What do you do if you want to shape policy and decision-making as an environmental engineer leader?

One of the most pressing environmental challenges in Nigeria is oil pollution.The responsibility of dealing with this challenge cannot be left to the oil companies and government alone. The host communities, security outfits and regulators have a huge role to play to curb this menace. My vision is to FIGHT it and bring it to level zero by deploying data driven tools that are accessible to all the key stakeholders in this matter. I presume that most of the initiators of this oil pollution on land and water are very much oblivious of the huge damage it is systematically causing to Nigerians.

As Sr Odor Expert in environmental engineering, I engage in interdisciplinary research, collecting and analyzing data on odor impacts. I collaborate with policymakers, providing evidence-based recommendations for regulations and practices. Additionally, I conduct outreach to raise public awareness, emphasizing the importance of addressing odor pollution and nuisances. Through these efforts, I aim to influence policy and decision-making toward sustainable odor management. I already have written a few policies in the my particular field of odor nuisances and each time, i enjoyed to invite municipal committee for example, to smell appropriate samples in order for them to figure out what the effects will be in real life.

Engaging with other stakeholders (and building your network) is the most critical element for shaping policy. How can you do it well? (1) Take the time to learn about others outside your discipline. This helps build the foundation of trust that collaboration can be built upon, and to speak the same language to communicate effectively. (2) Approach others from a place of curiosity and empathy (e.g. think about what they need, not just what you bring) helps guide us towards the win-wins that shaping policy should be about. (3) Just get started. It can be intimidating to engage with new people, but you’ll get better with time.

Expanding my network and gaining recognition for my technical expertise in the field of environmental odor nuisances has come through legal and juridical work: Drafting laws specific to my field compelled me to consider far more significant factors than simple odor impact studies; it was akin to conduct numerous simultaneous and dynamically interacting studies. This created an incredible sense of control over my domain, notably during the creation of municipal regulations for a small town in Quebec: Boucherville. Simultaneously, building legal expertise for legal defenses, such as in the highly publicized trial of Anacolor firm in Cap-Rouge, also allowed me to elevate my position and assume a genuine expert role, being recognized as such.

As a senior odor expert, I fully endorse the assertion that effective leadership extends beyond technical proficiency. In navigating the complexities of odor management, analytical prowess alone is insufficient. Strategic thinking enables us to anticipate and adapt to dynamic challenges, while communication and negotiation skills facilitate stakeholder engagement and consensus-building. Advocacy ensures our expertise translates into actionable policies, while innovation drives sustainable solutions. Continuous learning and skill development are paramount in our field, allowing us to stay ahead of emerging issues and deliver tangible results.

There are many levers to influence decision making - for example, in the USA, new rules (the regulations that are enforced, which give laws "teeth") and permits for major projects require "public comment" periods for the public & experts to share their views and expertise. The government has an obligation to respond to substantive comments, providing scientists & experts a direct lever for influencing decision making with facts.

In my career as an expert in the field of olfactory nuisances, around the age of 32, I felt like I had reached the pinnacle by participating in drafting regulatory frameworks for my profession in the areas of rendering and composting in France and Quebec. Simultaneously, I provided legal contributions during various lawsuits concerning these same professions. I believed I had hit my glass ceiling, the peak of my environmental engineering expertise. However, almost 18 years later, I realize that working with these regulations and witnessing improvements in air quality further refined my knowledge and expertise. Hindsight is essential for becoming a proficient expert.