Explain why it is important to monitor environmental parameters when making policies involving resource use.

1 answer

There are several reasons why it is important to monitor environmental parameters when making policies involving resource use. Here are some of them:

1. Assessing the impact: By monitoring environmental parameters, policymakers can assess the impact of resource use on the environment. This includes factors such as air and water quality, biodiversity, and climate change. Without monitoring these parameters, it is difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of policies aimed at reducing resource use and mitigating environmental impact.

2. Identifying risks and opportunities: Monitoring environmental parameters can help identify potential risks and opportunities associated with resource use. For example, monitoring the health of a river system can identify risks posed by pollution from a nearby factory, while monitoring the carbon emissions from a power plant can identify opportunities for reducing emissions through the use of renewable energy.

3. Improving decision-making: By providing accurate and timely information, monitoring environmental parameters can improve decision-making around the use of natural resources. This can help policymakers balance competing demands for resources and make more informed decisions about sustainable resource use.

4. Ensuring compliance: Monitoring environmental parameters can help enforce compliance with environmental laws and regulations. It can also facilitate transparency and accountability, enabling citizens to hold policymakers and resource users accountable for their actions.

Overall, monitoring environmental parameters is essential for ensuring that policies that involve resource use are effective, sustainable, and equitable. It helps policymakers understand the full impact of resource use on the environment and identify opportunities for improvement, while also ensuring compliance with environmental standards and regulations.