Category: environmental Studies

Deforestration & Desertification With exponential growth in human population and consequential destruction of natural vegetation and habitats of other living beings for urbanization, industrialization in both developed and developing countries, there is large scale deforestation in tropical and subtropical countries in the world. Deforestation simply refers to cutting down of trees and the destruction of natural vegetation in an aggressive way. Factors Responsible for Deforestation The following factors are responsible for deforestation − Rapid growth of population in the developing countries. Extension of agriculture and grazing land. Increasing demand for lumber, timber, paper, pulp, fuel-wood, and charcoal and other forest produce. Industrialization, urbanization, and consumerism in the developed and developing countries. Demand of raw material for forest-based and agro-based industries. Demand of land for infrastructure such as roads, highways, railways, irrigation, electricity, telecommunication services, and civic facilities. Construction of multi-purpose dams all over the world. Practice of shifting cultivation in the humid-tropical regions of the world. Change in food habits – a visible shift from vegetarian food to non-vegetarian food. High rate of poverty in the third world countries; it is said that poverty directly or indirectly lead to deforestation. Both natural and man-made forest fire. Delayed administrative decision and dilatory implementation of forest laws in developing countries. Desertification Desertification is defined by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD) 1995 as land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry-sub-humid areas resulting from various factors including climate variation and human activities. The problem of desertification is common to the susceptible dry-lands, with land degradation such as soil erosion, internal soil changes, depletion of groundwater reserves, and irreversible changes to vegetation communities. The term desertification was coined by the French botanist, Aubreville, in 1949 to describe land degradation. Desertification is more anthropogenic (man-made) than it is natural. It is well-acknowledged that the principal agent of land degradation is human activities. The tropical and sub-tropical lands are more prone to desertification. An estimate made by the United Nations (UN), about 40 percent of the African continent’s non-desert land is in danger of experiencing desertification. About 33 percent of Asia’s land and about 20 percent of Latin America land area are equally threatened with desertification. Countries with extensive and severe desertification are Jordan, Lebanon, Somalia, Ethiopia, Southern Sudan, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Western Sahara. Learning working make money

Water Waste Management Wastewater refers to any water that is not clean or is adversely affected in quality by human-induced activities. Wastewater originates from a combination of domestic, industrial, commercial, or agricultural activities. Wastewater treatment or management refers to the processes used to convert wastewater into an effluent that can be either returned to the water cycle with negligible environmental impact or can be reused. The major objective of wastewater treatment is generally to allow human and industrial effluents to be disposed of without danger to human health or unacceptable damage to the natural environment. Wastewater Treatment Process Phase Separation − It transfers impurities into a non-aqueous phase. Sedimentation − Sedimentation is a physical water treatment process using gravity to remove suspended solids from water. Solid particles entrained by the turbulence of moving water may be removed naturally by sedimentation in the still water of lakes and oceans. Filtration − Suspension of fine solids may be removed by filtration through physical barriers such as coarser screens or sieves. Oxidation − This process diminishes the biochemical oxygen demand of wastewater and may reduce the toxicity of some impurities. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) are a set of chemical treatment of wastewater purported to remove organic and also inorganic materials in waste water by oxidation through reaction with hydroxyl radicals. Chemical oxidation may remove some persistent organic pollutants and concentrations remaining after biochemical oxidation. Wastewater treatment plants are set up for effective treatment of wastewater. They may be distinguished by the type of wastewater to be treated. They are as follows. Sewage treatment plants Industrial wastewater treatment plants Agricultural wastewater treatment plants Learning working make money

Solid Waste Management Solid waste management refers to the collecting, treating, and disposing of solid material that is discarded or is no longer useful. Solid waste management is an important aspect of urban area management. Improper disposal of municipal solid waste can create unsanitary conditions, which can lead to environmental pollution and the outbreak of vector-borne disease. The task of solid waste management presents complex technical challenges. They also pose various economic, administrative, and social problems which need urgent attention. The major sources of solid waste are households; agricultural fields; industries and mining, hotels and catering; roads and railways; hospitals and educational institutions; cultural centers and places of recreation and tourism, etc. Plastic waste is also a solid waste. Classification of Solid Wastes Municipal Waste Hospital Waste Hazardous Waste Effective Solid Waste Management can be carried out in the following ways − Sanitary landfills Composting Landfills Incineration and pyrolysis (a process of combustion in the absence of oxygen) Vermiculture or earthworm farming Bioremediation or the use of micro-organism (bacteria and fungi) Reuse, reduce, and recycle Learning working make money

