environmental protection assignment

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• Prof. Lawrence Susskind

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• Urban Studies and Planning

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• Environmental Policy
• Urban Studies

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Introduction to environmental policy and planning, assignments.

All papers should be no more than 1500 words long (5 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font), submitted as PDFs.

Assignment 1: National Environmental Policy-making

Due: Class 7

It should now be clear that national environmental policy-making is a much less structured and a much more haphazard process than many policy scientists have suggested. Given what you have read in Unit 1 and what we have discussed in class, provide the simplest model you can of national environmental policy-making for any country you choose. In developing your model, include a one-page diagram of your model and address the following questions:

• What are the key variables and forces at work in your model and why have you selected them?
• Which variables or forces are unique to “environmental” policy-making, if any (as compared to public policy-making in general)?
• To the extent that future environmental policy is largelyl a product of previous policy and practice, what’s your sense of how major shifts in national environmental policy might occur?

You can earn a maximum of 10 points. You will receive up to 2 points for the overall quality of your model. The diagram can earn up to 2 points. Answers to questions 1, 2, and 3 can earn 2 points each.

Assignment 2: Environmental Ethics

Due: Class 11

Traditionally economists have argued that humans are utility maximizers, although some behavioral economists and social psychologists have recently raised questions about this. With this in mind, please write a paper addressing the following questions:

• When environmentalists and environmental planners argue that each generation (and we as individuals) has a stewardship obligation toward the natural environment, is that just one more utilitarian argument? Or, is there a different ethical principle at stake?
• Please explain, with reference to the literature we read and discussed in Unit 2, where you stand on the utilitarian vs. deep ecology debate.
• Do you think Daly’s distinction between economic growth and economic development resolves the apparent rension between arguments on behalf of environmental protection and arguments on behalf of economic well-being?
• What is the strongest ethical argument you can make on behalf of sustainable development?

You can score up to 10 points. Your answer to question 1 is worth 3 points. Your answers to questions 2, 3, and 4 are worth 2 points each. An additional point will be awarded for the overall quality of your arguments.

Assignment 3: Environmental Assessment

Due: Class 18

Most environmental planners presume that policy decisions regarding the use of natural resources and patterns of development can be enhanced through the application of various analytical tools.

• Explain why and how you agree or disagree with this, with reference to each of the tools discussed in Unit 3.
• What do you think are the relative strengths and limitations of each of the analytical tools we discussed in Unit 3?

You can earn a total of 10 points; each question is worth up to five.

Assignment 4: Public Participation and Group Decision-Making

Due: Class 22

There is an ongoing debate between political philosophers and dispute resolution professionals regarding the most appropriate means of conceptualizing the public interest (with regards to the use ofnatural resources or patterns of urban development). The philosophers believe “deliberative polling” that provides a snapshot of what the “average citizen” prefers should be sufficient for elected officials to determine what actions to take in the public interest. Dispute resolution professionals argue the public interest can best be understood as the product of a consensus building dialogue among contending interests (not individuals) and that public officials armed with polling data can never know or produce on their own the public interest.

• In light of what you read and heard in Unit 4, what is your view of this debate?
• What should be most important, in your view, in assessing the relevant contributions that various public participation tools and techniques can make to environmental planning?
• What’s your reaction to the notion that a neutral facilitator can add value in important ways to environmental planning efforts?

You can earn a maximum of 10 points. Your response to questions 1, 2, and 3 are each worth up to 3 points. You will earn up to 1 additional point based on the quality of your overall arguments.

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Marine Organisms: A Solution to Environmental Pollution? pp 267–269 Cite as

Conclusion: Environmental Protection—Our Common Responsibility

• Alberto A. C. C. Pais 4 &
• Telma Encarnação 4 , 5 , 6  
• First Online: 06 January 2023

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Part of the book series: Environmental Challenges and Solutions ((ECAS))

Environmental pollution is increasing globally and, together with climate change, is a priority on the environmental, political, business, and scientific agendas. Air, land, and water pollution have an impact on all ecosystems and our lives and can jeopardize our future and future generations.

The importance of policies on public awareness and perception is recognized and can have an effective role in the protection of the environment. Policymakers, companies and industries, civil society, scientists, all sectors of society should be involved for the same purpose; coordinated efforts at an international level are needed to tackle all the challenges planet Earth face.

Therefore, it is crucial to stimulate the discourse, narrative, and debate about environmental pollution and degradation and mitigation strategies.

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Xu G, Shi Y, Sun X, Shen W (2019) Internet of Things in marine environment monitoring: a review. Sensors 19:1711–1731

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Alberto A. C. C. Pais & Telma Encarnação

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Pais, A.A.C.C., Encarnação, T. (2023). Conclusion: Environmental Protection—Our Common Responsibility. In: Encarnação, T., Canelas Pais, A. (eds) Marine Organisms: A Solution to Environmental Pollution?. Environmental Challenges and Solutions. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-17226-7_13

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Assignment on: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT -submitted by: Students of 3 rd Semester Master of Planning

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Building a Foundation for Sound Environmental Decisions (1997)

Chapter: 5 summary, conclusions, and recommendations, 5 summary, conclusions, and recommendations.

Pressures on the environment will continue to increase. Global population increase, rising incomes, and agricultural and industrial expansion will inevitably produce unanticipated and potentially deleterious ecological, economic, and human health consequences. Environmental research has proven its value in helping to respond to and prevent many environmental problems, and it continues to be a wise and necessary investment.

The charge to this committee was to provide an overview of significant emerging environmental issues; identify and prioritize research themes and projects that are most relevant to understanding and resolving these issues; and consider the role of EPA's research program in addressing these issues, in the context of research being conducted or sponsored by other organizations. After careful deliberation, the committee decided not to simply present a limited list of "emerging" issues with specific research projects to address them. Such an exercise would provide a mere snapshot in time, based on the insights of one particular collection of individuals. Instead—and hopefully more valuably—this report provides an overview of important environmental issues and presents a framework for organizing environmental research. The report also describes major research themes and programs of relevance to EPA; suggests criteria that can be used to identify and prioritize among important research areas; recommends actions EPA should take to build its scientific capacity; and provides illustrations of the kinds of research projects that EPA should consider.

