SELF ANALYSIS AND SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL

STUDIES
-- SOBIT KUMAR
>>> : Self Analysis of Environmental studies Course
The importance of environmental science and environmental studies
cannot be disputed. The need for sustainable development is a key to
the future of mankind. Continuing problems of pollution, loss of forget,
solid waste disposal, degradation of environment, issues like economic
productivity and national security, Global warming, the depletion of
ozone layer and loss of biodiversity have made everyone aware of
environmental issues. The United Nations Coference on Environment
and Development held in Rio de Janerio in 1992 and world Summit on
Sustainable Development at Johannesburg in 2002 have drawn the
attention of people around the globe to the deteriorating condition of
our environment. It is clear that no citizen of the earth can afford to be
ignorant of environment issues. Environmental management has
captured the attention of health care managers. Managing
environmental hazards has become very important.

Self Analysis is summarized as :

1. The study creates awareness among the people to know about

various renewable and non-renewable resources of the region. The
endowment or potential, patterns of utilization and the balance of
various resources available for future use in the state of a country are
analysed in the study.

2. It provides the knowledge about ecological systems and cause and

effect relationships.
3. It provides necessary information about biodiversity richness and the
potential dangers to the species of plants, animals and microorganisms
in the environment.

4. The study enables one to understand the causes and consequences

due to natural and main induced disasters (flood, earthquake, landslide,
cyclones etc.,) and pollutions and measures to minimize the effects.

5. It enables one to evaluate alternative responses to environmental

issues before deciding an alternative course of action.

6. The study enables environmentally literate citizens (by knowing the

environmental acts, rights, rules, legislations, etc.) to make appropriate
judgments and decisions for the protection and improvement of the
earth.

7. The study exposes the problems of over population, health, hygiene,

etc. and the role of arts,science and technology in eliminating/
minimizing the evils from the society.

8. The study tries to identify and develop appropriate and indigenous

eco-friendly skills and technologies to various environmental issues.

9. It teaches the citizens the need for sustainable utilization of resources

as these resources are inherited from our ancestors to the younger
generating without deteriorating their quality.

10. The study enables theoretical knowledge into practice and the
multiple uses of environment.
>>> : SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Environmental studies as a subject has a wide scope. It includes a large

number of areas and aspects, which may be summarized as follows:

 Natural resources- their conservation and management

 Ecology and Biodiversity

 Environmental pollution and control

 Human population and environment

 Social issues in relation to development and environment

>>> : These are the basic aspects of environmental studies which have a
direct relevance to every section of society. Several career options have
emerged in these fields that are broadly categorized as:

(i) Research and development in environment:

Skilled environmental scientists have an important role to play in

examining various environmental problems in a scientific manner and
carry out R&D activities for developing cleaner technologies and
promoting sustainable development.

(ii) Green advocacy:

With increasing emphasis on implementing various Acts and Laws

related to environment, need for environmental lawyers has emerged,
who should be able to plead the cases related to water, air, forest,
wildlife, pollution and control etc.

(iii) Green marketing:

While ensuring the quality of products with ISO mark, now there is an
increasing emphasis on marketing goods that are environment friendly.
Such products have ecomark or ISO 14000 certification. Environmental
auditors and environmental managers would be in great demand in the
coming years.

(iv) Green media:

Environmental awareness can be spread amongst masses through mass

media like television, radio, newspaper, magazine, hoardings,
advertisements etc., for which environmentally educated persons are
required.
(v) Environmental consultancy:

Many non-government organizations, industries and government

bodies are engaging environmental consultants for systematically
studying and tackling environment related problems.

Thank You