets have a
dramatic impact in the developed world, as conventional Western flush toilets use large
volumes of water
• Dual flush toilets include two buttons or handles to flush different levels of water. Dual
flush toilets use up to 67% less water than conventional toilets
• Faucet aerators, which break water flow into fine droplets to maintain "wetting
effectiveness" while using less water. An additional benefit is that they reduce splashing
while washing hands and dishes
• Raw water flushing where toilets use sea water or non-purified water (i.e. greywater)
• Wastewater reuse or recycling systems, allowing:
o Reuse of graywater for flushing toilets or watering gardens
o Recycling of wastewater through purification at a water treatment plant. See
also Wastewater - Reuse
• Rainwater harvesting
• High-efficiency clothes washers
• Weather-based irrigation controllers
• Garden hose nozzles that shut off the water when it is not being used, instead of letting a
hose run.
• Low flow taps in wash basins
• Swimming pool covers that reduce evaporation and can warm pool water to reduce water,
energy and chemical costs.
• Automatic faucet is a water conservation faucet that eliminates water waste at the faucet.
It automates the use of faucets without the use of hands.
Watershed Management
1. Watershed management is a process to guide and organize natural resources in a
watershed including land.
The watershed area for a small stream may be a few hectares, while for a large river the
watershed may be many square kilometres. For proper planning and execution, the size
of a watershed area should ideally be 1,000 to 2,500 hectares. If the area is within this
range, it will be possible to prepare a well balanced plan and to implement it in a period
of 2 to 3 years.

Steps in Watershed planning

• Preparation of base maps for carrying out surveys.

• Reconnaissance survey of the watershed for overall development.
• Assessing rainfall characteristics.
• Preparation of soil maps and classification of lands for different uses according to
capability classification for agriculture, forestry, pasture, horticulture, etc.
• Preparation of inventory of existing land uses and farm sizes.
• Appraisal of agricultural production patterns and potentials, present and potential
markets and possible group action arrangements.
• Carrying out topographic and hydrologic surveys for engineering works.
 • Geo-hydrological survey to delineate areas suitable for groundwater development.
• Formulation of an integrated time-bound plan for land and moisture conservation,
ground water. recharge, development of productive afforestation, agriculture
production, grasslands and horticulture.
• Assigning of priorities for implementation of the project.
• Assessing social costs and benefits.

B.Com(D) section attendance- Sat-7&9

191,243,196,149,220,242,204,221,241,206,209,202,199,197,219,211,229,183,198,207,202,1
95,193,194,233,189,212,210,226,235,208,223,212.

B.Com(C) Sat 7& 12

UNIT – II: Environmental Pollution , Global Issues &

Legislation

UNIT – II: Environmental Pollution , Global Issues & Legislation (15 hrs.) 1. Causes, Effects
& Control measures of Air Pollution, Water Pollution 2. Solid Waste Management 3. Global
Warming & Ozone layer depletion. 4. Ill – effects of Fire- works 5. Disaster management –
floods, earthquakes & cyclones 6. Environmental legislation :- (a) Wild life Protection Act
(b) Forest Act (c) Water Act (d) Air Act 7. Human Rights 8. Women and Child welfare 9.
Role of Information technology in environment and human health.

What is Air Pollution?

Air pollution refers to any physical, chemical or biological change in the air. It is the
contamination of air by harmful gases, dust and smoke which affects plants, animals and
humans drastically.
There is a certain percentage of gases present in the atmosphere. An increase or decrease in
the composition of these gases is harmful to survival. This imbalance in the gaseous
composition has resulted in an increase in earth’s temperature, which is known as global
warming.

Types of Air Pollutants

There are two types of air pollutants:

Primary Pollutants
The pollutants that directly cause air pollution are known as primary pollutants. Sulphur-
dioxide emitted from factories is a primary pollutant.

Secondary Pollutants
The pollutants formed by the intermingling and reaction of primary pollutants are known as
secondary pollutants. Smog, formed by the intermingling of smoke and fog, is a secondary
pollutant.

