This book is a comprehensive & authentic book on ‘Environmental Studies‘. This book is an imperative educational resource that will be of value and interest to everyone seeking to broaden their understanding of the science behind environmental issues.

It is designed for students of:

• Environmental Science | Theory into Practice (I & II) at UG Level (AEC-I) based on the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF) for the University of Delhi
• Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board
• School of Open Learning of the University of Delhi
• Various Central Universities throughout India

The Present Publication is the 7^th Edition, authored by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Batra, Dr. Kanchan Batra & Prof. Harpreet Kaur, with the following noteworthy features:

• [Written in Accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP)] that applies to universities all over India
• [Simple & Systematic Presentation] Subject matter is presented in a simple, systematic method with comprehensive explanations of concepts and theories underlying environmental studies
• [Comprehensive Case Studies] Covers case studies from both Indian and global scenarios
• [Entrepreneurial Stories] Includes case studies and brief sketches of successful entrepreneurial stories
• Key Topics
  • Includes special topics such as:
    • Environment Policies
    • Human Population Growth
    • G20 Summit
  • Ecosystem
  • Natural Resources
  • Biodiversity
  • Disaster Management
  • Greenhouse Effect
  • Endangered Species
• [Environmental Issues] including:
  • Pollution
  • Ozone Layer Depletion
  • Global Warming
  • Conservation of Biodiversity
• [Questions and Exercises] include:
  • Review Questions
  • Subjective Type Questions
  • Objective Type Questions
  • Practical Exercises
  • Experiential Activities
  • Outreach Activities
• Past Exam Question Papers
  • Environmental Studies Paper – 2020 (OBE) (CBCS)
  • Environmental Studies Paper – 2021 (OBE) (CBCS)
  • Environmental Science Paper – January 2023 (AEC-1, UGCF), SEM. – I
  • Environmental Science Paper – January 2023 (AEC-1, UGCF), SEM. – III
  • Environmental Science Paper – July 2023 (AEC-1, UGCF), SEM. – I
  • Environmental Science Paper – January 2024 (AEC-1, UGCF), SEM. – I
  • Environmental Science Paper – January 2024 (AEC-1, UGCF), SEM. – III
  • Environmental Science Paper – May 2024 (AEC -1, UGCF), SEM. – II
• [Student-Oriented Approach] This book has been developed considering:
  • Interaction of the author/teacher with students in the classroom
  • Shaped by the author/teacher’s experience of teaching the subject matter at different levels
  • Incorporates student reactions and responses at various points in the book

The structure of the book is as follows:

• Each chapter begins with a broad introduction, providing a conceptual outline
• Followed by a point-wise elucidation of each topic
• Incorporates new case studies relevant to the latest syllabus to enhance understanding

The contents of this book are as follows:

• Introduction to Environmental Studies
  • Multi-disciplinary nature of environmental studies
  • Components of the environment
  • Scope and importance of environmental studies
  • Concept of sustainability and sustainable development
  • Brief history of environmentalism
  • Includes review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises
• Ecosystems
  • Definition and concept of ecosystems
  • Structure and functions of ecosystems (energy flow, food chains, nutrient cycling)
  • Concepts of productivity and ecological pyramids
  • Ecosystem homeostasis and types of ecosystems (tundra, forest, grassland, desert, aquatic)
  • Ecosystem services, preservation, conservation strategies, and basics of ecosystem restoration
  • Includes case studies, review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises
• Natural Resources
  • Detailed discussion on natural resources, including renewable resources, water resources, and energy resources
  • Includes case studies, review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises
• Environmental Pollution
  • Explanation of environmental pollution and its types (air, water, soil, thermal, noise)
  • Discussion on nuclear hazards, their effects, and health risks
  • Solid waste management, including technologies for processing, treatment, and disposal of solid waste, vermicomposting, and e-waste management
  • Hazardous wastes and their management
  • Includes case studies, review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises
• Global Environmental Issues and Policies
  • Causes of climate change and international agreements and programs (Earth Summit, UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, Montreal Protocol, CBD, Ramsar Convention, UNEP, CITES)
  • Sustainable Development and India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change
  • Environment legislation in India and the role of G-20 in sustainability
  • Includes review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises
• Biodiversity & Conservation
  • Definition and levels of biodiversity
  • Biogeographic zones of India and global biodiversity hotspots
  • India as a mega-diversity nation with discussions on endangered and endemic species
  • Threats to biodiversity, poaching, man-wildlife conflicts, and biological invasions
  • Current mass extinction crisis and conservation strategies (in-situ and ex-situ conservation)
  • Types of species (keystone, flagship, umbrella, and indicator), species reintroduction, and translocation
  • Values and ecological roles of biodiversity, including sacred groves
  • Includes case studies, review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises
• Human Communities and the Environment
  • Human population growth and its impacts on the environment, human health, and welfare
  • Concept of carbon footprint
  • Resettlement and rehabilitation of development project-affected persons and communities
  • Discussion on disasters, disaster management, and environmental movements
  • Environmental justice, philosophy, and ethics
  • Role of world religions and cultures in environmental conservation
  • Environmental communication and public awareness
  • Includes case studies, review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises