UNIT - 1

ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

• The four segments of the earth that make up the environment are the atmosphere,
hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.

1. Atmosphere: The atmosphere creates a unique protective layer, around 100 km thick,
enclosing the Earth. This blanket of gases protects the Earth’s surface from the harmful
ultraviolet rays of the sun and sustains life.

Additionally, it plays a crucial role in regulating the planet’s temperature and preventing it
from getting too hot or too cold. The atmosphere also safeguards the Earth from the harsh
conditions of outer space. The composition of the atmosphere includes nitrogen and oxygen,
along with argon, carbon dioxide, and trace gases.

2. Hydrosphere: The hydrosphere comprises all types of water resources, including the water
on the surface of the earth, the water in the air, and the water under the surface of the earth,
i.e., oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, streams, reservoirs, polar icecaps, glaciers, and groundwater.
100% of the earth’s water supply, 97% is in the oceans, 2% is locked on in polar icecaps and
glaciers, and the remaining 1% is fresh surface water which is used for human consumption
and other purposes.

3. Lithosphere: The uppermost part of the earth’s crust, which includes soils and their
particles like rocks, metals, etc., is known as lithosphere.

4. Biosphere: The biosphere indicates the domain of living organisms and their connection
with the environment, viz., atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere.

Need for public

• Earth’s natural resources are dwindling/decreasing and the environment is being

increasingly degraded by human activities.

• We always feel that managing the environmental problems is something that the
Government should do (plantation by forest dept.).
 • Prevention is better than cure - prevention of environment degradation.

• Importance of individual role in environment management.

NATURAL RESOURCES

• Materials created in natures that are used and usable by humans. They include natural
substances (e.g., soil, water) and energy supplies (e.g., coal, gas) that serve to satisfy
human needs and wants.

Forest resources

• The word ‘forest’ is derived from the Latin word ‘foris’ means ‘outside’ (may be the
reference was to a village boundary or fence separating the village and the forest
land).

• The different types of resources like Wood, Timer, bushmeat, medicines etc.,
provided by forests.

• In India, forests form 23 percent of the total land area.

Uses and Over Exploitation:

(a) Fuel Wood:

Wood is used as a source of energy for cooking purpose and for keeping warm.

(b) Timber:

Wood is used for making furniture, tool-handles, railway sleepers, matches, ploughs, bridges,
boats etc.

(c) Bamboos:

These are used for matting, flooring, baskets, ropes, rafts, cots etc.

(d) Food:

Fruits, leaves, roots and tubers of plants and meat of forest animals form the food of forest
tribes.

(e) Shelter:
Mosses, ferns, insects, birds, reptiles, mammals and micro-organisms are provided shelter by
forests.

(f) Paper:

Wood and Bamboo pulp are used for manufacturing paper (Newsprint, stationery, packing
paper, sanitary paper)

(g) Rayon:

Bamboo and wood are used in the manufacture of rayon (yarns, artificial silk-fibres)

(h) Forest Products:

Tannins, gums, drugs, spices, insecticides, waxes, honey, horns, musk, ivory, hides etc. are
all provided by the flora and fauna of forests.

The indirect benefits from forests are:

(a) Conservation of Soil:

Forests prevent soil erosion by binding the soil with the network of roots of the different
plants and reduce the velocity of wind and rain — which are the chief agents causing erosion.

(b) Soil-improvement:

The fertility of the soil increases due to the humus which is formed by the decay of forest
litter.

(c) Reduction of Atmospheric Pollution:

By using up carbon dioxide and giving off oxygen during the process of photosynthesis,
forests reduce pollution and purify the environment.

(d) Control of Climate:

Transpiration of plants increases the atmospheric humidity which affects rainfall and cools
the atmosphere.

(e) Control of Water flow:

In the forests, the thick layer of humus acts like a big sponge and soaks rain water preventing
run-off, thereby preventing flash-floods. Humus prevents quick evaporation of water, thereby
ensuring a perennial supply of water to streams, springs and wells.

DEFORESTATION

• Deforestation is the permanent destruction of indigenous forests and woodlands.

Causes of Deforestation:

(1) Population Explosion:

Population explosion poses a grave threat to the environment. Vast areas of forest land are
cleared of trees to reclaim land for human settlements (factories, agriculture, housing, roads,
railway tracks etc.) growth of population increases the demand for forest products like
timber, firewood, paper and other valuable products of industrial importance, all necessitating
felling of trees.

