Environement Management

8/13/2019 Environement Management

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THAKUR INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND

RESEARCH

ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT

PROJECT ON

CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUSES

SUBMITTED BY:

Harsh Thakker

MMSB (Finance)

Roll no:-111


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INTRODUCTION

What is Environment?

Environment is a term derived from the French word Environner that means to surround.

There was a time when environment just meant surroundings. It was used to describe the

physical world surrounding us including soil, rocks, water and air. Gradually it was realized

that the enormous variety of plants, animals and micro-organisms on this earth, including

human beings are an integral part of the environment. Hence, to make a sensible definition of

environment, it was necessary to include the interactions and inter-relationships of all living

organisms with the physical surroundings

Environment may be broadly understood to mean our surroundings. It can be divided into

non-living and living components. The Environment provides resources which support life onthe earth and which also help in the growth of a relationship of interchange between living

organisms and the environment in which they live. It is important to realize that humans

enjoy a unique position in nature due to their exceptional ability to influence and mould the

environment.

In the recent past the term nature has been used as parallel to word environment. It has been

generally believed that nature is what man has not made. In many cases environment and

nature have been used as synonym, which incorporate most of the visible manifestation of

geography.

As per Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, environment includes all the physical and

biological surroundings of an organism along with their interactions. Environment is thus

defined as the sum total of water, air and land and the inter-relationships that exist among

them and with the human beings, other living organisms and materials.

Environmental issues

Environmental issues are harmful aspects of human activity on the environment. The carbon

dioxide equivalent of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere has already exceeded 400

parts per million (NOAA) (with total "long-term" GHG exceeding 455 parts per million).(Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report) This level is considered a tipping point.

"The amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere is already above the threshold that can

potentially cause dangerous climate change. We are already at risk...It's not next year or next

decade, it's now." Report from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

(OCHA)


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ENVIRONEMENTAL ISSUES

There are major environmental issues that require urgent attention to make the ecology

friendly.

Poverty is the number one health problem, in developing and developed nations alike.

Structural Adjustment policies, for example, from the IMF have not helped in many

situations as social expenditure has had to be cut back. This has led to less investment in

health, education and other basic services (the things that have led to a better quality of life in

Europe after the Second World War). Even the impacts on urban disaster vulnerability are

shown to increase with structural adjustment policies by increasing urbanization and

population movements from rural areas to the cities.

Another effect of reduced investment in these key areas is the reduction in development andpotential of each person.

With corrupt ruling regimes, human rights have consistently been violated, often with the

"aid" of Western and developed nations. In an area of increased populations, there may be an

increased likelihood of tensions mounting into violence.

In order for nations to remain or increase economic wealth, considerations have sometimes

also taken a back seat.

A study suggests that increasing food production in developing nations can help in preventing

conflicts, even promoting or preserving peace. However, looking at the root causes of the

lack of food production itself may reveal in many places not so much "over" population, but

the international trade and economic treaties (or enforcements) that have led to increased

exports of basic resources, rather than developing these themselves, of increased dependency

via structural adjustment and so on. Tackling these would have a more effective result in

poverty and hunger alleviation. Tackling symptoms only leads to maintaining and not

questioning the underlying structures.

Similarly, with increased consumption (in the wealthier countries, which is not where the

majority of the world's population is to be found), and the way that products are produced,

consumed and thrown away have an impact on the environment around the world, because

production is often in the developing countries (where the majority of the world's populations

are to be found). As a result of degradation to the environment, tensions can increase.


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Global WarmingGlobal warming is one of the major issues that we are being faced with today. The term

signifies an increase in the atmospheric temperature near the earth's surface, which is causeddue to various reasons. Scientists are of the opinion that a rise in the carbon dioxide levels

will further aggravate the situation.

The greenhouse effect causes the earth's heat to be trapped in the atmosphere, which results

in the increase in temperatures. Global warming has thus caused a change in the climate of

the earth, causing temperatures to rise. This, in turn, has an effect on various species

dependent on the basic laws of nature. A change in the same makes survival a difficult issue.

