FYBCOM Environmental Studies: Important Topics Explained

F.Y.B.Com. SEMESTER – I

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Q.1 Importance and Scope of Environmental Studies

ANS:

The scope of environmental studies is very large. Environmental studies constitute knowledge of many disciplines of natural sciences, social sciences and humanities, biology, chemistry, law, sociology, anthropology and ethics and many other disciplines. With this interdisciplinary knowledge environment studies involve developing a sense of the spirit of the environment or our surroundings, in a large context. Environmental studies is the scientific study of the environmental system and the status of its inherent or induced changes on organisms. It includes not only the study of physical and biological characters of the environment but also the social and cultural factors and the impact of man on environment.

According to UNESCO (1971), the objectives of environmental studies are:

(a) Creating the awareness about environmental problems among people.

(b) Imparting basic knowledge about the environment and its allied problems.

(c) Developing an attitude of concern for the environment.

(d) Motivating public to participate in environment protection and environment improvement.

(e) Acquiring skills to help the concerned individuals in identifying and solving environmental problems.

(f) Striving to attain harmony with Nature. In today’s world because of industrialization and increasing population, the natural resources has been rapidly utilised and our environment is being increasingly degraded by human activities, so we need to protect the environment. It is not only the duty of government but also the people to take active role for protecting the environment, so protecting our environment is economically more viable than cleaning it up once, it is damaged. Therefore, environmental studies also play an important role for sustainable development of environment.

The importance of environmental studies can be summarized as follows:

1. To clarify modern environmental concept like how to conserve biodiversity.
2. To know the more sustainable way of living.
3. To use natural resources more efficiently.
4. To know the behavior of organism under natural conditions.
5. To know the interrelationship between organisms in populations and communities.
6. To aware and educate people regarding environmental issues and problems at local, national and international levels.