Introduction to Environmental Science
Definition and scope of environmental science
Interdisciplinary nature of environmental studies
Components of the environment: Biotic and abiotic
Relationship between environment and society
Ecosystem
Concepts of Ecosystem
Definition and structure: Producers, consumers, decomposers
Functions of ecosystems: Energy flow, nutrient cycling
Food chains, food webs, and ecological pyramids
Types of Ecosystems
Terrestrial ecosystems: Forests, grasslands, deserts
Aquatic ecosystems: Freshwater, marine
Wetlands and mangroves: Importance and threats
Levels of biodiversity: Genetic, species, ecosystem
Biodiversity hotspots in India and the world
Importance of biodiversity for ecological balance
Biodiversity and Conservation
Threats to Biodiversity
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Poaching, invasive species, and climate change
Conservation of Biodiversity
In-situ conservation: National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves
Ex-situ conservation: Zoos, seed banks, botanical gardens
Conservation initiatives: Project Tiger, Project Elephant
Natural Resources
Types of Natural Resources
Renewable and non-renewable resources
Land, water, forests, and minerals
Sustainable Resource Management
Sustainable agriculture and forestry
Water resource management: Rainwater harvesting, watershed management
Energy resources: Renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass)
Environmental Pollution
Types of Pollution
Air pollution: Causes, effects, control measures
Water pollution: Sources, impact on aquatic life, control measures
Soil pollution: Causes, effects on agriculture
Noise pollution and radioactive pollution
Global Environmental Issues
Ozone layer depletion: Causes, effects, solutions
Climate change and global warming
Acid rain and its impact
Climate Change
Global Environmental Issues
Causes of climate change: Anthropogenic and natural
Impacts of climate change: Rising sea levels, extreme weather
International initiatives: Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, IPCC
Environmental Laws and Policies
International Conventions
Stockholm Conference 1972
Rio Earth Summit 1992
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Montreal Protocol, CITES
Environmental Laws in India
Environment Protection Act, 1986
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Forest Conservation Act, 1980
Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
Government Programs
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
CAMPA: Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management
Eco-sensitive zones and green tribunals
Energy conservation and efficiency
Role of nuclear energy in sustainable development
Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy
Government Programs
Renewable energy: Solar, wind, geothermal, tidal
Fossil fuels: Coal, oil, natural gas
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Definition and process of EIA
Importance of EIA in developmental projects
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Challenges and limitations of EIA
Disaster Management and Environmental Hazards
Types of disasters: Natural (earthquakes, floods) and man-made (industrial accidents)
Disaster management cycle: Preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery
Case studies: Bhopal Gas Tragedy, Chernobyl disaster
Role of NDMA in India
Ecology
Principles of Ecology
Concept of habitat and niche
Population ecology: Characteristics and growth models
Community ecology: Succession, interactions (predation, competition)
Biogeochemical Cycles
Carbon cycle
Nitrogen cycle
Phosphorus cycle
Water cycle
Ecological Succession
Primary and secondary succession
Climax community and dynamic equilibrium
Environmental Biotechnology
Ecological Succession
Role of biotechnology in waste management
Bio-remediation and bio-energy
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs): Pros and cons
Environmental Ethics
Ecological Succession
Concepts of environmental ethics
Traditional knowledge and environmental conservation
Ethical dilemmas in resource exploitation
Current Environmental Issues
Ecological Succession
Deforestation and desertification
Urbanization and its ecological impact
Plastic pollution and microplastics
Wildlife trafficking and illegal trade
Sustainable Development
Ecological Succession
Definition and principles
Role of the United Nations and SDGs
Challenges in achieving sustainable development