MEVE 012: Unit 05 - Introduction to Environmental Management

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 UNIT 5: INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

5.1 Introduction

Environmental management is a multidisciplinary approach that aims to regulate and improve the interaction between human society and the environment. With rising concerns like pollution, resource depletion, and climate change, managing the environment has become critical for achieving sustainable development. This unit introduces the fundamental concepts of environmental management, its evolution, issues it seeks to address, and its relevance in the Indian context.

5.2 Meaning of Environment and Environmental Management

Environment refers to the sum total of all biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) elements that surround and influence an organism. It includes air, water, soil, vegetation, wildlife, and man-made structures.

Environmental management involves processes, policies, and practices designed to protect and conserve the environment. It includes environmental assessment, planning, pollution control, waste management, biodiversity conservation, and legal frameworks. The primary objective is to ensure that development is environmentally sustainable and resources are used responsibly.

5.3 Major Issues of Environmental Management

Some of the critical environmental issues that necessitate effective management include:

  • Air pollution: Caused by vehicular emissions, industrial discharge, and burning of fossil fuels.
  • Water pollution: Contamination of water bodies due to untreated sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff.
  • Soil degradation: Resulting from deforestation, overgrazing, and excessive use of chemical fertilizers.
  • Climate change: Caused by excessive greenhouse gas emissions, leading to global warming, sea level rise, and extreme weather events.
  • Loss of biodiversity: Due to habitat destruction, overexploitation, and pollution.
  • Deforestation: Forest loss due to logging, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
  • Waste generation: Uncontrolled solid, hazardous, and biomedical waste affecting public health and ecosystems.

5.4 The Environmental Movement

The global environmental movement began in response to visible signs of environmental degradation during the mid-20th century. Some key milestones include:

  • Silent Spring (1962) by Rachel Carson raised awareness about pesticide impacts.
  • Earth Day (1970): A global environmental awareness event.
  • Stockholm Conference (1972): The first major UN conference on the environment.
  • Brundtland Report (1987): Coined the term "sustainable development."
  • Rio Earth Summit (1992): Laid the foundation for international environmental treaties.

In India, environmental movements include:

  • Chipko Movement (1973): A non-violent protest to protect forests in Uttarakhand.
  • Narmada Bachao Andolan: Opposed large dam projects that displaced local communities.
  • Silent Valley Movement: Saved tropical rainforests in Kerala from a hydropower project.

5.5 Environment in Context of India

India faces unique environmental challenges due to its vast population, rapid industrialization, and urbanization. Key concerns include:

  • Air quality in major cities consistently breaching safe limits.
  • Depletion of groundwater in agricultural regions.
  • Loss of forest cover and wildlife habitats.
  • Unregulated waste disposal.
  • Increasing climate vulnerability—heatwaves, floods, and droughts.

However, India is also actively addressing these through programs like:

  • National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
  • Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission)
  • Namami Gange Project for river rejuvenation
  • International Solar Alliance (ISA) for global clean energy cooperation

5.6 Environmental Laws in India

India has a comprehensive framework of environmental laws aimed at regulation and conservation. Major laws include:

  • The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Umbrella legislation for environmental protection.
  • The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
  • The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
  • The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
  • The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
  • The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Act, 2010: Provides for the establishment of a tribunal for effective and expeditious disposal of environmental cases.

5.7 Principles of Environmental Management

Environmental management is based on several guiding principles:

  1. Sustainable Development: Balancing environmental, social, and economic needs.
  2. Precautionary Principle: Taking action even when full scientific certainty is not available.
  3. Polluter Pays Principle: The polluter bears the cost of managing pollution.
  4. Intergenerational Equity: Ensuring environmental resources are preserved for future generations.
  5. Public Participation: Involving communities in environmental decision-making.
  6. Environmental Justice: Ensuring fair treatment of all people, regardless of income or background.

5.8 Let Us Sum Up

Environmental management is a vital field that bridges science, policy, and social participation. It addresses pressing issues like pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss while guiding nations toward sustainable development. India, with its rich biodiversity and growing economy, plays a critical role in both national and global environmental discourse.

5.9 Keywords
• Environment: The surroundings including all living and non-living elements affecting life on Earth.
• Environmental Management: The systematic approach to managing human interaction with the environment.
• Sustainable Development: Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations.
• Biodiversity: The variety of all forms of life—plants, animals, and microorganisms.
• Pollution: The contamination of natural resources like air, water, and soil.
• Environmental Law: A body of rules and regulations aimed at environmental protection.
• Greenhouse Gases: Gases like CO₂ and CH₄ that trap heat in the atmosphere.
• Climate Change: Long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns.
• Precautionary Principle: Taking preventive action in the face of uncertainty.
• Polluter Pays Principle: The idea that polluters should bear the costs of managing pollution.

 

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