Environmental Science – Theory into Practice (I & II) is a comprehensive and authentic textbook designed to meet the requirements of the National Education Policy (NEP) and the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF). This book thoroughly covers the prescribed syllabus of Years I & II for Environmental Science courses offered at various universities throughout India, including the University of Delhi, the Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board (NCWEB), and the School of Open Learning (SOL). Written lucid and student-friendly, the text integrates theoretical concepts with practical insights, enabling readers to understand and apply core environmental principles.

This book is intended for the following audience:

• Undergraduate Students – Ideal for those pursuing Environmental Science or related ability enhancement courses (AEC) under the National Education Policy (NEP)
• Educators and Instructors – A valuable resource for teachers looking to provide comprehensive, up-to-date content, along with practical activities and case studies
• Competitive Exam Aspirants – The book’s point-wise explanations and examination-oriented approach, including past question papers, make it a handy reference for students preparing for environmental studies sections in various exams
• Environmental Enthusiasts – Anyone looking to broaden their understanding of contemporary environmental challenges, policies, and sustainable solutions will find this text insightful

The Present Publication is the 8^th Edition, authored by Dr Sanjay Kumar Batra, Dr Kanchan Batra & Prof. Harpreet Kaur, with the following noteworthy features:

• [NEP-aligned & UGCF-based] Strictly in accordance with the latest National Education Policy (NEP) syllabus framework, ensuring comprehensive coverage of essential concepts
• [Complete Syllabus Coverage] Encompasses the prescribed curriculum for Years I & II in universities across India, including the University of Delhi, NCWEB, and SOL
• [Comprehensive Topic Reporting] Detailed discussion on key environmental topics such as Ecosystems, Natural Resources, Biodiversity, Disaster Management, Pollution, Greenhouse Effect, and Endangered Species
• [Up-to-date Policy Insights] Special updates on environmental policies, human population growth, G20 Summit, and other relevant contemporary developments
• [Point-wise Elucidation] Each topic is broken down systematically, facilitating quick revision and better retention
• [Practical/Experiential Approach] Unique coverage of practical exercises, outreach activities, and experiential tasks at the end of each chapter to reinforce learning
• [Exam-oriented] Contains numerous subjective and objective questions, including previous years’ questions from the University of Delhi; also includes past exam question papers for reference
• [Case Studies & Practical Examples] Incorporates Indian and global case studies that contextualise environmental theory within practical scenarios
• [Author Expertise] The authors bring decades of teaching, research, and publication experience, imparting an in-depth and academically rigorous perspective
• [Regular Updates] Emphasis on current policies (like G20 Summit discussions) and emerging environmental challenges ensures readers are abreast with the latest developments
• [Inclusive Approach] The content is written in clear, accessible language to cater to students from diverse backgrounds and courses
• [Interactive Learning] Practical exercises and case studies at the end of each chapter foster collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students

The coverage of the book is as follows:

• Year 1 Curriculum
  • Introduction to Environmental Studies – Multidisciplinary nature, components of the environment, scope, importance of sustainability, and historical milestones in environmentalism
  • Ecosystems – Definition, structures (biotic, abiotic), functions (energy flow, food webs, nutrient cycling), ecosystem services, and conservation strategies
  • Natural Resources – Focus on land, water, and energy resources, exploring sustainable utilisation, resource depletion, and notable case studies like the Chipko movement, Tarun Bharat Sangh, etc.
  • Environmental Pollution – Addresses air, water, soil, thermal, and noise pollution, along with nuclear hazards; provides control measures, standards, and global examples such as Ganga Action Plan and Delhi air pollution
• Year 2 Curriculum
  • Global Environmental Issues & Policies – Climate change, global warming, ozone layer depletion, international treaties (UNFCCC, Montreal Protocol, Kyoto Protocol, CBD), and India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change
  • Biodiversity & Conservation – Concepts of genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity; hotspots; threatened species of India; in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods; major conservation projects (Project Tiger, Vulture Breeding Program, etc.)
  • Human Communities & the Environment – Population growth, environmental movements (Chipko, Appiko, Narmada Bachao Andolan), environmental ethics, and the role of religions in conservation
• Each unit concludes with review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises, ensuring thorough practice and hands-on learning

The structure of the book is as follows:

• Logical Unit-wise Flow – Divided into seven central units/chapters aligned with the UGCF-based NEP syllabus
• Chapter Summaries and Recap – Each chapter begins with an introduction and ends with a summary or brief recap to reinforce the learning objectives
• Practice Material
  • Review Questions – Short-answer and discussion-based questions to test conceptual understanding
  • Past Exam Paper – Invaluable for familiarising students with the examination pattern
  • Objective-type Questions – Ideal for quick revision and self-evaluation
• Practical Exercises – Encourage experiential learning through experiments, outreach activities, and field visits
• User-friendly Formatting – Point-wise explanations, tables, diagrams, and real-life examples help simplify complex environmental concepts.