Biodiversity Hotspots The Earth’s biodiversity is evenly distributed across its surface. There are over a thousand major eco-regions in the world. It is estimated that there are about 200 richest, rarest and most distinctive natural areas in the world. These are referred to as the Global 200. Hotspots of biodiversity refer to bio-geographic regions where significant levels of biodiversity with richness and unusual concentration of endemic species are found, however, they are threatened with mindless exploitation and destruction. A biodiversity is termed as a hotspot if − It has at least 1,500 vascular plants as endemic. It must be threatened or under threat of destruction to a considerable extent. Across the world, about 35 areas are marked as hotspots of biodiversity and they represent 2.3 percent of the Earth’s land surface but they support more than half of the world’s endemic plant species and almost half of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians as endemic. List of Biodiversity Hotspots in the World North and Central America − California Floristic Province, Madrean pine-oak woodlands, Mesoamerica The Caribbean − Caribbean Islands South America − Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Chilean Winter Rainfall-Valdivian Forests, Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena, Tropical Andes Europe − Mediterranean Basin Africa − Cape Floristic Region, Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa, Eastern Afromontane, Guinean Forests of West Africa; Horn of Africa; Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands; Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany; Succulent Karoo Central Asia − Mountains of Central Asia South Asia − Eastern Himalaya, Nepal; Indo-Burma, India and Myanmar; Western Ghats, India; Sri Lanka South East Asia and Asia-Pacific − East Melanesian Islands; New Caledonia; New Zealand; Philippines; Polynesia-Micronesia; Southwest Australia; Sundaland; Wallacea East Asia − Japan; Mountains of Southwest China West Asia − Caucasus; Irano-Anatolian About 1.8 million species are known to mankind at present. Scientists, however, have estimated that the number of species of plants and animals on the earth can go up to 20 billion. It means a majority of species still remain undiscovered. World’s most prolific bio-rich nations are in the south. On the other hand, the majority of the countries capable of exploiting biodiversity are the developed Northern countries. These countries have very low level of biodiversity. Developed nations want to consider biodiversity as ‘global resources’. However, nations rich in biodiversity like India don’t want to compromise their sovereignty over their biological diversity unless there is a revolutionary change in global thinking about sharing of all types of natural resources such as rare minerals as uranium, oil, or even intellectual and technological resources. India is home to rich biodiversity. Countries with diversities higher than India are located in South America such as Brazil, and South East India countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. Biological diversities are now being increasingly appreciated as being of unimaginable value. International initiatives such as World Heritage Convention, Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) aims for the protection and support of biologically rich natural areas and address threatened species and habitats to protect and restore biological systems. Convention in the Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) is intended to reduce the utilization of endangered plants and animals by controlling trade in their products and in pet trade. India as a Mega Diversity Region A mega diversity region or country is one that harbors majority of the Earth’s species and is therefore considered extremely bio-diverse. India is rich in biodiversity from north to south and from east to west. Geological events in the landmass of India, different climatic regions across the country and its special geographical position between a couple of distinct biological evolution and radiation of species are responsible for India’s rich and varied biodiversity. India is one among the top 10 countries with rich biodiversity and one among the 12 Mega biodiversity regions in the world. Around 18 biosphere reserves have been set up in India. India is home to 350 different mammals (rated highest in the world), 1, 200 species of birds, 453 species of reptiles and 45, 000 plant species. India is home to 50, 000 known species of insects, that include 13, 000 butterflies and moths. It is estimated that the number of unnamed species could be much higher than the existing number. More than 18 percent of Indian plants are endemic (native to a particular region) to the country and found nowhere else in the world. India has 27 indigenous breeds of cattle, 40 breeds of sheep, 22 breeds of goats and 8 breeds of buffaloes. Among the amphibians found in India, 62 percent are unique to this country. High endemism has also been recorded in various flowering plants, insects, marine worms, centipedes, mayflies, and fresh water sponges. Apart of noticeable diversity in Indian wild plants and animals, there is also a great diversity of cultivated crops and breeds of domestic livestock. The traditional cultivars (a plant variety that has been produced in cultivation by selective breeding) include about 50,000 varieties of rice and a number of cereals, vegetables, and fruits. The highest diversity of cultivars is found concentrated in the high rainfall areas of Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Northern Himalayas. and North-Eastern hills. Learning working make money

