CH4 Environmental Science

built environment

refers to urban areas and structures (e.g., roads, parks, and buildings) constructed by human beings, as opposed to undeveloped, rural areas.

Environmental Sustainability

adheres to the philosophical viewpoint "that a strong, just, and wealthy society can be consistent with a clean environment, healthy ecosystems, and a beautiful planet." 3 components of sustainable development: 1. materials and energy use 2. land use 3. human development. Environmental sustainability means that resources should not be depleted faster than they are regenerated; the concept also specifies that there should be no permanent change to the natural environment

Environmental Law

Environmental law, also known as environmental and natural resources law, is a collective term describing the network of treaties, statutes, regulations, common and customary laws addressing the effects of human activity on the natural environment. The core environmental law regimes address environmental pollution.

HHS/NIH/NIEHS

HHS- US Health & Human Services NIH- National Institutes of Health NIEHS- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

NEPA (Sec. 101 [42 USC § 4331]

National Environmental Policy Act The Congress, recognizes the profound impact of man's activity on the interrelations of all components of the natural environment, particularly the profound influences of population. growth, high-density urbanization, industrial expansion, resource exploitation, and new and expanding technological advances and recognizes further the critical importance of restoring and maintaining environmental quality to the overall welfare and development of man, declares that it is the continuing policy of the Federal Government, in cooperation with State and local governments, and other concerned public and private organizations, to use all practicable means and measures, including financial and technical assistance, in a manner calculated to foster and promote the general welfare, to create and maintain conditions under which man and nature can exist in productive harmony, and fulfill the social economic, and other requirements of present and future generations of Americans. (b) In order to carry out the policy set forth in this Act, it is the continuing responsibility of the Federal Government to use all practicable means, consistent with other essential considerations of national policy, to improve and coordinate Federal plans, functions, programs, and resources to the end that the Nation may-- (1) fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the environment for succeeding generations: (2) assure for all Americans safe, healthful, productive and esthetically and culturally pleasing. surroundings; (3) attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment without degradation, risk to health of safety, or other undesirable and unintended consequences; (4) preserve important historic, cultural, and natural aspects of our national heritage, and maintain wherever possible, an environment which supports diversity and variety of individual choice; (5) achieve a balance between population and resource use which will permit high standards of living and a wide sharing of life's amenities; and (6) Enhance the quality of renewable resources and approach the maximum attainable recycling of depletable resources. (c) The Congress recognizes that each person should enjoy a healthful environment and that each person has a responsibility to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the environment.

precautionary principle

States that "preventive, anticipatory measures . . . [should] be taken when an activity raises threats of harm to the environment, wildlife, or human health, even if some cause-and-effect relationships are not fully established." suggests that policy makers should err on the side of "an ounce of prevention" and take protective measures even when the full scientific certainty is lacking.

environmental justice

The equal treatment of all people in society irrespective of their racial background, country of origin, and socioeconomic status.

US EPA

US Environmental Protection Agency "The EPA's purpose is to ensure that . . . all Americans are protected from significant risks to human health and the environment where they live, learn and work" EPA implements best available scientific information for environmental risk reduction, enforces federal environmental laws fairly and effectively, maintains a leadership role with respect to protecting the global environment. Also: Give Grants Study Environment Issues Sponsor Partnership Teach people about the environment Publish information

environmental policy

a statement by an organization [either public, such as a government, or private] of its intentions and principles in relation to its overall environmental performance Environmental policy provides a framework for action and for the setting of its environmental objectives and target Goal is to "reduce human risks or environmental damages resulting from pollution"

Risk Management

the adoption of steps to eliminate identified risks or lower them to acceptable levels (often as determined by a government agency that has taken into account input from the public) after a risk assessment has been completed, public policy mandates may be adopted for the management of the identifiable risk

risk assessment

the process of determining risks to health attributable to environmental or other hazards; involves (1) hazard assessments, (2) dose-response assessment, (3) exposure assessment, and (4) risk characterization -policy development - four major factors Hazard (Chemical properties)--> Risk (exposure) --> Impacts (physical damage to ecosystem) --> social cost (preferences, values)