Concept of Environmental

Awareness
IKS Assignment
Presentation by:
Purva Dahat: A044
Shreya Mali: B080
Shreya Vaidya: B074
Diksha Pandit: A052
Saili Nigade: B007
 Index
Meaning and scope

Need and Importance

Concept of Environmentalism

Indian festivals and environmental

concerns
 Meaning and scope
Meaning: Environmental awareness means being aware of the natural
environment and making choices that benefit the earth, rather than
hurt it. It is also the awareness that the Earth is in need of
protection for its survival.
The scope of environmental awareness is broad and encompasses
various aspects, such as:
1) Waste Management: Understanding the problems associated with
waste generation, disposal, and recycling is a key part of
environmental awareness. This includes reducing waste production and
promoting recycling and proper waste disposal.
2) Wildlife Protection: Knowing the significance of protecting
endangered species and their habitats is an essential aspect of
environmental awareness. It involves supporting conservation
efforts and understanding the impact of human activities on wildlife.
3) Water Conservation: Understanding the importance of
freshwater resources, the threats they face, and the
need for responsible water usage and protection of
water bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans.
4) Air Quality: Awareness of air pollution, its sources,
and its impact on human health and the environment. This
includes knowledge of air quality indices and the
importance of reducing air pollutants.
5) Sustainable Agriculture: Grasping the concepts of
sustainable farming practices, organic agriculture, and
the importance of reducing the use of harmful chemicals
and preserving soil fertility.
6) Renewable Energy: Being aware of alternative energy
sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, and their
role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a
shift away from fossil fuels.
 Need and importance
Environmental awareness is crucial for several reasons:
1. Sustainable Future: It helps people understand the importance of
preserving the environment for future generations.
2. Human Health: A clean environment is essential for human health, so
awareness can lead to better practices and policies.
3. Global Responsibility: Fosters a sense of global responsibility to
address environmental challenges collectively.
4. Natural Disaster Preparedness: Awareness helps communities
prepare for and mitigate the impact of natural disasters like
hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.
5. Quality of Life: A healthy environment enhances the overall quality
of life, promoting well-being and happiness.
6. Policy Advocacy: It empowers individuals to advocate for
environmentally-friendly policies.
 Need and importance
Economic Benefits: Sustainable practices can lead to cost savings and
new economic opportunities.
Ecosystem Services: Understanding the environment helps people
recognize the benefits it provides, such as clean air, water, and fertile
soil.
Cultural Preservation: Many cultures have strong ties to the
environment; awareness helps protect cultural heritage.
Resource Conservation: Promotes responsible resource use, reducing
waste and promoting recycling.
Mitigating Pollution: Awareness leads to actions that reduce pollution,
improving air and water quality.
Climate Change: It's vital in addressing climate change and reducing
greenhouse gas emissions.
Business Responsibility: Encourages companies to adopt environmentally
friendly practices and meet consumer demand for sustainable products.
 Concept of environmentalism
Meaning: the term “Environmentalism” is an ideology that evokes the necessity and responsibility of
humans to respect, protect, and preserve the natural world from its anthropogenic (caused by human)
afflictions.
Environmentalism on a large scale is one of the best ways to combat the devastating consequences of
these human decisions and help the planet’s health take a complete 180 degrees in the other direction.
Significance:
1. Preservation of Ecosystems: Environmentalism plays a crucial role in preserving and protecting our
planet's diverse ecosystems, such as forests, oceans, wetlands, and more.
2. Biodiversity Conservation: Environmentalism promotes the conservation of biodiversity, safeguarding
the rich variety of plant and animal species that are facing threats of extinction due to human
activities.
3. Clean Air and Water: Through environmentalism, we strive to reduce pollution and promote clean air
and water, leading to improved public health and well-being.
4. Sustainable Resource Management: Environmentalism emphasizes the importance of using natural
resources responsibly and sustainably, ensuring their availability for present and future generations.
 ISSUES:
1. Climate Change: Rising global temperatures, extreme
weather events, and sea-level rise due to increased
greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from human activities.
2. Pollution: Contamination of air, water, and soil through
industrial activities, waste disposal, and excessive use of
chemicals, impacting ecosystems and human health.
3. Water Scarcity: Decreased availability of clean and
freshwater resources due to climate change, pollution,
overconsumption, and mismanagement.
4. Waste Management: Improper disposal and accumulation of
plastic and other waste, leading to pollution of ecosystems,
harm to wildlife, and health risks.
5.. Loss of biodiversity: Rapid decline in the number and
variety of plant and animal species, often caused by habitat
destruction, pollution, and climate change.
 SOLUTIONS:
1. Climate Change:
- Transition to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
- Implement energy efficiency measures in buildings, transportation, and industries.
- Promote sustainable land management practices to sequester carbon and reduce
deforestation.
- Support international agreements and policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas
emissions.
2. Loss of Biodiversity:
- Establish and expand protected areas for wildlife conservation.
- Implement sustainable land-use practices that prioritize biodiversity protection.
3. Water Scarcity:
- Promote water conservation practices through education and awareness campaigns.
- Invest in water infrastructure and management systems to improve efficiency.
4. Waste Management:
- Encourage product redesign and the use of eco-friendly packaging.
- Implement policies and incentives to reduce single-use plastics.
 Indian festivals and
environmental concerns-1
Many festivals in India have cultural and religious significance
but can also have environmental impacts. Here are some
examples of how festivals and environmental concerns are
related:

