Environmental Science

Tap to Read ➤ How aware are you about our environment on this planet? More so, are you aware of the branch of study called environmental science? If no, here's a quick glance at it. Poushali Ganguly

It is necessary to understand that "Nature" is the most important element that governs our existence here on earth. In recent times, we have suffered repercussions whenever the environment was disturbed. The aftermath of natural calamities like "Hurricane Katrina" have been catastrophic, killing thousands of people and leaving even more to perish.

Environmental science, as the name suggests, is a scientific take on the complications and disruptions that occur in the environment. It observes a detailed research on the causes of these threats, their magnitude and measures that can be taken to prevent them.

Environmental science is a diverse and inclusive subject. Environmental research and engineering are two integral instruments of research methodology, which deal with human dependence and relativity with nature and structuring, and planning effective technology for the betterment of the environment.

Areas of study also include the following: Evaluation and assessment of the earth's functioning Devising alternate sources of energy Effective utilization of natural resources Studying pollution and its variants Observation and research about global climate changes Quantitative analysis on spacetime and environmental theories

The Various Branches

Environmental science comprehends all the environmental factors present in the system, and determines the way of life and our synchronization with them, in accordance.

An example of this would be that green house effects are related to global warming, pollution is related to population and ozone depletion, which also contributes to global warming.

There is no definite demarcation between the branches of study of environmental science; each overlaps on the scope of the other. Yet, to make things systematic and to work upon them, the subject has been divided into the divisions:

Environmental Chemistry

Environmental chemistry is the study of alternating chemical patterns and phenomena in the atmosphere. It includes the following: Understanding chemical reactions and analyzing them through various techniques like sampling and equating Accurate study of correlation between chemical reactions and the environment Studying different chemical species Study of natural chemicals present in nature

Ecology

This is the study of the relation between all living organisms and nature. Ecology includes the following: Studying the nature of altering states of living organisms in ecosystems Involves the study of life Studying the components of all living and nonliving existences on earth Studying global biological geometrics

Geoscience

This is a study of geomorphological environment, soil patterns, volcano paradoxes and the earth's crust. This branch includes: Studying and classifying hydrology and oceanographic patterns Studying elements in the hydrosphere, troposphere and the biosphere Quantitative understanding through research on the evolution of earth and its elements Studying tectonic plates, lithosphere and soil erosions

Atmospheric Science

This deals with the study of atmosphere and the interrelation and effects amongst all its components. The study of atmospheric science features: Interdisciplinary study of the atmosphere and weather forecasting through meteorology Study of atmospheric physics Climatology Studying the elements of Aeronomy Studying planetary sciences

Environmental Impact Assessment

This is an assessment of all the positive and negative certainties of propositions that affect the environment. These include: Facilitating conscious decisions before commencing any projects Impact assessment on social and economic aspects Instilling ethical environmental values in development and infrastructural projects Promoting international environmental significance

Major Threats to the Environment

Ozone layer Depletion Food Cycle Deforestation Noise Pollution Air Pollution Acid Rain Disposal of Nuclear and Medical Waste Fossil fuels Acid Rain Melting of Ice in the Arctic Circle Global Warming

The environment is our host. We often end up exploiting it and are oblivious towards it. Let's take a chance and be aware of our surroundings and understand the impact of our ignorance towards Mother Earth. Environmental science, today, extends to a large framework in diverse fields that include universities in management sciences, resource utilization, research and development, social development and many such others. If you are passionate about the environment, you can definitely make a career out of it.