Environmental Science strictly deals with the scientific aspects of the environment, its complex problems and the tangible solutions whereas Environmental Studies, in addition to the scientific aspects, also deals with the socio-economic, cultural, traditional, legislative and historical dimensions of the environment, its issues and challenges and tangible solutions in a holistic way. It studies the human-environment interaction and its results at micro and macro level.
For example, suppose a river is getting polluted due to discharge of untreated wastewater into the river. The student of Environmental Science will observe the causes, physico-chemical and biological changes within the river water, its effect on aquatic and adjoining ecosystem and scientific mitigation measures for the river pollution. In addition to the above dimensions, Environmental Studies will also observe the impact of the pollution on the nearby population, their livelihood and culture etc.