Causes of Air Pollution

Following are the important causes of air pollution:

Burning of Fossil Fuels

The combustion of fossil fuels emits a large amount of sulphur dioxide. Carbon monoxide
released by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels also results in air pollution.

Automobiles

The gases emitted from vehicles such as jeeps, trucks, cars, buses, etc. pollute the
environment. These are the major sources of greenhouse gases and also result in diseases
among individuals.

Agricultural Activities

Ammonia is one of the most hazardous gases emitted during agricultural activities. The
insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers emit harmful chemicals in the atmosphere and
contaminate it.

Factories and Industries

Factories and industries are the main source of carbon monoxide, organic compounds,
hydrocarbons and chemicals. These are released into the air, degrading its quality.

Mining Activities

In the mining process, the minerals below the earth are extracted using large pieces of
equipment. The dust and chemicals released during the process not only pollute the air, but
also deteriorate the health of the workers and people living in the nearby areas.

Domestic Sources

The household cleaning products and paints contain toxic chemicals that are released in the
air. The smell from the newly painted walls is the smell of the chemicals present in the paints.
It not only pollutes the air but also affects breathing.

Effects of Air Pollution

The hazardous effects of air pollution on the environment include:
Diseases

Air pollution has resulted in several respiratory disorders and heart diseases among humans.
The cases of lung cancer have increased in the last few decades. Children living near polluted
areas are more prone to pneumonia and asthma. Many people die every year due to the direct
or indirect effects of air pollution.

Global Warming

Due to the emission of greenhouse gases, there is an imbalance in the gaseous composition of
the air. This has led to an increase in the temperature of the earth. This increase in earth’s
temperature is known as global warming. This has resulted in the melting of glaciers and an
increase in sea levels. Many areas are submerged underwater.

Acid Rain

The burning of fossil fuels releases harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides
in the air. The water droplets combine with these pollutants, become acidic and fall as acid
rain which damages human, animal and plant life.

Ozone Layer Depletion

The release of chlorofluorocarbons, halons, and hydro chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere

is the major cause of depletion of the ozone layer. The depleting ozone layer does not prevent
the harmful ultraviolet rays coming from the sun and causes skin diseases and eye problems
among individuals.

Effect on Animals

The air pollutants suspend on the water bodies and affect the aquatic life. Pollution also
compels the animals to leave their habitat and shift to a new place. This renders them stray
and has also led to the extinction of a large number of animal species.

Air Pollution Control

Following are the measures one should adopt, to control air pollution:

Avoid Using Vehicles

People should avoid using vehicles for shorter distances. Rather, they should prefer public
modes of transport to travel from one place to another. This not only prevents pollution, but
also conserves energy.

Energy Conservation

A large number of fossil fuels are burnt to generate electricity. Therefore, do not forget to
switch off the electrical appliances when not in use. Thus, you can save the environment at
the individual level. Use of energy-efficient devices such CFLs also controls pollution to a
greater level.
Use of Clean Energy Resources

The use of solar, wind and geothermal energies reduce air pollution at a larger level. Various
countries, including India, have implemented the use of these resources as a step towards a
cleaner environment.
Other air pollution control measures include:

1. By minimizing and reducing the use of fire and fire products.

2. Since industrial emissions are one of the major causes of air pollution, the pollutants
can be controlled or treated at the source itself to reduce its effects. For example, if
the reactions of a certain raw material yield a pollutant, then the raw materials can be
substituted with other less polluting materials.
3. Fuel substitution is another way of controlling air pollution. In many parts of India,
petrol and diesel are being replaced by CNG – Compressed Natural Gas fueled
vehicles. These are mostly adopted by vehicles that aren’t fully operating with ideal
emission engines.

What is Water Pollution?

Water pollution can be defined as the contamination of water bodies. Water pollution is
caused when water bodies such as rivers, lakes, oceans, groundwater and aquifers get
contaminated with industrial and agricultural effluents.
When water gets polluted, it adversely affects all lifeforms that directly or indirectly depend
on this source. The effects of water contamination can be felt for years to come.

