THAKUR INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND RESEARCH

ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT

PROJECT ON CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUSES

SUBMITTED BY: Harsh Thakker MMS B (Finance) Roll no:-111

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 on the 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)

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 and potential 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.

 Global Warming Global 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 caused due 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 pollution is caused when wastes are released into the water and contaminates it. Soil pollution takes place when the soil is contaminated due to various industrial activities.

Noise pollution occurs 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 animals respectively 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 of generating 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.

 Loss of Biodiversity Biodiversity 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 Crisis The 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.

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 of habitat 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 dangerously depleted, yet continue to be overfished. More than half of global fish populations are fully exploited and about one-third are overexploited or collapsed. Studies estimate that overfishing costs about $50 billion per year in lost fishing opportunities -- 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 real progress.

According to a recent NRDC 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 in agriculture and lawn care can harm our health and the environment. Eating well is one of life's great pleasures, and can also bring many benefits to 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.

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 condition areas 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.

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 local communities 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 ecological security. The Forest Rights Bill became a law since 2007. The government should work closely with mining companies. Revenue generated from 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 of wood 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%.

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 an unprecedented 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