Environmental risks: what they are, types and management

Environmental risks represent significant threats to ecosystems and human health. Understanding these risks and knowing how to mitigate them is essential for any professional aspiring to work in the field of Environmental Science.

In this article we will discuss what environmental risks are, their types, and how they can be identified, assessed, prevented and managed. In addition, we will tell you about the importance of studying a master in Sustainability and the career opportunities offered by this programme.

Characteristics of environmental risks

• Multiple origin: environmental hazards can be of natural origin such as earthquakes, hurricanes and volcanic eruptions. Or they can be caused by human activities such as industrialisation, uncontrolled urbanisation and unsustainable agricultural practices.
• Varied impact: they can have immediate and devastating effects such as natural disasters or, alternatively, chronic and long-term effects such as air pollution and climate change. The impact of these risks can also be local, regional or global depending on their nature and magnitude.
• Interconnectedness: Environmental risks do not usually occur in isolation; they are often interrelated. For example, climate change can increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as storms and floods, which affect biodiversity and water resources.

Types of environmental risks

The classification of the types of environmental risks is made according to the different parameters taken into account. Two of the main categorisations are

Degree of human intervention.

• Natural risks: those produced by nature itself without human intervention, such as earthquakes or tsunamis.
• Social risks: these are due to technological malfunction or human behaviour itself. Within this group, we find:
• Technological risks: those arising from technological activity itself. The risk situation originates from the technology developed by human beings, such as, for example, nuclear or radiological risk.
• Anthropic risks: these are associated with the behaviour of people, for example, risks of disturbances and vandalism.
• Mixed or induced risks are those in which technology and nature come together to create the hazard. The collapse of a bridge undermined by river erosion is a technological failure that has been caused by ignoring natural processes, making it a mixed risk.

Natural agents involved

• Physical hazards.
• Chemical risks.
• Geoclimatic risks
• Geological risks.
• Biological risks.

Strategies for the prevention and mitigation of environmental risks

Managing environmental risks is a complex task that demands a holistic approach and requires collaboration between governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academic institutions and the private sector.

Here are details of the key processes for identifying, assessing, preventing and responding to these risks, with the aim of minimising their impact and promoting sustainability.

Identification of environmental risks

The UNE 150008 and ISO 14001 standards establish standards for certifying environmental risk analysis. These standards are based on the probability of occurrence of each risk and its possible impact on the environment and human health. This helps to identify causal scenarios and define consequences, enabling an environmental risk analysis to be performed.

The identification of environmental risks is the first step in risk management. This process involves:

• Use of historical, geological and climatic data to identify vulnerable areas and communities. Sources may include meteorological records, geospatial maps, biodiversity studies and pollution reports.
• Implementation of continuous monitoring systems containing air and water quality sensors, weather stations and remote sensing technology to detect environmental changes and anomalies in real time
• Application of mathematical models and computer simulations to forecast future events such as floods, forest fires or pollutant dispersion. These models help to anticipate potential impacts and tailor responses.
• Use of qualitative methods (interviews, focus groups, etc.) and quantitative methods (statistical modelling, data analysis, etc.) to obtain a complete picture of risk.

Environmental risk assessment

Once the risks have been identified, the next step is the assessment. This involves:

• Use of risk matrices and tools such as Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) and Risk and Vulnerability Analysis (RVA).
• Creation of risk maps that represent the spatial distribution of environmental risks, facilitate the identification of critical areas and prioritise mitigation actions.

Environmental risk management

Decisions are then taken to control the identified and assessed environmental risks. These actions aim to achieve 4 objectives:

• Risk elimination: ideally, the aim is to eliminate the risk completely, although this is not always possible.
• Reduction and control of risks not eliminated: implement measures to minimise and manage risks that cannot be eliminated.
• Technical transfer of the risk: if it is not possible to take over the management of a risk, third parties who have the appropriate technique to handle it can be used.
• Risk communication: adequate reporting of the identified risk.

Prevention of environmental risks

Prevention is key to minimising the chance occurrence and impact of environmental risks. Some prevention strategies are:

• Development of environmental policies and regulations that control the emission of pollutants, promote sustainable use of natural resources and protect sensitive ecosystems.
• Promoting sustainable agricultural, industrial and urban practices that reduce environmental impacts. This includes the use of different types of renewable energy, sustainable farming techniques, efficient waste management and biodiversity conservation.
• Adoption of clean technologies that minimise the generation of waste and polluting emissions, such as advanced emissions filtration, biological wastewater treatment and industrial production based on circular economy principles.
• Implementation of environmental education campaigns targeting communities, businesses and governments to encourage responsible and sustainable behaviour. Training and awareness-raising are key to participation in environmental protection.

Addressing environmental risks

When risks materialise, it is important to have well-defined action plans in place. These include:

• Development of specific emergency plans for different types of environmental risks. These plans should include clear protocols for evacuation, medical assistance, critical infrastructure protection and public communication.
• Establishment of rapid response teams empowered to intervene immediately after an adverse environmental event. These individuals should be equipped with the necessary tools and technologies to handle the situation effectively.
• Implement strategies for recovery and restoration of damaged ecosystems, as well as infrastructure rehabilitation and support to affected communities.
• Conduct post-event evaluations to analyse the effectiveness of implemented responses and learn lessons that can improve preparedness and response in the future.

Why study a master in Sustainability and what are the career opportunities?

Studying a master in Sustainabilty provides a solid knowledge base and the essential skills to deal with today's environmental risks. At Universidad Europea, this programme is designed to equip you with the skills needed to understand, conserve and protect the planet's natural resources and ecosystems. 

You will be prepared to address global environmental challenges, promote environmental sustainability in diverse industries and communities, and be part of the shift towards a more equitable and healthy future.

Likewise, career opportunities for Environmental Science graduates are varied, as they can work in government agencies, NGOs, environmental consultancies, private companies and research centres. Some specific roles are:

• Natural resource manager: in charge of planning and supervising the sustainable use of natural resources such as water, soil and forests.
• Environmental consultant: helps companies comply with environmental regulations and implement sustainable practices.
• Environmental policy analyst: works on the development and analysis of public policies for the protection of the environment.
• Research scientist: conducts research to better understand environmental processes and develop new technologies for their management.
• Environmental educator: teaches and raises community awareness about the importance of conservation and sustainability.