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What Are the Five Stages in Addressing an Environmental Problem?

An environmental problem is one that negatively affects the environment. Environmental problems include those that are a result of a process unit within a chemical or geographical area, those caused by the industry sector and those caused by a medium (i.e., land disposal, water, air, etc.). The purpose of addressing any environmental problem is to formulate a well-defined strategy that effectively isolates and manages its effects.

  1. Stage One: Defining the Environmental Problem

    • The first stage in addressing an environmental problem is to define it accurately. This is done by using information sources and techniques that can help locate and identify issues related to the problem. The problem is defined in a detailed, step-by-step manner that highlights all its associated effects that require immediate attention. The first stage also includes the identification of opportunities and challenges in defining the environmental problems. The purpose of this stage is to strategically focus on locating accurate and complete information on the environmental problem, define it in a usable format, and justify its selection over other environmental problems. Examples of well-defined environmental problems include child lead poisoning and the environmental and human health impact of smog.

    Stage Two: Establishing Goals and Measures

    • The objective of stage two is to detail the (step-by-step) process involved in achieving a desired result. The goals and measures defined are SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time sensitive). This stage also determines whether desired results have been achieved or not. Each individual goal is isolated and its specific measures are identified.

    Stage Three: Selecting Appropriate Tools

    • This stage identifies and selects appropriate tools that address the environmental problem. The five categories of tools that are employed in the process include compliance assistance (CA), compliance monitoring (CM), compliance incentives (CI), enforcement, and innovations and sound business practice. Before deciding on which tool(s) to consider to best address the problem, a range of behavior change options are considered. They aim to further improve environmental performance by fostering compliance. These options include education, encouragement, accountability and deterrence.

    Stage Four: Establishing Roles and Responsibilities

    • This stage defines how to select the team that will plan, implement and monitor the environmental strategy. The team should be well suited to develop an appropriate strategy and achieve its desirable goals. A team of experts with well-defined roles, responsibilities, skill sets and knowledge should form the leadership component of the process. An overall manager will oversee all operations, manage resources, select and deselect team members, and put in time to work on the implementation of the defined strategy.

    Stage Five: Developing & Implementing the Plan

    • This stage details a work plan and ways that ensure its successful implementation. Work plans are developed by team leaders who are fully committed to achieving desired objectives. One of the most common ways of establishing work plans is through brainstorming. Once a work plan is defined, team leaders assign appropriate activities and appoint progress coordinators whose task is to monitor, evaluate and report the results of the implemented strategy. This stage also includes the designation of resources and the deployment of workforce.

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