Why Every Business Needs an Environmental Policy
The levels of pollution currently plaguing the earth is a threat to our survival. We need to create and update existing policies that safeguard our natural world if we plan to have a safe environment for future generations.
Pollution is undoubtedly one of the biggest problems we are facing in the new world. As such, our policies must be revised to protect wildlife, nature, and fragile ecosystems.
Although we may think that pollution affects only plants and animals, there are numerous side effects for us as humans. Health issues are on the rise in humans; respiratory diseases and cardiovascular diseases are just a couple of ailments affecting us. Poor air and water quality are also responsible for the rise in various types of cancers, either directly or indirectly.
Why We Need Environmental Policies
As the world's population increases, so does the burden on our planet and the natural resources it provides. Environmental policies are an essential tool that governments and organisations use to protect ecosystems and the life that flourishes within them.
These environmental policies constructed by organisations are constantly being reviewed and updated to safeguard our environment better. The need for these policies cannot be understated as we begin to reach the point of no return. Overfishing, deforestation, pollution of the earth's natural water sources, and climate change are all very real threats in today's world.
If there are no guidelines and laws to make sure that we are all doing our part, there is no telling how long it will be before we have depleted these sources and what we will do after this happens.
The Goals of a Policy
Essentially, an environmental policy's goal is to address the issues facing the environment and create awareness. The protection of ecosystems and wildlife are the main goals; however, they are not limited to these two aspects. They also:
- Focus on laws that ensure industries are not creating unnecessary pollution that directly or indirectly affects our air and water quality.
- Ensure that companies abide by the laws set out to protect wildlife such as fisheries and livestock farms.
- Provide strict guidelines that ensure human-made pollution does not put at risk or harm the environment and the many species that live in it.
- Protect wildlife sanctuaries and natural ecosystems, as well as the wildlife.
How to keep the water clean
With the world's natural water sources being depleted rapidly, policies need to be reviewed and updated to ensure we as humans do not overuse or pollute these water sources. Studies have shown that the rivers worldwide are being subjected to overfishing and deadly chemical runoff being leaked by hundreds of factories that exist on the rivers banks.
In addition, fracking has become a major concern over the past few years, and policies are now being reviewed to ensure our underground aquifers' protection.
Deforestation
Undoubtedly one of the major contributors to global warming is deforestation that is decimating our rainforests across the globe. With not much being done in terms of governments providing protection, these policies are being enforced by private organisations.
Global warming
Global warming has far-reaching effects on our lives' quality. The rising sea levels are a global concern. There are currently millions of lives that survive below or just above the current sea level, and as the oceans begin to rise, major cities such as Venice and Florida will soon be underwater.
What We Need To Do
Research has shown that humans and the industries we rely on are wreaking havoc on our environments on a global scale. The environmental policies that are being drawn up are a vital way for us to protect the natural world and our fragile ecosystems.
Every company should come to create an environmental policy to take part in the global menace. The policy should highlight what needs to be done, who should do it, and how it helps make the world a better place.