Sources Of Water Pollution

The key causatives of water pollution in India are:

• Urbanization.
• Deforestation.
• Industrial effluents.
• Social and Religious Practices.
• Use of Detergents and Fertilizers.
• Agricultural run-offs- Use of insecticides and pesticides

Effects Of Water Pollution

The effect of water pollution depends upon the type of pollutants and its concentration. Also,
the location of water bodies is an important factor to determine the levels of pollution.

• Water bodies in the vicinity of urban areas are extremely polluted. This is the result of
dumping garbage and toxic chemicals by industrial and commercial establishments.
• Water pollution drastically affects aquatic life. It affects their metabolism, behaviour,
causes illness and eventual death. Dioxin is a chemical that causes a lot of problems
from reproduction to uncontrolled cell growth or cancer. This chemical is
 bioaccumulated in fish, chicken and meat. Chemicals such as this travel up the food
chain before entering the human body.
• The effect of water pollution can have a huge impact on the food chain. It disrupts the
food-chain. Cadmium and lead are some toxic substances, these pollutants upon
entering the food chain through animals (fish when consumed by animals, humans)
can continue to disrupt at higher levels.
• Humans are affected by pollution and can contract diseases such as hepatitis through
faecal matter in water sources

Control Measures of Water Pollution

Water pollution, to a larger extent, can be controlled by a variety of methods. Rather than
releasing sewage waste into water bodies, it is better to treat them before discharge.
Practising this can reduce the initial toxicity and the remaining substances can be degraded
and rendered harmless by the water body itself. If the secondary treatment of water has been
carried out, then this can be reused in sanitary systems and agricultural fields.
A very special plant, the Water Hyacinth can absorb dissolved toxic chemicals such as
cadmium and other such elements. Establishing these in regions prone to such kinds of
pollutants will reduce the adverse effects to a large extent.
Some chemical methods that help in the control of water pollution are precipitation, the ion
exchange process, reverse osmosis, and coagulation. As an individual, reusing, reducing, and
recycling wherever possible will advance a long way in overcoming the effects of water
pollution.

Solid Waste Management

Solid waste management is a term that is used to refer to the process of collecting and
treating solid wastes. It also offers solutions for recycling items that do not belong to
garbage or trash. As long as people have been living in settlements and residential areas,
garbage or solid waste has been an issue.
Solid-waste management, the collecting, treating, and disposing of solid material that is
discarded because it has served its purpose or is no longer useful. Improper disposal of
municipal solid waste can create unsanitary conditions, and these conditions in turn can lead
to pollution of the environment and to outbreaks of vector-borne disease—that is, diseases
spread by rodents and insects.”
Categories of Waste

1. Organic waste: Kitchen waste, waste from food preparation, vegetables, flowers,
leaves, fruits, and market places.
2. Combustibles: Paper, wood, dried leaves, packaging for relief items etc. that are
highly organic and having low moisture content.
3. Non-combustibles: Metal, Tins, Cans, bottles, stones, etc.
4. Toxic waste: Old medicines, paints, chemicals, bulbs, spray cans, fertilizer and
pesticide containers, batteries, shoe polish.
5. Recyclables: Paper, glass, metals, plastics.
 6. Ashes or Dust: Residue from fires that are used for cooking.
7. Construction waste: Rubble, roofing, broken concrete etc.
8. Hazardous waste: Oil, battery acid, medical waste, industrial waste, hospital waste.
9. Dead animals: Carcasses of dead livestock or other animals.
10. Bulky waste: Tree branches, tires etc.
11. Soiled waste: Hospital waste such as cloth soiled with blood and other body fluids.

Ozone Layer Definition

“The ozone layer is a region in the earth’s stratosphere that contains
high concentrations of ozone and protects the earth from the harmful
ultraviolet radiations of the sun.”

What is Ozone Layer?

The ozone layer is found in the lower portion of the earth’s atmosphere. It has the potential to
absorb around 97-99% of the harmful ultraviolet radiations coming from the sun that can damage
life on earth. If the ozone layer was absent, millions of people would develop skin diseases and
may have weakened immune systems.
However, scientists have discovered a hole in the ozone layer over the Antarctica. This has
focussed their concern on various environmental issues and steps to control them. The main
reasons for the ozone hole are chlorofluorocarbons, carbon tetrachloride, methyl bromide and
hydrochlorofluorocarbons.