Global Environmental Problems Climate refers to the usual weather of a place. Climate differs from season to season, from region to region. A combination of all the climates of the world is termed as the Earth’s climate. Climate Change Climate change refers to a change or changes in the usual weather condition found in a place or region. Changes could be experienced in the rainfall or snowfall pattern, temperature, etc. Climate change is also a change in Earth’s climate. Climate change is now a much-discussed concept around the globe. It is because it is now experienced that the world temperature is increasing during these years. The global average surface temperature is believed to have increased by 0.6° + 0.2° C over the last century. Globally, 1998 was the warmest year and the 1990s was the warmest decade on record. Many countries have experienced increases in rainfall, particularly in the countries situated in the mid to high latitudes. In some regions, such as parts of Asia and Africa, the frequency and intensity of droughts have been observed to increase in recent decades. Episodes of El Nino, which creates great storms, have been more frequent, persistent, and intense since mid-1970s compared with the previous 100 years. All these signs show that the earth’s climate is changing, making it more difficult for mankind to survive. Causes of Climate Change Climate changes on its own in nature. Earth’s distance from the sun, volcanic eruption at large scale, heavy rainfall for longer period, are the instances of natural phenomena that influence the Earth’s climate. These are natural and have nothing to do with our present concern about climate change. What concerns us today is the rise in global temperature, especially. Most scientists say that human activities have caused certain changes in the natural climate of the earth. Most scientists agree that the main cause of current global warming is human expansion of the ‘greenhouse effect’. Greenhouse effect is the increase in the number of certain gases that include, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, nitrous oxide (N2O), water vapor, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), etc. Greenhouse gases are produced naturally and trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere like a blanket. When there is increased concentration of such gases in the atmosphere mostly by burning fossil fuels, there is a proportionate increase in the temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere. It is called global warming. Significant human-led factors responsible for climate change are − Exponential growth in human population. Massive and unplanned urbanization and industrialization over the last century. Burning of fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas at huge scale to meet the growing energy needs of the bulging world population. Change in lifestyle and massive increase in the number of machinery, gadgets, etc. Impact of Climate Change on Human Environment It is now clear that climate change causes unwanted alterations in the natural systems. The environmental consequences of climate change are extreme heat waves, rising sea levels, changes in precipitation resulting in flooding and droughts, intense hurricanes, and degraded air quality. The above phenomenal changes directly and indirectly affect the physical, social, and psychological health of human beings. Frequency in Weather-Related Disasters Changes in precipitation create changes in the availability and quantity of water and also results in extreme weather events, such as intense storms, flooding and droughts. Frequency in all these weather phenomena sometimes lead to human causality in great proportion apart from huge loss of property, mostly in developing and underdeveloped countries. Human Health Climate change affects the prerequisites of human health such as clean air and water, sufficient and healthy food, natural constraints to infectious disease agents and the adequacy and security of shelter. The report of the WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health points out that disadvantaged communities are likely to shoulder a disproportionate share of the burden of climate change because of their increased exposure and vulnerability to health threats. Large Scale Displacement of People Climate change effects such as desertification, rising sea levels and severity of weatherrelated disasters along with the spread of epidemics can destroy or affect human habitation causing people to seek shelter elsewhere. Deteriorating environment and depleting resources can result in human conflicts at all levels. