Environment refers to the totality of the physical conditions on the earth or a part of it. In other words, it refers to physical surroundings, conditions, circumstances, etc., in which a person lives. Environment is defined as the total planetary inheritance and the totality of all resources and includes biotic (birds, animals and plants, forests, fishes) and abiotic (air, water, land, rocks and sunlight) factors. The major functions of the environment are as follows:
1. The environment supplies both renewable and non-renewable resources. Renewable resources are those resources that can be used again and again. There will be a continuous supply of resources. Example, water, forest, land etc. Non-renewable resources are those which get exhausted with extraction and use. Example, mineral resources like petrol, coal, iron ore etc.
2. The environment assimilates waste. That means that the environment absorbs the solid and liquid wastes created by humans and other living beings.
3. The environment sustains life on earth by providing both genetic and bio-diversities. 4. Environment also provides aesthetic services like-beautiful scenery of forest lands, water falls, mountains like the Himalaya ranges, lagoons, glaciers, valleys, etc.