CONCLUSIONS

As a key environmental agency, EPA needs to support and maintain a strong research program. An evolving understanding of the complexity, magnitude,

and inter-relatedness of environmental problems leads us to conclude that a new balance of research programs may be helpful. This report describes a framework for conducting research in a way that will help alleviate the problems of the moment while providing a basis for solving tomorrow's problems.

In the past, pressing environmental issues have been addressed primarily through focused research efforts directed toward solving particular problems. Although this approach to environmental research can be effective, has often been necessary, and will surely continue, it also has limitations. In order to address the abundance of established, emerging, and as-yet-unknown environmental issues, an expanded understanding of the scientific principles underlying environmental systems is needed. Achieving this understanding will require innovative, interdisciplinary approaches.

To develop the knowledge needed to address current and emerging environmental issues, EPA should undertake both problem-driven research and core research . Problem-driven research is targeted at understanding and solving identified environmental problems, while core research aims to provide broader, more generic information that will help improve understanding of many problems now and in the future. Core research includes three components: (1) understanding the processes that drive and connect environmental systems; (2) development of innovative tools and methods for understanding and managing environmental problems; and (3) long-term collection and dissemination of accurate environmental data.

Research activities within problem-driven and core research programs may often overlap. Fundamental discoveries can be made during the search for a solution to a narrowly defined problem; likewise, as illustrated earlier in this report, breakthroughs in problem-solving often occur as a result of core research efforts. Both kinds of investigations are needed, and feedback between them will greatly enhance the overall environmental research endeavor (see Figure 5-1 ).

Because EPA's task of protecting the environment and human health is so vast and difficult, and because resources to undertake the necessary research are very limited, choices will have to be made among many worthwhile projects. The approaches for making these choices will be different in the core and problem-driven portions of the research program. The former should seek better understanding of fundamental phenomena and generate broadly relevant research tools and information. The latter will be more responsive to regulatory activities and other immediate needs and should be guided by the paradigm of risk reduction. Because there are so many specific issues of importance to the public, the Congress, and EPA's own program and regional offices, there is a temptation to include many problems for attention. It is important to resist this trend: it will inevitably lead either to the dilution of efforts to solve the most pressing problems or to the reduction of funding available for critical core research needs.

FIGURE 5-1 A framework for environmental research at EPA.

Interactions among the natural environment, plants, animals, and the evergrowing human population are highly complex and inherently unpredictable. Although this report provides a broad overview of current and emerging environmental issues, it is important to note that this is merely a snapshot in time. Identification of issues requiring attention is a dynamic, continuous process.

With its limited budget, staff, and mandate, it is not possible or reasonable for EPA to act alone in understanding and addressing all environmental problems. Many other federal agencies, state agencies, other organizations (including utilities), universities, and private companies have played and will continue to play important roles in environmental research. Cooperation with others will be particularly needed in the area of environmental monitoring, a complex and costly undertaking, and in the investigation of global-scale issues.

Another factor to consider in determining EPA's research role on a particular environmental issue is whether the private sector has any incentive to study or develop better solutions, or whether the primary research must originate from the public sector to serve the public good. Examples of areas of "public good" that might deserve EPA attention include municipal wastewater and drinking water treatment, nonpoint-source pollution control, restoration of degraded ecosystems, and large-scale regional and global air pollution problems.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To enhance the productivity and effectiveness of EPA's research efforts, the committee makes recommendations in three areas: a general approach to research, core research themes, and problem-driven research themes.

Approach to Research

EPA should establish a balance between problem-driven and core research. Although there is currently an emphasis on problem-driven research projects in EPA, the core component of EPA's research program should be developed to be approximately equal in magnitude.

EPA should develop an internal mechanism for continually identifying emerging issues and then applying a risk assessment evaluation to these issues to determine the highest priorities and areas of greatest uncertainty. One important method for identifying emerging issues is to review and synthesize new findings from the core research program. EPA research personnel should be fully engaged in the issue identification and research planning process.

EPA should cooperate closely with agencies, organizations, municipalities, universities, and industries involved in environmental research. In addition to providing research support, mechanisms for cooperation might include participation of EPA management in interagency coordination efforts, participation of staff in scientific meetings and conferences, and incentives and rewards for individuals who seek out and work with their counterparts in other organizations. Collaboration should be maintained in research endeavors, environmental monitoring, data archiving, and environmental policy formulation and evaluation. EPA should continue to act as a coordinator in bringing various environmental researchers together to exchange information and ideas, possibly in the form of interdisciplinary workshops on particular environmental topics. This would also help in ''scanning the horizon" to identify new environmental trends and emerging problems. Through these meetings, EPA can discuss the relative risks as well as solutions and policies and can determine which areas require more research.

EPA should compile, publish, and disseminate an annual summary of all research being conducted or funded by the agency in order to facilitate both better cooperation with others and better internal planning. The report should be organized into broad strategic categories, with sub-categories describing program areas. Publications and other output should be listed and made available upon request.

Core Research Themes

The core component of EPA's research program should include three basic objectives:

Acquisition of systematic understanding about underlying environmental processes (such as those displayed in Table 2.2 );

Development of broadly applicable research tools, including better techniques for measuring physical, chemical, biological, social, and economic variables of interest; more accurate models of complex systems and their interactions; and new methods for analyzing, displaying, and using environmental information for science-based decision making;

Design, implementation, and maintenance of appropriate environmental monitoring programs, with evaluation, analysis, synthesis and dissemination of the data and results to improve understanding of the status of and changes in environmental resources over time and to confirm that environmental policies are having the desired effect.

