ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

1.1. Meaning of Environment: Etymologically the term environment has been derived from two words i.e. 'environ' and 'ment' meaning 'encircle' or 'surrounding'. Thus environment consists of bio-physical and manmade variables which surround man as well as all living organisms. The encyclopedic definition of environment refers to the sum total of all conditions, agencies and influences, which affects the development, growth, life and death of organism, species or race. Environment is the source of life on earth. It not only directs but also determines the existence. Growth and development of mankind and their activities. The Tbilisi Conference (1977) defined environment as a sum total of natural, artificial and social components of the material world which are or may be in direct interaction with mankind as a whole. Environment has two basic components (i) biophysical and (ii) socio-cultural.