(URP) Environmental Health Challenges and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Implications for Policy And Management

Abstract

Throughout history, the environment has played a dominant role in development, change and society both in developing and developed societies. The term environment has been derived from a French word “Environia†means to surround. It refers to both abiotic (physical or non-living) and biotic (living) environment. The word environment means surroundings, in which organisms live. Environment is the surroundings of human beings; a place that they live and work comfortably. It is one of the key determinants of optimal health or well-being of individuals.  Environment is the inclusion of the living and non-living things that one has to interact with and which can influence one’s state of health. Therefore, land, sea, plants, animals (including man) and other creatures, both living and non-living things that one has to interact with and which can influence one’s state of health. Therefore, land, sea, plants, animals (including man) and other creatures, both living and non-living things around us constitute our environment. Environment and the organisms are two dynamic and complex component of nature. Environment regulates the life of the organisms including human beings. Human beings interact with the environment more vigorously than other living beings. Ordinarily environment refers to the materials and forces that surround the living organism. Environment is the sum total of conditions that surrounds us at a given point of time and space. It is comprised of the interacting systems of physical, biological and cultural elements which are interlinked both individually and collectively. Environment is the sum total of conditions in which an organism has to survive or maintain its life process. It influences the growth and development of living forms. In other words environment refers to those surroundings that surrounds living beings from all sides and affects their lives in toto. It consists of atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. Its chief components are soil, water, air, organisms and solar energy. It has provided us all the resources for leading a comfortable life.

Keywords : Environment, health, management, sustainable development, Nigeria