Author(s)

J.M. Baldasano

Abstract

An Environmental Management Systems, Why? J.M. Baldasano e-mail: baldasano@pe.upc.es Abstract Our society, characterised by urban, industry and consumerism development, has taken too little account of and had too little knowledge of fundamental ecological relationship and principles. We have thought of nature as an infinite resource with an endless capacity to absorb society's waste products. In many ways, we have wastefully exploited finite nature resources and raw materials. Mankind and the environment have been injured by emissions of toxic or environmentally hazardous substances to the air, water and soil. Today, we are learning more and more about the problems, and we are realising that we must reverse many trends. Restrictions on emissions and bans on substances harmful to the environment are not sufficient by themselves. In 1987, the Brutland commission, appointed by the UN, reported that in order to achieve sustainable development in balance with nature, manki

Keywords