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has estimated that there will be over 150 million environmental migrants by 2050 and the number will be perplexing due to complexity of the issue and lack of data. Apart from the above, following are some other consequences of climate change − Change in hydrological cycle and water supply The Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) may move northward in the northern hemisphere causing rapid changes in rainfall pattern Increase in tropical and temperate cyclones, cloud cover, tornadoes and storms Changes in pressure belts and atmospheric circulation Warming of ocean water may endanger the corals worldwide Expansion of deserts and more desertification within deserts Effect on food supply and international trade of grains National parks, sanctuaries and biosphere reserves may be altered Countries such as Maldives and greater parts of Netherlands etc. may submerge under water Climate change is making food crops less nutritious. Rising carbon dioxide emissions lead to iron and zinc deficiencies in food crops Population Explosion & its Pressure on Environment Finite Resources Most resources being finite since the very beginning and natural limit to resource generation being slow, constant rise in the number of people on the earth exerts undue pressure on world resources. Population growth and the resultant increase in human habitations in the last couple of centuries has taken away a considerable portion of natural vegetation, cultivable lands, and above all the natural habitats of wild animals. There has been loss of biodiversity and resultant ecological imbalance in severity in the current times. More People, More Demand, More Waste With the advent of science and technology man’s need for comfort and luxury has multiplied many times. This has necessitated the production of a great number of goods and services in the world. Not only the huge population (7.4 billion in

Environmental Studies – Air Pollution Every day, every moment, we breathe polluted air and may become a victim of air pollution. It is estimated that an average adult exchanges 15 kg of air a day, in comparison to about 1.5 kg of the food consumed and 2.5 kg of water intake. It is obvious that the quantum of pollutants that enter our body through respiration would be manifold in comparison to those taken in through polluted water or contaminated food. Air pollution is one of the most widespread forms of pollution all over the world. Wind is the main agent of air pollution. It gathers and moves pollutants from one area to another, sometimes reducing the concentration of pollutants in one location, while increasing it in another. Causes of Air Pollution Apart from the natural causes of pollutants, as stated above, human interaction and resource utilization is perhaps adding more pollutants to the atmosphere. Industrialization − Industries big or small require steam to run. The steam is produced by burning fossil fuels such as coal, coke, and furnace oil. These fuels while burning release toxic gases in large amount into the atmosphere. Automobiles − To meet the demands of exploding human population, the number of automobiles is increasing at a great space. The automobile exhausts are responsible for about sixty percent of air pollution. Released carbon monoxide from the automobiles pollutes the air and harms trees and other natural vegetation. It also has ill-effects on human health. Chlorofluorocarbons − Scientists are now alarmed regarding the increased concentration of chemical substances together called chlorofluorocarbon in the atmosphere. These substances are responsible for creating holes in the ozone layer causing unwanted imbalance in the heat budget. These are produced by modern gadgets such as air conditioners, refrigerators, dyers, etc. The adverse effects of air pollution appear in the form of poor quality of air, acidic precipitation (rain, snow and hail) and deposition, and other health hazards. The main pollutants of air are carbon dioxide (CO2 ), carbonic acid (H 2SO2), water (H2O), nitric acid (HNO3O ), and sulphuric acid (H2SO4 ). Air pollution has harmful effects on natural vegetation and human health such as respiratory illnesses. Acidic precipitation is highly fatal for aquatic flora and fauna, monuments, and also for natural vegetation. Air Pollution Control Air pollution control is an onerous task as there are large number of pollutants involved in air pollution. Some of these are even difficult to detect. However, there can be some basic approaches to control air pollution. They are as follows. Preventive Approach It is well said that prevention is better than cure. We can prevent pollutants of air from being produced by various ways. For instance, by changing raw materials used in industry or the ingredient of fuel from conventional to non-conventional sources of energy; by maintenance of vehicles and roads and efficient transport system; by reduction in garbage burning and shifting cultivation areas; afforestation, etc. Dispersal Approach We can prevent air pollution by raising the heights of smokestacks in industries so as to release the pollutants high into the atmosphere. Collection Approach Air pollution can be controlled by designing the equipment and machinery to trap pollutants before they escape into the atmosphere. To meet the standards, automobile engines have been re-designed and new cars have been equipped with devices such as the catalytic converter, which changes the pollutants into harmless substances. Because of these new devices, air pollution from car exhaust has also been reduced. Legislation Approach There have been many initiatives in different countries for making laws, setting standards and norms to check air pollution and ensure quality air. All the highly industrialized countries of the world have certain legislations to prevent and control air pollution. As pollutants of air are carried by the wind from one country to another for thousands of miles, there should be global initiatives agreed upon by all countries to save the earth from the menace of air pollution. Learning working make money

