Description:
Environmental Studies and Disaster Management is meticulously designed to align with the undergraduate-level syllabus for environmental studies and disaster management, as mandated by the UGC for various Indian universities, including IGNOU. This comprehensive text also meets the academic needs of postgraduate students, research scholars and is highly relevant for the UPSC Civil Services examination.
Key Features:
1. Alignment with UGC Syllabus:
Covers all necessary topics for undergraduate courses, making it an essential resource for students in environmental science and disaster management.
2. Coverage of Core Topics:
Environment and ecology: Explores ecosystems, biodiversity, conservation and human impacts on natural habitats.
Climate change: Discusses the science, global impacts and strategies for mitigation and adaptation.
Disaster management: Provides strategies for preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation of both natural and human-induced disasters.
Public health management: Examines the impacts of environmental factors on human health and sustainable practices to improve public health.
3. Relevance to UPSC Civil Services Examination:
Aligns with the UPSC syllabus, making it invaluable for candidates preparing for this examination.
Target Audience:
The book is designed to align with the undergraduate-level syllabus for environmental studies and disaster management, as mandated by the UGC for various Indian universities, including IGNOU. This comprehensive text also meets the academic needs of postgraduate students, research scholars and is highly relevant for the UPSC Civil Services examination.
Contents:
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1. Introduction to Environment • Introduction • Definition and Scope of the Environment • Definition of Environment • Scope of Environment • Components of the Environment • Abiotic Components • Biotic Components • Interaction Between Components • Major Components of Environment • Lithosphere • Atmosphere • Hydrosphere • Biosphere • Human-Environment Interactions and Their Implications
Chapter 2. Ecology and Ecosystem • Principles of Ecology • Basic Principles of Ecology • Levels of Organization • Energy Flow • Nutrient Cycling • Interdependence • Ecological Niches • Succession and Stability • Biogeography • Adaptation and Evolution • Population Dynamics • Human Impacts • Descriptions of Various Ecosystems: Aquatic, Terrestrial, Desert, Forest, Coastal, and Marine • Aquatic Ecosystems • Terrestrial Ecosystems • Desert Ecosystems • Forest Ecosystems • Coastal Ecosystems • Marine Ecosystems • Food Chains and Food Webs • Food Chains • Food Webs • Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycles in Ecosystems • Energy Flow in Ecosystems • Nutrient Cycles in Ecosystems • Ecological Balance and Human Impact • Disruption of Energy Flow • Disruption of Nutrient Cycles • Ecological Imbalances • Soil Degradation • Mitigation and Adaptation
Chapter 3. Biodiversity • Introduction to Biodiversity • Genetic Biodiversity • Importance of Genetic Biodiversity • Measuring Genetic Diversity • Conservation of Genetic Diversity • Challenges in Conserving Genetic Diversity • Species Diversity • Components of Species Diversity • Importance of Species Diversity • Patterns of Species Diversity • Threats to Species Diversity • Conservation of Species Diversity • Ecosystem Diversity • Components of Ecosystem Diversity • Importance of Ecosystem Diversity • Examples of Ecosystems Rich in Diversity • Threats to Ecosystem Diversity • Conservation of Ecosystem Diversity • Threats to Biodiversity • Habitat Destruction • Pollution • Climate Change • Overexploitation • Invasive Species • Conservation of Biodiversity • Importance of Biodiversity Conservation • Benefits of Biodiversity Conservation • Challenges in Biodiversity Conservation • Policy and Legislation on Biodiversity • Importance of Policy and Legislation • Key International Agreements and Conventions • National Policies and Legislation • Implementation and Enforcement • Challenges and Opportunities
Chapter 4. Environmental Pollution • Environmental Pollution • Classification of Pollution: Air, Water, Soil, Noise, and Light • Air Pollution • Sources of Air Pollution • Types of Air Pollutants • Health Effects • Environmental and Climate Effects • Air Pollution Control and Management • Monitoring and Data Collection • International Cooperation • Water Pollution • Sources of Water Pollution • Types of Water Pollutants • Effects of Water Pollution • Control Measures • Water Quality Monitoring and Management • Integrated Assessment • Soil Pollution • Sources of Soil Pollution • Common Pollutants • Effects of Soil Pollution • Prevention and Remediation • Industrial Pollution • Sources of Industrial Pollution • Types of Pollutants • Causes of Industrial Pollution • Effects of Industrial Pollution • Management and Mitigation Strategies for Industrial Pollution • Case Studies of Industrial Pollution • Bhopal Gas Tragedy: Unlimited Human Suffering Due to Industrial Chemical Spillage • Radioactive Pollution • Sources of Radioactive Pollution • Effects of Radioactive Pollution • Management and Mitigation of Radioactive Pollution • Case Studies: Radioactive Pollution Disasters • Sound Pollution • Sources of Sound Pollution • Effects of Sound Pollution: A Growing Threat • Mitigation and Management of Sound Pollution • Case Studies: Quieting the Roar in Action • Light Pollution • Types of Light Pollution: Illuminating the Problem • Effects of Light Pollution: Illuminating the Dark Side • Mitigation and Management of Light Pollution • Case Studies: Shining Examples in the Fight Against Light Pollution • Significant Case Studies on Pollution Events and Their Management: Lessons from Environmental Scars • Air Pollution • Water Pollution • Soil Pollution • Marine Pollution • Noise Pollution
