Environmental Studies

Environmental studies is the interdisciplinary academic field which systematically studies human interaction with the environment in the interests of solving complex problems. It is a broad field of study that includes also the natural environment, built environment, and the sets of relationships between them. The field encompasses study in basic principles of ecology and environmental science, as well as associated subjects such as ethics, geography, policy, politics, law, economics, philosophy, environmental sociology and environmental justice, planning, pollution control and natural resource management.

Objectives

According to UNESCO (1971), the objectives of environmental studies are:

• Creating the awareness about environmental problems among people.
• Imparting basic knowledge about the environment and its allied problems.
• Developing an attitude of concern for the environment.
• Motivating public to participate in environment protection and environment improvement.
• Acquiring skills to help the concerned individuals in identifying and solving environmental problems.
• Striving to attain harmony with Nature.

According to UNESCO, the guiding principles of environmental studies are

• Environmental education should be compulsory, right from the primary up to the post graduate stage.
• Environmental education should have an interdisciplinary approach by including physical, chemical, biological as well as socio-cultural aspects of the environment. It should build a bridge between biology and technology.
• Environmental education should take into account the historical perspective, the current and the potential historical issues.
• Environmental education should emphasise the importance of sustainable development i.e., economic development without degrading the environment.
• Environmental education should emphasise the necessity of seeking international cooperation in environmental planning.
• Environmental education should lay more stress on practical activities and first hand experiences.

Need

The importance’s of environmental studies are as

• To clarify modern environmental concept like how to conserve biodiversity.
• To know the more sustainable way of living.
• To use natural resources more efficiently.
• To know the behaviour of organism under natural conditions.
• To know the interrelationship between organisms in populations and communities.
• To aware and educate people regarding environmental issues and problems at local, national and international levels.