Environmental Management and Environmental Science – Its Relationship
The use of science with environmental management evolves one of the two broad approaches, multidisciplinary that involves communication between various fields but without breaking down discipline boundaries. The other is interdisciplinary, that several fields are thoroughly connected in a comprehensive way. The interdisciplinary approach is widely advocated. It is seen as remedy for the disintegration of science what some would see as undesirable classification. However, the latter is harder to achieve. Environmental science often has tricky, and this makes us to attempt for study of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary study.
Environment may be defined as the total of the conditions within which organisms live. It is the result of interaction between non-living (abiotic), physical and chemical and living (biotic) components. Interest in the interaction of organisms, including people, with one another and with their surroundings. ‘Natural Environment’ is often used to indicate a situation where there has been little human interference, and ‘modified environment’ where there has been significant alteration. However, nowadays little of the world is a wholly natural environment. Many organisms alter the environment, and the change they cause may be slow or rapid, localized or global.
In the past few thousand years, humans have become such a major force in modifying the Earth’s ecosystems that an environmental scientist recently suggested the current geological unit, the Holocene, should be succeeded by the Anthropocene or ‘human-altered’ period. Much of the alteration is unwitting degradation rather than improvement; however, humans have the potential to recognize and to respond consciously and appropriately to opportunities and threats. Whether we will successfully exploit that potential remains to be seen.
It is environmental managers who will play a key part in prompting and supporting a better response. If environmental management is to develop strategies and exploit opportunities effectively it must be much more than applied science; it is also an art which requires understanding of human–environment interactions, considerable management skills, diplomacy, and powers of persuasion.
Environmental Activism
Since the 1960’s there have been efforts to establish ecologically sound Strategies, planning and its management. Before the 1990’s, social sciences found it uninvited and tough to communicate effectively because they had different traditions and languages. Today there are stronger links between environmental science and social studies. Much of this broadening of environmental interest has taken the form of campaigning and support, yet, there has also been development of new tools, concepts and practical approaches.
Environmentalism is a generic term requiring interests directed to achieve better environmental management. It must be stressed that while many environmentalists listen to scientific reason, others take little attention or strongly oppose it. Environmental managers may sometimes be confronted by less rational environmentalists who present their interests as ‘scientifically sound’ and in so doing dilute scientific truth.
Efforts must be made to withstand misuse, as well as lobbying of special-interest groups, and demands of policy makers. Environmental management must be practiced in the real world, and it must sell important issues to people who decide policies. The stakeholders demand firm answers that may be difficult to come by, and a public which can switch off from crucial issues that fail to catch their eye.
Those involved in environmental management each have their own worldviews, which affect how they proceed. Environmental managers, in general face data problems, exhibiting difficulties as well as analytical difficulties. There are issues like insufficient time as well as time management for adequate research, lobbying from various vested interested stakeholders apart from funding limitations.
However, baseline data is in evolving stage, and what there is may be inaccurate, have gaps, or may be in an unsuitable form to be refined further. Models may not have been sufficiently developed or may have deficiencies. Modelling cannot be effectively applied to processes arbitrarily. The problems under study may also be complex and difficult to understand. Increasingly, environmental scientists are asked to provide advice before they have proof.
Advances in Environmental Science and Environmental Management
We will discuss conceivable as well as available advancements that possibly support environmental science and environmental management.
International cooperation for environmental management with environmental science is becoming increasingly crucial as global environmental challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution continue to escalate. Key aspects of this growing cooperation include various international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), to set targets and guide collective action to address environmental issues. These agreements foster cooperation among nations to achieve common goals through scientific use of advances.
Regional cooperation is very essential for addressing environmental challenges that transcend national borders, such as marine pollution and deforestation. Programs like the UN Environment Programme’s Regional Seas Programme involve multiple countries working in a scientific way together to protect marine and coastal environments.
Steps taken in climate action is the other aspect for environmental management in a scientific way. International cooperation under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has led to significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting low-carbon technologies. The Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement are examples of such efforts.
Capacity building and technology transfer by the developed countries in providing financial and technical support to developing nations help them implement environmental policies and adopt sustainable practices. International research collaborations and data sharing initiatives help improve our understanding of environmental issues and develop effective solutions in a more scientific way. These efforts of environmental science demonstrate the importance of global collaboration in tackling environmental challenges as well as environmental management in ensuring sustainable future for all.
Standardization of measurements and definitions is fundamental to advancing environmental science and environmental management. Standardized measurements ensure that data collected by different researchers, institutions, and countries are consistent and comparable. This is crucial for accurately assessing environmental conditions and trends over time and across regions.
