Environment performs four main functions of life :

1. Firstly, it provides the necessary biotic, physical, and chemical systems for the existence of life. This includes atmosphere, rivers, fertile soil, animal and plant kingdom etc. Depletion of ozone layer, greenhouse effect, air pollution, water pollution and decreasing soil fertility is affecting the conditions of life very badly. 

2. Secondly, Environment provides input for production and economic activities. Natural resources can be of two types: renewable and non-renewable. Renewable natural resources can be obtained again. Their excessive exploitation can eliminate them completely. There is a limited reserve of nonrenewable natural resources. We should use them sensibly because they can be eliminated due to their excessive exploitation.

3. Thirdly, absorption functions: Waste material produce by production activities and human activities are absorbed by the Environment in itself. But this capacity of environment is limited. Absorption of long living radioactive materials and heavy elements takes a very long time and thus their waste management should be done very carefully. 4. Fourthly, providing other services like Natural beauty. These are not essential for existence of life, but they do affect the quality of life.