Environmental studies is a multidisciplinary academic field which systematically studies human interaction with the environment. Environmental studies connects principles from the physical sciences, commerce/economics, the humanities and social sciences to address complex contemporary environmental issues. It is a broad field of study that includes the natural environment, the built environment, and the relationship between them. The field encompasses study in basic principles of ecology and environmental science, as well as associated subjects such as ethics, geography, anthropology, policy, education, politics, urban planning, law, economics, philosophy, sociology and social justice planning, pollution control and natural resource management. There are many Environmental Studies degree programs, including a Master's degree and a Bachelor's degree. Environmental Studies degree programs provide a wide range of skills and analytical tools needed to face the environmental issues of our world head on. Students in Environmental Studies gain the intellectual and methodological tools to understand and address the crucial environmental issues of our time and
the impact of individuals, society, and the planet.

Environmental studies is all about learning the way we should live and how we can develop sustainable strategies to protect the Environment. It helps individual to develop an understanding of living and physical environment and how to resolve challenging environmental issues affecting nature. It also emphasizes the need to conserve biodiversity and adopt a more susy lifestyle and utilize resources in a responsible way.

To create awareness among today’s generation on pressing environment al problems, the University Grant Commission(UGC) has made it mandetory for all Universities to introduce a course in Environmental Studies and teach students about the ecosystem, pollution and problems concerned with the Environment. The importance of ENVS in course curriculum-

1. Learn how to use resources sustainably.
2. Create awareness about preserving the environment.
3. Participate in the mass movement to protect Nature.
4. Foster a healthy learning environment.
5. Persue a full time career in Environmental Studies.

Environmental studies is compulsory subject in Honours/General/Major courses of Studies in Under Graduate Curriculum under Choice Based Credit System (CBCS).It is syllabus for Authority Enhancement Compulsory Course-2(AECC2)in Environmental Studies for Semester-2 under University of Calcutta.