ABSTRACT

This chapter examines some of the activities of man, their effects on the environment and possible government and citizens roles in the management of the environment. Most of man's activities are as a result of his restless nature and insatiable desire to improve the face of his surroundings. The deliberate removal of forest is one of the most long-standing and significant ways in which humans have modified the environment, achieved by fire or cutting. Forests are sometimes cleared to allow for agriculture; at other times to provide fuel for domestic purposes, or wood for construction. One of the most serious environmental problems in tropical areas is the removal of the rain forest. Some major effects of construction upon the environment are in the areas of landuse, use of natural resources, air emissions, comfort disturbance and the like. Environmental management is the application of relevant environmental control systems towards creating a healthy environment.