ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

3 YRS LLB (H), Sem-2

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Who derived the term environment?

It comes from the French word 'Environ' which means surrounding. The first recorded usage
of the word was by Carlyle in 1827 and in 1956 it was used for the first time with the meaning
we associate with it today.

Who first used environment?

At the end of the 19th century, in Jena, Germany, zoologist Ernst Haeckel wrote Generelle
Morphologie der Organismen in which he discussed the relationships among species and
coined the word 'ökologie' (from the Greek oikos, meaning home), the science we now know
as ecology.

What is the definition of the environment?

Environment can be defined as a sum total of all the living and non-living elements and their effects that
influence human life. While all living or biotic elements are animals, plants, forests, fisheries, and birds,
non-living or abiotic elements include water, land, sunlight, rocks, and air.
Why is environment important?
It underpins our economy, our society, indeed our very existence. Our forests, rivers, oceans
and soils provide us with the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we irrigate our crops
with. We also rely on them for numerous other goods and services we depend on for our health,
happiness and prosperity

Environmental Issues
Environmental issues are the harmful effects of human activities on the environment. These
include pollution, overpopulation, waste disposal, climate change, global warming, the
greenhouse effect, etc.
Various environment protection programs are being practised at the individual, organizational
and government levels with the aim of establishing a balance between man and the
environment.
Some of the current environmental issues that require urgent attention are:
Climate Change
Climate change is a great concern in today’s scenario. This problem has surfaced in the last
few decades. Greenhouse gases are the major cause of climate change. Environmental changes
have several destructive impacts such as the melting of glaciers, change in seasons, epidemics,
etc.

Global Warming
The burning of fossil fuels, emissions from automobiles and chlorofluorocarbons add to the
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This has led to an increase in the earth’s temperature
causing environmental changes. This increase in temperature across the globe is known
as global warming.
Ozone Layer Depletion
The ozone layer is a layer of concentrated ozone gas. It protects us from the sun’s harmful
ultraviolet rays. This very important layer is being destroyed by CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons),
which are used in industries and everyday life (e.g. aerosol cans).
The chlorine in these compounds destroys the ozone layer. The hole in the ozone layer leaves
humans and wildlife exposed to harmful UV rays resulting in several skin diseases including
cancer.
Water Pollution
The introduction of harmful substances into rivers, oceans, lakes and ponds, which changes the
physical, chemical or biological condition of the water is called water pollution. The polluted
water lacks oxygen and therefore the organisms die.
Water is the main source of life and therefore it is our prime duty to prevent it from any kind
of pollution.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is the result of emissions from industries, automobiles, and the increasing use of
fossil fuels. The gaseous emissions have added to an increase in the temperature of the earth.
Not only this, but it had also increased the risk of diseases among individuals.
Solid Waste Management
Solid-waste management is defined as the discipline associated with the generation, storage,
collection, transfer and transport, processing, and disposal of solid waste in a manner that it
does not have a harmful effect on the environment.
Deforestation
Deforestation is the depletion of trees and forests at an alarming rate. The trees provide us with
oxygen, and several raw materials and also maintain the temperature of the earth. Due to the
depletion of trees for commercial purposes, there has been a drastic change in the earth’s
climate.
Forests are an abode to a large number of wild animals and plants. Destruction of forests has
led to the elimination of a large number of plants and animal species affecting biodiversity.
Overpopulation
The earth’s population is increasing drastically. It is estimated to be more than seven billion.
The increasing population has led to a shortage of resources. If this continues, it will be very
difficult to sustain such a huge population. The other environmental issues including pollution,
waste management, deforestation, climate change and global warming are all associated with
overpopulation.
What is the importance of environment in law?
The main purpose of environmental law is to safeguard both the environment and human
health. The environment law ensures that behaviors don't endanger the health of the
environment, people, or animals.

What is the importance of the environment?

Environment plays an important role in healthy living and the existence of life on planet earth.
Earth is a home for different living species and we all are dependent on the environment for
food, air, water, and other needs. Therefore, it is important for every individual to save and
protect our environment.

How do laws protect the environment?

Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 (Air Act). Environment (Protection) Act
1986 (EP Act). This umbrella law enables the central government to take measures it deems
necessary to protect and improve the environment, and to prevent, control and abate
environmental pollution.

Is law enough to protect the environment?

The law is not enough. Environment protection is our all responsibility.

What is India's environment law?

—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government shall have the power to
take all such measures as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of protecting and
improving the quality of the environment and preventing, controlling and abating
environmental pollution.

What was the first environmental law in India?

The Shore Nuisance (Bombay and Kolaba) Act, 1853
This is the earliest Act on the statue book concerning control of water pollution in India. It was
the first act in the field of Environment protection in India, which was enacted by the British
for the British India.

