Introduction to Environmental Science

Concepts

• Environmental Science is the scientific study of the environment and our place in it. It is an interdisciplinary field drawing from subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Social Sciences, and more.
• This field includes the examination of both the natural and the human-induced environment.
• It aims to solve complex environmental issues such as global warming, ozone depletion, waste management, etc.

Key Components

• The four major components of the earth system are the atmosphere (air), lithosphere (earth), hydrosphere (water), and biosphere (life).
• The atmosphere consists of layers including the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere.
• The lithosphere comprises the earth’s upper crust and mantle.
• The hydrosphere includes all water found on, under, or over the surface of the earth.
• The biosphere is the life zone of the Earth and includes all organisms, including microorganisms, plants, and animals, and their interactions.

Natural Resources

• Natural resources such as water, soil, minerals, and energy are essential for human survival and development.
• These resources are categorised into renewable (e.g., solar and wind energy) and non-renewable (e.g., fossil fuels and minerals).
• Sustainable use and conservation of these natural resources is a key concern of environmental science.

Ecosystems and Biodiversity

• An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their non-living environment.
• Biodiversity or biological diversity refers to the variety of life forms or species in a specific environment.
• Encompassing the variability of all life forms on Earth, biodiversity is typically measured through variety in genetics, species, and ecosystems.
• Biodiversity is essential for the health and resilience of ecosystems as it increases their productivity and protects them against environmental changes.

Environmental Issues

• Environmental science addresses key issues including pollution, degradation, and depletion of natural resources, waste management, habitat destruction, and climate change.
• Major environmental issues also include ozone layer depletion, global warming, overpopulation, and loss of biodiversity.
• Each of these issues require interdisciplinary approaches to understand their causes, impacts, and potential solutions.

Sustainability

• Sustainability refers to meeting our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
• Environmental sustainability involves the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of ecosystems in order to preserve the earth for future generations.
• Sustainable development strategies are a key focus in environmental science.

Remember, environmental science is multifaceted, involving not just understanding of the natural world but also the social and economic dimensions of environmental issues. By studying this discipline, one learns the skills necessary to help navigate and potentially solve the complex environmental challenges facing our world.