1) Firecrackers and Air Pollution: During festivals like Diwali, the

bursting of firecrackers is common. This leads to a significant
increase in air pollution, contributing to respiratory problems
and environmental damage.
2) Waste Generation: Festivals often result in a large amount of
waste, including non-biodegradable materials like plastic plates
and cutlery. Proper waste management is crucial to mitigate
these environmental impacts.
3) Wildlife Disturbance: Firecrackers and loud music during festivals
can disturb wildlife, affecting their habitats and behavior.
4) Deforestation for Rituals: Some festivals involve cutting down
trees for rituals, which contributes to deforestation and loss of
biodiversity.
5) Depletion of Natural Resources: Festivals that involve
elaborate decorations and lighting can lead to increased
consumption of electricity and resources, putting additional
stress on the environment.
6) Water Pollution: Immersion of idols during festivals like Ganesh
Chaturthi can lead to water pollution as many of these idols are
made of non-biodegradable materials.
7) Noise Pollution: The excessive use of loudspeakers and music
systems during festivals can cause noise pollution, disturbing both
humans and wildlife.
 Indian festivals and
environmental concerns-2
Fossil Fuel Excessive Food Traffic
Consumption Wastage Congestion
The transportation of Festivals often involve Festivals often lead to
people to and from festival lavish feasts and increased vehicular traffic,
venues, especially in large gatherings, resulting in which can further worsen air
cities, leads to an significant food wastage. quality and fuel consumption.
increased reliance on fossil This not only depletes Moreover, it adds wear and
fuels, contributing to air natural resources used in tear to vehicles, and further
pollution and greenhouse food production but also increasing the carbon
gas emissions. adds to landfill waste. footprint.
 Indian festivals and
environmental concerns-2
Impact on Excessive Water Lack of Recycling
Biodiversity Usage and Reuse
In some cases, the Rituals like abhishek (pouring Water used during festivals
gathering of specific of water on idols) during is often not recycled or
plants, flowers, or animals festivals lead to excessive reused. For instance, water
for ritual or decorative water usage, particularly in used in rituals or decorative
purposes can have adverse regions facing water scarcity. fountains is typically
effects on local Festivals often involve disposed of without any
biodiversity, disrupting extensive cleaning and consideration for conserving
ecosystems and decorating of homes, which this precious resource.
endangering species. can lead to water shortage.