Environmental Studies (Sem 1, BCom & BBA Bangalore Univ)

We have great pleasure in presenting First edition “Environmental Studies” written for students of UG courses. The related matters are written in a simple and easily understandable.

This volume is an attempt to pro vide the students with thorough understanding of Environmental Studies. We have presented the subject matter in a systematic manner with liberal use of charts and diagrams where ever necessary so as to make it interesting and sustain students’ interest.

Contents –

Unit – 1 Introduction to Environmental Studies & Ecosystem
Introduction to Environmental Studies
Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies
Scope of Environmental Studies
Importance of Environmental Studies
Concept of Sustainability
Sustainable Development
SDG Goals
Ecosystem
Structure of Ecosystem
Function of Ecosystem
Energy Flow in an Ecosystem
Food Chains
Food Webs
Ecological Succession
Terrestrial Ecosystems
Forest Ecosystem
Grassland Ecosystem
Desert Ecosystem
Aquatic Ecosystems
Ponds
Streams
Lakes
Rivers
Oceans
Estuaries
Review Questions

Unit – 2 Natural, Forest, Water, Energy
Resources & Biodiversity
Natural Resources
Land Resources
Land-use
Land Cover Change
Land Degradation
Soil Erosion
Desertification
Forest Resources
Types of Forest Resources
Scope of Forest Resources
Deforestation
Causes of Deforestation
Impacts Due to Mining
Dam Building on Environment
Forests Biodiversity
Tribal Populations
Water Recourses
Use and Over-exploitation of Surface
Ground Water
Floods
Droughts
Conflicts Over Water
Energy Resources
Renewable Energy Sources
Non-renewable Energy Sources
Use of alternate Energy Sources
Growing Energy Needs
Case Studies
Biodiversity and Conservation
Levels of Biological Diversity
Genetic
Species
Ecosystem Diversity
Biogeographic Zones of India
Biodiversity Patterns
Global Biodiversity
Hot Spots
India as a Mega-biodiversity Nation
Endangered Species of India
Endemic Species of India
Threats to Biodiversity
Habitat Loss
Poaching of Wildlife
Man-wildlife Conflicts
Case Studies
Biological Invasions
Conservation of Biodiversity
In-situ and Ex-situ Conservation of Biodiversity
Review Questions

Unit – 3 Environmental Pollution & Policies
Environmental Pollution
Types of Environmental Pollution
Causes of Environmental Pollution
Effects of Environmental Pollution
Controls of Environmental Pollution
Air Pollution
Water Pollution
Soil Pollution
Noise Pollution
Nuclear Hazards
Human Health Risks
Solid Waste
Management and Control Measures of Urban and
Industrial Waste with Case Studies.
Environmental Policies and Practices
Climate Change
Global Warming
Ozone Layer Depletion
Acid Rain
Environment Laws
Environment Protection Act
Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act
Wildlife Protection Act
Forest Conservation Act.
International Agreements
Montreal Protocols
Kyoto Protocols
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Nature Reserves
Tribal Populations
Rights and Human Wildlife Conflicts in Indian Context
Review Questions

Unit – 4 Human Communities and Environmental Ethics
Human Communities and the Environment
Human Population Growth
Impacts on Environment
Human Health and Welfare
Resettlement and Rehabilitation of Project
Disaster Management
Floods
Earthquake
Cyclones
Landslides
Environmental Movements
Chipko
Silent Valley
Bishnois of Rajasthan
Environmental Ethics
Ecological Value
Economic Value
Social Value
Ethical Value
Aesthetic Value
Informational Value
Role of Indian and other Religions
Cultures in Environmental Conservation
Environmental Communication
Public Awareness
CNG vehicles in Delhi
Review Questions