Ozone Layer Depletion

“Ozone layer depletion is the gradual thinning of the earth’s ozone layer
in the upper atmosphere caused due to the release of chemical
compounds containing gaseous bromine or chlorine from industries or
other human activities.

What is Ozone Layer Depletion?

Ozone layer depletion is the thinning of the ozone layer present in the upper atmosphere. This
happens when the chlorine and bromine atoms in the atmosphere come in contact with ozone
and destroy the ozone molecules. One chlorine can destroy 100,000 molecules of ozone. It is
destroyed more quickly than it is created.

auses of Ozone Layer Depletion

The ozone layer depletion is a major concern and is associated with a number of factors. The
main causes responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer are listed below:

Chlorofluorocarbons
Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs are the main cause of ozone layer depletion. These are released
by solvents, spray aerosols, refrigerators, air-conditioners, etc.
The molecules of chlorofluorocarbons in the stratosphere are broken down by the ultraviolet
radiations and release chlorine atoms. These atoms react with ozone and destroy it.

Unregulated Rocket Launches

Researches say that the unregulated launching of rockets result in much more depletion of
ozone layer than the CFCs do. If not controlled, this might result in a huge loss of the ozone layer
by the year 2050.

Nitrogenous Compounds
The nitrogenous compounds such as NO2, NO, N2O are highly responsible for the depletion of
the ozone layer.

Natural Causes
The ozone layer has been found to be depleted by certain natural processes such as Sun-spots
and stratospheric winds. But it does not cause more than 1-2% of the ozone layer depletion.
The volcanic eruptions are also responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer.

Effects Of Ozone Layer Depletion

The depletion of the ozone layer has harmful effects on the environment. Let us see the major
effects of ozone layer depletion on man and environment.

Effects on Human Health

The humans will be directly exposed to the harmful ultraviolet radiations of the sun due to the
depletion of the ozone layer. This might result in serious health issues among humans, such as
skin diseases, cancer, sunburns, cataract, quick ageing and weak immune system.

Effects on Animals
Direct exposure to ultraviolet radiations leads to skin and eye cancer in animals.

Effects on the Environment

Strong ultraviolet rays may lead to minimal growth, flowering and photosynthesis in plants. The
forests also have to bear the harmful effects of the ultraviolet rays.

Effects on Marine Life

Planktons are greatly affected by the exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays. These are higher in the
aquatic food chain. If the planktons are destroyed, the organisms present in the food chain are
also affected.

Solutions to Ozone Layer Depletion

The depletion of the ozone layer is a serious issue and various programmes have been launched
by the government of various countries to prevent it. However, steps should be taken at the
individual level as well to prevent the depletion of the ozone layer.
Following are some points that would help in preventing this problem at a global level:

Avoid Using ODS

Reduce the use of ozone depleting substances. E.g. avoid the use of CFCs in refrigerators and
air conditioners, replacing the halon based fire extinguishers, etc.
Minimise the Use of Vehicles
The vehicles emit a large amount of greenhouse gases that lead to global warming as well as
ozone depletion. Therefore, the use of vehicles should be minimised as much as possible.

Use Eco-friendly Cleaning Products

Most of the cleaning products have chlorine and bromine releasing chemicals that find a way into
the atmosphere and affect the ozone layer. These should be substituted with natural products to
protect the environment.

Use of Nitrous Oxide should be Prohibited

The government should take actions and prohibit the use of harmful nitrous oxide that is
adversely affecting the ozone layer. People should be made aware of the harmful effects of
nitrous oxide and the products emitting the gas so that its use is minimised at the individual level
as well.

