Environmental Informatics: Potentialities in iSchools and Information Science & Technology Programs— An Analysis

Abstract

Environment is an alarming concern and valuable to all of us, as all of us belong to the environment
and ecology in a different context. There are different studies available related to the environment
and as far as Informatics is concerned, it is the field of practice and study related to the information
systems and information activities using tools, techniques and technologies. The applications of
Informatics in different areas and branches are important concerns viz. agriculture, healthcare,
transport and tourism, education and training, government and administration, business and
commerce; and in this context Environmental Informatics are important. This is the application of
Informatics and Information Technologies in the environment and allied subjects. There are
universities and academic bodies offering Environmental Informatics academic programs mainly
from the environment and allied departments and units. Though, the field is a combination of both
the areas and thus can be offered in Informatics or allied departments or bodies. As far as Informatics
related branches are concerned important are IT, Information Systems, Information Management,
Computer Sciences, etc. And in all these departments or units Environmental Informatics can be
started as a Major or Specialization with proper educational policies. iSchools is an international
consortium and body dedicated to combining all information related institutes, departments and
programs under one roof with a focus on technologies for the societies and different sectors. Thus,
the field of Environmental Informatics can be started easily in the iSchools. Furthermore, in recent
past iSchools considered as the academic units offering information or IT related programs
irrespective of their affiliation to the iSchools Organization, United States. This is maybe considered
as a policy paper for the environmentalist, educationalist, IT educators to think about the potentialities
of Environmental Informatics in Informatics or IT or simply iSchools related departments, programs,
etc.