Introduction to Environmental Modelling

Study Notes

Environmental Management Overview

Environmental Management (EM) is an interdisciplinary approach addressing human-altered environments from natural and social sciences, law, engineering, and design perspectives.
Supports sustainable development and addresses global and local issues resulting from human impact.
Requires integration of diverse development viewpoints and disciplines, including science, policy-making, and planning.
Aims to fulfill basic human needs while anticipating long-term opportunities and threats.
Emphasizes stewardship of the environment over exploitation.

Role of Environmental Manager

Interfaces with multiple domains including ecology, economics, law, and politics to develop EM action plans.
Key elements in planning include environmental policies, audits, standards (both internal and external).
Planning has long-term environmental impacts, necessitating management at regional, national, and international levels.

Influences on Rural Land Use

Factors affecting rural land use include:
- Agricultural practices, which influence soil quality, water resources, and biodiversity.
- Urbanization trends leading to habitat loss and ecosystem pressure.
- Policy decisions, including land zoning and conservation regulation.
- Natural resource availability which determines land use viability.

Environmental Impact of Agricultural Practices

Intensive farming, agrochemical usage, and deforestation lead to soil erosion, water pollution, and biodiversity decline.
Sustainable agricultural practices—organic farming, agroforestry, integrated pest management—help conserve the environment and bolster ecosystem resilience.
Quantity surveyors can advocate for sustainable agricultural methods and incorporate green infrastructure in development initiatives.

Strategies for Sustainable Development Amid Demographic Changes

Sustainable development strategies should merge environmental concerns with social equity and economic viability.
Smart urban planning, ecosystem-based management, and community engagement are critical for sustainability against population growth.
Emphasizes the necessity of sustainability principles in policy-making and decision-making for balanced human and environmental well-being.

Case Studies on Demographic and Ecological Changes

Provide insights into interactions between demographics and ecology, showcasing successful environmentally focused projects.
Innovative projects, like Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, exemplify integration of technology, renewable energy, and sustainability for urban environments.
Highlight the significant role technology plays in enhancing environmental conservation and sustainability across various contexts.

Opportunities for Quantity Surveyors in Environmental Management

Critical role in the built environment, with potential to leverage technology for enhanced sustainability.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) facilitates digital modeling of projects, improving coordination, cost estimation, and sustainability assessments.
Integrated project management and cost estimation tools allow the inclusion of sustainability criteria throughout project phases.

Description

Explore the basics of Environmental Modelling, a process addressing human-altered environment issues from an interdisciplinary and quantitative perspective. Learn about its characteristics like supporting sustainable development and focusing on a futuristic viewpoint.