Core research projects should be selected based on their relevance to EPA's mission, whether such research is already being sponsored by other agencies, and the quality of the work proposed, as determined by a peer-review process. Cross-cutting, interdisciplinary studies that take advantage of advances in many different fields will be particularly valuable.

As part of its core research efforts, EPA should conduct retrospective evaluations of the effectiveness of environmental policies and decisions. Retrospective evaluations are critical to ensuring that environmental policies are achieving their intended goals without creating unpredicted, undesirable side-effects.

EPA should make a long-term financial and intellectual commitment to core research projects. Progress in core research generally does not come quickly; therefore it is important that the agency provide adequate long-term support to this kind of knowledge development, allowing it to follow its often unpredictable course. Tool development and data collection must be ongoing endeavors in order to be fully effective.

Problem-Driven Research Themes

EPA should maintain a focused, problem-driven research program. The problem-driven and core research areas will be complementary and result in the interaction of ideas and results.

Evaluation of problem-driven research areas should focus on reducing the risks and uncertainties associated with each problem. EPA should retain its emphasis on risk assessment to prioritize among problem-driven research areas. Using criteria such as timing, novelty, scope, severity, and probability satisfies this requirement, as does the more detailed risk assessment framework described in the EPA strategic plan for ORD. Although risk assessment and

TABLE 5-1 Recommended Actions for EPA

management provide a good framework for choosing among issues, the methodology must be refined to achieve more accurate assessments.

EPA should concentrate efforts in areas where the private sector has little incentive to conduct research or develop better solutions to environmental problems.

Problem-driven research should be re-evaluated and re-focused on a regular basis to ensure that the most important problems are being addressed. Unlike core research priorities, which may not change much over time, in the problem-driven area EPA must develop adaptive feedback capabilities to allow it to change directions when new issues arise and old issues are "solved" or judged to pose less risk than expected.

This committee was not asked to, and did not, address issues concerning EPA's research infrastructure, the appropriate balance between internal and external research, mechanisms for peer review, and other research management issues. Recommendations in these areas will be made by the Committee on Research and Peer Review at EPA (see Chapter 1 ). Table 5-1 summarizes recommended

actions that are intended to provide EPA with the knowledge needed to address current and emerging environmental issues.

Good science is essential for sound environmental decision-making. By implementing the recommendations contained in this report, EPA can increase the effectiveness of its research program and thus continue to play an important role in efforts to protect the environment and human health into the next century.

Over the past decades, environmental problems have attracted enormous attention and public concern. Many actions have been taken by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and others to protect human health and ecosystems from particular threats. Despite some successes, many problems remain unsolved and new ones are emerging. Increasing population and related pressures, combined with a realization of the interconnectedness and complexity of environmental systems, present new challenges to policymakers and regulators.

Scientific research has played, and will continue to play, an essential part in solving environmental problems. Decisions based on incorrect or incomplete understanding of environmental systems will not achieve the greatest reduction of risk at the lowest cost.

This volume describes a framework for acquiring the knowledge needed both to solve current recognized problems and to be prepared for the kinds of problems likely to emerge in the future. Many case examples are included to illustrate why some environmental control strategies have succeeded where others have fallen short and how we can do better in the future.

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Advocating for youth participation in protecting the environment

Climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution. The triple planetary crises are deeply interconnected and endanger our ecosystems and wellbeing. Meet Yibing Zhao, UN Volunteer Programme Coordination Assistant with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in China.

Yibing Zhao  just completed his volunteer assignment in September, having served as Programme Coordination Assistant with UNEP in China. During his assignment, he provided coordination and technical support for projects aiming to create a healthier and more resilient environment. Yibing participated in the events to raise the public awareness and advocate the participation in protecting the environment, because, as he says, " Volunteering opportunities on environmental issues for the youth are very important."

I urge fellow youth to join the dialogue and take part in protecting biological diversity. Let us engage all stakeholders because if we do not act, we are the ones who will face the impacts of human disruptions to the earth’s natural systems on human health and all life on earth. --Yibing Zhao, UN Volunteer Programme Coordination Assistance with UNEP, China

In December 2021, Yibing participated in organizing the sixth UN China Youth Environment Forum. He shared his experience of choosing environment studies as his major. He shared how he started to pay close attention to and understand environmental issues when he learned about the UN Conference on Sustainable Development Rio+20.

The junior school students in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province of China presented their actions towards ecological restoration and improving water quality in their neighborhoods. "I am impressed to know that they started to learn about environmental protection and put it into practice in the daily life at such a young age," Yibing says. 

Science is the catalyst for action. Science enhances knowledge and provides solutions to solve environmental problems. Actions need to be taken by all stakeholders. Public awareness and participation are vital to tackling environmental problems. –Yibing Zhao

Yibing obtained his Ph.D. degree in environmental science and engineering, and his dual Master's degree in public policy and management from Tsinghua University. He  was deployed to UNEP through a  partnership between the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, UN Development Programme (UNDP), Beijing Volunteer Service Federation (BVF) and China International Centre for Economic and Technical Exchanges (CICETE). In 2022, UNEP China hosted two UN Volunteers.

Yibing has demonstrated excellent expertise and knowledge of various aspects of climate change and low-carbon development, including climate finance, mitigation and adaptation. --Qian Wang, Programme Management Officer at UNEP China and Yibing’s supervisor

With UNEP, Yibing had the opportunity to apply his knowledge and academic experience in practice, through assisting the publishing of reports on reducing improper disposal of plastic waste, which harms the living habitats of marine animals.

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• Environmental Protection Essay

Essay on Environmental Protection

Environmental protection is improving, defending, and maintaining the quality of the environment. The main methods of environmental protection are recycling, reusing, and reducing; however, some other methods such as Green Energy production, green transportation development, and eco-friendly industrialization also exist. Not only residents but also businesses and industries should play their basic roles to improve the environment.

