Muliti-Disciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies
Existence and behavior of living and non-living constituent of environment are covered by laws of
physical, chemical, geological and biological sciences. Human behavior and management of human
societies are covered by psychological, psychological, and political and social science. Rules framed for
maintenance of environment in a healthy state come under jurisdiction of national legislation while
agreements reached regarding common problems faced by two or more than two countries come under
purview of international law. Different aspects linked with sciences listed above have to be taken into
consideration for any study involving environment. The science of environment is, therefore, a
multidisciplinary science, which may require attention of experts from different branches of science when
decisions regarding environmental matters have to be taken.
Scope of Environmental Studies:
i) Understanding nature – Nature of environment, its types, components, its relationship with other
sciences, man and nature, ecology and ecosystems, ecological concepts and principles and also many
allied things are included and studied under this category.
ii) Use of natural resources-Environment is a treasure of resources. Because of population explosion
and uncontrolled exploitation, these resources are nearing exhaustion. Proper use, distribution and
management of the resources are studied under this category.
iii) Study of environmental problems- Increase in industrialization, population, urbanization and
overexploitation of resources and their mismanagement result in creation of several eco problems.
All the aspects of various kinds of pollution as well as natural calamities like earthquake, volcano,
flood, drought, tsunami, cyclones, land sliding, loss of bio diversity, global warming, acid rain and so
many problems are studied under this science.
iv) Environmental management and planning-
Natural balance is disturbed due to unplanned,
uncontrolled use of various ecosystems. To avoid all this, a careful utilization of resources is needed
otherwise they would not be available for next generations. Eco-planning is a very important part of
environmental studies
Importance of environmental studies
Environmental studies reflect on the status of the natural resources on which our lives are
dependent. It also helps in the development of area and protection of cultural heritage.
i) Awareness: Because of the increased interference of human beings in the environment, several
ecological problems have been created. Severity of these problems is increasing continuously.
Environmental studies help us to solve these problems by making the people, social groups and
organizations aware of these problems.
ii) Knowledge: Maintenance of healthy environment is very important for sustenance of life. As
environmental studies are concerned with many science disciplines, one gets familiar with many
scientific concepts.
iii) Behavior: This science develops positive attitude towards conservation of environment in the people
and make them eco-friendly.
iv) Skill: Observation, research ability, etc. are required for the study of environment, which can be
developed by studying this science.
v) Involvement: For preservation and conservation of environment, involvement of society/people is of
great importance. It is also a necessary step to solve the eco-problems.
vi) Evaluation ability: we start thinking logically about the day to day problems due to the environmental
studies. Skill of evaluation, role of oneself, society, institute etc. towards ecological field develops.
Need for public awareness:
Day by day environmental problems are getting severe due to population explosion,
industrialization and enormous deforestation, increase in transport vehicles, overexploitation of natural
resources, superstitions, global warming and depletion of ozone etc. Public awareness programs are being
organized world of fundamental or the basic needs. Pollution is creating many health problems.
We have to make people aware of
• Eco-problems
• Social ethics among students and common man.
• The importance environment.
• Maximum involvement of people in eco-development programs.