Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, readers will:
✅ Understand what the environment is and its importance in human life.
✅ Identify the different components of the environment – Natural, Human-Made, and Human Environment.
✅ Learn how humans interact with nature and the impact of human activities on the environment.
✅ Understand the need for sustainable development and ways to protect natural resources.
Click On The Name To Go To A Specific Topic:
Introduction to Environment
The environment is everything that surrounds us, including living and non-living things. It provides us with air, water, land, and resources essential for survival.
Components of the Environment
The environment consists of three major components:
- Natural Environment – Includes all-natural elements like land, water, air, plants, and animals.
- Lithosphere (Land)
- Hydrosphere (Water)
- Atmosphere (Air)
- Biosphere (Life)
- Human-Made Environment – Includes man-made objects like buildings, roads, parks, and industries.
- Human Environment – The interaction of humans with nature, such as agriculture, transport, trade, and communication.
Natural Environment in Detail
- Lithosphere (Land)
- The solid outer layer of the Earth.
- Includes mountains, plateaus, plains, and valleys.
- Provides soil, minerals, and natural resources.
- Hydrosphere (Water)
- Covers about 71% of the Earth’s surface.
- Includes oceans, rivers, lakes, glaciers, and groundwater.
- Essential for climate regulation and human survival.
- Atmosphere (Air)
- A thin layer of gases surrounds Earth.
- Made up of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other gases.
- Protects from harmful UV rays and maintains temperature.
- Biosphere (Life)
- The zone where life exists.
- Includes plants, animals, and humans.
- Interaction between lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere creates favorable conditions for life.
Impact of Human Activities on the Environment
Humans have modified the natural environment for their needs, leading to both positive and negative effects.
Positive Effects
- Agriculture and afforestation improve biodiversity.
- Renewable energy reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
Negative Effects
- Deforestation leads to loss of biodiversity.
- Pollution of air, water, and land affects human health.
- Climate change is due to excessive use of fossil fuels.
Sustainable Development & Conservation
To protect the environment, we must adopt sustainable development methods:
- ✅ Use renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy.
- ✅ Reduce plastic use and promote recycling.
- ✅ Plant more trees to prevent deforestation.
- ✅ Conserve water by reducing wastage.
Important Summary Points
✔️ The environment includes natural, human-made, and human components.
✔️ The natural environment consists of lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.
✔️ Human activities impact the environment positively and negatively.
✔️ Sustainable development is necessary to protect the environment for future generations.
Interesting Facts
💡 The Amazon Rainforest produces 20% of the world’s oxygen.
💡 The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on Earth.
💡 Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth, with temperatures as low as -89.2°C.
💡 The Sahara Desert is expanding at a rate of 48 km per year due to climate change.
Activity (Exercise):
Coming Soon…
Quiz:
Coming Soon…
Supplementary Materials:
Provide downloadable materials for learners to review:
- – PDF Guide: “Coming Soon”
- – Cheat Sheet: “Coming Soon”
- – Video Source: “JNG ACADEMY“
- – Articles: “Blog Page“
FAQs:
1. Define the environment. What are its major components?
It has three major components:
(I) Natural Environment (air, water, land, plants, and animals).
(II) Human-made environment (buildings, roads, bridges, industries).
(III) Human Environment (interaction between people and nature, such as agriculture, trade, and communication).
2. What is the difference between the natural and human-made environment?
Human-Made Environment: Includes things like buildings, bridges, roads, and parks, which are created by humans.
3. Why is the biosphere important for life on Earth?
It provides the essential conditions for survival, such as oxygen, food, and water.
Without the biosphere, living organisms would not be able to survive.
4. Explain the four major components of the natural environment with examples.
✅ Lithosphere (Land)
The solid outer layer of the Earth.
Includes mountains, plains, plateaus, and valleys.
Provides soil, minerals, and natural resources.
Example: The Himalayas, Thar Desert, and Deccan Plateau.
✅ Hydrosphere (Water)
Covers 71% of the Earth’s surface.
Includes oceans, rivers, lakes, and glaciers.
Essential for drinking, irrigation, and electricity generation.
Example: The Ganga River, Arabian Sea, Pacific Ocean.
✅ Atmosphere (Air)
A layer of gases that surrounds the Earth.
Contains 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other gases.
Protects from harmful UV rays and maintains temperature.
Example: The Ozone layer protects us from UV rays.
✅ Biosphere (Life)
The zone where life exists.
Includes plants, animals, and humans.
Interaction between lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere creates favorable conditions for life.
Examples: Forests, grasslands, and coral reefs.
5. What steps can we take to protect the environment and promote sustainable development?
Ways to protect the environment:
✅ Reduce plastic use and promote recycling.
✅ Use solar and wind energy instead of fossil fuels.
✅ Conserve water by reducing wastage.
✅ Plant more trees to prevent deforestation.
✅ Spread awareness about environmental conservation.