The History of Environmental Protection  

Humankind has always been concerned about the environment. The ancient Greeks were the first to develop environmental philosophy, and they were followed by other major civilizations such as India and China. In more recent times, the concern for the environment has increased because of growing awareness of the ecological crisis. The Club of Rome, a think tank, was among the first to warn the world about the dangers of overpopulation and pollution in its report "The Limits to Growth" (1972).

In the early days of environmentalism, people thought that the best way to protect nature was to set aside areas where humans would not disturb the environment. This approach, which is known as preservation, was given a major boost in the United States with the establishment of the National Park Service in 1916.

The modern environmental movement began in the 1960s when concerns about the negative impact of humans on the environment began to increase. In response to these concerns, governments around the world began to pass legislation to protect the environment. In the United States, for example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in 1970.

The Principles of Environmental Protection

There are three fundamental principles of environmental protection:

The precautionary principle: This principle states that if an activity has the potential to cause harm to the environment, then steps should be taken to prevent that harm even if there is no clear evidence that the activity is damaging.

The polluter pays principle: This states that the party responsible for causing pollution should be held responsible for cleaning it up.

The public right to know the principle: This principle states that the public has a right to know about any potential threats to the environment and what is being done to address them.

The goals of Environmental Protection

There are three main goals of environmental protection:

To protect human health: This is the most important goal of environmental protection because humans cannot survive without a healthy environment.

To protect ecosystems: Ecosystems are the foundation of life on Earth, and they provide many benefits to humans, such as clean air and water, food, and fiber.

To promote sustainable development: Sustainable development is a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Environmental protection is a practice that aims to protect the natural environment from the hands of individuals, organizations, and governments. It is the need of the hour because the Earth's environment is deteriorating every day, and the reasons are human beings. They are mishandling the Earth's environment to fulfill their needs. If it goes like this, then it is difficult to say that the future generation will have a safer environment to live in. Through this essay, you will learn the importance of environmental protection.

A Long Essay on Environmental Protection

It is imperative to protect our natural environment from deteriorating, and the only way to do that is through environmental protection. This process should be adopted by every country as soon as possible before it is too late. The objective of this process is to conserve all the natural resources and try to repair some parts of the environment that are possible to get repaired. The biophysical environment is getting degraded permanently because of overconsumption, population growth, and the rapid development of technology. This can be stopped if the government plan strategies to restrict these activities to perform in a controlled way. This environmental protection essay can be a great help for the students to understand the environment they are living in.

Voluntary Environmental Agreements

Voluntary environmental agreements are getting popular in most industrial countries. Through this free essay on environmental protection, one will learn more about this type of agreement. These agreements provide the companies with a platform where they are recognized if they are moving beyond the minimum regulatory standards for protecting the environment. These agreements support the development of one of the best environmental practices. For example, the India Environment Improvement Trust (EIT) has been working in this environment field since the year 1998. Through this environmental protection essay, one is getting so much to learn.

Ecosystems Approach

An ecosystem approach to environmental protection aims to consider the complex interrelationships of the ecosystem as a whole to the process of decision making rather than just focusing on specific issues and challenges. The environmental protection essay writing will give a more precise overview of this approach. The ecosystems approach aims to support the better transferring of information, develop strategies that can resolve conflicts, and improve regional conservation. This approach has played a major role in protecting the environment. This approach also says that religions also play an important role in the conservation of the environment.

International Environmental Agreements

In the present scenario, many of the Earth's natural resources have become vulnerable because of humans and their carelessness towards the environment across different countries. As a result of this, many countries and their governments have come into different agreements to reduce the human impact on the natural environment and protect it from getting deterioration. Through this environmental protection essay in English, one will get a much clearer view on this matter particularly.

The agreements made between different governments of various countries are known as International Environmental Agreements. This agreement includes factors such as climate, oceans, rivers, and air pollution. These agreements are sometimes legally bound, and in case they are not followed, it may lead to some legal implications. These agreements have a long history with some multinational agreements that were made in the year 1910 in Europe, America, and Africa. Some of the most well-known international agreements are the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. Through this environmental protection essay, it is clear that governments are taking steps to solve the environmental issue, but it is not enough.

A Short Paragraph on Environmental Protection in English

Earth is a beautiful place to live in, with the most favorable environmental conditions for living beings. But we humans are making it vulnerable and are destroying our own homes with activities that are causing pollution at an increased rate. In this protecting the environment essay, 200 words will be explained properly on how to save the environment.

Environmental protection has become the need of the hour as it is getting destroyed each day. So, governments are making policies and are coming into agreements with other countries to come up with strategies that can protect the environment. Some companies also have the same aim of protecting the environment from the activities of humans.

In this short article on environmental protection, it is clear that if sudden steps are not taken then, our future generation will have to live in a polluted environment that is conserved very conserve difficult. Environmental protection is the key to a safe and secure future with a beautiful environment to live in. 

With pollution increasing each year and causing deterioration of the natural environment, it has become necessary to take steps to protect the natural environment. As we know that the reason for all these problems is humans, governments should make policies to restrict their activities that are causing harm to the environment. If they are not stopped urgently, then the world might see some catastrophic destruction in the coming years. For example, climate change has been a huge problem, and this is one of the causes of increased pollution. A secured future depends on the environment as a whole.

FAQs on Environmental Protection Essay

1. What are International Environmental Agreements?

International environmental agreements are legal contracts between countries that discuss the protection of the environment to provide better living to present and future generations. These include issues such as climate, oceans, rivers, air pollution, etc. we should always consider that if we harm our environment, then it can affect us as well, and we will become more vulnerable. If we do not take action now, it might get a lot worse. We need to be the generation that starts taking care of our planet and future generations!

