Understanding Our Environment

Description :

• This chapter lays the foundation of Environmental Studies (EVS) by exploring what the environment is, its major components, and why understanding it is crucial for human survival.
• The environment is made up of two broad categories:
• Biotic components — all living organisms such as plants, animals, humans, and microorganisms.
• Abiotic components — non-living elements like air, water, sunlight, soil, and minerals.

• Together, these components interact within four vital segments:
• Atmosphere – the blanket of gases surrounding the Earth that regulates climate and supports breathing.
• Hydrosphere – water in all its forms, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
• Lithosphere – the solid outer crust of the Earth, containing soil, rocks, and minerals.
• Biosphere – the thin layer where life exists, integrating the other three spheres into a single life-supporting system.

• The chapter emphasizes that EVS is multidisciplinary in nature. It combines:
• Natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) to study ecosystems and resources.
• Social sciences (economics, sociology, political science) to understand human interactions, development, and policies.
• Geography, law, and ethics, which link natural processes with sustainable human practices.

• Another key theme is the global environmental crisis. Human activities like overpopulation, deforestation, industrialization, and overuse of resources have led to climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. These issues are not confined to one region—they affect the entire planet.

• Finally, the chapter urges students to recognize their role as responsible citizens. By spreading awareness, reducing waste, conserving biodiversity, and adopting sustainable lifestyles, individuals and societies can protect Earth for future generations. The chapter closes with the reminder that “Understanding our environment is the first step toward saving it.”