Environmental Science Theory

Having no competitive works, this unique publication presents a single structure for the analysis, explanation and solution of environmental problems, regardless of their location, nature or scale. In this problem-oriented approach, a coherent framework interconnects the study of facts and values, environmental systems, social causes and ethical premises. Counterbalancing current biases, the author emphasizes the fundamental, normative, economic and social-scientific aspects of truly interdisciplinary environmental science. For instance, the normative side of environmental problems are often neglected, resulting in policy designs and evaluations containing inefficient mixtures of sophisticated models and poorly grounded normative premises; this is the first major study to enrich the field with more normative consistency and groundedness. It is also the first text to consistently identify the social causes of environmental problems, rather than focusing on the physical-scientific aspects, and thus design deeper and more effective policies. Furthermore, a tinge of post-modern thinking runs throughout the book, with special care being taken, however, to constantly keep in view the practical relevance of theory for problem-oriented work. The book will be of interest to environmental scientists and managers wishing to improve the consistency and depth of their work, to social scientists and geographers wishing to connect their discipline to the environmental problems field, and to general scientists interested in the connections between philosophy and practice.

Environmental Systems Science: Theory and Practical Applications looks at pollution and environmental quality from a systems perspective. Credible human and ecological risk estimation and prediction methods are described, including life cycle assessment, feasibility studies, pollution control decision tools, and approaches to determine adverse outcome pathways, fate and transport, sampling and analysis, and cost-effectiveness. The book brings translational science to environmental quality, applying groundbreaking methodologies like informatics, data mining, and applications of secondary data systems. Multiple human and ecological variables are introduced and integrated to support calculations that aid environmental and public health decision making. The book bridges the perspectives of scientists, engineers, and other professionals working in numerous environmental and public health fields addressing problems like toxic substances, deforestation, climate change, and loss of biological diversity, recommending sustainable solutions to these and other seemingly intractable environmental problems. The causal agents discussed include physical, chemical, and biological agents, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), SARS-CoV-2 (the COVID-19 virus), and other emerging contaminants. Provides an optimistic and interdisciplinary approach, underpinned by scientific first principles and theory to evaluate pollutant sources and sinks, applying biochemodynamic methods, measurements and models Deconstructs prior initiatives in environmental assessment and management using an interdisciplinary approach to evaluate what has worked and why Lays out a holistic understanding of the real impact of human activities on the current state of pollution, linking the physical sciences and engineering with socioeconomic, cultural perspectives, and environmental justice Takes a life cycle view of human and ecological systems, from the molecular to the planetary scale, integrating theories and tools from various disciplines to assess the current and projected states of environmental quality Explains the elements of risk, reliability and resilience of built and natural systems, including discussions of toxicology, sustainability, and human-pollutant interactions based on spatial, biological, and human activity information, i.e. the exposome

Social-ecological challenges call for a far better integration of the social sciences into conservation training and practice. Environmental problems are, first and foremost, people problems. Without better understandings of the people involved, solutions are often hard to come by, regardless of expertise in biology, ecology, or other traditional conservation sciences. This novel book provides an accessible survey of a broad range of theories widely applicable to environmental problems that students and practitioners can apply to their work. It serves as a simple reference guide to illuminate the value and utility of social science theories for the practice of environmental conservation. As part of the Techniques in Ecology and Conservation Series, it will be a vital resource for conservation scientists, students, and practitioners to better navigate the social complexities of applying their work to real-world problem-solving.

Scientists have long sought to unravel the fundamental mysteries of the land, life, water, and air that surround us. But as the consequences of humanity's impact on the planet become increasingly evident, governments are realizing the critical importance of understanding these environmental systemsâ€"and investing billions of dollars in research to do so. To identify high-priority environmental science projects, Grand Challenges in Environmental Sciences explores the most important areas of research for the next generation. The book's goal is not to list the world's biggest environmental problems. Rather it is to determine areas of opportunity thatâ€"with a concerted investmentâ€"could yield significant new findings. Nominations for environmental science's "grand" challenges were solicited from thousands of scientists worldwide. Based on their responses, eight major areas of focus were identifiedâ€"areas that offer the potential for a major scientific breakthrough of practical importance to humankind, and that are feasible if given major new funding. The book further pinpoints four areas for immediate action and investment.

