ABSTRACT
Our environment comprises the physical, chemical, biological, and the aggregate of the social and cultural conditions that influence all the living organisms and humans. Because of this vast array of factors influencing the environment, the subject-field of environmental studies is essentially multidisciplinary in nature. Contributions of both basic and applied sciences and technology, social sciences, and humanities make environmental studies a highly enriched field of knowledge with great present-day implications, scope, and importance. The earth, which harbors our environment, can be thought to be composed of four spheres: atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (water), lithosphere (land), and biosphere (life). The components of these spheres are in interaction with each other, driven by the energy of the Sun, and sustained by the rich assemblage of minerals and nutrients. Humans have adversely affected the natural environment in many places and altered the natural processes. In order to mitigate these impacts, development must become more sustainable, which should take care of the needs of the future, while meeting the requirements of the present generation. The United Nations has fixed 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by all member states within 2030. A 2022 status report on SDGs reveals that appreciable progress could not be made in achieving many of the SDGs.