Reliable standardized data and global collaboration of such standardized facilitations at international level are essential for informing environmental policies and regulations. Policymakers rely on accurate data to make informed decisions about environmental protection and resource management. This is particularly important for addressing global environmental issues like climate change and biodiversity loss.
Advances in technology often require updated standards to ensure that new instruments and methods produce reliable and comparable data. This helps maintain the integrity of environmental research and monitoring. Moreover, standardized measurements and definitions enhance public trust in environmental science and management by ensuring transparency and accountability.
Environmental science plays a crucial role in advancing remote sensing and data processing for environmental management. Remote sensing technologies, such as satellite imagery and aerial drones, are used to monitor ecosystems, track changes in land use, and detect illegal activities like deforestation and poaching.
Remote sensing helps in predicting and managing natural disasters like forest fires, floods, and hurricanes by providing real-time data and imagery.
Sensors can detect pollutants in water and air, helping authorities take timely action to mitigate environmental hazards. Remote sensing data is very essential for studying climate change impacts, such as melting glaciers, sea-level rise, and shifting vegetation patterns.
Advances in computing power and data processing techniques, allow for the analysis of large environmental datasets. This helps in identifying patterns and trends that inform environmental policies and actions. Artificial Intelligence and machine learning algorithms are used to process and analyze environmental data, improving the accuracy and efficiency of environmental monitoring. AI can predict environmental conditions and support decision-making processes.
Internet sensors collect real-time data on various environmental parameters, such as air quality, soil moisture, and temperature. This data is processed and analyzed to provide insights for sustainable environmental management. Geographic Information Systems technology integrates three-dimensional data with environmental information, creating detailed maps and models that aid in resource management, urban planning, and disaster response. These advancements in remote sensing and computing are transforming environmental management, making it more efficient, accurate, and proactive.
The end of the Cold War marked historical as well as significant shift in global priorities, including a greater focus on environmental issues. During the Cold War, scientific research was often driven by military and geopolitical competition. However, as tensions eased, there was an opportunity for increased international collaboration on environmental science and management.
One notable example was the US-USSR Agreement on Environmental Protection signed in 1972, which laid the groundwork for cooperation on climate change research. This agreement helped to foster scientific collaboration between former rivals, leading to advancements in our understanding of global environmental issues. In the post-Cold War era, environmental management has become more integrated into international policy and development efforts. The concept of environmental peacebuilding emerged, highlighting the role of environmental cooperation in promoting peace and sustainable development. This approach has been particularly important in post-conflict regions, where managing natural resources can help prevent future conflicts and support recovery efforts.
Overall, the diminishment of Cold War rivalry facilitated a more collaborative and holistic approach to environmental science and management, leading to significant advancements in our understanding and protection of the environment.
This will help clarify the connection between the end of the Cold War and advancements in environmental science.
The spread of the Internet has been transformative for environmental awareness and accountability. The internet enables rapid sharing of environmental data, research findings, and best practices. This global exchange of information empowers scientists, activists, and the public to stay informed and collaborate on solutions. Further, with the rise of social media and online platforms, it has become harder for individuals, companies, and national authorities to hide environmental problems. Citizen journalists, NGOs, and concerned individuals can document and report on environmental issues in real-time, making it difficult to cover up ecological damage or unethical practices.
The internet has facilitated a more engaged and informed public. Online petitions, awareness campaigns, and educational resources help people understand environmental issues and to act. Grassroots movements can gain momentum and reach a wider audience quickly. Environmental data, such as satellite imagery and pollution levels, is more accessible to the public. Open data initiatives and online tools allow citizens to monitor environmental conditions and hold authorities accountable.
The internet fosters international collaboration on environmental issues. Scientists, policymakers, and activists from around the world can work together on research projects, policy initiatives, and conservation efforts, transcending geographical boundaries. The digital age has indeed revolutionized how we address and manage environmental challenges, making it harder for problems to be ignored or hidden.
Improved communication between environmental science and social studies has also been a game-changer. Enhanced dialogue between these fields fosters a holistic approach to understanding environmental issues. Social scientists bring insights into human behavior, cultural factors, and societal impacts, while environmental scientists contribute data on ecological systems and processes. Together, they can develop more effective and culturally sensitive solutions. Better communication helps bridge the gap between scientific research and policy-making. Social studies provide context and understanding of political, economic, and social frameworks, aiding in the creation of policies that are both scientifically sound and socially acceptable.
Social scientists are skilled in communication and education, helping to translate complex scientific findings into accessible language for the public. This improves awareness in environmental management and encourages community involvement in environmental initiatives. Collaboration ensures that environmental management considers social justice. Social studies emphasize the importance of addressing inequalities and ensuring that vulnerable communities are not disproportionately affected by environmental policies.