2. What is the Kyoto Protocol?

The Kyoto Protocol is one of the most well-known and successful international environmental agreements that has been made in the past to protect the environment. This agreement between countries was made to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases which are causing damage to the ozone layer and climate change. With the help of Kyoto, protocol countries have reduced emission rates by 8% and are planning to reduce them more so that future generations can live in a healthy environment in which they can flourish.

3. What is the Paris Agreement?

The Paris Agreement was made in 2015 to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and to stop climate change. This agreement is very important as it includes every country in the world, and all have agreed to work together to stop climate change. This is a huge step forward as it means that everyone is now working together to try to save our planet. If we try to solve these problems together, then we will have a chance to save our planet.

4. What is the Green Climate Fund?

The Green Climate Fund comes from an agreement made in 2010 to provide money for developing countries that are going through issues such as deforestation and air pollution by making them more sustainable. This fund has a goal of collecting 100 billion dollars by 2020 for supporting developing countries. If this can happen, then many lives can be saved, and we will be able to see a lot of positive changes in the coming years and decades so that we can see an improved environment.

5. What are some activities that harm the Environment?

Some activities that harm the environment include burning fossil fuels, deforestation, air pollution, and wastewater discharge. These activities harm not only the environment but also humans, and we must take action now to reduce the impact which we are causing. For example, the burning of fossil fuels is one of the main reasons for climate change and air pollution, which both have a huge impact on humans. If we stop these activities, then it will be a lot better for everyone!

6. How can we protect the Environment?

Environmental protection is very much required in today's time. Some of the ways to protect the environment are to reduce, reuse, recycle, conserve water, save electricity, clean up the community, educate people on pollution, conserve water, preserve soil, tree plantation, use long-lasting bulbs, and plant trees. Heaven these are the ways which help us to protect the environment from getting polluted.

7.  Why is Environmental Protection Important?

The ecosystem in which we live provides the natural services that are very much important to humans and other species for health, quality of life, and survival. So to protect that, environmental protection is very important. Hence, governments of various countries should make strategies to protect our natural environment from getting polluted.

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The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive.

Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and over 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 79 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 42 through partners.

Our Mission and Vision

Our Mission

To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

A world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.

Together, We Find A Way

We must boldly address the biodiversity and climate crises. We're overcoming barriers to the change our planet needs.

What we do between now and 2030 will determine whether we avoid the worst impacts of climate change, conserve enough habitat to slow down species loss, and safeguard people.

How may we help you? Find answers to common questions about The Nature Conservancy. Learn about the organization's outreach, membership program, careers and more.

Get involved with The Nature Conservancy by volunteering, attending live or virtual events, taking direct action and lowering your carbon footprint.

Donate today and you’ll be a member, funding urgent direct conservation and advocacy where its needed most around the world.

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We impact conservation in over 70 countries and territories.

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We have protected more than 125 million acres of land.

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Meet the experts, scientists, leadership and staff that embody The Nature Conservancy's spirit of innovation and drive to deliver tangible lasting results for both people & nature.

Achieving Across Common Ground and Great Divides

We develop breakthrough ideas, forge new paths to conservation funding, guide game-changing decisions and amplify local and Indigenous leadership.

What Makes Us Who We Are

An Organization You Can Trust

As a leading global charity, we put every dollar donated to work efficiently and effectively to make the greatest impact possible for conservation.

Highlights From Our Work

Celebrating a Cultural Icon

The iconic Monarch butterfly holds great ecological and cultural significance across North America. Their stunning appearance and incredible 3,000 mile migration across the continent have inspired myths and celebrations. Monarch populations are declining. Their numbers are threatened by dwindling native plant populations and climate change, which alters their migration patterns. TNC partners with local communities across the country, including in East Chicago, to protect and celebrate the Monarch.

5 Ways We Conserve Quickly and Durably

We have to work quickly to conserve nature and ensure that the work we do endures. Helping to launch a sustainable tuna company. Raising coral embryos to serve as marine habitats. Partnering with local communities to conserve important habitats. In these ways and more, we're providing the next generation with the tools they need to build a sustainable future.

Saving Energy And Fish

When we design with nature in mind, we accomplish more. Like making thriving marine habitats out of offshore wind turbines. They fight climate change and can act as artificial reefs. TNC scientists are helping research materials and designs that will properly anchoring offshore wind turbines while also supporting marine life and biodiversity.

Burning to Keep Forests in Check

Fire can be a force of restoration, and many habitats need them. Wisconsin Oak trees rely on fire to burn away plants that would shade them out. In grasslands, native plants grow and thrive in the aftermath of fires. Controlled burns even decrease severity of wildfires. To help maintain native plant populations, we partner with local organizations and Indigenous leaders to perform safe controlled burns.

Reducing Emissions with Nature

Technology will take us a long way in reducing carbon emissions, but we must also remove carbon from the atmosphere. Luckily, nature is fantastic at storing carbon, if we give it the chance. Natural solutions, like protecting and managing forests and wetlands, can store 1/3 of the carbon the world needs to avoid climate change's worst impacts. Hear from a TNC scientist on how protecting nature protects us.

Kenya’s Mangrove Guardians

Mangrove forests—critical parts of Kenya’s ecosystems, cultures and local economies—are threatened by logging and pollution. TNC and partners developed a program empowering women to protect and restore their community's mangroves. The program supports women in creating sustainable economic opportunity.

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For communities near chemical plants, EPA's new air pollution rule spells relief

Halle Parker

The Fifth Ward Elementary School and residential neighborhoods sit near the Denka Performance Elastomer Plant (back of photo) in Reserve, Louisiana. Less than a half mile away from the elementary school the plant makes synthetic rubber, emitting chloroprene which the EPA's new rule targets. Gerald Herbert/AP hide caption

The Fifth Ward Elementary School and residential neighborhoods sit near the Denka Performance Elastomer Plant (back of photo) in Reserve, Louisiana. Less than a half mile away from the elementary school the plant makes synthetic rubber, emitting chloroprene which the EPA's new rule targets.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced a major rule on Tuesday to reduce toxic air pollution coming from more than 200 chemical plants across the U.S. The move comes as part of the Biden administration's pledge to better protect communities overburdened by pollution. The new standards for petrochemical plants, once implemented, will cut enough cancer-causing emissions to reduce cancer risk by 96% for people living near these industries, according to the EPA.

