UNIT IV

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCEPT AND PRINCIPLES

What Is an Environment?

A The word "environment" is derived from the French word "environ," which means "surroundings. A
setting refers to the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant resides of operates, anything
in our universe, including living and non-living things like land, water, animals, and plants, adapts to the
environment. Our environment is continually evolving, and there's a great need to become more aware of the
environmental issues that are causing these changes. Natural disasters, warming and cooling periods, and
different forms of weather conditions have all risen significantly, requiring us to be much more cautious about
how they behave in response to the types of environmental issues our world is facing.

Environment is everything that is around us. It can be living or no-living things. It includes physical, chemical
and other natural forces. Living things live in their environment. They constantly interact with it and adapt
themselves to conditions in their environment.

Environment is the sum total of all surrounding of a living organism, including natural forces and other living
things. Both biotic and abiotic components from environment. These two components interact with each other
and they are interdependent. The environment consists of the interactions among plants, animals, soil,
temperature, light and other living and non-living things.

ECOSYSTEM

“An ecosystem is defined as a community of lifeforms in concurrence with non-living components, interacting
with each other.”

An ecosystem is a structural and functional unit of ecology where the living organisms interact with each other
and the surrounding environment. In other words, an ecosystem is a chain of interactions between organisms
and their environment. The term “Ecosystem” was first coined by A.G.Tansley, an English botanist, in 1935.

Structure of the Ecosystem

The structure of an ecosystem is characterized by the organization of both biotic and abiotic components. This
includes the distribution of energy in our environment. It also includes the climatic conditions prevailing in
that particular environment.

The structure of an ecosystem can be split into two main components, namely:

 Biotic Components
 Abiotic Components
The biotic and abiotic components are interrelated in an ecosystem. It is an open system where the energy and
components can flow throughout the boundaries.

Biotic Components

Biotic components refer to all living components in an ecosystem. Based on nutrition, biotic components can be
categorized into autotrophs, heterotrophs and saprotrophs (or decomposers).
  Producers include all autotrophs such as plants. They are called autotrophs as they can produce food
through the process of photosynthesis. Consequently, all other organisms higher up on the food chain
rely on producers for food.
 Consumers or heterotrophs are organisms that depend on other organisms for food. Consumers are
 Decomposers include saprophytes such as fungi and bacteria. They directly thrive on the dead and
decaying organic matter. Decomposers are essential for the ecosystem as they help in recycling
nutrients to be reused by plants.

Abiotic Components
Abiotic components are the non-living component of an ecosystem. It includes air, water, soil, minerals,
sunlight, temperature, nutrients, wind, altitude, turbidity, etc.

Functions of Ecosystem

The functions of the ecosystem are as follows:

1. It regulates the essential ecological processes, supports life systems and renders stability.
2. It is also responsible for the cycling of nutrients between biotic and abiotic components.
3. It maintains a balance among the various trophic levels in the ecosystem.
4. It cycles the minerals through the biosphere.
5. The abiotic components help in the synthesis of organic components that involve the exchange
of energy.

Types of Ecosystems
An ecosystem can be as small as an oasis in a desert, or as big as an ocean, spanning thousands of miles.
There are two types of ecosystems:

 Terrestrial Ecosystem
 Aquatic Ecosystem

Resiliency of an Ecosystem

1. Adaptability – The adaptability of an organism or community is its ability to function in an uncertain

environment. This is determined by its potential behavioral uncertainty (or repertoire of possible
behaviors) together with its ability to either anticipate or ignore the environment.
2. Resistance - is the ability for an ecosystem to remain unchanged when being subjected to a
disturbance or disturbances. Some ecosystems are better at resisting change than others, and therefore
have high resistance.
Biodiversity - is the variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine, and other
aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species,
between species, and of ecosystems.

Biodiversity is the extraordinary variety of life on Earth — from genes and species to ecosystems and the
valuable functions they perform. E.O. Wilson, the noted biologist and author who coined the term
“biodiversity,” explains it as “the very stuff of life.”

Biodiversity — short for biological diversity — is the variety of all living things and their interactions.
Biodiversity changes over time as extinction occurs and new species evolve.
 Species Diversity – the variety of different species present in an ecosystem

Genetic Diversity – the variety off genes within a species, allowing for adaptation to changing
environmental conditions.

Ecosystem Diversity – the variety of ecosystems present in a region, such as forests, wetlands,
grasslands and marine environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES:

Human effect on the living world, ecosystems, land use, and natural resources are all examples of
environmental issues. They are the negative consequences of human actions on the Earth's natural ecosystems.
Pollution, overcrowding, waste management, climate change, global warming, the greenhouse effect, among
other concerns are among them.

COMMON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES THAT REQUIRE URGENT ATTENTION

1. Climate Change

Currently, climate change is a major issue. It's when weather conditions deviate from the norm for an extended
period of time. It impacts all, and the effects are evident in the form of temperature swings and a rise in
extreme natural disasters. It leads to wider issues such as rising sea levels and habitat depletion in our food
systems. Although climate change is a hot topic these days, it has existed since the Industrial Revolution. While
there are differing viewpoints about the precise reasons, the majority of climate scientists believe that human-
caused greenhouse gas emissions and pollution play a significant role. According to research, black carbon
makes harmful bacteria black difficult to destroy and immune to antibiotics. In comparison, black carbon raises
the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and lung cancer (www.niehs.nih.gov).

