Environmental Management: Why is it so Important?

Environmental management involves processes that minimise humanity’s impact on its surroundings. The main objective is to create and maintain conditions in which society and nature coexist. Since its formal recognition in the 1970s, it has become a mandatory practice for governments and organisations, with individuals earning professional qualifications to ensure its successful implementation. 

This blog explores the importance of environmental management and how the MRes Environmental Management degree helps you build a successful career while preserving our much-loved planet.    

Importance of Environmental Management? 

The environment comprises all living and non-living components necessary for your survival. Therefore, it is important to maintain the integrity of your surroundings to ensure that they can support and sustain current and future generations. 

Environmental management helps you identify degradation factors and implement strategies to mitigate them. It also helps you predict future impacts of environmental degradation and initiate processes to minimise the effects. 

Several global and regional organisations like the World Health Organisation, European Union and the United Nations play a key role in ensuring the earth remains sustainable. Through their efforts, there are specific principles that member states use in creating and implementing environmental legislation. 

What Are The Five Environmental Management Principles? 

Prevention Principle 

Governments should take preventive measures to anticipate and avoid environmental damage before it occurs. For example, a nuclear facility should install a detoxification plant at their premises to rid the waste water of toxins before they release the water to nearby sources. Similarly, they can reuse the water to cool the reactors, preventing further extraction from natural sources. 

Precautionary Principle 

Authorities should implement safeguards before environmental harm materialises. It involves having an adequate risk management system to minimise environmental harm. For example, the German and Peruvian governments have a moratorium on the cultivation of genetically modified organisms, given that there is not enough scientific evidence on their effects on the ecosystem and public health. 

Integration Principle 

Every government and organisation should have an environmental management policy. This is crucial in ensuring sustainable development across all areas. For example, you need to conduct an environmental impact assessment before building a dam. This requires you to consult the local community, local council, and authorised agents to determine if your project will have adverse effects to the local ecosystem.   

Polluter Pays 

The party that causes pollution should bear the costs of the damage and its remedy. This principle acts as a deterrent and directs accountability for the harm, playing a crucial role in environmental management. For example, a Dutch Court in December 2021, ordered Shell to pay £13.29 million to three Nigerian farmers for oil spills that took place in their village between 2004 and 2007. 

Environmental Damage Should Be Managed at the Source 

The principle ensures that all clean-up and restoration efforts occur at the source. This minimises the effects of pollution and overall costs. For example, your company can implement a biodiversity programme to rejuvenate the area’s ecosystem once you complete your mining project. 

The above principles work simultaneously to ensure high environmental management standards. As such, all governments and organisations have an equal commitment to ensuring a sustainable earth. 

How Can You Help in Environmental Management? 

Pollution Prevention 

Global warming and access to clean water are key global issues. You can play your part by implementing pollution prevention strategies. For example, investing in renewable energy reduces your reliance on fossil fuels which increase your carbon emissions. Avoiding single-use plastics and using eco-friendly cleaning products can also reduce pollution levels. 

Waste Reduction 

Composting organic waste, repairing instead of replacing and investing in durable goods are great ways to reduce waste. This decreases the pressure on landfills leading to healthier surroundings. 

Resource Conservation 

Trees are important in sustaining life. They attract rain and reduce carbon dioxide levels in the air. You can encourage your loved ones to join you in tree-planting ceremonies and conserve non-renewable sources like electricity and water. 

Why Study for an MRes Environmental Management Degree at Bolton University? 

- Bolton has been voted 1st in the Northwest for Student Satisfaction for the past five years* 

- At Bolton, we are proud to have been voted first for Teaching Quality** 

- The course is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM). You can apply to become a chartered member of CIWEM following successful graduation and some work experience. Graduating from the program also allows you to apply for external registration through CIWEM for CSci, CEng or CEnv status 

- Experts from different environmental management disciplines give guest lectures on contemporary practice, challenges, and developments in the field 

If you want to become an industry expert and have a greater impact on environmental management, check out the full course details of our MRes Environmental Management degree. 

You can also speak to a member of the team by contacting us at enquries@bolton.ac.uk or calling 01204 903807. 

We pride ourselves for our teaching quality and supportive learning environment. That’s one of the reasons why Bolton is one of the friendliest towns in the UK. 

*Complete University Guide – Student Satisfaction – Northwest – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 

**The Times and Sunday Times, Good University Guide – Teaching Quality – Northwest – 2023