Exploring the Concept

of Environment
The environment is more than just air, water, and land. It is a complex web
of living and nonliving components that are interconnected. Let's dive
deeper into the concept of environment.

"The environment is where we all meet; where all have a mutual

interest; it is the one thing all of us share."

- Lady Bird Johnson

The term environment is derived from a French word ‘Environia” which
means to surround. The environment includes all living and non-living
things that affect human life.

Defining the
Environment
The environment encompasses all living and nonliving things occurring
naturally on Earth or some region thereof, including all biotic and abiotic
components and the interactions among them.

"The earth is what we all have in common."

- Wendell Berry

The Supreme Court has defined environment as:

"Environment is a sum total of water, air and land, and the inter-
relationship which exists among and between water, air and land, and
human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organisms and
property."

- M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath & Ors. (1997)

Components of Environment
Abiotic Components Biotic Components

Nonliving things like rocks, water, sunlight, The living organisms like plants, animals, and
and air make up the abiotic components of microbes constitute the biotic components of
the environment. the environment.

Physical Components Human Components

Landforms, climate, and weather patterns The human population, their technology, and
form the physical components of the culture contribute to the environment.
environment. They affect the abiotic and
biotic components.
The Biosphere and Ecosystem
Biosphere
The zone of the earth that
supports life is known as the
biosphere. It includes all
ecosystems and the life forms
that inhabit them.
Ecosystem
An ecosystem is a community of
living and nonliving things
interacting with each other and
their environment. Rainforest
and coral reefs are two
examples.
Role of Organisms
All living organisms have a
particular role in maintaining
the balance of an ecosystem.
Bees pollinate flowers, while
termites recycle wood and
terpenes.
Types of Environment
1 Aquatic
Environment
The aquatic environment
includes all water bodies
like oceans. Marine life is
adapted to living in
saltwater, while
freshwater supports
different life forms.
2 Terrestrial 3 Atmospheric
Environment
The terrestrial
environment includes all
landforms, including
forests, grasslands,
deserts and mountains.
Each type has its unique
flora and fauna.
Environment
The atmospheric
environment consists of
the gases surrounding
our planet. The
greenhouse effect is a
phenomenon that allows
life to exist under
favorable conditions.
The Legal Perspective of Environment
Notable Environmental
Legislations
The Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act,
Endangered Species Act, and Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act are
some of the notable environmental
legislations.
1 Establishment of EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency
was established in 1970 to promote
2 and enforce environmental protection
standards.
3 Global Environmental
Concerns
The Stockholm Convention and the
Rio Convention are global
environmental agreements. The
Stockholm Convention protects
human health and the environment
from long-lasting chemicals. The Rio
Convention aims to prevent dangerous
human interference with the climate
system by stabilizing greenhouse gas
concentrations.
The Impact of Human Activities
Climate Change
Increased carbon emissions
from burning of fossil fuels
and deforestation contribute
to climate change that has far-
reaching impacts.
Biodiversity Loss
Overexploitation, introduction
of invasive species, and habitat
destruction have led to the
loss of many species of
animals and plants.
Pollution
Pollution of water, air, and soil
by industrial waste, plastic,
and other toxins has led to
health problems for humans
and wildlife.
Sustainable Development
Renewable Energy
Switching to solar, wind, and
hydro power can reduce carbon
emissions and help combat
climate change.
Conservation
Protecting habitats,
reforestation, and wildlife
conservation measures can
contribute to the preservation
of biodiversity.
Technology
The development of green
infrastructure like green
buildings, sustainable
transportation, and eco-friendly
products can reduce carbon
footprint and pollution.
The Future of Environment
United Nations Citizen Initiatives Policy Changes
Environmental Individual actions like using Change in government policies
Programme renewable energy, reducing aimed towards reducing
waste, and being mindful of pollution, promoting
The UNEP provides a platform
consumption can have a sustainability and protecting
for international
positive impact on the the natural environment can
environmental policy and
environment. have widespread benefits.
promotes sustainable
development.