What is the full form of EVS?

EVS: Environmental Studies or Environmental Sciences

EVS stands for Environmental Studies. As the name suggests, it is the study of the environment that refers to the surroundings in which we live. The components of the environment comprise everything that supports the survival of humans directly or indirectly. These components can be living such as plants, animals and can be non-living such as soil, water and air. The living components interact with their environment and adapt themselves to the environmental conditions.

EVS is taught as a subject in schools, however, it is also taught at the level of higher education. Besides this, it is also used to solve day to day problems related to the environment and its components.

It is taught in primary classes generally from 1^st to 5^th standard. Thereafter, it is included in Science. We can say that it is a scientific study of the environment in which students gain speciality in the subjects and issues related to the natural environment and its relationship to people.

EVS not only includes the physical or biological characteristics of the environment but also the social, cultural and other factors that affect the environment. So, it is a multidisciplinary academic field that studies human interaction with the environment in a systemic way. It also includes the relationship between the natural and built environment. So, it is a broad field of study with various degree programs in environmental studies such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, etc.

Importance of Environmental Studies:

• It helps explore sustainable ways of living.
• It helps understand the behaviour of humans and other animals under natural environment.
• It helps identify environmental issues and educate people about the same.
• It offers ways to use natural resources without harming the environment.
• It allows you to aware people about the importance and conservation of the environment.

Subjects of EVS:

Apart from the ecology and environmental science, the EVS subjects also include the following related subjects:

• Geography
• Ethics
• Anthropology
• Policy
• Politics
• Urban Planning
• Pollution Control
• Natural Resource Management

Courses in EVS:

There are lots of courses in EVS such as:

• Certificate Courses in Environmental Science
• Diploma in Environmental Science
• Sc. in Environmental Science
• Bachelor of Environmental Management
• Sc. in Environmental Management, and more.
• D in Earth Science
• D in Environmental Science, and more.

Eligibility for EVS courses:

• For undergraduate courses, the students must pass the 10+2 exam with biology as one of the subjects.
• For post-graduate courses, the students must have a bachelor's degree in a science subject or similar fields

Career options in Environmental Studies:

Some of the popular job titles for the EVS students are as follows:

• Environmental Scientist
• Environmental Consultant
• Wildlife or environmental photographer
• Lecturer
• Wildlife Film-maker
• Environment Journalist
• Director of Waste Management

Significance of Environmental Studies or Environmental Sciences

Environmental studies or environmental sciences are of significant importance due to the following reasons:

1. Understanding Environmental Issues: Environmental studies or environmental sciences help in understanding the causes and effects of environmental problems, such as pollution, climate change, and resource depletion. This understanding is critical for developing strategies for mitigating and preventing environmental problems.
2. Developing Sustainable Solutions: Environmental studies or environmental sciences provide the knowledge and tools necessary for developing sustainable solutions to environmental problems. These solutions promote the conservation of natural resources, reduce environmental pollution, and promote environmental sustainability.
3. Promoting Environmental Awareness: Environmental studies or environmental sciences play a critical role in promoting environmental awareness among the public. This awareness is essential for encouraging individuals and organizations to take action to protect the environment.
4. Career Opportunities: Environmental studies or environmental sciences offer a wide range of career opportunities in various fields, such as environmental consulting, environmental engineering, environmental policy, and environmental education.

Challenges of Environmental Studies or Environmental Sciences

Environmental studies or environmental sciences face several challenges, including:

1. Lack of Political Will: Environmental problems require political will to address effectively. The lack of political will to take action on environmental issues is a significant challenge that environmental studies and environmental sciences face.
2. Complexity of Environmental Problems: Environmental problems are complex and require a multidisciplinary approach to address effectively. This complexity poses a challenge for environmental studies and environmental sciences, as it requires collaboration across multiple fields and disciplines.
3. Limited Resources: Environmental studies and environmental sciences require significant resources, such as funding, research facilities, and technology. Limited resources pose a challenge for environmental studies and environmental sciences, as they may limit the ability to conduct research and develop solutions for environmental problems.
4. Climate Change Denial: Despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the existence of climate change, climate change denial remains a significant challenge for environmental studies and environmental sciences. This denial can prevent policymakers from taking action to address climate change, thus hindering efforts to mitigate its effects.
5. Inadequate Environmental Regulations: Inadequate environmental regulations can hinder efforts to protect the environment. Weak environmental regulations may allow corporations and individuals to engage in environmentally harmful activities without consequences, leading to environmental degradation.

Conclusion

Environmental studies or environmental sciences are essential for understanding the relationship between human beings and their environment. Environmental studies explore the causes and effects of environmental problems, develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems, and promote environmental awareness among the public. Environmental sciences offer a wide range of career opportunities in various fields, such as environmental consulting, environmental engineering, environmental education, environmental law and policy, and environmental science research. However, environmental studies and environmental sciences face several challenges, such as the lack of political will, the complexity of environmental problems, limited resources, climate change denial, and inadequate environmental regulations. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration across multiple fields and disciplines to promote environmental sustainability and protect the health and welfare of the public.