(2) Forest Fires:

Fires in the forests may be due to natural calamities or human activities:

(a) Smoldering of the humus and organic matter forming a thick cover over the forest floor
(i.e. ground fires).

(b) Dried twigs and leaves may catch fire (i.e. surface fires).

(c) In densely populated forests, tree tops may catch fire by heat produced by constant
rubbing against each other (i.e. crown fires).

(2) Forest Fires:

Fires in the forests may be due to natural calamities or human activities:

(a) Smoldering of the humus and organic matter forming a thick cover over the forest floor
(i.e. ground fires).

(b) Dried twigs and leaves may catch fire (i.e. surface fires).

(c) In densely populated forests, tree tops may catch fire by heat produced by constant
rubbing against each other (i.e. crown fires).
(4) Pest Attack:

Forest pests like insects etc. destroy trees by eating up the leaves, boring into shoots and by
spreading diseases.

(5) Natural Forces:

Floods, storms, snow, lightening etc. are the natural forces which damage forests.

Effects of Deforestation:

(a) Habitat destruction of wild animals (tree-using animals are deprived of food and shelter.

(b) Increased soil erosion due to reduction of vegetation cover.

(c) Reduction in the oxygen liberated by plants through photosynthesis.

(d) Increase in pollution due to burning of wood and due to reduction in Car- bon-dioxide
fixation by plants.

(e) Decrease in availability of forest products.

(f) Loss of cultural diversity

(g) Loss of Biodiversity

(h) Scarcity of fuel wood and deterioration in economy and quality of life of people residing
near forests.

(i) Lowering of the water table due to more run-off and thereby increased use of the
underground water increases the frequency of droughts.

(j) Rise in Carbon dioxide level has resulted in increased thermal level of earth which in turn
results in melting of ice caps and glaciers and consequent flooding of coastal areas.

WATER RESOURCES

• Natural sources of fresh water include surface water, under river flow, groundwater
and frozen water. Artificial sources of fresh water can include treated wastewater
(wastewater reuse) and desalinated seawater.
SURFACE WATER VS. GROUNDWATER

• The nation’s surface-water resources—the water in the nation’s rivers, streams,

creeks, lakes, and reservoirs—are vitally important to our everyday life. The main
uses of surface water include drinking-water and other public uses, irrigation uses,
and for use by the thermoelectric-power industry to cool electricity-generating
equipment.

• Groundwater is an important part of the water cycle. Groundwater is the part of

precipitation that seeps down through the soil until it reaches rock material that is
saturated with water. Water in the ground is stored in the spaces between rock
particles (no, there are no underground rivers or lakes). Groundwater slowly moves
underground, generally at a downward angle (because of gravity), and may eventually
seep into streams, lakes, and oceans.

FLOODS

• Floods are the most frequent type of natural disaster and occur when an overflow of
water submerges land that is usually dry. Floods are often caused by heavy rainfall,
rapid snowmelt or a storm surge from a tropical cyclone or tsunami in coastal areas.

Causes of Floods

• Heavy rainfall or sudden release of water from dams often causes floods in the low
lying areas along rivers or coastal areas.

• Prolonged heavy rainfall can also cause the overflowing of lakes and rivers resulting
in floods

• Reduction in carrying capacity of river channels due to accumulation of sediments or

obstructions built on flood ways.

• Deforestation, overgrazing, mining increases the run-off from rains causing floods.

• Removal of dense forest cover over the hilly area leads to occurrence of floods.

EFFECT OF FLOODS

• Floods Can Harm Wildlife

Flooding can have a negative effect on wildlife, causing drowning, disease proliferation,
and habitat destruction. In 2012, hundreds of animals, including many vulnerable one-horned
rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis), were killed in floods that swamped Kaziranga National Park
in the Indian state of Assam. Unpredictable floods can be harmful even to aquatic life. For
example, fish can be displaced and their nests destroyed.

• Floods Cause Sedimentation and Erosion

Floodwater can also alter the landscape, for instance, by eroding riverbanks and
causing them to collapse. As floodwater carries material from the eroded banks, it
suspends sediment in the water, which can degrade water quality and lead to harmful
blooms of algae. Suspended sediment eventually settles out of the water in a process
called sedimentation, which can clog riverbeds and streams, smother aquatic
organisms, and destroy habitats. Erosion and sedimentation have a more negative
impact on ecosystems that are already degraded or heavily modified.

