Concept and Scope of Environmental Studies
Environmental studies is the science which studies the interaction between man and the environment, emphasising the links between different subjects related to this issue,
1.1 Meaning and Definitions of Environment
The word Environment is derived from the French word Environ which means surrounding.
Our surrounding includes biotic factors like human beings, plants, animals, microbes etc and abiotic factors such as light air, water, soil etc.
In words of Kalavathy, "Environment is a-complex of many variables, which surrounds man as well as the living organisms. Environment includes water, air, land and the interrelationships which exist among and between water, air, land and human beings and other living creatures such as plants, animals and microorganisms."
Generally, environment consists of an inseparable whole system constituted by physical, chemical, biological, social and cultural elements, which are interlinked individually and collectively in uncountable ways.
In words of Douglas and Holland, "Environment is aggregate of all the external force, influences and the condition which affect the life, nature, behaviour, the growth, development and maturity of living organism."
1.1.1 Concept of EVS
· Environmental studies is important to be studied at primary level, as it gives information about our nature and also the men and environment relationship,
· It creates awareness among people as how to protect and conserve our environment which is very important for our survival.
· Every organism is surrounded by materials and forces that constitute its environment. It is the environment from where every organism must derive its requirement. The environment creates the favourable conditions for the existence and development of living organisms.
· The degradation of the environment has become a serious problem for the existence of human beings. Pollution of soil, water and air causes harm to living organisms as well as loss of valuable natural resources. Environmental studies involves educating the people for preserving the quality of environment.
· Environmental studies makes students able to understand about the various phenomena and the changes occur in the environment. It also enables them how to act in a specific situation in appropriate and wise manner.
· Thus, to understand the complexity of the environment and to create problem-solving capability and for the development of analytical thinking among students, it is crucial to introduce this subject at school level.
1.1.2 Scope of Environmental Studies
Environmental studies is of multi-disciplinary nature, it is concerned with geographical feature of area, living beings of the area, natural resource and conservation of the resources, waste management, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy generation, sanitation and health. Because of relation with so many subjects and domain environmental studies is considered to have great scope. Environmental science can be applied in
more...