Chapter 5. Environmental Laws and Rules in India • Introduction of Environmental Laws and Rules in India – A Short Account • Air Pollution • Water Pollution • Wildlife Protection • Forest Conservation • Waste Management • General Environmental Protection • Specific Environmental Issues • Air Pollution Acts/Rules • The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 • National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) • The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1982 • The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 1987 • National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), 2019 • Water Pollution Actions and Rules in India • The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 • The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977 • Wildlife Protection Acts in India • The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 • The Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Protecting Nature’s Bounty • Forest Conservation Acts in India • The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 • The Indian Forest Act, 1927 • Waste Management Acts and Rules in India • The Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 • The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 • The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 • The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 • The Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 • The Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016 • General Environmental Protection Acts • The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 • The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 • The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1997 • The National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997
Chapter 6. Climate Change and Sustainable Development • Introduction to Climate Change • Atmosphere, Weather and Climate • Definition and Scope of Climate Change • Historical Context and Evolution of Climate Science • Key Concepts and Terminologies in Climate Science • Greenhouse Effect • Global Warming • Carbon Footprint • Climate Science and Evidence • Unveiling the Earth’s Climate System: Dynamics and Interactions • Natural and Anthropogenic Causes of Climate Change • Evidence of Climate Change: Temperature Records, Ice Cores, Tree Rings, etc. • Climate Models and Projections: Unveiling the Future of Our Climate • Greenhouse Gases and the Carbon Cycle • Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) • The Carbon Cycle • Global Warming • Unveiling the Culprit: Understanding Global Warming • A Warming World: Historical Trends and Our Current Reality • A Glimpse into the Future: Projecting the Trajectory of a Warming World • Climate Change Impacts • Environmental Impacts: Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Oceans, Ice Sheets, and Sea Level • Socio-Economic Impacts • Regional Impacts of Climate Change • Future of Climate • Climate Projections and Scenarios • Long-Term Impacts and Uncertainties • Potential Risks and Tipping Points • Climate Policy and Governance • International Climate Agreements and Frameworks: A United Front Against Climate Change • National and Local Climate Policies • Governments, NGOs, and the Private Sector – The Three Pillars of Climate Action • Climate Policy Instruments (e.g., Taxes, Subsidies, Regulations) • Climate Change Communication: Building a Foundation for Action • Importance of Public Awareness and Education • Effective Communication Strategies • Role of Media, Education Systems, and Community Engagement • Climate Justice and Ethics: Navigating a Complex Challenge • Ethical Dimensions of Climate Change • Equity and Climate Justice: Addressing Disproportionate Impacts • Intergenerational Justice and Responsibilities • Case Studies and Real-World Examples: Building a Sustainable Future • Successful Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Projects • Regional and Local Examples of Climate Action • Lessons Learned from Past and Ongoing Initiatives • Sustainable Development • Principles of Sustainable Development: A Compass for a Liveable Future • Policies and Frameworks for Sustainable Development: Building a Sustainable Future • International and National Policies • Role of Government, NGOs, and the Private Sector • Policy Instruments • The Economics of Sustainable Development: Balancing Growth with Environmental Responsibility • Economic Principles of Sustainable Development • Cost-Benefit Analysis of Sustainable Practices • Green Economy and Sustainable Economic Growth • Technological Innovations for Sustainable Development: Powering a Greener Future • Role of Technology in Achieving Sustainability • Emerging Technologies • Case Studies of Technological Innovations • Introduction to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Navigating Our Path to 2030 • Overview of the SDGs • History and Development • Importance and Relevance • Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development • SDGs and Climate Change: A Symbiotic Relationship • Interlinkages Between SDGs and Climate Change • Specific SDGs Related to Climate • Case Studies: SDG Implementation with a Climate Focus • Achieving the SDGs: A Collaborative Journey Towards a Sustainable Future • Integrated Approaches to Achieving SDGs • Role of Different Sectors • Monitoring and Evaluation of Progress • Challenges and Opportunities in SDG Implementation: Navigating the Path Towards a Sustainable Future • Major Challenges in Achieving SDGs • Opportunities for Innovation and Collaboration • Case Studies of Successes and Failures • Pathways to a Sustainable Future: Building a World That Works for All • Vision for a Sustainable Future • Role of Education, Advocacy, and Individual Actions • Integrated Approaches
