Understanding – Man and Environment

Understanding – Man and Environment

Man and Environment

(in the context of environmental Issues & their management)

Early Human History

• In the early period of human history, human beings were just like any other animal, dependent on the environment.

• Food gathering, hunting, and fishing could not sustain a large population.

Agricultural Revolution

• With the development of agriculture (Agricultural Revolution in the Neolithic Period), food was available in abundance, and permanent settlement came into existence.

Industrial Revolution

• Mining of coal, iron, and other minerals heralded the Industrial Revolution (after 1750).

• These led to the increased production from fields and factories and the colonisation of new landmasses like America and others.

Human Mastery Over Environment

• With the tools at his command, man became a master of the environment. Human activities were aimed at satisfying their increasing needs from the environment.

Environmental Impact of 20th Century Human Activities

With a rapid increase in the human population during the 20th century, their needs have increased enormously, leading to adverse impacts on the environment.

Such impacts are pollution, biodiversity loss & climate change ['Triple planetary crisis'—as mentioned in 'Making Peace With Nature' report, 2021 (UNO)] and others. These environmental changes pose a major threat to the survival of humans on Earth.

Responsibility and Global Debate

• Often developed countries like America, England, etc. are blaming developing countries like India & China (new emerging economic powers) for the environmental crisis and putting pressure to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.

• As the early industrializers, the nations of the West were the original culprits; that said, the two Asian giants are rapidly making up for lost time.

Need for Environmental Protection

• There is an urgent need to protect the environment from the unsuitable interference of humans.

• Human beings have to learn to live in natural harmony with the environment so that the earth continues to be habitable for future generations as well.

Environmental Management

Generally speaking, environmental management means the management of the natural resources of the environment.

Approaches to Environmental Management

There can be two approaches to environmental management: the Preservative & Conservative approach.

(i) Preservative Approach

• According to the preservative approach, man should not disturb the natural system and should adapt to it.

• But in the era of Globalisation, it is not possible because for development activities, man will have to use nature and its components, resulting in an eco-imbalance of varied intensity.

(ii) Conservative Approach

• According to the conservative approach, there should not be over-exploitation of nature, and conservation of natural resources is essential for sustainable development.

Objective of Environmental Management

Thus, proper utilisation and conservation of resources is the prime objective of environmental management.

Efforts Towards Environmental Management

Various efforts had been taken by individuals, organisations, governments, and the United Nations (UN) at their own levels in the past toward environmental management to create a habitable planet for the coming generation.

Triple Planetary Crisis

Pollution

Note: For details, see the ‘Pollution’ topic of Biology.

Biodiversity Loss

Note: For details, see the ‘Biodiversity’ topic of Environment.

Climate Change

Weather

• Weather refers to the total of the atmospheric conditions of a particular place at any given time.

• Weather denotes short-term variations of atmospheric conditions, for example, a daily weather report, etc.

• The weather is not static, so it can’t be generalised.

Climate

• Climate refers to the average weather conditions of a place or region throughout the seasons.

  • For example, India has a warm climate, while England has a cold climate. 

• The main elements of climate are:

  • Light

  • Temperature

  • Atmospheric pressure

  • Wind

  • Humidity (including precipitation)

What is Climate Change?

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns.

• These shifts may be natural, but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change.

• Since the 1900s, the conditions have become worse.

• Nowadays, climate change is a major environmental issue. It is the biggest threat humanity has ever faced.

Causes of Climate Change

1. Anthropogenic (Man-made) Causes of Climate Change

At present, anthropogenic cause (i.e., human activities) is considered largely responsible for climate change.

• Burning of fossil fuels & emission of carbon dioxide (CO2): Climate change, caused by human activities, is primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas), which produces heat-trapping gases.

  • Emission of Methane (CH4)

  • Emission of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

  • Emission of Nitrous oxide (N2O)

• Emission through land use change: viz deforestation, conversion of land into grazing land, cropland, etc., desertification, urbanisation, etc.

2. Natural Causes of Climate Change

Some examples of natural causes of climate change are—

• Changes in the Sun's intensity

• Volcanic eruptions

• Natural processes within the climate system, such as changes in ocean current circulation, etc.

Final Thoughts

The relationship between man and environment has transformed dramatically—from simple dependence in ancient times to intensive exploitation in the modern era. While human progress has brought immense benefits, it has also caused serious environmental challenges such as pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. These issues are not confined to any one nation; they are global problems requiring collective action.

To secure a sustainable future, we must balance development with conservation and adopt practices that minimise ecological damage. Sustainable development, responsible resource use, and international cooperation are key to overcoming the triple planetary crisis.

If we fail to act decisively now, we risk making the Earth less habitable for future generations. The choice lies in our hands—to be caretakers of the planet or the cause of its decline.

Learn more about Greenhouse Gases and their impact on our planet.