THIRD SEMESTER LIFE SKILLS COURSES
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Learning outcomes: On completion of this course the students will be able to …..
1. Understand the nature, components of an ecosystem and that humans are an integral part of nature.
2. Realize the importance of environment, the goods and services of a healthy biodiversity, dependence of humans on environment.
3. Evaluate the ways and ill effects of destruction of environment, population explosion on ecosystems and global problems consequent to anthropocentric activities.
4. Discuss the laws/ acts made by government to prevent pollution, to protect biodiversity and environment as a whole.
5. Acquaint with international agreements and national movements, and realize citizen’s role in protecting environment and nature.
Unit 1: Environment and Natural Resources
1. Multidisciplinary nature of environmental education; scope and importance.
2. Man as an integral product and part of the Nature.
3. A brief account of land, forest and water resources in India and their importance.
4. Biodiversity : Definition; importance of Biodiversity - ecological,consumptive, productive, social, ethical and moral, aesthetic, and option value.
5. Levels of Biodiversity: genetic, species and ecosystem diversity.
Unit-2: Environmental degradation and impacts
1. Human population growth and its impacts on environment; land use change, land degradation, soil erosion and desertification.
2. Use and over-exploitation of surface and ground water, construction of dams, floods, conflicts over water (within India).
3. Deforestation: Causes and effects due to expansion of agriculture, firewood, mining, forest fires and building of new habitats.
4. Non-renewable energy resources, their utilization and influences.
5. A brief account of air, water, soil and noise pollution; Biological, industrial and solid wastes in urban areas. Human health and economic risks.
6. Green house effect - global warming; ocean acidification, ozone layer depletion, acid rains and impacts on human communities and agriculture.
7. Threats to biodiversity: Natural calamities, habitat destruction and fragmentation, over exploitation, hunting and poaching, introduction of exotic species, pollution, predator and pest control.
Unit 3: Conservation of Environment
1. Concept of sustainability and sustainable development with judicious use of land, water and forest resources; afforestation.
2. Control measures for various types of pollution; use of renewable and alternate sources of energy.
3. Solid waste management: Control measures of urban and industrial waste.
4. Conservation of biodiversity: In-situ and ex-situ conservation of biodiversity.
5. Environment Laws: Environment Protection Act; Act; Wildlife Protection Act; Forest Conservation Act.
6. International agreements: Montreal and Kyoto protocols; Environmental movements: Bishnois of Rajasthan, Chipko, Silent valley.