• Floods Carry Contamination

Floodwater can be contaminated with pollutants such as agricultural pesticides,

industrial chemicals, debris, and sewage. If contaminated floodwater enters the ocean
it can affect water quality and disrupt delicate ecosystems, such as coral reefs. In
February 2019, marine biologists feared for the safety of the Great Barrier Reef off
the coast of Queensland, a state in Australia, after it was inundated with polluted
floodwater.

 Floods Carry Nutrients

 While floods bring hazards, they also bring nutrients and essential components
for life. Seasonal floods can renew ecosystems, providing life-giving waters in
more ways than one.
 Floods transport vital nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic
material, to the surrounding land. When the water recedes, it leaves sediment
and nutrients behind on the floodplain. This rich, natural fertilizer improves
soil quality and has a positive effect on plant growth, thus increasing
productivity in the ecosystem.
DROUGHT

• A period of abnormally dry weather sufficiently prolonged for the lack of water to
cause serious hydrologic imbalance in the affected area.

• The lack of adequate precipitation, either rain or snow, can cause reduced soil
moisture or groundwater, diminished stream flow, crop damage, and a general water
shortage. Droughts are the second-most costly weather events after hurricanes.

• Unlike with sudden weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms,
it is often difficult to pinpoint when a drought has started or when it has ended. The
initial effects of a drought may be difficult to identify right away, so it may take
weeks or months to determine that a drought has started. The end of a drought is hard
to identify for the same reason. A drought may last for weeks, months, or even years.
Sometimes, drought conditions can exist for a decade or more in a region. The longer
a drought lasts, the greater the harmful effects it has on people.

• Droughts affect people in a several ways. Access to clean drinking water is essential
for all life, and sources of water may dwindle during a drought. Without the presence
of water, people must bring in enough water from elsewhere to survive.

• Water is also needed for crops to grow. When not enough precipitation falls to
naturally water crops, they must be watered by irrigation.

• Irrigation is possible only when there is enough water in nearby rivers, lakes, or
streams, or from groundwater. During a drought, these water sources are diminished
and may even dry up, preventing crops from being irrigated and causing them to die
off.

FOOD RESOURCES AND SECURITY

Food resources and food security are critical issues concerning the availability,
accessibility, utilization, and stability of food for people, communities, and nations.

• Food Resources: Food resources encompass all the raw materials, processes, and
inputs required for producing, processing, and distributing food. These resources
include agricultural land, water, seeds, fertilizers, technology, labor, machinery, and
transportation networks. Sustainable and efficient utilization of these resources is
essential to ensure a stable and sufficient food supply.
 Food resources encompass a wide range of elements, including:

• Agricultural Land: Land is a fundamental resource for growing crops, raising

livestock, and producing food. It includes arable land, pastures, and rangelands.

• Water: Adequate and reliable water sources are essential for irrigation, livestock
watering, aquaculture, and food processing.

• Seeds and Plant Genetic Resources: High-quality seeds and diverse plant genetic
resources are crucial for cultivating a variety of crops that are adapted to different
growing conditions and challenges.

• Fertilizers and Soil Amendments: Nutrient-rich fertilizers and soil amendments

enhance soil fertility and crop yields.

• Labor: Skilled and knowledgeable labor is required for planting, cultivating,

harvesting, and processing food crops.

• Labor: Skilled and knowledgeable labor is required for planting, cultivating,

harvesting, and processing food crops.

• Technology and Farming Practices: Modern agricultural technologies, such as

machinery, equipment, precision farming techniques, and biotechnology, play a role
in improving productivity and sustainability.

• Livestock: Animals provide meat, dairy, eggs, and other products. Livestock farming
requires feed, grazing land, and appropriate animal care.

• Fisheries and Aquaculture: Marine and freshwater resources contribute to the

production of fish and seafood, which are important sources of protein.

• Infrastructure: Adequate transportation, storage facilities, processing plants, and

markets are necessary to ensure that food reaches consumers in good condition.

• Knowledge and Research: Scientific research, innovation, and education contribute to

advancements in agricultural practices, crop varieties, pest control, and sustainable
food production.

• Policies and Regulations: Government policies, regulations, and trade agreements can
influence the availability and accessibility of food resources.
 • Climate and Environment: Favorable climatic conditions and a stable environment are
critical for successful food production. Climate change can impact the availability of
food resources by affecting temperature, rainfall patterns, and more.

• Global Trade: International trade of food commodities allows countries to access

resources that may not be locally available. It also has implications for food security
and prices.

• Biodiversity: Diverse ecosystems and species contribute to the resilience of food

systems by providing genetic resources and ecological services.

