Guide to Environmental Risk Management

The book "Guide to Environmental Risk Management" by Su Wild River and Stephen Healy provides a comprehensive framework for identifying, assessing, and managing environmental risks associated with business operations. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Environmental Risk Management Definition:

   • The book defines environmental risk management as the process of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing environmental risks resulting from a company’s operations, services, or products.

2. Risk Assessment and Mitigation:

   • It emphasizes the importance of assessing the likelihood of operations causing harm to the planet and describes potential effects and hazards before taking precautions to minimize risks.

3. Compliance and Responsibility:

   • The guide highlights the legal and moral responsibilities of businesses to manage their environmental impacts, emphasizing compliance with environmental standards and regulations.

4. Strategic Planning and Implementation:

   • It discusses the implementation of new measures to prevent and mitigate environmental risks, including robust strategic planning and compliance with environmental standards.

5. Case Studies and Practical Examples:

   • The book likely includes practical examples and case studies to illustrate effective environmental risk management strategies, such as managing emissions, hazardous substance storage, and waste disposal.

Plot Summary

The book does not have a narrative plot but rather a structured guide. It is organized around the principles and practices of environmental risk management, including:

1. Understanding Your Risk Profile:

   • Identifying priorities for risk management actions and developing programs to achieve risk reductions.

2. Statutory Compliance:

   • Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and policies, such as the Australian Capital Territory Environmental Protection Act.

3. Risk Reduction Strategies:

   • Implementing measures like spill kits, training programs, and systems for first-response and long-term clean-up of chemical spills.

Critical Reception

While there is no specific critical reception available for the book, it is widely recognized in the field of environmental risk management. Su Wild River's work on environmental risk management has been influential, and she has co-authored the Australian Guide to Environmental Risk Management, which is still available and widely referenced.

Additional Context

Su Wild River has extensive experience in environmental risk management, having developed an environmental risk management training course using the CERAM technique and delivered it to various institutions. Her work has focused on both the risk posed to the environment by polluting operations and the risk to operations from the environment, as seen in projects like Miriam Dunn’s on ANU Climate Change Resilience Strategies.

In summary, "Guide to Environmental Risk Management" by Su Wild River and Stephen Healy is a practical guide that provides a structured approach to identifying, assessing, and managing environmental risks. It emphasizes compliance, strategic planning, and practical examples to help businesses mitigate their environmental footprint and enhance their competitiveness and resilience.