A warmer earth also causes changes in the rainfall patterns and thus affects humans, plants

and animals as well.

Ozone Depletion:Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are considered to be the main cause of ozone depletion. The

term ozone depletion implies a decline in the quantity of ozone in the earth's stratosphere.

The loss of ozone in the lower stratosphere was first recorded in Antarctica in the 1970s. As

we all know, the earth's atmosphere is composed of many layers; ozone forms one such layer

in the stratosphere. CFCs are used in aerosol sprays as well as air conditioners. These, when

released into the atmosphere add to the ozone depletion. The ozone hole in the Antarctic is

caused primarily due to these CFCs.

Due to ozone depletion; humans are faced with various other problems such as dealing with

the harmful effects of UV rays. These affect not only humans, but also affect plants and

various species of animals as well.

Pollution:Pollution is something that we face on an everyday basis. It is probably a problem that we

may have become immune to, given our fast-paced lives and the fact that it is being treated as

a hackneyed issue, where a lot is spoken about but nothing concrete is ever done.

Air pollution occurs with the addition of harmful chemicals into the earth's atmosphere. The

main pollutants of air are carbon monoxide, CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons), nitrogen oxides

and sulfur dioxide.

Water pollutionis caused when wastes are released into the water and contaminates it.

Soil pollutiontakes place when the soil is contaminated due to various industrial activities.


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Noise pollutionoccurs when the noise levels (honking, loud speakers, etc.) crosses the

normal decibel level. This can have a harmful effect on one's hearing and lead to more severe

after-effects, both physical and psychological (fatigue, irritation, stress, etc.).

Loss of Natural Resources:With the alarming rate of increase in population, the loss of natural resources has become one

of the major concerns. Issues like deforestation, animal extinction, shortage of water, lack of

space and food are only some of the concerns brought on by the lack of resources. There are

many reasons that lead to the loss of natural resources (increasing demands brought on by

population explosion, disregard for nature, human greed). This, in turn, affects the varied

ecosystems.

Activities such as overfishing and hunting have even led many species of fish and animalsrespectively to the brink of extinction. Forests are being cleared to meet the rising demands

for the need of paper, wood and land. Mining and burning of fossil fuels have led to further

depletion of resources. Then again, this is merely scratching the surface.

Nuclear Problems:Nuclear energy is generated from the splitting of uranium atoms. This energy is used to create

steam, which in turn is used to produce electricity. While there are definite advantages ofgenerating nuclear power, what stands equally true is the fact that the process of producing

the same harms the environment in many ways. The process of converting uranium into

usable energy produces radioactive waste (2000 metric tons of radioactive waste is generated

in a year in the USA alone) which is extremely harmful for human, animal and plant health at

many levels.

Along with that, the storage of nuclear power at a plant, as well as the fact that most other

equipment in the plant will also convert into radioactive material over time and remain

radioactive for several years is a major threat. While decaying, radioactive material releases

certain particles which lead to damaging effects on health, like cancer. Along with these

health concerns, production of nuclear energy also leads to several other harmful effects like

emission of carbon dioxide (during mining, transport, waste management and other processes

of producing nuclear energy), usage of excessive water and water discharge. This will, in

turn, affect the environment at many levels.


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Loss of BiodiversityBiodiversity refers to the combination of a diverse range of species on earth. The varied

plants, animals and microorganisms, the different ecosystems (coral reefs, deserts, rain

forests, etc.) all have a unique role to play in the cycle of earth. These diverse species lead to

the boost of varied ecosystems, which thus enables them to prevent, as well as recover from

several disasters. However, due to varied human activities like deforestation, and hunting, the

natural habitats as well as the survival of several species are being threatened.

Several plant and animal species are on the verge of extinction, while others have already

become extinct. The extinction of animals and plants can lead to varied effects, some of

which are - increase in sea levels (leading to floods), droughts, wildfires, forest destruction

and more.