"This is a game changer any way you look at it," said EPA Administrator Michael Regan at a press event Tuesday. "This is a game changer for the health. It's a game changer for the prosperity. It's a game changer for children in these communities nationwide."

Environmental Protection Agency Director Michael Regan smiles at Louisiana environmental justice advocates before announcing plans for new regulations on the chemical manufacturing industry during a visit to LaPlace, Louisiana last year. Halle Parker/WWNO hide caption

Environmental Protection Agency Director Michael Regan smiles at Louisiana environmental justice advocates before announcing plans for new regulations on the chemical manufacturing industry during a visit to LaPlace, Louisiana last year.

The new rule affects dozens of chemicals, and it's the first time the national emissions standards for hazardous organic pollutants have been amended in 30 years.

Ethylene oxide and chloroprene are the two main pollutants targeted by the rule. They're mostly produced by chemical plants disproportionately located near minority communities in Texas and Louisiana. Even in small amounts, exposure to both chemicals can damage human DNA and cause mutations that can lead to illnesses later in life. Children are especially susceptible.

The EPA will require industries to find the source of pollution for these chemicals and make repairs if annual air concentrations of pollutants exceed standards. The plants will also be required to add fence-line monitoring near communities and share the data publicly.

The strict standards come more than two years after Regan visited communities as part of his Journey for Justice tour. He visited communities throughout the Gulf Coast including Texas and Louisiana.

Regan visited St. John the Baptist Parish during his tour. It's in the heart of Louisiana's Cancer Alley — the nickname for the state's 85-mile industrial corridor located along the Mississippi River — and home to the country's only chloroprene producer, Denka Performance Elastomer. That chemical is used to make neoprene, a synthetic rubber used in things like beer koozies and wetsuits.

The Denka plant is located next to a predominantly Black elementary school where hundreds of students attend. Robert Taylor, who also lives near the plant, has pushed to close it for nearly a decade.

"We couldn't believe the statement that they were being exposed at over 400 times what EPA has set as a safe level of exposure at that time," Taylor said.

Robert Taylor lives about a half-mile from Denka Performance Elastomer, a plant affected by the EPA's new rule, in Reserve, Louisiana. Halle Parker/WWNO hide caption

Robert Taylor lives about a half-mile from Denka Performance Elastomer, a plant affected by the EPA's new rule, in Reserve, Louisiana.

The EPA's new rule, he said, is the first time serious action has been taken to lower his community's risk. Since Regan's tour, the EPA has also sued Denka, alleging the plant's emissions present an "imminent and substantial endangerment" to the health of Taylor's community. The case has yet to go to trial.

Other community activists also applauded the EPA's decision to put stricter standards in place for toxic pollutants. Sharon Lavigne founded the Louisiana-based environmental group Rise St. James in the neighboring parish. Like Taylor, Lavigne said concerns about pollution encroaching on Black communities have gone largely unanswered by public officials at all levels before Regan.

"In St. James Parish, there is a 10-mile radius where a dozen petrochemical facilities operate near the homes of Black residents," Lavigne said. "This is environmental racism."

She said the new monitoring will be key for her community — something they've requested for years.

"When the action levels are exceeded, we want immediate notification in our community as well as the opportunity for us to have input on the steps taken to ensure compliance and reduce air pollution," Lavigne said.

According to an analysis by the Environmental Defense Fund, more than 80% of the industrial plants affected by the new rule were non-compliant with existing laws at some point in the last three years.

The rule also comes as the EPA's legal authority to pursue environmental civil rights violations is threatened by a lawsuit launched by now-Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry after the agency launched a now-defunct investigation into the Cancer Alley.

Ethylene oxide producers will have two years to comply with the new rule which includes extensive upgrades to equipment to avoid emissions, like fixing vents and installing new technology to capture and destroy the pollution before it escapes.

Denka, on the other hand, will have 90 days to comply, with an opportunity for an extension. Jason Hutt, a law partner at Bracewell, represents Denka. He said the company – along with other chemical manufacturers – plans to challenge the EPA's rule.

"It would be really nice if we could get back to the science and not the politics of the situation," Hutt said, "because there's a lot of people's livelihoods and jobs that are at stake in this outcome."

The Denka Performance Elastomer plant sits near farmland in Reserve, Louisiana. It is one of about 200 plants that will be affected by the EPA's new stricter standards on pollution. Halle Parker/WWNO hide caption

The Denka Performance Elastomer plant sits near farmland in Reserve, Louisiana. It is one of about 200 plants that will be affected by the EPA's new stricter standards on pollution.

The EPA's rule, Hutt said, would shutter the Denka plant because the company won't be able to comply with the standards fast enough. That translates, he said, to more than 100 local jobs lost, as well as tax revenue. Denka has also been in a long battle with the EPA, disputing the health impact of chloroprene, arguing the agency is regulating based on "faulty science."

Meanwhile, environmental groups, community activists, and long-time environmental justice leaders are celebrating what they consider a historic move to right past environmental injustices.

"(Regan's) shown a way forward for changing Cancer Alley. Administrator Michael Regan embodies the phrase, 'promises made, promises kept,'" said Deep South Center for Environmental Justice founder Beverly Wright, who also spoke during Tuesday's EPA announcement.

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Environmental Protection - Assignment Example

• Subject: English
• Type: Assignment
• Level: High School
• Pages: 1 (250 words)
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• Author: virginia40

Extract of sample "Environmental Protection"

Workshop ‘Environmental Protection’ essay Does the piece address the assignment? The piece addresses the topic of environmental protection, but I have no knowledge of the actual assignment question. Does the piece work? I think it does. It addresses the problem, explains what contributes to the problem and suggests solutions to the problem in a logical progression of ideas.Does it feel complete? Not quite. The essay would benefit from including a couple of arguments against renewable energy and recycling to present a balanced view, then assert the writer’s views that ‘harnessing energy…will put America on the path to…’.