Chapter 7. Disaster Management • Introduction to Disaster Management • Concepts of Disasters, Hazards, and Vulnerabilities • Classification of Disasters (Natural and Man-made) • How Disasters Impact Our World • Disaster Management Cycle • Mitigation • Preparedness • Response • Recovery • Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Analysis (VARA) • Vulnerability and Risk: Unveiling the Landscape of Disaster • Methods of Vulnerability Assessment • Risk Analysis Techniques • Case Studies on Vulnerability and Risk Assessments • The Importance of Assessments • Legal and Institutional Framework for Disaster Management • Disaster Management Act and its Implications • National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) • National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Forces and their Roles • Roles and Responsibilities of Various Stakeholders (Government, NGOs, Communities) for Disaster Resilience • Global Initiatives in Disaster Management • Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) • The Hyogo Framework for Action: A Pioneering Plan to Reduce Disaster Risks • Role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and International Agencies • Disaster Risk Management and Resilience in India • National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) – India’s Shield Against Disasters • Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) • Tech-Powered Resilience: How Technology is Transforming Disaster Management in India • Preparedness Measures (Pre-Disaster and Post-Disaster) • A Guide to Pre-Disaster Preparedness in India – Be Prepared, Stay Safe • Post-Disaster Preparedness – Rebuilding and Recovery: Picking Up the Pieces After Disaster Strikes • Mock Drills and Survivor Skills in India • Mock Drills: Practicing for the Real Deal • Basic Survival Skills for the Indian Context • Rescue and Relief, Rehabilitation and Recovery in India • Rescue and Relief • Damage Assessment and Needs Identification • Long-Term Recovery and Reconstruction • Challenges • Case Studies of Major Disasters in India – Super Cyclone of Odisha, Bhuj Earthquake and Teesta III Dam Bursting • The Super Cyclone of Odisha ( 1999) • Bhuj Earthquake in Gujarat (2011 ) • Teesta III Dam Disaster (2023 )
Chapter 8. Public Health Management • Introduction • Communicable and Non-communicable Diseases • Overview of Communicable Diseases: COVID- , Flu, Hepatitis, AIDS, Tuberculosis • Understanding Non-communicable Diseases • Prevention Strategies for Non-communicable Diseases • Dynamics of Disease Transmission • Epidemic and Pandemic and Its Prevention • Defining Epidemics and Pandemics: Historical and Contemporary Examples • Prevention Measures: Quarantine, Sanitization, Personal Protective Measures • Vaccination: Importance and Impact • Control Measures: Surveillance, Isolation, Contact Tracing • Lifestyle Management • Nutritional Diet and Its Impact on Health • Physical Exercise: Types and Benefits • Yoga: Practice for Mental and Physical Health • Sleeping Habits: Importance for Overall Well-being • Stress Management • Role of Different Sectors in Managing Health Disaster • Government’s Role in Health Disaster Management at Central and State Levels • Community Engagement and Responsibility in Managing Health Disaster Management • Civil Society and Student Mass Involvement in Health Disaster Management • NGOs Contribution to Health Disaster Management
About the Author:
Anil Kumar is an esteemed expert in environmental science, disaster management, and climate change, with extensive experience across academia, government, and industry. He holds a Doctorate in Environmental Science, an M.E. in Hydrology from IIT Roorkee, an M.Sc. in Disaster Mitigation, a Master’s in Ecology & Environment, and a Gold Medal in Civil Engineering.
Currently, Dr Kumar is a Professor of Practice at NITTTR Kolkata (under the Ministry of Education, Government of India). His notable roles include Senior Advisor on Environment and Climate Change at the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority, Director at Adamas University, and Head of the World Bank’s TEQIP-III project in Uttar Pradesh, Deputy Director General and Secretary & Director General-I/C at Institution of Engineers (India). He has also served in senior positions at the Institution of Engineers (India) and AICTE and contributed to organizations like the Indian Society for Technical Education and the Solar Energy Society of India.
Earlier, he was Superintending Engineer at Damodar Valley Corporation and was involved in UNESCO’s Hydrology Programme at IIT Roorkee. Dr Kumar authored Disaster Management: Principles and Practices and was honoured with an Honorary Fellowship by the Indian Society of Technical Education in June 2024.