Energy CrisisThe impact of energy on human life is probably only second to agriculture and forestry. That

having been said, the negative impact that energy, as a source, has on the environment is

quite far-reaching. Energy of any kind, may it be thermal, hydro, and nuclear or electric has

led to several environmental concerns.

Where earlier the concerns were restricted to the local arena, the issues have now become

global. Energy and the activities related to energy production lead to hazards of some form or

the other. Extraction of raw material for production (emission of carbon dioxide),transportation, and the conversion to usable forms of resources have a harmful effect. Along

with that, it has also led to concerns like acid rain, the greenhouse effect as well as global

warming.

Improper Waste Management:Wastes can be of several kinds (industrial, nuclear, chemical, domestic), and each can lead to

environmental degradation. From excessive plastic used at home to the radioactive waste

produced by nuclear plants, the impact can be disastrous.

Not only are these wastes harmful on their own, but the techniques (or the lack) of waste

management and disposal adds to this problem manifold. Emissions from industries as well

as toxic by-products like mercury, crude oil, plastic and lead are not properly disposed off.

They are dumped into the oceans and soil, thus leading to disastrous impacts on all life

forms.


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Of these, oil spills have become another major concern. These wastes lead to the destruction

of natural habitats of both plants and animals and other species as well, in both land and

water. They therefore make the environment toxic. Along with increasing the risk of

extinction of several species, it also leads to other health concerns such as the development of

fatal diseases like cancer and lead poisoning.

Changing Climates:Humanity has released sufficient quantities of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere over the

last century that we are now starting to feel the effects of an inevitably warmer world.

Pronounced droughts, floods, wildfires, and storms are expected more frequently, rising seas

will inundate coastlines, and climate patterns will be reconfigured around the planet.

Agricultural zones will shift and water may become scarce in many areas prompting mass

migrations, great social upheaval, collapsing economies, and wars.

Humanity is already committed to a great deal of change in our global climate, but reducing

greenhouse gas production and creating more efficient technologies and production systems

now will benefit future generations and help us back away from thresholds of irreversibly

harsh conditions. We can help other species adapt locally to changing climates by protecting

blocks of natural habitat that extend up mountains and pockets ofhabitat that will retain

cooler and moister conditions, such as shady slopes and riverside habitats.

Oceans:The world's fisheries are in crisis. Years of chronic overfishing, pollution, and habitat

destruction have stripped our seas of much of their vitality and productivity.

Without swift action, ocean ecosystems will continue to deteriorate -and so too will the

sustenance, jobs, and recreational pleasures they provide.

Many of the most popular fish -- like cod, snapper, and tuna -- are dangerouslydepleted, yet continue to be overfished.

More than half of global fish populations are fully exploited and about one-third areoverexploited or collapsed.

Studies estimate that overfishing costs about $50 billion per year in lost fishingopportunities -- about half the value of the global seafood trade.

It's not too late to get our fishing practices back on track. Using smart laws, policies,

incentives, and market demand, we can help sustain fish populations at healthy levels for

years to come. Countries like the United States have shown that these approaches are

effective at reducing overfishing and rebuilding fish populations. NRDC has been promoting

sustainable fishing practices in the U.S. for nearly two decades, and we're seeing signs of realprogress.
http://www.conservationearthconsulting.com/uploads/olson_et_al_2012_climate_change.pdfhttp://www.conservationearthconsulting.com/uploads/olson_et_al_2012_climate_change.pdf


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According to a recentNRDC report,64 percent of once-overfished, monitored fish

stocks nationwide have been rebuilt or made significant progress thanks to additional

protections added to the federal fisheries law in 1996. This has translated into an

economic boost to segments of the fishing industry, with gross commercial revenues

for the rebuilt stocks up 92 percent (54 percent when adjusted for inflation).

Danger to marine life:Whales and other marine mammals rely on their hearing for life's most basic functions, such

as orientation and communication. Sound is how they find food, find friends, find a mate, and

find their way through the world every day.

So when a sound thousand of times more powerful than a jet engine fills their ears, the results

can be devastating -- and even deadly.