Stating arguments against and offering logical rebuttals would increase the essay’s persuasiveness. A conclusion would make the essay more complete in later drafts.Do I find it evocative? The essay treats environmental protection in a manner that evokes serious concern, but suggested solutions also offer some hope.Are there too many abstractions? The essay contains few abstractions, and generally cites specific data and specific examples.Do I feel there are some things that don’t help the piece?

Paragraph 4: It is not clear whether the reference (Seifried & Witzel 2010) is related to the data related to increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, or just related to the statement about methane. The paragraph seems to need additional referencing.Paragraph 4: Suggest start new paragraph at ‘Using renewable energy…’ as a new point.End of existing paragraph 4: Suggest a linking sentence to introduce the paragraph about recycling, which is a new point. For example, at start of paragraph 5: ‘In addition to renewable energy sources, recycling is another easy option.

’The essay’s main strengths. Clear, concise language, sentences uncomplicated and mostly not too long. Well structured, logical progression of ideas.

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Wto and environmental protection, ways of environmental protection, economic development and environmental protection, u.s. environmental protection, the environmental protection agency, the us environmental protection agency, my understanding of environmental protection in design.

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Are ‘Forever Chemicals’ a Forever Problem?

The environmental protection agency says “forever chemicals” must be removed from tap water. but they lurk in much more of what we eat, drink and use..

Hosted by Sabrina Tavernise

Featuring Kim Tingley

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The Environmental Protection Agency has begun for the first time to regulate a class of synthetic chemicals known as “forever chemicals” in America’s drinking water.

Kim Tingley, a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine, explains how these chemicals, which have been linked to liver disease and other serious health problems, came to be in the water supply — and in many more places.

On today’s episode

Kim Tingley , a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine.

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“Forever chemicals” are everywhere. What are they doing to us?

The E.P.A. issued its rule about “forever chemicals” last week.

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• Environment Protection Act 1986

Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

The Environment (Protection) Act was enacted in the year 1986. It was enacted with the main objective to provide the protection and improvement of the environment and for matters connected therewith.

Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 Download PDF Here

Important acts and bills that regularly feature in the daily news are very relevant for the IAS and other govt exams. Questions are asked directly about them and also, a good knowledge of acts like the Environment Protection Act will help candidates write better answers.

In this article, you can read all about the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, its objectives and significance. This is an important topic from the IAS Exam perspective and aspirants must refer to the information discussed below .

Environment Protection Act (EPA)

India’s original Constitution did not contain any provision for the protection of the natural environment. However, the Fundamental Duties , which were added by the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution, prescribed the protection of the environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife as a duty of the citizens of the country.

Also read: Important International Conventions and Protocols for UPSC

This amendment also added new Directive Principles of State Policy , one of which was Article 48A, which directed the State to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife.

These developments were a result of the United Nations Conference on Human Environment, held in Stockholm in 1972. First, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 was enacted. Then, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 was passed, followed by the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981. Then in 1986, the EPA was passed by the Parliament, in the wake of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, which occurred on Dec 2, 1984 (Know more about the tragedy in the link).

Get detailed notes on all the important acts passed by the Indian Parliament in the link.

Aims and Objectives of the Environment Protection Act

The chief aims and objectives of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 are listed below.

• Implementing the decisions made at the United Nations Conference on Human Environment held in Stockholm.
• Creation of a government authority to regulate industry that can issue direct orders including closure orders.
• Coordinating activities of different agencies that are operating under the existing laws.
• Enacting regular laws for the protection of the environment.
• Imposing punishments and penalties on those who endanger the environment, safety and health. For each failure or contravention, the punishment includes a prison term of up to five years or a fine of up to Rs. 1 lakh, or both. This can also be extended for up to seven years in cases.
• Engaging in the sustainable development of the environment.
• Attaining protection of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Main Provisions of Environment Protection Act

The EPA empowers the Centre to “take all such measures as it deems necessary” in the domain of environmental protection.

• Under the law, it can coordinate and execute nationwide programmes and plans to further environmental protection.
• It can mandate environmental quality standards, particularly those concerning the emission or discharge of environmental pollutants.
• This law can impose restrictions on the location of industries.
• The law gives the government the power of entry for examination, testing of equipment and other purposes and power to analyse the sample of air, water, soil or any other substance from any place.
• The EPA explicitly bars the discharge of environmental pollutants in excess of prescribed regulatory standards.
• There is also in place a specific provision for handling hazardous substances, which is prohibited unless in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• The Act empowers any person, apart from authorised government officers, to file a complaint in a court regarding any contravention of the provisions of the Act.

IAS exam aspirants can get the detailed prelims and mains UPSC Syllabus for the upcoming Civil Services Exam at the linked article and accordingly start the preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Environment Protection Act 1986

What is the main provisions of the environment protection act of 1986, what is the objective of environment protection act 1986.

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Biden administration sets first-ever limits on ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

Logan Feeney pours a PFAS water sample into a container for research, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lab in Cincinnati. The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday announced its first-ever limits for several common types of PFAS, the so-called “forever chemicals,” in drinking water. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

Vials containing PFAS samples sit in a tray, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lab in Cincinnati. The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday announced its first-ever limits for several common types of PFAS, the so-called “forever chemicals,” in drinking water. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

FILE - Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan speaks at the University of Maryland on May 11, 2023, in College Park, Md. The Environmental Protection Agency announced, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, its first-ever limits for several common types of PFAS, the so-called “forever chemicals,” in drinking water. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard, File)

Jackson Quinn brings PFAS water samples into a temperature controlled room, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lab in Cincinnati. The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday announced its first-ever limits for several common types of PFAS, the so-called “forever chemicals,” in drinking water.(AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

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The Biden administration on Wednesday finalized strict limits on certain so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking water that will require utilities to reduce them to the lowest level they can be reliably measured. Officials say this will reduce exposure for 100 million people and help prevent thousands of illnesses, including cancers.