The overwhelming amount of untested chemicals emitted into the environment, as well as those present in our
diets and household products, endangers public health. Children, as the future of humanity, need a secure and
stable start in life. Furthermore, the detrimental consequences are expected to disproportionately effect those
that are already disadvantaged.

Furthermore, the constant accumulation of carbon dioxide in the air alters the composition of the water,
reducing its pH. Only about 7% of greenhouse gases are contained in the atmosphere; the remaining 93%
disappear in the water, causing acidification. As a result, aquatic life and habitats suffer. Extreme conditions
and natural disasters are often triggered by drastic and sudden changes in the Earth's atmosphere
(earthobservatory.nasa.gov).

2.Global Warming

Global warming is a closely related topic of climate change. Global warming is an increase in the planet's
surface temperature caused by greenhouse gas pollution. The combustion of fossil fuels, vehicle waste, and
chlorofluorocarbons all contribute to the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. As a consequence,
the earth's temperature has increased, creating environmental changes.

Secondary consequences of global warming include increasing water levels due to the accelerated melting of
glaciers. A rising sea level would have an effect on all which could result in the annihilation of coastlines.
Coastal regions pose major challenges as sea levels increase at this rate: flooding, deforestation, and hurricanes
all become more of a risk.
If coastal communities may be forced to relocate inland, low-lying islands may be entirely flooded in the coming
years. The Intergovernmental Commission on Climate Change predicts that by 2100, the seas will be 11 to 38
inches higher than they are today. Fish, birds, and plants can lose their habitats as water continues to flow
rapidly into the ocean.

As previously said, increased carbon emissions result in higher carbon concentrations in the environment, which
is referred to as ocean acidification. Today, more than a billion people around the world depend on the ocean
for their primary protein supply, which means that acidification could cost us our lives. While acidification has
varying consequences on different animals, it can contribute to a range of harmful aquatic organisms, putting
food and job security at risk.

3. Ozone Layer Depletion

The ozone layer is a dense layer of ozone gas. It protects us from the dangerous ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are used in industry and daily life, are destroying this vital layer.

These compounds include chlorine, which depletes the ozone layer. Humans and animals are vulnerable to toxic
UV rays as a result of the hole in the ozone layer, which can cause a variety of skin diseases, including cancer.

4. Biodiversity and Wildlife

The degree to which organisms differ in their ecosystem is referred to as biodiversity. It is used to determine
the health of an ecosystem. Biodiversity, which encompasses everything from humans to microorganisms, is
important for ecosystems and civilization to survive. The disappearance of biodiversity habitats capacity to
support the environmental services and energy that humans need.

Human interferences such as deforestation and irrigation have changed habitats on Earth in recent years. The
number of endangered species and dwindling populations is the, putting them at risk of extinction.

Extinction, though often a normal phenomenon, has accelerated 100 times in the past 100 years due human
interference, according to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. Biodiversity disruptions can damage not just
the climate, but also human health. We put our food and energy supply at risk, as well as our ability to access
safe water and materials, and we become more vulnerable to natural disasters.

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in ecosystem functions and adds to the natural capital that humans depend on.
If we want to enjoy a healthier life and live in a healthy environment, we must reduce our contribution to the
extinction of species and invest in biodiversity.

5. Deforestation

Deforestation is the rapid loss of trees and vegetation, as well as the underlying habitats that make up forests.
It's especially problematic in tropical forests, which are quickly declining due to human influence. For farms and
pastures, lumber harvesting for building and wood, and roads, homes, and industrial use, the forest landscape
is cleared.

Trees provide us with oxygen, a number of raw materials, and help to keep the earth's temperature steady. The
earth's atmosphere has altered drastically as a result of the harvesting of forests for economic purposes.

Deforestation has far-reaching and sometimes disastrous effects, including the depletion of biodiversity, the loss
of carbon sinks, the increase of carbon dioxide in the environment, the disruption of water resources, and the
degradation of water quality. It may also lead to social unrest, loss of livelihoods, and the destruction of food
supplies in forests and rivers.
 6. Desertification

Desertification is the erosion of arid soil, in which the arid land becomes much drier, resulting in the extinction
of both fauna and flora. A multitude of factors contribute to it, including human-caused and natural climate
change, flooding, and human activities (allowing animals to graze the land).

The ecosystem undergoes various periods of desertification and undergoes ongoing transformations in
appearance. The phenomena known as "tiger fur pattern" occurs when desertification produces exponentially
larger empty spaces over a wide area of territory.

7. Pollution

Pollution is commonly regarded as a catalyst for negligence and worsening environmental conditions. Poisonous
and toxic chemicals are systematically released into the environment. These toxins take many forms, but they
all pose a threat to human and environmental health.

Noise production is one of the most serious risks to human health and animal welfare, and it is frequently
ignored. Constant exposure to loud sounds can cause hypertension, heart disease, or stroke, which can lead to
death. Noise production disrupts normal cycles of biodiversity, causing certain species to relocate to escape
disturbance.

