The purpose of the textbook is to use a balanced approach to the study of environment adopting operational definitions, broad and realistic classification and focused analyses and discussions that highlight the complexities, importance and scope of environmental studies to a wide array of undergraduate students. The contents are presented in seven chapters such that they cover the specific topics prescribed under the UPTU syllabus.

Contents

1. Introduction to Environmental Science
Learning Objectives
1.1 Scope and Importance of Environment
1.2 The Gaia Hypothesis
1.3 Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Science
1.4 Need for Public Awareness on the Environment as a Composite Unit of the Earth
1.5 Unsustainable and Sustainable Utilization of Environment
Key Terms
Objective-type Questions
Review Questions
Answers

2. Ecosystems: Units that Sustain Life
Learning Objectives
2.1 Concept of an Ecosystem
2.2 Structure and Classification of Ecosystems
2.3 Characteristics of an Ecosystem
2.4 Ecosystem Processes
2.5 Food Chain and Food Web
2.6 Nutrient Cycling
2.7 Characteristics of Different Ecosystems
2.8 Biomes
2.9 Need for a Balanced Ecosystem and Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems
Key Terms
Objective-type Questions
Review Questions
Answers

3. Biodiversity and its Conservation
Learning Objectives
3.1 Biological and Taxonomic Hierarchies
3.2 Genes
3.3 Populations
3.4 Species
3.5 Communities
3.6 Value of Biodiversity
3.7 Biodiversity at Global and National Level
3.8 Biodiversity in India
3.9 Hotspots of Biodiversity
3.10 Threats to Biodiversity
3.11 Invasive Species
3.12 Endangered and Endemic Species
3.13 Conservation of Biodiversity
3.14 Protected Areas
3.15 Economic Valuation of Biodiversity
Key Terms
Objective-type Questions
Review Questions
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4. Natural Resources
Learning Objectives
4.1 Soil
4.2 Mineral Resources
4.3 Water
4.4 Air
4.5 Solar System
4.6 Forest Resources
4.7 Material Cycles
4.8 Energy Sources
4.9 Natural Resource Depletion
Key Terms
Objective-type Questions
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5. Impact of Human Activity on Environment
Learning Objectives
5.1 Population
5.2 Pressures of Population Growth
5.3 Disasters
5.4 Widening the Human Food Basket
5.5 Sustainable Agriculture
5.6 Urbanization
5.7 Impact of Urbanization
5.8 Waste Management
5.9 Economy
5.10 Human Rights, Environmental Ethics and Value Education
Key Terms
Objective-type Questions
Review Questions
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6. Environmental Pollution and Human Health
Learning Objectives
6.1 Air Pollution
6.2 Noise Pollution
6.3 Water Pollution
6.4 Land Pollution
6.5 Marine Pollution
6.6 Thermal Pollution
6.7 Nuclear Pollution
6.8 Concept of Bio-magnification
6.9 Greenhouse Effect, Global Warming and Climate Change
6.10 Impact of Environmental Degradation and Pollution on Human Health
6.11 Pollution Control
Key Terms
Objective-type Questions
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7. Environmental Protections through Assessment and Education
Learning Objectives
7.1 Early Warning Systems
7.2 Impact Assessment
7.3 National Legislation
7.4 International Conventions and Treaties
7.6 Role of Non-government Organizations in Environmental Protection
7.7 The Role of Individuals in Conservation of the Environment
7.8 Role of Environmental Education
Key Terms
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Appendices
Bibliography
Glossary