Environmental protection is a practice that prevents long-term damage to the natural environment, like climate change, habitat loss, and pollution. It also supports sustainable development and conservation of critical natural resources. In order to protect the environment, governments enforce policies and laws that reduce waste, limit use of harmful chemicals, and promote renewable energy sources.
For example, when a company switches to using greener methods of production and shipping its products, it reduces its carbon footprint while supporting sustainable business practices. Governments also impose regulations to reduce air and water pollution. These regulations may include restrictions on how many times pollutants can be discharged into the environment or mandate testing for contaminants.
Communities that implement environmental protection measures enjoy healthier residents and a more attractive business climate. In addition, businesses are more likely to invest in a community with a good track record, further boosting the economy. Cleaner environments are also less prone to natural disasters, which can be costly and debilitating to local economies.
For example, DTSC is working to improve the environmental health of underserved communities in Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley,” where people are more than 50 times more likely to get cancer from exposure to industrial pollution. We do this by working with local partners to understand the unique risks in these communities, identify and prioritize pollution sources, develop risk reduction strategies and approaches, and implement those at a community level. This is known as targeted environmental justice and is a key component of our Environmental Justice Plan.