Explain why pollution prevention is undertaken as the first strategy in minimizing environmental risk.

Answer:

Environmental risk can be managed by a number of strategies. The first employed is to prevent pollution at its source because this strategy eliminates the need to dispose of waste, restore habitats, or remediate contamination. In situations where pollution prevention is not possible or practical, then other strategies become important. Minimizing the amount of waste generated and properly disposing of the waste that is generated is one strategy, as is avoiding habitat damage.