Environmental Management & Sustainable Development

1. Environmental Management &
Sustainable Development
-Dr. Pooja Ravindra Shetty

2. Environmental Management and Sustainable Development
➢ What is Environmental Management?
➢ What is Sustainable Development?
➢ Why is it Important?

3. Environmental Management and Sustainable Development
➢ What is Environmental Management?
The process of managing human impact on the environment, through practices that minimize harm and promote
sustainability.
Involves policies, strategies, and actions to protect natural resources and reduce environmental degradation.
➢ What is Sustainable Development?
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.
Focuses on balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations to create a better quality of life for
all.
➢ Why is it Important?

4. The Pillars of Sustainable Development

5. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

6. Key Environmental Challenges
Climate Change:
● Impact on Business: Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea-level rise disrupt
supply chains, increase operational costs, and affect resource availability.
● Business Response: Implement climate-resilient strategies, reduce carbon emissions, and invest
in renewable energy sources.
Biodiversity Loss:
● Impact on Business: Deforestation, habitat destruction, and species extinction can threaten
resource supply, agricultural productivity, and brand reputation.
● Business Response: Adopt sustainable sourcing, reduce environmental footprints, and engage in
biodiversity conservation efforts.
Pollution:
● Impact on Business: Air, water, and land pollution from industrial, agricultural, and urban activities
lead to regulatory fines, environmental liabilities, and damage to public health.
● Business Response: Develop cleaner production processes, invest in pollution control
technologies, and promote circular economy practices.

7. Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
● Definition:
Environmental Management Systems (EMS) are frameworks that help organizations manage their
environmental impacts by systematically identifying, monitoring, and improving environmental
performance.
● Key Standards:
○ ISO 14001: International standard for EMS, providing a structured approach to environmental
management.
○ EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme): A European voluntary standard for
organizations seeking to improve environmental performance and publicly report their impact.
● Benefits of EMS:
○ Improved Environmental Performance: Enhances sustainability efforts by reducing
negative environmental impacts.
○ Legal Compliance: Helps organizations comply with local and international environmental
regulations.
○ Cost Savings: Promotes resource efficiency, reducing waste and operational costs.
○ Enhanced Stakeholder Trust: Demonstrates commitment to sustainability, improving
reputation and stakeholder relationships.

8. Need for Environmental Laws
● Address pollution and waste management.
● Protect biodiversity and ecosystems.
● Mitigate climate change and its impacts.
● Ensure sustainable natural resource management.
● Promote environmental justice and public health.

9. Types of Environmental Laws
● Regulatory Laws: Control specific environmental activities (e.g., air and water quality standards).
● Permitting Laws: Require permits for certain activities (e.g., construction or industrial operations).
● Environmental Impact Laws: Mandate assessments before major projects can proceed (e.g., EIA
- Environmental Impact Assessment).
● International Laws: Agreements between countries on issues like climate change (e.g., Paris
Agreement).

10. Challenges in Environmental Management
● Climate Change Legislation: Future policies focused on carbon emissions reduction and climate
adaptation.
● Circular Economy Laws: Promoting waste reduction, recycling, and resource reuse.
● International Cooperation: Strengthening global environmental agreements to tackle global
challenges.
● Technological Innovation: Leveraging new technologies to address environmental issues, like
renewable energy and pollution control.