ABSTRACT
Some of the problems faced by environmental managers are reasonably clear: population increase, pollution, urbanization, and rising consumption (consumerism) and globalization (Kiely and Marfleet, 1998). A consequence of some of these are: possible greenhouse warming, worsening soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity. For some of these problems remedial action has been much too limited, and necessary future responses may have to be ‘quick and dirty’ with no time to wait for adequate data, better technology, change of public opinion and effective legislation. It is fair to say that environmental management is increasingly running-on-the-spot, trying to keep up with growing environmental problems, and some fear that cumulative/ synergistic problems may be emerging to make it even more difficult. North (1995: 105) warned of ‘a blizzard of cliché and prejudice’ surrounding environmental challenges. However, he was able to present a rational, often optimistic and readable assessment of the challenges being faced by environmental management. North felt that, though the world may have to support 10 billion people within a couple of generations, it might be possible to do so and still care for the natural world.