Ensuring the sustainable management and utilization of these food resources is

essential for addressing food security challenges. Balancing the needs of current and
future generations, minimizing environmental impacts, and promoting equitable
access to resources are key considerations in sustainable food resource management.
Additionally, improving the efficiency of resource use, reducing food waste, and
enhancing the resilience of food systems to shocks are critical strategies for achieving
global food security.

FOOD SECURITY

Food Security: Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical,
social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their
dietary needs and preferences for an active and healthy life. It involves four main
dimensions:

• Availability: There must be an adequate supply of food through production, trade, and
stockpiling.

• Access: People must have the means to obtain food, either through production (for
farmers) or purchasing power (for consumers).

• Utilization: Consumed food must provide the necessary nutrients for healthy lives and
proper development.

• Stability: The food supply and access must be consistent over time, and shocks like
natural disasters or price fluctuations should not lead to food shortages.
ENERGY RESOURCES

• Energy resources are the various natural sources and materials that can be harnessed
to generate power and fuel for various human activities. These resources are crucial
for providing the energy needed to run economies, industries, transportation, and
households. Energy resources can be classified into two main categories: renewable
and non-renewable.

Non-Renewable Energy Resources:

• Non-renewable energy resources are finite and are depleted over time as they are
used. They include:

• Fossil Fuels: These are carbon-rich sources that formed from the remains of ancient
plants and organisms. The main types are coal, oil (petroleum), and natural gas. They
are burned to release energy, but their combustion also releases carbon dioxide and
other pollutants.

• Nuclear Fuels: Nuclear energy is generated by harnessing the heat produced from
nuclear reactions, particularly nuclear fission. Uranium and plutonium are commonly
used as nuclear fuels.

Renewable Energy Resources:

• Renewable energy resources are naturally replenished and considered more

sustainable because they have a lower environmental impact. They include:

• Solar Energy: Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. Solar
energy can be harnessed through photovoltaic systems or solar thermal technologies.

• Wind Energy: Wind turbines capture the kinetic energy of the wind and convert it into
electricity.

• Hydropower: Energy is generated from flowing water by using dams or other

mechanisms to control water flow and turn turbines.

• Geothermal Energy: Heat from the Earth's interior is tapped using geothermal power
plants to produce electricity or provide direct heating.
 • Biomass: Organic materials like wood, agricultural residues, and waste can be burned
or converted into biofuels to produce energy.

• Ocean Energy: Energy can be extracted from the motion of ocean tides and waves, as
well as from temperature differences in ocean water.

LAND RESOURCES

• Land resources refer to the various physical, biological, and geological components of
land that provide a wide range of benefits to human societies and ecosystems. These
resources play a critical role in supporting human activities, including agriculture,
housing, industry, recreation, and environmental conservation. Land resources
encompass a diverse array of features and functions:

• Agricultural Land: Land used for cultivation of crops, raising livestock, and other
agricultural activities. It is essential for producing food and raw materials.

• Forests: Forested land provides timber, wood products, and ecosystem services such
as carbon sequestration, habitat for biodiversity, and water regulation.

• Urban and Built-up Areas: Land for residential, commercial, and industrial
development. Urban planning and infrastructure are critical components of managing
these areas.

• Wetlands: Wetlands include marshes, swamps, and bogs. They provide important
habitat for wildlife, regulate water flow, and improve water quality.

• Grasslands: Grasslands support grazing animals and are used for agriculture, but they
also play a role in carbon storage and biodiversity conservation.

• Deserts: Arid and semi-arid lands, although often challenging for agriculture, have
cultural significance and may contain mineral resources.

• Coastal and Marine Areas: Coastal lands are important for human settlement, tourism,
and shipping. Marine areas support fisheries, transportation, and energy production.

• Ecosystem Services: Land resources provide critical ecosystem services such as

carbon storage, water filtration, erosion control, pollination, and climate regulation.
 • Mineral and Energy Resources: Land contains valuable mineral deposits (e.g., metals,
minerals, fossil fuels) that are essential for industrial processes and energy production.

• Recreational and Cultural Spaces: Land is also used for recreation, cultural activities,
and preserving natural and historical heritage.

• Water Bodies: Land interfaces with rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, which are vital for
water supply, transportation, and irrigation.

