Environmental issues are complex and interconnected, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to understand and address them. However, there are different academic fields that focus on different aspects of the environment and sustainability. In this blog, we will explore what is the difference between environmental science and environmental studies, two of the most popular and relevant fields of study in the current scenario.
Meaning and Definitions
Environmental science is the study of the natural environment and the interactions between its physical, chemical, and biological components. Environmental science applies scientific methods and principles to investigate and solve environmental problems, such as climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and natural resource management. Environmental science is a broad field that encompasses various disciplines, such as ecology, geology, chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics.
Environmental studies is the study of the human-environment relationship and the social, economic, political, and cultural dimensions of environmental issues. Environmental studies integrates knowledge from the natural sciences, the humanities, and the social sciences to analyze and evaluate the causes, consequences, and solutions of environmental challenges. Environmental studies is an interdisciplinary field that covers various topics, such as environmental ethics, policy, law, education, communication, and justice.
The environmental studies definition by different authors is:
- “A broad interdisciplinary field that encompasses the study of the relationships between humans and their environment” (Dunlap and McCright )
- “An academic discipline that focuses on understanding the dynamics of the Earth’s physical, biological, and social systems, and the ways in which they interact” (Kates)
Background and Scope of Environmental Studies and Environmental Sciences
Environmental science emerged as a distinct field of study in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as a response to the growing awareness of the environmental impacts of human activities, such as industrialization, urbanization, and agriculture. Environmental science developed as a branch of natural sciences, with the aim of understanding the functioning and dynamics of the natural systems and their interactions with human systems. Environmental science has a global and holistic perspective, as it deals with the Earth as a whole and its subsystems, such as the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the lithosphere, and the biosphere.
Environmental studies originated as a field of study in the mid-20th century, as a result of the emergence of the environmental movement and the recognition of the social and ethical dimensions of environmental issues. Environmental studies evolved as a branch of humanities and social sciences, with the goal of exploring the values, attitudes, behaviors, and institutions that shape the human-environment relationship. Environmental studies has a local and contextual perspective, as it focuses on the specific and diverse contexts and cases of environmental problems and solutions.
What is the Difference between Environmental Studies and Environmental Sciences?
The main difference between environmental science and studies is the approach and focus of each field. Environmental science is more focused on the natural environment and its scientific aspects, while environmental studies is more focused on the human environment and its social and cultural aspects. Environmental science is more quantitative and objective, while environmental studies is more qualitative and subjective. Environmental science is more concerned with finding facts and causes, while environmental studies is more concerned with finding values and meanings.
Another difference between environmental studies and science is the scope and application of each field. Environmental science is more comprehensive and general, while environmental studies is more specific and contextual. Environmental science is more applicable to universal and global issues, while environmental studies is more applicable to local and regional issues. Environmental science is more oriented to problem-solving and innovation, while environmental studies is more oriented to critical thinking and advocacy.
Importance of Environmental Studies and Environmental Sciences
Both environmental studies and sciences are important and relevant fields of study in the present and future scenario. They both contribute to the understanding and addressing of environmental issues, which are crucial for the well-being and survival of humans and other living beings. They both offer valuable insights and perspectives that can help us to appreciate and protect the environment and its diversity. Environmental science is important because it provides us with the scientific knowledge and tools to measure, monitor, and model the environmental systems and processes, and to assess and mitigate the environmental impacts and risks of human activities. Environmental science also enables us to discover and develop new and sustainable technologies and practices that can enhance the efficiency and productivity of natural resources and reduce the environmental footprint of human activities.
Environmental studies is important because it provides us with the social and cultural knowledge and tools to understand, interpret, and evaluate the human-environment relationship, and to identify and address the social and ethical implications and dimensions of environmental issues. Environmental studies also empowers us to participate and engage in the environmental decision-making and governance processes, and to promote and advocate for environmental awareness, education, and justice.
Conclusion
Environmental science and environmental studies are two different but related fields of study that deal with the environment and sustainability. They have different meanings, definitions, backgrounds, scopes, and applications, but they also have some common goals and interests. They both aim to enhance our knowledge and awareness of the environment and its issues, and to foster our responsibility and action towards the environment and its protection. They both complement and enrich each other, and they both are essential for a holistic and integrated approach to environmental studies and sciences.