This is the reality that whales and other marine mammals face because of human-caused

noise in the ocean, whether it's the sound of air guns used in oil exploration or subs and ships

emitting sonar. Manmade sound waves can drown out the noises that marine mammals rely

on for their very survival, causing serious injury and even death.

Food and Agriculture:Pesticides used inagricultureandlawn carecan harm our health and the environment. Eatingwell is one of life's great pleasures, and can also bring manybenefitsto you and the planet.

These are some of the current environmental issues we are facing today. With an effort from

each individual, we can only hope to save our planet from being destroyed.
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PROTECTING THE ENVIORNMENT

Environmental conservation refers to a practice of protecting the environment, on individual,

organizational or governmental levels, for the benefit of the natural environment and (or)humans.

Conservation of environment simply implies the sustainable use as well as management of

natural resources which include wildlife, water, air, and earth deposits. There are renewable

and non-renewable natural resources. Conservation of natural resources generally focuses on

the needs & interests of human beings, for instance the biological, economic, cultural and

recreational values. Conservationists have the view that development is necessary for a better

future, but only when the changes occur in ways that are not wasteful.

As far as preservation of environment is concerned, it tries to maintain the present conditionareas of the nature or Earth which are not yet touched by humans. This is because of the fat

that mankind is encroaching onto the environment at such a rate that various wild landscapes

are being given over to farming, industry, housing, tourism and other human developments.

And we lose much of the natural areas.

Preservationists also strongly support the protection of nature for purely human-centered

reasons. However, some adopts less human-centered approach to environmental protection,

placing a value on nature that does not relate to the needs and interests of human beings. But

is a fact that by preserving and conserving environment we can make a healthy atmosphere to

live in.

Conserving the environment and reversing the threatening climate change affects the entire

world and requires a global action to achieve a global effect. Unfortunately, poor nations

which mainly depend on the natural environment for survival need help to tackle poverty to

be able to deal with environmental concerns. Then, there is the unwillingness of some

countries to adopt more rigorous environmental laws out of fear to jeopardize their economic

growth. Many environmentalists therefore worry that a global action will start only when it

will be too late and urge the people to take action themselves.


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ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION MEASURES IN INDIA

National Forest Commission and India's afforestation programme

In 2003, India set up a National Forest Commission to review and assess India's policy and

law, its effect on India's forests, its impact of local forest communities, and to make

recommendations to achieve sustainable forest and ecological security in India.The report

made over 300 recommendations including the following:

India must pursue rural development and animal husbandry policies to address localcommunities need to find affordable cattle fodder and grazing. To avoid destruction

of local forest cover, fodder must reach these communities on reliable roads and other

infrastructure, in all seasons year round.

The Forest Rights Bill is likely to be harmful to forest conservation and ecologicalsecurity. The Forest Rights Bill became a law since 2007.

The government should work closely with mining companies. Revenue generatedfrom lease of mines must be pooled into a dedicated fund to conserve and improve the

quality of forests in the region where the mines are located.

Power to declare ecologically sensitive areas must be with each Indian state. The mandate of State Forest Corporations and government owned monopolies must

be changed.

Government should reform regulations and laws that ban felling of trees and transit ofwood within India. Sustainable agro-forestry and farm forestry must be encouraged

through financial and regulatory reforms, particularly on privately owned lands.

India's national forest policy expects to invest US$ 26.7 billion by 2020, to pursue nationwide

afforestation coupled with forest conservation, with the goal of increasing India's forest cover

from 20% to 33%.


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CONCLUSION

Sustainability is the key to preventing or reducing the effect of environmental issues. There is

now clear scientific evidence that humanity is living unsustainably, and that anunprecedented collective effort is needed to return human use of natural resources to within

sustainable limits. For humans to live sustainably, the Earth's resources must be used at a rate

at which they can be replenished. Concerns for the environment have prompted the formation

of Green parties, political parties that seek to address environmental issues. Initially these

were formed in Australia, New Zealand and Germany but are now present in many other

countries

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