Natural versus Artificial (Man-made) Environment

The environments discussed so far are, natural environments. In several instances man has greatly altered the natural conditions and created new situations known as artificial or manmade environments. Examples of artificial environment are cultivated fields or cities. Let us see the difference between the natural and artificial environment by considering the city environment.

The city environment is a product of man's own design. The atmosphere of the city is generally polluted due to the emission of various gases from factories, motor vehicles and electric power plants. Water is obtained not from streams directly but after it has been filtered and disinfected in a water treatment plant. The metabolic wastes and garbage are not disposed of locally but have to be carried through sewer lines for treatment or for dumping in a remote place far away from the city. No food is grown in the city but is imported from rural areas for the city dwellers,

In a city people live in buildings made of bricks, stones and cement. Houses and offices of well-off people are air-conditioned creating an atmosphere which remains free from the influence of outside environment. Furthennore, to make life comfortable modem amenities like fans, fridge, radio, television etc. are installed, requiring electricity which Is generated by man artificially. The man-made city environment consumes excessive amounts of energy and materials and needs constant care, supervision and management to keep it habitable.