Environmental management through the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response framework: Challenges and adaptive...

Environmental management (EM) is critical to achieving sustainable development, especially in the face of rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and climate change. This study offers a comparative analysis of EM practices in India and the Czech Republic, two nations with contrasting socio-economic and environmental contexts yet facing parallel ecological challenges. India grapples with severe air and water pollution, rising electronic and plastic waste, and growing energy demands, while the Czech Republic confronts legacy pollution from coal dependency, heavy industry, and biodiversity loss. The research explores current challenges, regulatory frameworks, climate adaptation strategies, and the roles of governments, civil society, and stakeholders in shaping environmental governance. It highlights the effectiveness of initiatives such as India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and the Czech Republic's alignment with European Union environmental directives. Both countries are actively transitioning toward bioeconomy and renewable energy, albeit at different scales and paces. The article emphasizes the role of public participation, NGOs, and international cooperation in strengthening EM systems, particularly in technology transfer and innovation. Findings suggest that collaborative frameworks between India and the Czech Republic could enhance mutual capacity for environmental protection, promote sustainable development, and advance global climate goals. This study provides an understanding of recent issues in environment management for policymakers and researchers seeking integrative and adaptive approaches to environmental governance in diverse national contexts.