Ill – effects of Fire- work

Fireworks cause extensive air pollution in a short amount of time, leaving metal particles,
dangerous toxins, harmful chemicals and smoke in the air for hours and days. Some of the
toxins never fully decompose or disintegrate, but rather hang around in the environment,
poisoning all they come into contact . Exposure to fine particles, like those found in smoke and
haze, is linked to negative health implications, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath,
asthma attacks and even heart attacks, according to the EPA. People at greatest risk for
problems are those with heart or lung disease, older adults and children.
In a fireworks display, those particles that fall to the ground (chemicals and actual physical
pieces of waste) often contain propellant chemicals and colorants, which find their way into
the soil and our water systems. Many of the raw materials used to create fireworks are mined
from mountains, a destructive process that cuts down forests and destroys wildlife habitats.
Leftover rock is discarded into valleys, blocking and polluting flowing streams.

A disaster ( Fr. desastre=bad star) refers to sudden serious disruption of normal functioning of a
society, involving large damages to life, property and environment, beyond its ability to cope with its
own resources. It can be natural or man-made A natural disaster is a natural process or phenomenon
that may cause loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property damage, loss of livelihoods and
services, social and economic disruption, or environmental damage. E.g. agricultural diseases &
pests, damaging winds, drought and water shortage, earthquakes, emergency diseases (pandemic
influenza), extreme heat, floods and flash floods, hail, hurricanes and tropical storms, landslides &
debris flow, thunderstorms and lighting, tornadoes, tsunamis, wildfire etc.
Man-made disaster: Human-instigated disasters are the consequence of technological hazards E.g.
hazardous materials, power service disruption & blackout, nuclear blast, radiological emergencies,
chemical threat and biological weapons, cyber-attacks, war etc. Some disasters can result from
combination of both Natural and Man-made causes. These are called as complex emergencies.

Disaster management – floods, earthquakes & cyclones

Disaster Management refers to managing disaster response in the country (Table ).
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is an agency of the Ministry of Home Affairs and is
responsible for framing policies, laying down guidelines and coordinating with the State Disaster
Management Authorities (SDMAs) to ensure a holistic and distributed approach to disaster
management.

FLOODS Floods occur when land that is usually dry is submerged by large amounts of water. Sudden
submergence or inundation of land area with water is called as flood. The occurrence of floods can be
due to both natural and human causes.

Natural causes of floods: 1. Excessive rainfall: Floods occur when rainwater is unable to seep into
the ground quickly enough or rivers overflow their banks because river channels cannot contain excess
water. It is common in tropical areas. 2. Storm Surges: It occurs when strong winds raise the waves in
the ocean to exceptionally high levels, causing them to crash into the coast and flood the land. It is
common in coastal areas with low-lying relief. 3. Melting Snow: Melting of snow in spring releases
large amount of water into the rivers, causing them to overflow their banks. It is common in places
with cool temperate climate. 4. Global Atmospheric processes: Abnormal weather phenomenon such
as El Nino (warming of surface ocean waters at Southeastern part of Pacific Ocean). 5. Earthquakes:
Earthquakes can bring about landslides or trigger tsunamis. When landslides occur, loosened soil,
rocks, mud debris etc. may be deposited in rivers causing overflowing of these rivers. Tsunamis
triggered by strong undersea earthquakes can flood and devastate coastal settlements.

Earthquake An earthquake (also known as a quake, tremor or temblor) is the shaking of the surface
of the Earth, with sudden release of energy in the form of seismic waves on the surface of the earth.
The point inside the crust where the pressure is released is called the focus. The point on the Earth's
surface above the focus is called the epicentre. When earthquake occurs beneath the sea it causes
tsunami. The study of earthquakes is called as seismology and the instrument used to measure seismic
waves is called as seismometer or seismograph.

Effects: 1) Soil Liquefaction:- Due to earthquakes granular material (such as sand) temporarily loses
its strength and transforms from a solid to a liquid (Soil liquefaction). This causes rigid structures, like
buildings and bridges, to tilt or sink into the liquefied deposits. 2) Landslides and avalanche :
Earthquakes can produce slope instability leading to landslides and avalanche. 3) Tsunamis: When
earthquakes occur under sea it causes tsunami. Most destructive tsunamis are caused by earthquakes
of magnitude 7.5 or more. 4) Floods: These are secondary effects of earthquakes, as they may occur
if dams are damaged. 5) Fires: Earthquakes can cause fires by damaging electrical power or gas lines.