International Protocols Without a healthy and clean environment, human beings will be deprived of their right to a healthy and productive life. We have learnt substantially how environmental pollution is taking away our rights to such life. So, to keep the biodiversity and environment in a healthy condition is the need of the hour. Environment and more specifically environmental pollution has no political boundaries. The air polluted in one region can be transmitted to thousands of miles without the manmade barriers. Thus, environmental pollution, global warming, climate change and other related issues have been given more weight at international forums and symposia. A number of efforts are being made at international and national levels to maintain the equilibrium and resilience characteristics of the ecosystems with the objective to make them sustainable and productive. These efforts are given the nomenclature of international conventions or conferences and protocols. What are Conventions and Protocols? A convention is a meeting or gathering to formulate or deliberate on a generally accepted principle, framework in which the parties decide the basic guidelines. For example, Rio Convention. A protocol, on the other hand, contains specific aims or legal obligations agreed upon by the members who gather in a convention or conference. Usually, when a major provision is to be incorporated on regulations of the convention, a protocol is called among the countries, who are signatory of the original convention when it was signed and approved. The United Nation’s Framework Convention on Climate Change The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC or FCCC) is an international environmental treaty created at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), informally known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro from June 3 to 14, 1992. The United Nations Climate Change Conferences are annual events held in the framework of UNFCCC. The conferences are held to assess the progress made in efforts to deal with climate change. These conferences serve as the formal meeting of the UNFCCC Parties and are popularly called Conference of Parties (COP). Palestine became the 197th party to UNFCCC in 2016. The first UN Climate Change Conference or Conference of Parties (COP 1) was held in 1995 in Berlin. Landmark Conferences of Parties (COPs) Year Name of the COP Focal Point 2007 COP 13 – Bali Action Plan To further commitments by parties to Kyoto Protocol 2009 COP 15 – Copenhagen Accord To establish an ambitious global climate agreement for the period from 2012, when the first commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol expires 2010 COP – 16 – Cancun Agreement Encompassed finance, technology, and capacitybuilding support to help such countries meet urgent needs to adapt to climate change; Set up Green Climate Fund to support climate change mitigation efforts 2011 COP – 17 – Durban Agreement To adopt a universal legal agreement on climate change as soon as possible, and no later than 2015 2016 COP – 22 – Marrakesh Action Proclamation Pledge to press ahead with implementation of Paris Agreement Objectives of UNFCCC To stabilize Greenhouse Gas concentration to such a level that would prevent human induced interference with the climate system within a timeframe. To enable the ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change to ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner. Earth Summit The Brundtland Report of 1987 sent an alert to the world about the urgency of making progress towards sustainable economic development without harming the already sick environment and without depleting the vanishing natural resources. Five years later, the progress on enunciated sustainable development was sought by the UN and United Nations Conference on Environment & Development. Held in June 1992 at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the Rio Earth Summit as it became popularly known, was the largest environmental conference ever held, attracting over 30,000 people including more than 100 heads of state. The Rio Conference was held primarily with an objective towards building upon the hopes and achievements of the Brundtland Report with a view to responding to mounting global environmental problems and to agree on major treaties on biodiversity, climate change, and forest management. The major outcome of the Earth Summit was Agenda 21. Agenda 21 is a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally, and locally by organizations of the United Nations System, Governments, and Major Groups in every area that humans impact on the environment. Besides, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and the Statement of Principles for the Sustainable Management of Forests were adopted. The Earth Summit influenced all subsequent UN conferences, which have examined the relationship between human rights, population, social development, women and human settlements — and the need for environmentally sustainable development. The Kyoto Protocol In order to reduce the growing concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the Earth’s atmosphere, the UNFCCC put in place the first ever agreement between nations to mandate country-by-country reduction in GHGs. This historic Protocol was adopted