Environmental management is the process of minimizing human impact on its environment. The primary objective is to maintain and create conditions that allow society and nature to coexist. Since its formal recognition by governments and organizations in the 1970s it has become an essential practice. Individuals are required to earn professional qualifications for its successful implementation.
This blog explores environmental management, and how a Mres Environmental Management can help you achieve a successful career as well as preserve our beloved planet.
What is the importance of environmental management?
The environment is made up of all the living and non-living elements that are necessary for you to survive. It is therefore important to preserve the integrity of your environment to ensure they can sustain and support current and future generations.
Environmental management allows you to identify factors that cause degradation and implement strategies for mitigating them. It helps you to predict the future effects of environmental degradation, and initiate processes that minimise their effects.
The World Health Organisation, the European Union and the United Nations are just a few of the global and regional organizations that play a vital role in maintaining the sustainability of the Earth. In their efforts, member states have developed specific principles for creating and implementing legislation on environmental issues.
Environmental management
What are the five environmental management principles?
Prevention Principle
Governments must take proactive measures to prevent environmental damage from occurring. A nuclear facility, for example, should install a plant to detoxify waste water before releasing it into nearby sources. They can also reuse the water for cooling the reactors to prevent further extraction of natural sources.
Precautionary principle
Before environmental harm occurs, authorities should take steps to protect the environment. To minimise environmental damage, it is important to have an effective risk management system. The German and Peruvian government, for example, have put a moratorium in place on the cultivation and use of genetically engineered organisms because there are not enough scientific studies on their impact on public health and the ecosystem.
Integration Principle
Every government or organisation should have a policy on environmental management. It is important to ensure sustainable development in all areas. You need to do an environmental impact analysis before you build a dam, for example. You will need to consult with the local community, the local council and authorized agents in order to determine whether your project is likely to have negative effects on the local ecosystem.
Polluter pays
It is the party responsible for the pollution that should pay the damages and the cost of remedying the problem. This principle is a powerful deterrent, and it directs responsibility for harm. It plays a vital role in environmental management. Shell was ordered by a Dutch Court to pay PS13,29 million in December 2021 to three Nigerian Farmers for oil spills in their village that occurred between 2004 and 2007.
Environmental Damage should be managed at the source
This principle ensures all cleaning and restoration efforts are made at the source. The pollution is reduced and the overall cost is also minimized. After completing your mining project, your company could implement a biodiversity program to revitalize the ecosystem in that area.
These principles are all interconnected and work together to maintain high standards of environmental management. All governments and organizations are equally committed to creating a sustainable Earth.
What can you do to help with environmental management?
Pollution Prevention
The global warming issue and the availability of clean water are two major issues. Implementing pollution prevention strategies is one way you can do your part. By investing in renewable energies, you can reduce your dependence on fossil fuels that increase carbon emissions. Avoiding plastics with single-use and using eco-friendly cleaners can reduce pollution.
Waste Reduction
Reduce waste by composting organic waste and investing in durable products. This reduces the amount of waste that goes to landfills, resulting in a healthier environment.
Resource Conservation
The trees are essential to the survival of life. They reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air and attract rain. Encourage your family to participate in tree planting ceremonies. This will help conserve non-renewable resources like electricity and water.
Environmentalists
The course has been accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management. After completing the program and gaining some experience, you can apply to be a chartered member with CIWEM. You can also apply to CIWEM after graduation for CSci or CEng status.
Guest lectures by experts from various environmental management disciplines on current practice, challenges and developments.
Environmental Management course details if you’re looking to be an expert in your field and make a bigger impact on environmental management.