Cyclones : Cyclone refers to any spinning storm that rotates around a low-pressure center. The low-
pressure center is also referred to as the 'eye' of the storm. It is accompanied by powerful winds
blowing anticlockwise in northern hemisphere and clockwise in southern hemisphere. They are
known by different names in different countries.

Effects: Cyclones bring destruction to life and property. It is characterized by heavy rains and strong
winds. 1) Storm surge: It is an abnormal rise of sea level near the coast caused by a severe tropical
cyclone resulting in inundation of low lying areas of coastal regions. It drowns human beings and
live-stock, erodes beaches and embankments, destroys vegetation and reduces soil fertility. 2)
Floods: Heavy and continued rains due to cyclones may cause floods and submergence of low lying
areas resulting in loss of life and property. Floods and coastal inundation pollute drinking water
sources causing eruption of epidemics. 3) Strong winds: Very strong winds may damage
infrastructure, dwellings, communication .systems, trees etc. vandalizing life and property. It affects
normal functioning of life. 4) Crop: It damages crops, which could lead to inflation. 5) Decline in
tourist: Tourist will not come to a cyclone affected area, thereby affecting livelihood of people. 6)
Storm churn: By churning up cold water, tropical cyclones tend to leave a cold wake behind them
that can depress ocean temperature and thus, stifling trailing storm. 7) Psychological impact:
Disaster of any kind has long lasting fear on minds of masses. They have witness large number of
deaths, collapse of infrastructure, cries, pains and many sorrows.

Environmental legislation :- (a) Wild life Protection Act

(b) Forest Act (c) Water Act (d) Air Act
• The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 authorizes the central government to protect
and improve environmental quality, control and reduce pollution from all sources, and
prohibit or restrict the setting and /or operation of any industrial facility on
environmental grounds. The Environment (Protection) Act was enacted in 1986 with
the objective of providing for the protection and improvement of the environment. It
empowers the Central Government to establish authorities charged with the mandate of
preventing environmental pollution in all its forms and to tackle specific environmental
problems that are peculiar to different parts of the country. The Act was last amended
in 1991.

The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted
for protection of plants and animal species. Before 1972, India had only five
designated national parks. Among other reforms, the Act established schedules of protected
plant and animal species; hunting or harvesting these species was largely outlawed.[1] The Act
provides for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants; and for matters connected
therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto. It extends to the whole of India.

Forest Act

The Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 (FCA, 1980) is an act by the Parliament of India which
ensures conservation of forest and its resources.
It was enacted by the Parliament of India in order to control the ongoing deforestation of the
forests of India. It came into force on October 25, 1980 containing five sections.

Objectives of the Forest Conservation Act 1980

The aim of the Forest is to preserve the forest ecosystem of India by fulfilling the following
objectives:

1. Protect the forest along with its flora, fauna and other diverse ecological components
while preserving the integrity and territory of the forests.
2. Arrest the loss of forest biodiversity
3. Prevent forest lands being converted into agricultural, grazing or for any other
commercial purposes and intentions.
 Water Act

The Water Act is enacted with the objective of prevention & control of pollution in India.
The Act aims at the maintaining or restoring the wholesome nature of water for the
establishment of Boards and to vest them with such powers so as to enable them to carry out
the purposes of the Act.

Air Act:

The Air Pollution Control Act of 1955 was the first U.S. federal law to address the
national environmental problem of air pollution. This was "an act to provide research and
technical assistance relating to air pollution control".[2] The act "left states principally in charge
of prevention and control of air pollution at the source". The act declared that air pollution was
a danger to public health and welfare, but preserved the "primary responsibilities and rights of
the states and local government in controlling air pollution".

Human rights
Human rights and the environment are intrinsically intertwined: a safe, clean, healthy and
sustainable environment is essential in the enjoyment of our human rights; whilst polluted,
hazardous and otherwise unhealthy environments potentially violate our human rights.
Governments must protect and promote and businesses must respect environmental rights if
we wish to tackle environmental challenges.

