Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
of environmental risk management
K. Gruiz
Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science,
Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
ABSTRACT
Efficient environmental risk management applies the best available management tools,
i.e., legislation, assessment and monitoring, risk assessment and risk reduction. The
continuous improvement and integration of these methodologies into the management
process leads to a dynamic management system. The identification of bottlenecks and
actually missing tools, as well as innovations to fulfill knowledge gaps are the key
factors of developing the methodology of environmental management and increasing
sustainability of inhabiting and using the environment by humans. Some of the bot-
tlenecks of the system and the obstacles in the way of innovations are discussed in
this chapter. The target, the concept and maximum knowledge are the essence of an
efficient management activity, which includes the ability of identifying and placing the
problem into the right legal, managerial and technical positions, and also knowing and
selecting the most appropriate management tools. The topic is discussed with a focus
on environmental risk management.
1 INTRODUCTION
Improvement of environmental risk management (ERM) means the continuous integra-
tion of new scientific knowledge and innovative methods in the field of exploring and
learning the environment, reporting its current status, properly interpreting acquired
information and intervening in a way that improves the situation without addi-
tional damage. To manage this dynamic system in favor of man and in harmony
with the environment, a long-term and integral approach, continuously developing
tools and dissemination of the new knowledge are fundamental. Legislation, science
and engineering have a leading role in the establishment of innovative methods and
in further developing the traditional ones, as well as in selecting the best possible
one. The efficient management of this continuously changing dynamic system, han-
dling of data, lowering uncertainties, acquiring information and the harmonization of
human and environmental interest requires a holistic approach. In addition to the eco-
nomic and environmental aspects, social aspects, communication, culture and attitude
play the main role in future management and decision making. Alloying the technical
and cultural faces of mankind may only lead to the harmonic and sustainable use of
the earth.
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