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conflicts. Concept and definition of Rare, Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered,
Extinct and Endemic species, Examples of IUCN threatened species of plants
and animals, Red Data Book.

UNIT 6: Biodiversity conservation at global, national and local levels. Convergence
and divergence in species; In-situ and Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity.

BLOCK III: SOCIAL ISSUES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

(Prerequisite: A basic understanding on the health effects of poor environmental quality and
the problems of population growth)

UNIT 1: Environment and human health: Environmental quality, human exposure and health
impact; types of environmental diseases – occupational diseases/health hazards -
asbestosis, silicosis, asthma, fluorosis and allergies (concept and definition only).

UNIT 2: Epidemiological issues in health –vector borne diseases, water borne diseases,
water related diseases, airborne diseases.

UNIT 3: Need for public awareness on aspects related to the environment - History of
environmental movements in India - Chipko movement, Narmada Bachao
Andolan.

UNIT 4: Current environment conservation activities - Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Haritha
Keralam Mission, Role of eco-club, nature club.

UNIT 5: Population growth, population explosion and associated issues.

UNIT 6: Sustainable development: definition and concept; overview and listing of
17 sustainable development goals (SDGs)

BLOCK IV: ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS AND CONTEMPORARY
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

(Prerequisite: Awareness on the current environmental issues)

UNIT 1: Concept of Environmental ethics: definition of anthropocentrism, biocentrism,
ecocentrism, ecofeminism, environmental equity and justice, food security and
social security.

UNIT 2: Overview of solid waste segregation and management, zero waste concept, Basic
awareness on plastics and microplastics in environment.

UNIT 3: Concept of global warming and climate change – major drivers of climate change
(greenhouse gases and aerosols), Green House Effect, major impacts of climate
change on agriculture, forest, water resources, Management options to tackle
climate change, Overview of acid rain, ozone layer depletion.

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