UPSC Environment and Ecology Notes 2025, Topic wise, Download PDF

Q: How to study environment and ecology for UPSC?

Prepare Environment by reading NCERTs, using standard study material from vajiram and ravi, staying updated with current affairs, and practicing past questions.

Q: What is the difference between ecology and environment UPSC?

The environment encompasses the components of surroundings, while ecology studies organism-environment relationships. An environment offers space, whereas ecosystems enable interactions.

Q: What is the environment and ecology?

Environment involves interactions among physical, chemical, and biological components, while ecology examines organism-environment relationships.

Q: Who is the father of ecology?

The botanical geography and Alexander von Humboldt.

Q: Who first invented ecology?

The term ecology was coined by the zoologist Ernest Haeckel.

Table of Contents☰

Environment & Ecology is an important subject for the UPSC CSE 2025, with frequent questions in both Prelims and Mains. The UPSC Environment and Ecology Notes includes detailed study material for biodiversity, climate change, conservation efforts, sustainable development, pollution, environmental policies and laws, and global environmental challenges. The notes are organized for easy self-study and revision, helping aspirants prepare for the Environment section. Download the Environment and Ecology Notes for UPSC PDF for effective preparation and revision.

Environment and Ecology Notes for UPSC

Environment and Ecology covers biodiversity conservation, climate change, and environmental policies, these notes offer concise explanations and key insights. Staying updated on Environment is essential for tackling current affairs questions in the UPSC Exam 2025. Our Environment and Ecology Notes are regularly updated, well-organized, and prepared according to the UPSC Exam Pattern 2025.

UPSC Environment and Ecology

The questions related to Environment and Ecology plays an integral role in UPSC CSE 2025 and to be equipped with updated UPSC Environment and Ecology Notes keep reading the article which will help aspirants in the preparation, check out the topics mentioned in UPSC Syllabus 2025 below which are included in the Environment and Ecology Notes for UPSC:

Environment

Understand key concepts like Environment, Ecology, Ecotones, and Ecological Niches with this UPSC-focused guide. Explore these crucial topics comprehensively to enhance your preparation and strengthen your grasp for scoring high in the Environment section of the exam.

Environment
- Ecology
  - Ecotone
  - Ecological Niche

Ecosystem

The ecosystem is a dynamic network of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. Explore essential topics like the food chain, energy flow, biogeochemical cycles, and ecological succession, vital for UPSC aspirants. Delve deeper into biomes, biomagnification, and ecological pyramids to strengthen your environment and ecology knowledge.

Ecosystem
- Food Chain and Food Web – Energy Flow in Ecosystem
  - Ecological Pyramid
- Biomagnification and Bioaccumulation
- Biomes – Terrestrial Ecosystem
- Hydrological Cycle
- Carbon Cycle
- Nitrogen Cycle
- Ecological Succession

Aquatic Ecosystem

India’s aquatic ecosystems are home to incredible biodiversity, from coral reefs and mangroves to lush kelp forests. Explore their importance, conservation efforts like the MISHTI and Amrit Darohar schemes, and the role of Ramsar sites and wetlands in sustainable development. Perfect for UPSC aspirants seeking in-depth knowledge.

Aquatic Ecosystem
- Coral Reefs
- Mangroves
  - MISHTI Scheme
- Wetlands
  - Ramsar Sites in India
  - Amrit Darohar Scheme
- Kelp Forest

Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution poses significant challenges to ecosystems and public health. This guide delves into critical topics like Air Pollution, Water Pollution, Soil Pollution, and emerging issues like Light Pollution and Plastic Pollution. Explore key policies like the NCAP, GRAP, and CRZ Rules 2019, along with innovative solutions such as Bioremediation.x

Environmental Pollution
- Air Pollution
  - Air Quality Index
  - National Clean Air Programme – NCAP
  - Graded Response Action Plan – GRAP
  - Fly Ash
- Water Pollution
  - Bioremediation
  - Marine Pollution
  - Coastal Regulation Zone – CRZ Rules 2019
- Soil Pollution
- Noise Pollution
- Plastic Pollution
- Central Pollution Control Board – CPCB
- Light Pollution

Water Management

Explore key concepts of water management, including water stress, groundwater conservation, and the role of the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA). Dive into initiatives like Namami Gange, watershed management, and the Integrated Watershed Management Programme for holistic water resource solutions. Learn how these efforts contribute to India’s sustainable development and UPSC preparation.

