Project Abstract

Abstract
The state of the Earth's environment is currently facing numerous challenges that require urgent attention and effective solutions. From climate change to biodiversity loss, pollution, deforestation, and resource depletion, the planet is under immense pressure due to human activities. These environmental challenges not only threaten the delicate balance of ecosystems but also pose significant risks to human health, economies, and overall well-being. Climate change, driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, is causing rising global temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events, and disrupted climate patterns. This phenomenon is leading to sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and the loss of crucial habitats for many species. Biodiversity loss, another critical issue, is occurring at an alarming rate due to habitat destruction, overexploitation of natural resources, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species. The decline in biodiversity not only reduces the resilience of ecosystems but also hinders their ability to provide essential services such as clean air, water, and food. Pollution, both on land and in the oceans, is a pervasive problem that affects wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. Plastic waste, chemical pollutants, and industrial runoff contaminate water bodies, soil, and air, leading to a range of negative impacts on both the environment and human populations. Deforestation, driven by agricultural expansion, logging, and infrastructure development, is contributing to habitat loss, species extinction, and the release of stored carbon into the atmosphere. Forest degradation also reduces the planet's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide and mitigate climate change. Resource depletion, including the unsustainable extraction of fossil fuels, minerals, and freshwater, is putting further strain on the Earth's natural systems. As populations grow and economies expand, the demand for resources continues to increase, leading to overexploitation and diminishing reserves. Addressing these environmental challenges requires collective action at local, national, and global levels to implement sustainable practices, protect ecosystems, promote biodiversity conservation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In conclusion, the state of the Earth's environment is a pressing concern that demands immediate attention and concerted efforts to mitigate the impacts of human activities on the planet. By recognizing the interconnected nature of environmental issues and adopting holistic approaches to conservation and sustainability, we can work towards safeguarding the health and well-being of current and future generations.

Project Overview

Environmental issues are meant to be operationalized through the formulation of actor-specific environmental actions plans, which define priority action that will convert strategy into practice. The Environmental Planning and Management (EPM) process which is an increasingly popularized cans of solving the myriads of problems afflicting the environmental in contemporary world.

The study examines the use of Environmental Planning and Management (EPM) process as a strategy of solving environmental problems in Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria by investigating the perception of the general public on the state of the environment in the area, level of participation of people in compliance to existing environmental strategies, causes of ineffective environmental management in the area and assessing community satisfaction with existing environmental management approach using well structured questionnaires administered to sampled households.

Questions were related to socio-economic characteristics of households, willingness to participate by the community in the EPM process, perceived level of environmental degradation in the area, level of compliance of oil and gas companies to environmental laws and the role of Government environment protection agencies in protecting the environment of the study area.

The results confirm that the level of damage from oil exploration, gas activities, pollution and pipeline vandalizations is chronic and cumulative, which has resulted to the degradation of the environment, routine of facilities and compliancy to environmental management approaches are not regular, facilities and equipment were found be grossly inadequate therefore proper inspection can not be well carried out, the community expressed dissatisfaction with the existing environment approach which they attributed to the inability of fully implementing the environmental approach, the community indicated that given the opportunity they are willing to particimendations were made for the effective and efficient application of the EPM process in the study area.