Environmental Systems Science: Theory and Practical Applications looks at pollution and environmental quality from a systems perspective. Credible human and ecological risk estimation and prediction methods are described, including life cycle assessment, feasibility studies, pollution control decision tools, and approaches to determine adverse outcome pathways, fate and transport, sampling and analysis, and cost-effectiveness. The book brings translational science to environmental quality, applying groundbreaking methodologies like informatics, data mining, and applications of secondary data systems. Multiple human and ecological variables are introduced and integrated to support calculations that aid environmental and public health decision making. The book bridges the perspectives of scientists, engineers, and other professionals working in numerous environmental and public health fields addressing problems like toxic substances, deforestation, climate change, and loss of biological diversity, recommending sustainable solutions to these and other seemingly intractable environmental problems. The causal agents discussed include physical, chemical, and biological agents, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), SARS-CoV-2 (the COVID-19 virus), and other emerging contaminants. Provides an optimistic and interdisciplinary approach, underpinned by scientific first principles and theory to evaluate pollutant sources and sinks, applying biochemodynamic methods, measurements and models Deconstructs prior initiatives in environmental assessment and management using an interdisciplinary approach to evaluate what has worked and why Lays out a holistic understanding of the real impact of human activities on the current state of pollution, linking the physical sciences and engineering with socioeconomic, cultural perspectives, and environmental justice Takes a life cycle view of human and ecological systems, from the molecular to the planetary scale, integrating theories and tools from various disciplines to assess the current and projected states of environmental quality Explains the elements of risk, reliability and resilience of built and natural systems, including discussions of toxicology, sustainability, and human-pollutant interactions based on spatial, biological, and human activity information, i.e. the exposome