Similarly, human use of light at night disrupts wildlife's natural cycles, leading to uncertainty between day and
night. In humans, light pollution can cause depression, diabetes, obesity, and sleep disturbances.

The contamination that causes these harmful impacts is, for the most part, the product of human activities.
Pollutants are released into the air from the exhaust from our engines, fossil fuels and oil, factories, and also
our food supply.

8. Water Pollution

Owing to human influences, the world's water is drowning in toxic contaminants, garbage, sewage, and other
unnatural toxins. Water pollution is described as the injection of hazardous substances into rivers, seas, rivers,
and ponds that alter the physical, chemical, or biological state of the water.

The seas occupy about 80% of our earth and are threatened by a variety of factors such as trash patches and
acidification. Plastic consumption has risen significantly across the world, with about 335 million metric tons
produced in 2016. Scientists report that over 5 trillion plastic fragments are floating in the ocean, posing a
significant danger to humanity's health.

Agricultural operations, oil, and wastewater are some of the most important causes of water contamination
around the world. When contaminants contaminate bodies of water, the consistency deteriorates and the water
becomes unusable, posing a public health risk. If the world's population continues to increase, the recent
decrease in water quality is causing alarm. Furthermore, drinkable water supplies are restricted, and funding for
areas without access to suitable sources is limited. This global issue highlights the value of safe, accessible
water for all, and it deserves action as humans continue to waste water in unhealthy ways.

Since water is the most important source of life, it is our primary responsibility to protect it from contamination.

9. Coral Reefs
Coral reefs have more habitat than rainforests. but they are still far more vulnerable to global warming. Global
warming has made the seas too hot for delicate corals to cope, causing bleaching and the extinction of the
majority of marine animals. Because of climate change and other local stressors, 75% of our coral reefs are
now dead, ill, or endangered. According to new evidence, half of the coral in the Great Barrier Reef has died
since 2016, all as a result of human activity.

Corals have nowhere to hide, and with about a quarter of all marine fish dependent on them in every way, we
must do everything possible to protect them. Coral reef conservation is an investment not only in the
environment, but also in human wellbeing and long- term survival.

10.Air Pollution

Another life-threatening pollutant that causes environmental problems is air pollution. It is the product of
factory pollution, vehicle emissions, and the increased use of fossil fuels. Particulate matter is the most harmful
kind of air pollution for humans. The earth's temperature has risen as a result of the gaseous pollution. Not just
that, but it had also raised the risk of disease among people. Air pollution can cause diabetes, high blood
pressure, heart attacks, and even cancer when particles enter the lungs.

11.Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy or nuclear power is produced in nuclear power plants by turning water to steam using heat
generated by a nuclear reaction (often nuclear fission) in a contained area. This fuels turbines, which generate
electricity. Nuclear fusion, in addition to nuclear fission, is a process that has yet to be used to produce energy
for the general public.

12.Over Fishing

Overfishing endangers the health of the oceans by reducing fish populations. It will destroy habitats and make
it impossible for a species that was once abundant to recover.

Commercial fishermen, in what seems to be a case of "tragedy of the commons," have a greater motivation to
deplete supplies than to exercise restraint (in which case someone else will probably deplete it). Overfishing
depletes fish populations to dangerously low levels. This is something that can happen in any body of water.

Subsidized fishing is particularly harmful because it is a "perverse subsidy" in the sense that it promotes
undesirable activity without providing a net gain. Increased spawning grounds, the protection and creation of
wetlands, the protection and creation of natural reefs, and the creation of artificial reefs will all help to sustain
fish stock development.

MOST SOLUTIONS COMMON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO THE

1. Use recycled goods instead of disposables.

2. Paper should be stopped wherever possible.
3. Reduce the amount of water and energy used.
4. Encourage the use of environmentally sustainable activities.
5. Recycling waste in order to save renewable capital.
 EFFORTS ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

At the individual, organizational, and government levels, various environmental conservation strategies are
being implemented with the goal of achieving a harmony between man and the earth. To address these
questions, a variety of methods have been used:

1. Energy Production. Efforts have been made to identify safe, green energy sources in order to minimize
emissions and the use of oil and fossil fuels. Biofuel, hydropower, solar energy, and wind power are only a few
examples.

2. Environmental Education. Environmental education is one of the most basic factors that contribute to long-
term sustainability. One of the best ways to make a difference and minimize carbon footprint is to think about
the environment and what is going on.

3. Wildlife Protection. Plants, livestock, and ecosystems all play a significant role in balancing natural
environments. Around the world, a multitude of organizations are interested in nature management and
highlight the value of habitat conservation and funding.

4. Restoration of The Environment. Ecological regeneration not only helps in the rehabilitation of the
ecosystem, but it also facilitates a balanced human-nature bond. We foster a healthy environment and enhance
human living conditions by restoring the harm we create, perhaps for a return.

5. Advocacy and Policy Change Research. Policy is possibly one of the most critical aspects of achieving a stable
climate. However, we would need good analysis and supporters to address the evidence in order to obtain
political approval.