The rule is the first national drinking water limit on toxic PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are widespread and long lasting in the environment.

Health advocates praised the Environmental Protection Agency for not backing away from tough limits the agency proposed last year . But water utilities took issue with the rule, saying treatment systems are expensive to install and that customers will end up paying more for water.

Water providers are entering a new era with significant additional health standards that the EPA says will make tap water safer for millions of consumers — a Biden administration priority. The agency has also proposed forcing utilities to remove dangerous lead pipes .

Utility groups warn the rules will cost tens of billions of dollars each and fall hardest on small communities with fewer resources . Legal challenges are sure to follow.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan says the rule is the most important action the EPA has ever taken on PFAS.

“The result is a comprehensive and life-changing rule, one that will improve the health and vitality of so many communities across our country,” said Regan.

PFAS chemicals are hazardous because they don’t degrade in the environment and are linked to health issues such as low birth weight and liver disease, along with certain cancers. The EPA estimates the rule will cost about $1.5 billion to implement each year, but doing so will prevent nearly 10,000 deaths over decades and significantly reduce serious illnesses.

They’ve been used in everyday products including nonstick pans, firefighting foam and waterproof clothing. Although some of the most common types are phased out in the U.S., others remain. Water providers will now be forced to remove contamination put in the environment by other industries.

“It’s that accumulation that’s the problem,” said Scott Belcher, a North Carolina State University professor who researches PFAS toxicity. “Even tiny, tiny, tiny amounts each time you take a drink of water over your lifetime is going to keep adding up, leading to the health effects.”

PFAS is a broad family of chemical substances, and the new rule sets strict limits on two common types — called PFOA and PFOS — at 4 parts per trillion. Three other types that include GenEx Chemicals that are a major problem in North Carolina are limited to 10 parts per trillion. Water providers will have to test for these PFAS chemicals and tell the public when levels are too high. Combinations of some PFAS types will be limited, too.

Regan will announce the rule in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Wednesday.

Environmental and health advocates praised the rule, but said PFAS manufacturers knew decades ago the substances were dangerous yet hid or downplayed the evidence. Limits should have come sooner, they argue.

“Reducing PFAS in our drinking water is the most cost effective way to reduce our exposure,” said Scott Faber, a food and water expert at Environmental Working Group. “It’s much more challenging to reduce other exposures such as PFAS in food or clothing or carpets.”

Over the last year, EPA has periodically released batches of utility test results for PFAS in drinking water. Roughly 16% of utilities found at least one of the two strictly limited PFAS chemicals at or above the new limits. These utilities serve tens of millions of people. The Biden administration, however, expects about 6-10% of water systems to exceed the new limits.

Water providers will generally have three years to do testing. If those test exceed the limits, they’ll have two more years to install treatment systems, according to EPA officials.

Some funds are available to help utilities. Manufacturer 3M recently agreed to pay more than $10 billion to drinking water providers to settle PFAS litigation. And the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes billions to combat the substance. But utilities say more will be needed.

For some communities, tests results were a surprise. Last June, a utility outside Philadelphia that serves nearly 9,000 people learned that one of its wells had a PFOA level of 235 parts per trillion, among the highest results in the country at the time.

“I mean, obviously, it was a shock,” said Joseph Hastings, director of the joint public works department for the Collegeville and Trappe boroughs, whose job includes solving problems presented by new regulations.

The well was quickly yanked offline, but Hastings still doesn’t know the contamination source. Several other wells were above the EPA’s new limits, but lower than those the state of Pennsylvania set earlier. Now, Hastings says installing treatment systems could be a multi-million dollar endeavor, a major expense for a small customer base.

The new regulation is “going to throw public confidence in drinking water into chaos,” said Mike McGill, president of WaterPIO, a water industry communications firm.

The American Water Works Association, an industry group, says it supports the development of PFAS limits in drinking water, but argues the EPA’s rule has big problems.

The agency underestimated its high cost, which can’t be justified for communities with low levels of PFAS, and it’ll raise customer water bills, the association said. Plus, there aren’t enough experts and workers — and supplies of filtration material are limited.

Work in some places has started. The company Veolia operates utilities serving about 2.3 million people across six eastern states and manages water systems for millions more. Veolia built PFAS treatment for small water systems that serve about 150,000 people. The company expects, however, that roughly 50 more sites will need treatment — and it’s working to scale up efforts to reduce PFAS in larger communities it serves.

Such efforts followed dramatic shifts in EPA’s health guidance for PFAS in recent years as more research into its health harms emerged. Less than a decade ago, EPA issued a health advisory that PFOA and PFOS levels combined shouldn’t exceed 70 parts per trillion. Now, the agency says no amount is safe.

Public alarm has increased, too. In Minnesota, for example, Amara’s Law aims to stop avoidable PFAS use. It’s been nearly a year since the law’s namesake, Amara Strande, died from a rare cancer her family blames on PFAS contamination by 3M near her high school in Oakdale, although a connection between PFAS and her cancer can’t be proven. Biden administration officials say communities shouldn’t suffer like Oakdale. 3M says it extends its deepest condolences to Amara’s friends and family.

Losing Amara pushed the family towards activism. They’ve testified multiple times in favor of PFAS restrictions.

“Four parts per trillion, we couldn’t ask for a better standard,” Amara’s sister Nora said. “It’s a very ambitious goal, but anything higher than that is endangering lives.”

Associated Press data journalist Camille Fassett in San Francisco and reporter Matthew Daly in Washington D.C. contributed to this story.

The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP’s environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment