Environmental Management - Key Concepts (Lecture Notes)

Question-and-answer flashcards covering the main concepts from the Environmental Management lecture notes.

What is Environmental Management (EM) as defined in the notes?

A system that seeks to minimize and/or avoid threats to natural resources for environmental and resource sustainability, focusing on human–environment interactions to achieve environmentally desirable outcomes within physical, economic, social, cultural, political, and technological constraints and identifying feasible options.

What are the aims of EM in relation to human–environment interactions?

To achieve environmentally desirable outcomes while considering constraints and identifying feasible options for action.

When did Environmental Management appear as a problem-solving field, and who did it primarily assist?

In the 1970s; it provided practical assistance mainly to state officials.

What are the three core activities of Environmental Management?

1) Identification of goals; 2) Establish whether these goals can be met; 3) Develop and implement the means to do what is deemed possible.

Why might EM managers need to win over the public and special-interest groups?

Because some goals may be damaging or controversial, requiring engagement with the public and interest groups to pursue sustainable development.

What makes coordinating diverse factors in EM difficult?

Coordinating ecology, economics, law, politics, and people is hard because most humans operate on a piecemeal, short-term basis.

What two aspects regarding natural damage does EM aim to minimize?

Minimal damage to natural habitats and minimal damage to ecosystems.

How is EM related to sustainable development?

EM is closely related to the concept of sustainable development; it embodies its purposes and principles.

How is sustainable development defined in the notes (in terms of nature and human well-being)?

To stretch what nature provides to the optimum and maintain that expansion indefinitely without environmental breakdown, to maximize human well-being, security, and adaptability.

What threats must sustainable development help recognize, avoid, mitigate, or adapt to?

Socio-economic and physical threats.

What maintenance is required to achieve sustainable development?

Maintenance of ecological integrity.

What should exist to achieve sustainable development?

Integration of environmental care and development; adoption of an internationalist stance; satisfaction of basic human needs for all.

What roles do conservation and equity play in sustainable development?

Effective conservation; concern for inter-generational, inter-group, and inter-species equity.

What is the role of science and technology in sustainable development?

Application of science, technology, and environmental knowledge to world development.

Can some economic growth occur within sustainable development, and under what condition?

Yes, some economic growth, provided it does not exceed environmental limits.

What long-term perspective is recommended for sustainable development?

Adoption of a long-term view.

What is the objective of Environmental Management?

Regulation of the effects of people’s activities on the environment.

Who are typical participants in Environmental Management (EM)?

Academics, policy-makers, NGOs, fishers, farmers, scientists, lawyers.

Why is it important for EM to interface with multiple disciplines (ecology, economics, law, politics, etc.)?

To pursue sustainable development by coordinating diverse factors and stakeholders.