This book is a comprehensive & authentic book on 'Environmental Studies'. This book is an imperative educational resource that will be of value and interest to everyone seeking to broaden their understanding of the science behind environmental issues. It is designed for students of: • Environmental Science | Theory into Practice (I & II) at UG Level (AEC-I) based on the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF) for the University of Delhi • Non-Collegiate Women's Education Board • School of Open Learning of the University of Delhi • Various Central Universities throughout India The Present Publication is the 7th Edition, authored by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Batra, Dr. Kanchan Batra & Prof. Harpreet Kaur, with the following noteworthy features: • [Written in Accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP)] that applies to universities all over India • [Simple & Systematic Presentation] Subject matter is presented in a simple, systematic method with comprehensive explanations of concepts and theories underlying environmental studies • [Comprehensive Case Studies] Covers case studies from both Indian and global scenarios • [Entrepreneurial Stories] Includes case studies and brief sketches of successful entrepreneurial stories • Key Topics o Includes special topics such as: § Environment Policies § Human Population Growth § G20 Summit o Ecosystem o Natural Resources o Biodiversity o Disaster Management o Greenhouse Effect o Endangered Species • [Environmental Issues] including: o Pollution o Ozone Layer Depletion o Global Warming o Conservation of Biodiversity • [Questions and Exercises] include: o Review Questions o Subjective Type Questions o Objective Type Questions o Practical Exercises o Experiential Activities o Outreach Activities • Past Exam Question Papers o Environmental Studies Paper – 2020 (OBE) (CBCS) o Environmental Studies Paper – 2021 (OBE) (CBCS) o Environmental Science Paper – January 2023 (AEC-1, UGCF), SEM. – I o Environmental Science Paper – January 2023 (AEC-1, UGCF), SEM. – III o Environmental Science Paper – July 2023 (AEC-1, UGCF), SEM. – I o Environmental Science Paper – January 2024 (AEC-1, UGCF), SEM. – I o Environmental Science Paper – January 2024 (AEC-1, UGCF), SEM. – III o Environmental Science Paper – May 2024 (AEC -1, UGCF), SEM. – II • [Student-Oriented Approach] This book has been developed considering: o Interaction of the author/teacher with students in the classroom o Shaped by the author/teacher's experience of teaching the subject matter at different levels o Incorporates student reactions and responses at various points in the book The structure of the book is as follows: • Each chapter begins with a broad introduction, providing a conceptual outline • Followed by a point-wise elucidation of each topic • Incorporates new case studies relevant to the latest syllabus to enhance understanding The contents of this book are as follows: • Introduction to Environmental Studies o Multi-disciplinary nature of environmental studies o Components of the environment o Scope and importance of environmental studies o Concept of sustainability and sustainable development o Brief history of environmentalism o Includes review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises • Ecosystems o Definition and concept of ecosystems o Structure and functions of ecosystems (energy flow, food chains, nutrient cycling) o Concepts of productivity and ecological pyramids o Ecosystem homeostasis and types of ecosystems (tundra, forest, grassland, desert, aquatic) o Ecosystem services, preservation, conservation strategies, and basics of ecosystem restoration o Includes case studies, review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises • Natural Resources o Detailed discussion on natural resources, including renewable resources, water resources, and energy resources o Includes case studies, review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises • Environmental Pollution o Explanation of environmental pollution and its types (air, water, soil, thermal, noise) o Discussion on nuclear hazards, their effects, and health risks o Solid waste management, including technologies for processing, treatment, and disposal of solid waste, vermicomposting, and e-waste management o Hazardous wastes and their management o Includes case studies, review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises • Global Environmental Issues and Policies o Causes of climate change and international agreements and programs (Earth Summit, UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, Montreal Protocol, CBD, Ramsar Convention, UNEP, CITES) o Sustainable Development and India's National Action Plan on Climate Change o Environment legislation in India and the role of G-20 in sustainability o Includes review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises • Biodiversity & Conservation o Definition and levels of biodiversity o Biogeographic zones of India and global biodiversity hotspots o India as a mega-diversity nation with discussions on endangered and endemic species o Threats to biodiversity, poaching, man-wildlife conflicts, and biological invasions o Current mass extinction crisis and conservation strategies (in-situ and ex-situ conservation) o Types of species (keystone, flagship, umbrella, and indicator), species reintroduction, and translocation o Values and ecological roles of biodiversity, including sacred groves o Includes case studies, review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises • Human Communities and the Environment o Human population growth and its impacts on the environment, human health, and welfare o Concept of carbon footprint o Resettlement and rehabilitation of development project-affected persons and communities o Discussion on disasters, disaster management, and environmental movements o Environmental justice, philosophy, and ethics o Role of world religions and cultures in environmental conservation o Environmental communication and public awareness o Includes case studies, review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises

Ecology is an historical science in which theories can be as difficult to test as they are to devise. This volume, intended for ecologists and evolutionary biologists, reviews ecological theories, and how they are generated, evaluated, and categorized. Synthesizing a vast and sometimes labyrinthine literature, this book is a useful entry into the scientific philosophy of ecology and natural history. The need for integration of the contributions to theory made by different disciplines is a central theme of this book. The authors demonstrate that only through such integration will advances in ecological theory be possible. Ecologists, evolutionary biologists, and other serious students of natural history will want this book.

The goal of Sustainable Human and Environmental Systems (SHES) education is to prepare students to facilitate social learning in communities that builds knowledge of, capacity for, and commitment to sustainability to facilitate the emergence of sustainable societies. The SHES approach to sustainability education relies on complexity-based systems thinking that transcends disciplinary boundaries. This book provides a comprehensive guide to the SHES approach, including its rationale and theoretical foundation, its pedagogy and practical applications in curricula, and ways to support the approach through institutional administration. This book will be of great interest to academics and students of education, environmental sciences and studies, sustainability and sustainable development, natural resource management, conservation, environmental policy, environmental planning, and related fields in higher education. Educators can use this book as a guide to SHES pedagogy, curriculum design, sustainability, environmental studies, sustainable development, and sustainable well-being. Administrators will find the book useful in establishing, evaluating, staffing, and promoting programs based on the SHES approach.