in Kyoto, Japan, on 11 December 1997 and hence, got the name of Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol officially came into force in 2005, after being formally ratified by the required number of nations. Participating nations or the signatories have agreed to meet certain greenhouse gas emission targets, as well as submit to external review and enforcement of these commitments by the UN-based bodies. The parties or the signatory countries committed to reduce the GHGs emission, based on the premise that (a) global warming exists and (b) man-made CO2 emissions have caused it. Under Kyoto, industrialized nations pledged to cut their yearly emissions of carbon, as measured in six greenhouse gases, by varying amounts, averaging 5.2%, by 2012 as compared to 1990. It excluded developing countries such as China and India, which have since become the world”s largest and fourth largest polluters according to the International Energy Agency, as well as second-placed United States which refused to ratify the deal. A second commitment period was agreed on in 2012, known

Towards Sustainable Future According to the United Nations, “Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Sustainable development requires meeting the basic needs of all and aims to provide all the opportunity to meet their aspirations to lead a better and healthy life. Concept of Sustainable Development Our living standards should be in tune with the limit of the world’s ecological means. However, many of us live beyond it and have scant regard for long-term sustainability. Economic growth and development is required to be in commensurate with the limits of the ecology and environment. It is required largely by the sustainable development. Sustainable development requires setting limits in terms of population or resource use beyond which lies ecological disaster. It warns every one of us against surpassing the ultimate limits of the natural system, or else face dire consequences. It also requires that long before mankind crosses these limits, the world must ensure equitable access to the constrained resource and use technology towards it. Economic growth and development obviously involve changes in the physical ecosystem. However, it should not cross the limits of regeneration and natural growth. For instance, renewable resources such as forests and fish stocks need not be depleted provided the rate of use is within the limits of regeneration and natural growth. Sustainable development requires that the rate of depletion of non-renewable resources should foreclose as few future options as possible. It requires flourishing biodiversity and,hence, it vouches for the conservation of plant and animal species. It also vouches for a type of development where the adverse impacts on the quality of air, water, and other natural elements are minimized so as to sustain the ecosystem’s overall integrity. Sustainable development is a wholesome process of change in which the use of resources, investment, the orientation of technological development and institutional changes are all in harmony with and enhance both the current and future potential to meet human needs and aspirations. 17 New UN Development Goals for 2030 End poverty in all its forms everywhere End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation Reduce inequality within and among countries Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development The new goals replace the eight Millennium Development Goals adopted at a Summit in 2000, which expired at the end of 2015. Environmental Education Environmental education is a multi-disciplinary field integrating disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, ecology, earth science, atmospheric science, mathematics, and geography. Environmental Education (EE) aims at increasing the consciousness and knowledge about the various aspects of environment and also about the major environmental problems facing the world today. It also spreads awareness among the masses with special emphasis on educators, voluntary works, youth and women with a view to promote conservation of nature and its resources. It develops and makes room for implementation of innovative, region-specific educational programs and materials for conservation education and sensitizes children on environment. It includes all efforts to make general public aware of the knowledge of the environmental challenges through media and print materials. UNESCO (United Nation Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) emphasizes the role of EE in safeguarding future global developments of societal quality of life (QOL), through the protection of the environment, eradication of poverty, minimization of inequalities, and insurance of sustainable development. Today, environmental education has become one of the most popular academic study world-over. There are special institutions coming up in the world to impart higher degrees on environmental education. Life Cycle Assessment Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a tool used to assess the potential environmental impact of product systems or services at all stages in their life cycles, i.e. from the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing or processing, storage, distribution, use and its disposal or recycling. In other words, LCA is a technique for assessing the potential environmental and other aspects associated with a product or a service by various methods such as − Compilation of an inventory of inputs and outputs Evaluation of potential environmental