Who made environmental laws?

In India, Environmental law is governed by the Environment Protection Act, 1986. This act is
enforced by the Central Pollution Control Board and the numerous State Pollution Control
Boards. Apart from this, there are also individual legislations specifically enacted for the
protection of Water, Air, Wildlife, etc.
Who is the father of environmental law?
David Sive, a Father of Environmental Law and Advocacy,

Major Current Environmental Problems

Our environment faces several problems, and many of these seem to be worsening with time,
bringing us into a time of a true environmental crisis. It is therefore becoming increasingly
important to raise awareness of the existence of these issues, as well as what can be done to
reduce their negative impact. Some of the key issues are:
1) Pollution
Pollution of the air, water and soil caused by toxins such as plastics, heavy metals and nitrates,
caused by factors such as toxins and gases released by factories, combustion of fossil fuels,
acid rain, oil spill and industrial waste.
2) Global warming
The emission of greenhouse gases due to human activity causes global warming, which in turn
causes an increase in temperature that then leads to rising sea levels, melting of polar ice caps,
flash floods and desertification.
3) Overpopulation
We are facing a shortage of resources such as food, water and fuel to sustain the rising global
population, particularly in developing countries. Intensive agriculture attempting to lessen the
problem actually leads to more damage through the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and
insecticides.
4) Waste disposal
An excessive amount of waste is produced and dumped in the oceans. Nuclear waste is
particularly dangerous, as well as plastics and electronic waste.
5) Ocean acidification
The increase in the production of carbon dioxide by humans causes the oceans’ acidity to rise,
which has a negative impact on marine life.
6) Loss of biodiversity
Species and habitats are becoming extinct due to human activity. This causes an imbalance in
natural processes like pollination and poses a threat to ecosystems – coral reef destruction is
particularly affected.
7) Deforestation
Loss of trees in order to make space for residential, industrial or commercial projects means
that less oxygen is produced, and temperature and rainfall are affected.
8) Ozone layer depletion
Pollution caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the air creates a hole in the ozone layer,
which protects the earth from harmful UV radiation.
9) Acid rain
Pollutants in the atmosphere such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides cause acid rain, which
has negative consequences for humans, wildlife and aquatic species.
10) Public health issues
Lack of clean water is one of the leading environmental problems currently. Pollutants in the
air also cause issues such as respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease.
The need for change in our daily lives and the movements of our government is growing. Since
so many different factors come into play, such as voting, governmental issues, the desire to
stick to a routine, many people don’t consider that what they do will affect future generations.
If humans continue moving forward in such a harmful way towards the future, then there will
be no future to consider. Although it’s a fact that we cannot physically stop our ozone layer
from thinning (and scientists are still having trouble figuring out what is causing it exactly),
there are still so many things we can do to try and put a dent in what we already know.
What are the main components of our environment? Explain each of them briefly.
The term "environment" refers to everything that surrounds us, including both living and nonliving objects
like soil, water, animals, and plants that adapt to their environments. It is a natural gift that contributes to the
survival of life on the earth. The environment is vital to the continued existence of life on our planet.
The term "environment" comes from the French word "environ," which means "environment." An
ecosystem is a foundation of the Biosphere, which affects the health of the entire planet Earth. It includes
all living and nonliving entities in the environment.
The environment consists of the following major components-
Biological component- All living things are included in the biological component of the environment, as
the name implies. As a result, it's also known as the ecosystem's biotic component. Ecosystems are formed
when animals, plants, and microorganisms interact with abiotic components. In addition, species in these
ecosystems are divided into several groups, such as producers, consumers, and decomposers.
Physical components- The non-living part of the environment is referred to as the physical component.
These are also known as abiotic variables, and they include things like air, water, soil, and climate.
Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, and Lithosphere are the three broad categories of physical components. The
term "biosphere" is also used by scientists to define the zone of life (or the worldwide sum of ecosystems).
The lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere are the three main components of the environment. The
solid component of the earth is known as the lithosphere. The atmosphere is made up of gaseous layers that
surround the earth. Oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and other gases make up the atmosphere. The
hydrosphere is the large body of water that covers the majority of the earth's surface. This water is in the
form of water, ice and water vapour.

Types of ecosystems-
Natural ecosystem - A natural ecosystem is a biological environment that is formed organically in nature.
Deserts, woods, meadows, lakes, mountains, ponds, rivers, and oceans are all included.
Man-made ecosystem – A man-made ecosystem is one that is developed and maintained by humans. It
has an aquarium, crop fields, gardens, parks, and a zoo, among other things.