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Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies: Why Environmental Studies Is a Multidisciplinary Field?

Samiksha Gupta

Updated on 21st September, 2024 , 7 min read

Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies: An Overview

The multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies allows for the examination of every element of an organism's environment. The multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies fosters knowledge of nature and how humans affect it. The goal of applied science is to find workable solutions for making human civilization sustainable within the boundaries of the planet's limited resources. One of the most urgent issues of the twenty-first century is environmental catastrophe. To address the growing issues brought on by environmental degradation, numerous organizations and nations have been working to develop solutions. They are looking for sustainable development strategies, which can only be found by participating in environmental research due to their interdisciplinary nature.

The word "environment" is derived from the French word "environ,” meaning surroundings. Consequently, the term "environment" refers to everything around us. All living things are surrounded by the elements and forces that make up their environment. Every organism must obtain its requirements from its environment. The environment fosters conditions that are favorable for the emergence and growth of living things. Any organism needs a constant flow of resources and the elimination of waste products to survive.

All elements of the natural world, both living and inanimate, are included. The interaction of all living things, the climate, the weather, and the natural resources that influence human survival and economic activity are all included in this environment. Because it includes different academic fields like chemistry, physics, medical science, life science, agriculture, and public health, environmental studies is multidisciplinary. It is the science of physical phenomena in the environment. Environmental studies cover every topic that has an impact on an organism. It is an applied science because it looks for workable solutions to keep human civilization viable given the limited resources of the planet.

 The environment is composed of interdependent systems of physical, biological, and cultural elements that are linked both individually and collectively in a variety of different ways. These elements are 

  1. Physical elements include things like space, landforms, water features, climate, soils, rocks, and minerals. They determine the erratic nature of the human habitat, as well as its possibilities and constraints.
  2. Biological Elements: The biosphere is made up of plants, animals, microorganisms, and people.
  3. Cultural Elements: The cultural milieu is made up of economic, social, and political factors that are essentially man-made. 

How are Environmental Studies Multidisciplinary in Nature?

A broad field of study, environmental studies incorporates elements of biology, physics, chemistry, medical science, agriculture, and geography. It goes beyond simply managing resources and protecting the environment. Still, it also emphasizes comprehension:

  1. Types of pollution and how they affect living things negatively
  2. Biodiversity, its manifestations, and the causes of its dwindling
  3. Strategies for increasing forest cover and deforestation
  4. Desertification
  5. For instance, sewage treatment and waste disposal.

Read more about the Disadvantages of Dams and Scientific Names of Plants and Animals.

Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies: Importance 

Environmental studies are crucial because they enable us to better understand our surroundings and the workings of nature. The significance of environmental studies' multidisciplinary nature is highlighted by a number of factors. They are as follows:

  1. It aids in the gathering of knowledge about current environmental concerns. It gives us the information and abilities we require to address environmental issues like pollution, global warming, and climate change.
  2. By giving a necessary comprehension of environmental systems and processes, it aids in the preservation of ecological balance.
  3. It informs us of the environmental changes brought on by anthropogenic factors.
  4. Additionally, it instructs us on how to evaluate various environmental systems and changes brought on by human activity.
  5. Its objective is to protect and preserve biodiversity. It introduces us to various animal and plant species. It offers us many methods for preserving and protecting them.
  6. It enlightens us about our duties in protecting the environment. Additionally, it alerts us to a number of environmental issues that demand immediate attention. 
  7. Environmental studies also cover issues like reducing energy use, hazardous emissions, water usage, garbage disposal, and a host of other issues.
  8. Studying environmental studies allows people to interact and explore their natural environment. It helps people gain a better understanding of how people work, the natural world, and various environmental changes.

Also read about- Scientific Name of Rose and Terrestrial Ecosystem.

Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies: Scope 

The multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies includes biological, cultural, social, and physical components. It is related to science, geography, economics, statistics, health, technology, population, and ecology. After completing a degree program in Environmental Studies, students have a wide range of career options thanks to the discipline's interdisciplinary nature. Following are a few job descriptions that could help you advance your career in environmental studies:

  1. Environmental Law
  2. Oceanographer
  3. Eco-tourism Operator
  4. Non-profit Administrator,
  5. Sustainability Development Manager
  6. Environmental journalist
  7. Professor
  8. Forest Carbon Specialist (Arborist)
  9. Professor
  10. Animal Services Worker
  11. Greenhouse Manager
  12. Environmental Planner
  13. Food Scientist
  14. Geologist
  15. Hazardous Waste Manager
  16. Water Quality Inspector
  17. Health Promoter
  18. Fisheries Consultant
  19. International Developer
  20. Soil Scientist
  21. Forest Resource Officer
  22. Urban Planner
  23. Environmental Accounting
  24. Activist
  25. Botanist
  26. Food Cooperative Specialist
  27. Conservation Biologist
  28. Agricultural Technologist
  29. GIS Specialist
  30. Conservation Officer
  31. Ecologist
  32. Air Quality Inspector
  33. Environmental Land Consultant
  34. Hydrologist
  35. Environmental Lawyer
  36. Wildlife Conservationist
  37. Environmental Land Consultant
  38. Mining Consultant
  39. Researcher
  40. Political Advisor
  41. Environmental Consultant
  42. Water Resource Manager
  43. Environmental Analyst

Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies: Significance 

The importance of the multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies lies in their contribution to our understanding of the natural world and its processes. The significance of environmental studies' interdisciplinary nature is highlighted by a number of factors. These are their names:

  1. It facilitates learning about current environmental issues. It gives us the knowledge and abilities required to deal with environmental problems like pollution, global warming, and climate change.
  2. It provides a fundamental understanding of environmental systems and processes, which aids in maintaining ecological balance.
  3. It informs us of environmental changes brought on by anthropogenic factors.
  4. It also teaches us how to evaluate the impacts of human activity on the environment and various environmental systems.
  5. Its goal is to safeguard and maintain biodiversity. It introduces us to different types of flora and fauna. It offers us a number of methods for preserving and safeguarding them.
  6. It draws our attention to our environmental responsibilities and alerts us to a number of urgent environmental problems.
  7. Energy conservation, hazardous emissions reduction, water conservation, garbage disposal, the increase in global temperatures, and many other topics are covered in environmental studies.
  8. People can explore and engage with their natural and surrounding environments through environmental studies. It improves people's comprehension of environmental changes, natural occurrences, and human processes.

Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies: Components 

There are several parts to the multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies. They are as follows:

  1. Anthropology: It is the study of human characteristics, psychological and biological health, social groups and cultures, as well as the development and evolution of people. EVS is related to anthropology because it investigates how people interact with their surroundings across space and time.
  2. Biology: It is a branch of science that focuses on the investigation of living things. Included are their physicochemical processes, molecular interactions, development, and evolution. EVS is related to biology because it is focused on the natural surroundings of living things.
  3. Chemistry: It is a branch of science that studies substances that makeup matter, including chemicals. In order to comprehend natural occurrences in EVS, chemistry knowledge is required.
  4. Computers: As technology has advanced, everyone now needs computers. The Environmental Protection Agency monitors pollutants found in soil and water using computers. 
  5. Geology: It is the study of the materials and physical features found on Earth, as well as their origins and the processes they underwent. Earth and environmental studies are another focus of EVS.
  6. Economics: It is a study area that looks at how goods and services are produced, consumed, and distributed. By analyzing and creating solutions to environmental problems, various economic strategies have been established to protect the environment from pollution, global warming, and climate change.
  7. Physics: It is a branch of science that looks at how matter and energy interact in space and time. Energy conservation, atmospheric modeling, and numerous other environmental issues are all addressed in physics.
  8. Sociology: It is the study of social interaction, development, social causes, and the effects of human behavior on society. The relationship between modern society and the environment is also covered.
  9. Statistics: It is the study of the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of quantitative data. In order to identify trends and suggest the best environmental growth, it is also used to evaluate data.

Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies: Top Specializations

Universities offer a wide range of Environmental Science courses and specializations to examine the interdisciplinary nature of the environment as a whole, while the basic disciplines that address the fundamental features of environmental studies are consistent across institutions. These specialties are created to give you the specialized skill set necessary to deal with the challenges in this field. Among the specialties available are:

  1. Pollution Prevention and Remediation
  2. Natural Resource Management Soil Pollution and Ecology
  3. Aquatic/Marine Biology
  4. Earth Systems
  5. Environmental and Biological Conservation
  6. Energy and Climate Change
  7. Water Resource Management

Also read more Water Conversation.

FAQs on Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies
Q. What is the nature of multidisciplinary environmental studies?
A. The most characteristic and strongest aspect of the field is its multidisciplinary nature. Generally speaking, by the use of knowledge and methods of other disciplines or fields of study, environmental studies applies understanding about the environment and its issues.
Q. What is the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science?
A. Environmental science is, therefore an interdisciplinary science that integrates physics, biology, geology, chemistry, meteorology, and oceanography to study the interactions of the physical, chemical, and biological components making up ecosystems.
Q. What is meant by multidisciplinary?
A. Multidisciplinary means combining multiple disciplines or the field of studies for research and analysis. 
Q. What are the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach?
A. Multidisciplinary approach is very helpful in gaining insights and delving deep into the research process.  

Why Pursue the Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies?

There is a demand for people who have the skill set necessary to find solutions for this issue because of how time-sensitive this issue is and how relevant the environmental changes are. For those who are passionate about the environment and want to improve the state of society today, a career in environmental studies can be very lucrative. If you choose wisely and are able to locate the best programs and universities for you, this field has a ton of potential.

Multidisciplinary Nature in Environmental Studies: Course Eligibility

  1. To qualify for UG courses, candidates must have earned at least a 50% grade point average in their 10+2 level exam from an Indian board that is recognized. Colleges or other organizations may additionally require students to take admissions tests.
  2. Candidates must have earned a minimum grade point average of 55 percent at an Indian institution or university to be eligible for postgraduate study. Students might be required to take admissions exams if colleges or universities require them.
  3. Candidates must have successfully completed their post-graduate exams from an Indian institution or university with at least a 55 percent overall mark in a relevant discipline in order to be eligible for the doctoral program. Colleges and universities may conduct entrance tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is environmental science a multidisciplinary field?

Ans. Since it encompasses many academic fields, including chemistry, physics, medical science, life science, agriculture, and public health, environmental studies is multidisciplinary. It is the study of physical environmental phenomena. Environmental studies deal with every issue that affects an organism.

How does the multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies help to solve environmental problems?

Ans. It facilitates education regarding current environmental issues. It teaches us how to address issues like pollution, anthropogenic climate change, and global warming. By introducing students to fundamental environmental systems and processes, it helps maintain ecological balance. It informs us of anthropogenic environmental changes.

What are the types of environments?

Ans. The two types of environments are as follows: Geographical Environment. Man-made Environment.

What is the need for environmental studies?

Ans. By providing knowledge of physical, chemical, biological, and social processes, environmental studies aid in understanding current environmental issues. It imparts the knowledge necessary to solve environmental problems.

What are renewable resources?

Ans. Infinitely available resources that can be used repeatedly are known as renewable resources.

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