VPE 511: Environment and Environmental Hygiene (2+1)

IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY

• Environmental study helps us to find practical solutions to the present environmental problems. Since it is a comprehensive view of various environmental systems, we are able to analysis aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric systems.
• Life originated on the surface of the earth 3500 million years ago. But now, human population has been increasing at an alarming rate, depleting the once abundant natural resources. In 1950, the world population was 2.5 billion; In 1994, it became 5.6 billion and in 2050 it would be 9 billion! The natural resources are depleted due to overconsumption by the ever increasing population. The resources are limited on earth but the methods of exploiting them are on the increase.
• Environmental study enables people to pursue sustainable development. It motivates students in community action and makes them participate in activities relating to environmental protection. Environmental study is a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human interaction with the natural environment. In integrates humanities with social sciences, biological sciences and physical sciences in order to investigate the concerns of environment and establish stability and sustainability. This results in more environmental pollution. The resources are overexploited and are made scarce for the future generation. So, environmental education and training are the need of the hour to save our natural resources and biodiversity.
• Environmental study enables people to pursue sustainable development. It motivate students in community action and makes them participate in activities relating to environmental protection. Environmental study is a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human interaction with the natural environment. It integerated humanities with social sciences, biological sciences and physical sciences in order to investigate the concerns of environment and establish stability and sustainability.

Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies

• Since many physical , chemical and biological parameters are used to describe environment, an interdisciplinary approach is required to environmental studies. One needs ‘knowledge’ inputs from many disciplines to study the various environmental issues facing him/her. Each discipline in its own way . It is not complete in itself. So, a multidisciplinary approach is essential to solve the present complex environmental problems. In addition, the applied sciences are more useful to plan new strategies to improve the environment, thereby preventing any further adverse effects.
• Refinement of one’s knowledge is possible only when there is multidisciplinary approach and a grasp of a comprehensive view of issues. Hybridization of different disciplines leads to newer directions for research and methods of analysis to solve the present problems of environment.
• The quality of environmental analysis is enhanced when sensor based in situ data collection, remotely sensed data products and Geographical Information System (GIS) based analysis are carried out. Mathematical modelling and calculations using statistical analysis to compare data from various regions are used to study environment in a better way. To study the natural resources, modern geographical and geological is very useful.