Politics and Environmental Geology
Introduction
In its broadest sense, the term politics refers to attaining and practicing governance of a particular group of people or a community. As such, it is a process that entails making critical decisions that affect the members of the community or society under governance (Paehlke, 2001). On the other hand, environmental geology is an advanced discipline on earth sciences that is focused on applying geological studies and knowledge in identifying, remediating, and preventing the harming of the environment through human activities. On its own, geology as a science is concerned with earth’s nature hence studies material composition and its processes (Keller, 2011). Therefore, environmental geologists are important in protecting communities from various factors such as earth movements because of the information they have. But then, the political environment comes in handy to enhance the activities of environmental geologists. This essay discusses how environmental geology has become significant and how it connects with politics.
How Environmental Geology Works
Environmental geology applies information from geological studies that investigate earth’s crustal processes with the aim of minimizing degradation of the environment and mitigating hazardous environmental happenings such earthquakes. Environmental geologists focus on four key elements in their quest to save the environment. The first element regards the primary objective to identify and manage hazards associated with nature including heavy floods, erosions, volcanic activities, and forest fires. The second component encompasses resource management whereby uses of natural resources including minerals and water have to be properly managed. The third component is based on management of energy and energy sources especially oil and gas towards sustainable environment. The last element is keen on management of waste disposal whereby contaminating agents as through soil erosion or deposition of crustal material are investigated. Environmental geology works by focusing on the aforementioned components that form a significant part of the environment. Environmental geologists ought to be equipped with a solid comprehension of both historical and present geological events because the knowledge comes in handy to give them a foresight on the natural hazards likely to happen in the future; their degree and frequency, as well. It is important to note that environmental geology is based on research and examination of environment in order protect it (Keller, 2011).
The contribution of Environmental Geology to Societal Well-being
There are myriad contributions of environmental geology to the societal wellbeing because environmental geologists do a lot of investigations to keep the environment in check. Most importantly, they are instrumental in infrastructural development to mitigate environmental degradation because they provide data and information that help design, site and construct appropriate infrastructure. The geologists normally identify potential endangerments such as floods or erosion that stand to entangle with human activities hence providing advice on how best to approach various human processes. In a broader perspective, environmental geology contributes to the society through the identification and characterization of processes concerning earth’s changes whereby human beings are primary participators of those modifications. Conclusively, the science works magic in promoting management of the environment (Keller, 2011).
Role of Politics in Environmental Geology
It is an undeniable fact that the government and politics play a role in shaping the environment through the creation of social amenities and regulations. As such, the politics affect environmental geology through project development and environmental regulations as stipulated by the government (Paehlke, 2001). Normally, governments take the responsibility of taking care of the community in times of natural hazards such as floods and earthquakes. Therefore, environmental geologists have to involve the politics or governments as the primary stakeholders due to their role in the environmental activities.
References
Keller, E. (2011). Environmental geology. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Paehlke, R. (2001). Environmental Politics, Sustainability and Social Science. Environmental Politics, 10(4), 1-22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/714000571