Environmental Studies

Book Details

• Author: H.M. Saxena

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2006

• ISBN: 9788170339939

• Pages: 248

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches

About the Book

The United Nations Conference on ‘Environment and Development’ held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and the World Summit on ‘Sustainable Development’ held at Johannesburg in 2002 highlighted the deteriorating condition of the global environment. These events underscored the importance of environmental studies, emphasizing that no one can afford to be ignorant of environmental issues. As such, environmental education has become a necessity for students worldwide. However, in India, adequate attention to environmental studies has historically been lacking.

In recognition of this, the Supreme Court of India directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to implement a basic environmental studies course at every level of college education. In response, the UGC developed a core module syllabus for undergraduate courses, which is now compulsory for all universities and colleges in India.

This book is designed in accordance with the UGC syllabus, covering eight comprehensive units. It starts with the multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies and proceeds to discuss topics such as natural resources, ecosystems, biodiversity and its conservation, environmental pollution, social issues and the environment, the relationship between human population and the environment, and fieldwork. The book includes relevant Indian examples throughout, providing a contextual understanding of environmental issues specific to the country.

This essential text is valuable for students, teachers, and researchers in the fields of environmental studies, geography, and social science.

Contents

1. Introduction: Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies

2. Natural Resources

3. The Ecosystems

4. Biodiversity and Its Conservation

5. Environmental Pollution

6. Social Issues and the Environment

7. Human Population and the Environment

8. Fieldwork

About the Author

H.M. Saxena is a senior geographer and a member of the Rajasthan Education Service since 1967. He served as a lecturer, head of the post-graduate department of geography, principal, and eventually Joint Director of College Education in the Government of Rajasthan.

Dr. Saxena has authored numerous papers published in reputed journals and has written several notable books, including Rural Markets and Development (1988), Regulated Agricultural Markets (1992), Environmental Management (2000), and Environmental Geography (2004). Currently, he is actively engaged in research and writing in the fields of economic and environmental geography.