LAND DEGRADATION

Land degradation refers to the deterioration of the quality and productivity of land
resources due to various natural and human-induced processes. This degradation can
have significant negative impacts on ecosystems, agriculture, water resources, and
overall environmental health. Land degradation can occur in various forms:

• Soil Erosion: The removal of fertile topsoil by wind, water, or human activities like
deforestation and improper land management. This reduces soil fertility and the
ability of land to support crops.

• Desertification: The expansion of desert-like conditions into previously productive

land due to factors such as prolonged drought, deforestation, overgrazing, and
unsustainable agricultural practices.

• Salinization: Accumulation of salts in the soil due to improper irrigation practices or

poor drainage, rendering the land unsuitable for agriculture.

• Waterlogging: Excessive accumulation of water in the soil, often due to poor

drainage, which can lead to decreased soil productivity and damage to plant roots.

• Deforestation: The removal of trees and vegetation cover, which leads to soil erosion,
loss of biodiversity, and disruption of ecosystems.

• Loss of Biodiversity: Degraded land often loses its ability to support diverse plant and
animal species, leading to decreased ecosystem resilience and productivity.

• Mining and Extractive Activities: Unsustainable mining and resource extraction

practices can degrade land by altering the physical landscape and disrupting
ecosystems.
 • Pollution: Contamination of soil by pollutants from industrial activities, agricultural
chemicals, and improper waste disposal.

• Urbanization and Infrastructure Development: Expanding cities and infrastructure

projects can lead to habitat loss, increased impervious surfaces, and altered
hydrological patterns.

• Overgrazing: When animals graze on land beyond its carrying capacity, it can lead to
soil compaction, erosion, and degradation of vegetation.

SOIL EROSION

Soil erosion is the process by which topsoil is removed or displaced from the land
surface due to natural forces like wind, water, and ice, as well as human activities. It
is a significant form of land degradation that can lead to the loss of fertile soil,
reduced agricultural productivity, and environmental problems. Soil erosion occurs
when the natural balance between soil formation and soil removal is disrupted.

There are several main types of soil erosion:

1. Water Erosion:

• Sheet Erosion: Thin layers of soil are removed uniformly from the land surface by
flowing water, resembling a "sheet" of soil being lifted.

• Rill Erosion: Small channels called rills form on the surface due to concentrated water
flow, gradually deepening and widening over time.

• Gully Erosion: Rills can evolve into larger channels called gullies, which can be
several feet deep and wide, causing significant soil loss.

2. Wind Erosion: Wind can lift and carry loose soil particles, particularly in arid and
semi-arid regions or areas with exposed soil due to poor land management or
deforestation.

3. Glacial Erosion: Glaciers can move and grind against the land, picking up soil and
rocks and depositing them elsewhere as the glacier advances or recedes.
DESERTIFICATION

Desertification refers to the process of land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry
sub-humid regions, often resulting in the transformation of once-productive land into
desert-like conditions. It is a complex and multifaceted problem caused by a
combination of natural factors and human activities. Desertification can lead to
reduced vegetation cover, soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and decreased land
productivity.

Key factors contributing to desertification include:

• Climate Variability: Irregular rainfall patterns and extended droughts characteristic of

arid and semi-arid regions can lead to decreased soil moisture and vegetation cover.

• Land Mismanagement: Unsustainable land management practices, such as

overgrazing, deforestation, improper irrigation, and inadequate crop rotation, can
degrade soil quality and accelerate desertification.

• Soil Erosion: Erosion removes the fertile topsoil layer, reducing the land's capacity to
support vegetation and agricultural activities.

• Population Pressure: Rapid population growth can result in increased demand for
resources, leading to overexploitation of land and degradation.

• Poverty: Lack of alternative livelihoods and resources can drive communities to rely
heavily on unsustainable land practices for survival.

• Climate Change: Altered rainfall patterns, increased temperatures, and more frequent
and severe droughts associated with climate change can exacerbate desertification.

• Conflict and Political Instability: Social and political factors can lead to overuse of
resources, inadequate land management, and displacement of people.

The consequences of desertification are far-reaching:

• Loss of Agricultural Productivity: Productive land becomes less able to support crops
and livestock, contributing to food insecurity and poverty.

• Biodiversity Loss: Degraded ecosystems are less capable of supporting diverse plant
and animal species.
• Water Scarcity: Decreased vegetation cover reduces water retention in the soil and
contributes to reduced water availability for both humans and ecosystems.

• Displacement and Migration: Impoverished communities may be forced to migrate in

search of better livelihoods, potentially leading to conflicts.

• Economic Impact: Desertification affects rural economies by reducing agricultural

productivity and potentially causing economic decline.