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 a biotic (air, water, land, rocks and sunlight) factors.

Thy major functions of environment are as follows:

• The environment supplies both renewable and nonrenewable resources. Renewable resources are those resources that can he 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. 
• The environment assimilates waste. That means that environment absorbs the solid and liquid wastes created by humans and other living beings. 
• The environment sustains the life on earth by providing both genetic and bio-diversities. 
• Environment also provides aesthetic sceneries like beautiful scenery of forest lands, water falls, mountains like the Himalaya ranges. lagoons, glaciers, valleys. etc.