impact relating to those inputs and outputs Interpretation of the results of the evaluation LCA is, therefore, a cradle-to-grave assessment of production system and their likely environmental impacts. It has come up as a valuable decision-support tool for both policy makers and industry in assessing from origin-to-end impact of a product or process. LCA methodology has been developed extensively during the last decade. Moreover, a number of LCA related standards (ISO 14040-14043) and technical reports have been published within the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to streamline the methodology. Following is the representation of the LCA process. The overall objective of LCA is to identify changes, at every stage of the life cycle of a product or process that can be helpful to the environment and prove to be cost effective. Low Carbon Lifestyle Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a vital constituent in the Earth’s atmosphere. It is a

Environmental Studies – Ozone Depletion Ozone is a form of oxygen in which three atoms of oxygen combine to form a single molecule of ozone. It normally is not found in the lower atmosphere. It exists in the stratosphere between 20 and 50 kilometers above the surface. The presence of ozone is of singular importance because it filters out the incoming ultraviolet (UV) radiation and thus acts as a screen against ultraviolent radiation that can increase the occurrence of skin cancer, cataracts, and other diseases of eyes. It also affects the body defense mechanism, which increases the vulnerability of infectious diseases. Increased ultraviolet radiation can seriously affect plant and fish production. Ozone Depletion Ozone depletion refers to the wearing out or reduction of the amount of ozone in the stratosphere. It was first identified in 1970s due to the advent of supersonic aircraft, which fly in the lower stratosphere and emit nitrogen oxides. Ozone Depleting Substances Ozone depleting substances are those substances which deplete the ozone layer. It is found that the major cause of ozone depletions is the CFC (Chlorofluorocarbons) gases. CFCs are used for a wide range of applications including refrigerant, foaming agents, plastic manufacturing, fire extinguishing agents, solvents for freezing food, cleaners for electronic components fine retardant, solvents, aerosol, propellants, and the production of foamed plastics. Other ozone depleting substances controlled by Montreal Protocol (discussed in a subsequent chapter) are − Halon Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), Methyl chloroform (CH3CCl3) Hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs) Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) Methyl bromide (CH3Br) Bromochloromethane (CH2BrCl) There are serious consequences of ozone depletion. Following are some of the significant consequences of ozone depletion. Plants and animals vary in their tolerance of ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet rays damage DNA (the genetic code in every living being). Crops such as soybean are the worst affected. Animals and humans also have adapted to UVB radiation. In case of depletion of the ozone layer, there is danger of melanoma – a type of skin cancer. The disease is now almost epidemic in the United States. Learning working make money

Environmental Studies – Water Pollution Water pollution may be defined as alteration in physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water, which may cause harmful effects on human and aquatic life. Pollutants of Water Following are some of the reasons for water pollution. Disposal of sewage and sludge into water bodies such as river, streams, and lakes. Inorganic compounds and minerals by mining and industrial activities. Use of chemical fertilizers for agricultural purposes. Synthetic organic compounds from industrial, agricultural, and domestic garbage. Oil and petroleum from tankers’ accident, offshore drilling, combustion engine, etc. Radioactive wastes Water Pollution Control Environmental Education − Individuals and the masses should be educated about the significance of quality of water and its impact on the economy, the society, and ecology. Sewage Treatment − The household water should be treated properly to make it environmentally safe. Necessary steps should be taken to ensure that effective sewage treatment process is put in place and contaminated water doesn’t get mixed with the fresh water bodies. Accountability of Industrial Units − The industrial setups should make provisions for treatment of waste materials and water, and for its safe drainage. Afforestation − Planting trees can reduce the water pollution to a large extent as they check surface soil runoff by running water. Soil Conservation − Soil conservation add many inorganic substances in the surface and underground water. Soil conservation is, therefore, a useful technique to reduce water pollution. Reduced Use of Chemical Fertilizers − Chemical fertilizers add nitrates in water bodies. Use of compost manures can help reduce the problem of eutrophication in the water bodies. Financial Support − Governments should make provisions for adequate funds to the civic bodies for water pollution control. Legislation and Implementation of Stringent Environmental Laws − The need of the hour is that the government should legislate and implement strict environmental laws for the protection of water bodies, treatment of waste water, etc. The violators of such laws should be given exemplary punishment. Learning working make money