W5 L2. Environment – An Introduction

Introduction to the necessity of environmental law due to human activities causing pollution and environmental problems like ozone layer depletion and acid rain.

Definition of environmental science, including the sum total of all conditions and life of organisms as per the Environment Protection Act 1986. Explanation of the four segments of the environment: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.

Explanation of ecosystems composed of biological and physical factors, examples of biotic and abiotic components, and different types of ecosystems like forests, savannas, and aquatic ecosystems. Discussion on food chains, food webs, and ecological pyramids.

Detailing air pollution, its causes, impacts, and types of pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, and sulfur dioxide. Discussing harmful effects like acid rain and ozone layer depletion due to air pollution.

Overview of water pollution, including chemical, physical, and radioactive pollutants affecting drinking water sources and aquatic life. Description of industrial and agricultural waste polluting water bodies.

Explanation of sound pollution and land pollution, including the effects of industrial activities, untreated waste discharge, and hazardous materials on the environment and human health.

Discussion on solid waste pollution, oil pollution from accidents or refineries, and radiation pollution causing diseases like leukemia and cancer. Highlighting the global concern over radiation and its impact.

Differentiating between natural causes like earthquakes and man-made causes such as population growth and industrialization leading to environmental pollution and degradation. Explaining the impacts of poverty and urbanization on environmental issues.