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GGFS 322 - Introduction To EM - 2023 - PM - 01

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RISIMA UNIQUE
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GEOG321_ 2023

Introduction to Environmental
Management

Phathu Mukwevho
Research Unit for Environmental Science and Management
North-West University
Potchefstroom Campus
Key source

Nel, J. and Alberts, R. (2018) 'Environmental Management: an


introduction'. in Strydom, H, King, N and Retief, F (eds)
Environmental Management in South Africa, Juta Publishing,
Cape Town
Man as a force of nature!

Global Megatrends:
• 1 Megatrend one - Shift in global economic power
• 2 Megatrend two - Demographic shifts
• 3 Megatrend three - Accelerating urbanization
• 4 Megatrend four - Rise of technology
• 5 Megatrend five - Climate change and resource scarcity
Human impacts

How we interact with the environment

• Infrastructure; • Manufacture;
• Urbanisation; • Conservation;
• Agriculture; • Tourism;
• Mining; • Exploration;
• Fisheries; • Technology
• Aviation;

© CEM 4
Anthropocentric vs Biocentric

© CEM 5
Welcome to the Anthropocene!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvgG-pxlobk
What is the Environment?
Defining the Environment?
• Environment means the surroundings within which
humans exist and that are made up of:
• Land, water and atmosphere of the earth
• Micro-organisms, plant and animal life
• Any part or combination of the above, and the interrelationships
among and between them and
• The physical, chemical, aesthetic and cultural properties and
conditions of the foregoing that influence human health and well-
being.
NEMA (107 0f 1998)

• SA legally adopted the extensive definition of the


environment:
• “environment” is a complex system
• It challenges traditional reductionist perspectives and requires a
holistic and integrated perspective!
What is the environment?
How do we study the environment?

 Ecology  Atmospheric Science


 Biology  Geography
 Physics  Geodesy
 Chemistry  Hydrology
 Zoology  Anthropology
 Mineralogy  Paleaontology
 Oceanology  Astrology
 Limnology  Botany
 Soil Science  Genetics
 Geology  Ecotoxicology

Environmental Management?
© CEM 9
What is Management?

10
Do we really manage?

ACT PLAN
Study the result • Understand gaps
Redesign systems to reflect between customers’
learning expectations and what
• Change standards you deliver
• Communicate it broadly • Set priorities for
• Retrain 4 1 closing gaps
• Develop an action plan
ACT PLAN to close gaps
Customer
satisfaction

3 2
CHECK DO
CHECK DO
Observe the effects of the • Implement changes
change or test • Collect data to
• Analyze data determine if gaps are
• Pinpoint problems closing
What is Environmental Management?

12
Environmental management

• The process of effectively managing and


conserving the environment
• and natural resources to
• ensure their sustainable use and
• minimize negative impacts on ecosystems and
• human well-being.

• It involves the coordination and implementation of


strategies, policies, and practices aimed at
mitigating environmental risks and promoting
sustainable development.
Environmental management
• The primary goal of environmental management is
to strike a balance between
• economic development
• and environmental protection.

• It encompasses various activities, including


• monitoring and assessing
• environmental conditions,
• developing and implementing environmental policies
and regulations,
• promoting environmentally friendly practices, and
• ensuring compliance with environmental laws.
Environmental management
• Environmental management considers the
interdependence of
• social,
• economic, and
• ecological factors,
• recognizing that human activities can have far-
reaching consequences on the environment.

• It involves the integration of scientific knowledge,


technological advancements, and stakeholder
engagement to address environmental challenges
and achieve sustainable outcomes
Key components of environmental management
• Environmental planning and assessment: Identifying and evaluating potential
environmental impacts of proposed projects or activities, and developing plans and
strategies to minimize or mitigate these impacts.

• Environmental monitoring and data collection: Regularly assessing and measuring


environmental parameters to track changes, identify trends, and inform decision-making
processes.
• Conservation and biodiversity protection: Implementing measures to safeguard
natural habitats, protect endangered species, and preserve biodiversity.

• Pollution prevention and control: Implementing strategies and technologies to


minimize pollution and waste generation, as well as managing and treating pollutants to
protect air, water, and soil quality.

• Sustainable resource management: Promoting sustainable practices for the use of


natural resources such as water, energy, forests, and minerals, aiming for their long-term
availability and minimizing ecological degradation.

• Environmental education and awareness: Raising public awareness about


environmental issues, promoting responsible behavior, and fostering a sense of
environmental stewardship among individuals and communities.
Environmental Management

..... is not just about managing the


biophysical environment

...…it is managing
your activities, products,
services and facilities that
have and can have
significant impacts on the
environment
Modern Approaches to Environmental
Management: Hybrid Use of instruments
Environmental Management and
Governance Approaches

ECONOMIC-BASED CIVIL BASED


INSTRUMENTS INSTRUMENTS

MIXTURE OF
APPROACHES

COMMAND AND AGREEMENT


CONTROL BASED BASED
INSTRUMENTS INSTRUMENTS
FUTURE CHALLENGES FOR EM IN SA

Water Biodiversity Waste


management Management Energy provision management

Air Quality & Climate


Sustainable settlements Land/Conservation
Change
Environmental Governance and Management
instruments in South Africa
ANALYTICAL
CRITERIA AND MANAGEMENT CHECKS & REPORT AND
TOOLS &
STANDARDS SYSTEM TOOLS BALANCES COMMU-NICATION
PLANNING
Sectoral
Environmental environmental Environmental Environmental
ISO 14001
Impact Assessment performance monitoring reporting
standards
Strategic ISO 14001 family Inspection,
Cleaner Environmental
Environmental of management analysis and
technology communication
Assessment standards records
State of the
Social Impact Integrated waste Environmental
environment
Assessment management auditing
reports
Environmental
Risk
Environmental Legal Pollution Assessment
Public participation
planning Requirements prevention and
Management
(ERAM)
Environmental
Emergency
Emergency Management Conflict
detection and
planning Programme/Pla management
response
n
Life Cycle Upgrade and
Assessment Remediation
Environmental
Management
Framework
QUESTIONS?

• How are we going to respond


to the global current
environmental challenges in
the near future?
• What environmental
management approaches and
instruments exist to address
these challenges?
• How effective are these
approaches and instruments in
addressing our current
challenges?
Thank you

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