Water Management
- Water Stress
- Groundwater
- Central Ground Water Authority – CGWA
- Namami Gange
- Watershed Management
  - Integrated Watershed Management Programme

Environmental Degradation

Environmental degradation encompasses a range of challenges affecting ecosystems and human well-being. From deforestation and desertification to ocean acidification and ozone depletion, these issues require global action and understanding. Explore key topics such as coral bleaching, coastal erosion, and the Montreal Protocol to deepen your insights into preserving our planet.

Environmental Degradation
- Deforestation
- Desertification and Land Degradation
- Ocean Acidification
- Acid Rain
- Coral Bleeching
- Coastal Erosion
- Eutrophication
- Invasive Species
- Ozone and Ozone Depletion
  - Montreal Protocol
- Algal Boom

Environmental Impact Assessment – EIA

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a vital process for evaluating the environmental consequences of proposed projects before their approval. It ensures sustainable development by identifying potential impacts and mitigation measures. Explore key aspects like EIA significance, processes, laws, and more.

Environmental Impact Assessment – EIA

Waste Management

Efficient waste management is critical for sustainable development and environmental protection. This guide explores key frameworks, including the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016, E-Waste Management Rules 2016, and the Environment Protection Act 1986, among others. Gain insights into India’s policies and global initiatives like the Global Plastic Treaty for a cleaner, greener future.

Waste Management
- Solid Waste Management Rules 2016
- E Waste Management Rules 2016
- Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016
  - Global Plastic Treaty
- Bio Medical Waste Management Rules
- Waste Management in India
- Environment Protection Act 1986

Biodiversity

Explore the rich biodiversity of India with detailed insights into biodiversity hotspots, biosphere reserves, and conservation efforts. Learn about key acts like the Biodiversity Act 2002, Wildlife Protection Act 1972, and Forest Conservation Act 1980, along with initiatives like Project Tiger. Discover the locations of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries, and more through maps and expert analysis.

Biodiversity
- Biodiversity Hotspots in India
- Biosphere Reserves in India
- Biodiversity Act 2002
- Wildlife Protection Act 1972
  - National Parks in India – Location and Map
  - Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
  - Bird Sanctuaries in India
- Forest Conservation Act 1980
  - Conservation Reserves
- Project Tiger

Climate Change

Climate change is one of the most pressing topics for UPSC preparation. From global warming and marine heatwaves to carbon markets and international treaties like the Paris Agreement, understanding these concepts is essential. Explore key topics such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), the Rio Earth Summit, and strategies like carbon sequestration to ace your exam preparation.

Climate Change
- Global Warming
  - Marine Heatwaves
- Greenhouse Gases
- Carbon Sequestration
- Carbon Credits – Carbon Market, Offsetting and Trading
- National Action Plan on Climate Change – NAPCC
- Rio Earth Summit
- UNFCCC
  - CoP 27
- Convention on Biological Diversity – CBD
- UNCCD
  - Paris Agreement

Environmental Conventions and Protocols

Master crucial environmental agreements like the Rio Earth Summit, CITES, IUCN Red List, Stockholm, Basel, Rotterdam, Bonn, and Minamata Conventions. Learn their objectives, global significance, and impact on sustainable development. Tailored for UPSC aspirants, this guide simplifies complex topics for effective preparation.

Environmental Conventions and Protocols
- Rio Earth Summit
- CITES –
- IUCN – IUCN Red List
- Stockholm Convention
- Basel Convention
- Rotterdam Convention
- Bonn Convention – Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
- Minamata Convention

Environment Movements in India

Environmental movements in India have played a vital role in protecting the country’s natural heritage. The Chipko Movement, Appiko Movement, and Bishnoi Movement are iconic examples of community-led efforts to preserve forests and wildlife. Explore their stories, significance, and lasting impact on environmental conservation.