Environmental rights are not abstract, remote, irrelevant concepts; they are measurable,
prominent and functional aspects of society and its ecology. More than 100
countries incorporate constitutional rights to a healthy environment. When environmental
rights are violated, people and the planet suffer from reduced health and well-being.

United Nations Human Rights Council

The United Nations Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United
Nations system made up of 47 States responsible for the promotion and protection of all human
rights around the globe. It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and
situations that require its attention throughout the year.

Department of women and child development: It was elevated to the status of an independent
ministry at the union level from 20th Feb, 2006.

The consequent changes have helped in giving children’s issues a focused attention and
enhanced allocation- children’s issues were also consolidated and entrusted to MWCD for
better and effective implementation.

Women and child welfare programmes

The department of women and child development is one of the major departments in the district
implementing variety of programmes for the development of women & children, protecting
children from being neglected, exploited, prevent destitution and delinquency, provide
alternative shelter based rehabilitation through institutional treatment, improve health
nutritional status of children and women, create awareness among rural women to improve
overall living conditions.

Schemes of the department

• Attendance scholarship for girls up to 10th standard.

• Assistance to girls in job oriented courses 7 encouragement to take up self
employment through bank loans under schemes like Vikasini, Navajeevan, Mane
Belaku, Udyogini etc.
• Special school for child labour, physical handicapped childrens.
• Providing scholarship to disabled students and encouraging them for self
employment.
• Widow / Devadasi marriage
• Assistance to Mahila Mandals and Mahila federations.

Integrated child development services scheme: Integrated child development scheme

launched on 2nd Oct 1975 in 33 community development locks. Government of India
proclaimed a National Policy on children in August, 1974 declaring children as “supremely
important asset”. The policy provided the required frame work for assigning priority to
different needs of the child.

It was launched in 1975 seeking to provide an integrated package of services in a convergent

manner for the holistic development of the child.

Objectives of ICDS:

• Way the foundation for proper psychological development of the child.

• Improve nutritional and health status of children 0-6 yrs.
• Reduce incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school dropouts.
• Enhance the capability of the mother and family to look after the health, nutritional
and development needs of the child.
• Achieve effective co-ordination of policy and implementation among various
departments to promote child development.

Role of Information technology in environment and human

health
When you talk about information technology, it has a significant hand in improving the
status in the fields of environmental education and human health as compared to that of the
other respective areas such as business, economics, and culture or politics. The emerging
growth of the internet services and facilities, geographic information system or GIS, and the
data that gets transmitted through satellites, etc. have generated a higher affluence of the
updated information on several aspects of the environment as well as health. When you look
for the variety of software in the market, you will come across a number of them that created
for the health and environment studies in a better way. They are quite user-friendly and
certainly help a learner to understand the respective subject with ease.

Database on the Environment System

Understanding the meaning of database is super easy and straightforward; it is a collection of

connected data on some subjects. It comes in a computerized form, and you can retrieve the
data at any hour of the day whenever needed. The information of database can easily extract
in a computer. When it comes to comprehensive databases, things that include in it are
wildlife database, forest cover database, and conservation database, etc. the databases are also
available for some diseases which include malaria, fluorosis, HIV/AIDS, etc.

• National management information system (NMIS).

• Environmental information system (ENVIS).
• Remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS).
• Geographical information system (GIS).
• The World Wide Web (WWW).

Important Questions:

UNIT-I

1. Structure of Eco system

2. Food Chain & Food web
3. Biodiversity
4. Renewable Resources & Non-Renewable Resources
5. Minerals & Energy resources
6. Water conservation & water shed management.

UNIT-II

1. Air pollution & water pollution.

2. Global Warming & Ozone layer depletion
3. Effects of Fire- works , Disaster management – floods, earthquakes & cyclones
4. (a) Wild life Protection Act (b) Forest Act (c) Water Act (d) Air Act &. Human
Rights.
5. Role of Information technology in environment and human health.