Chapter 24: Politics, environment and sustainability

Question 1

Balance policies

Answer 1

Too much control can hinder innovation, too little can harm the environment

Question 2

3 interventions by government

Answer 2

1. Full-cost pricing
2. Fixing market failures
3. Tragedy of the commons

Question 3

Policy life circle (4 steps)

Answer 3

1. Recognizing problems
2. Forming policies
3. Implementing policies
4. Making adjustments

Question 4

Democracy’s Challenge

Answer 4

Politicians focus on short-terms, because of elections

Question 5

Environmental Justice

Answer 5

Everyone deserves protection from environmental problems

Question 6

Holistic Principle

Answer 6

Recognize the environmental and other problems are connected. Focus on long-term solutions

Question 7

Precautionary principle

Answer 7

When evidence indicates an activity threatens human health or environment, take precautionary measures to prevent it

Question 8

Prevention Principle

Answer 8

Whenever possible, make decisions that help prevent a problem from occurring or becoming worse

Question 9

Reversibility Principle

Answer 9

Avoid making decisions that can’t be reversed

Question 10

Net Energy Principle

Answer 10

Avoid widespread use of energy resources and technologies with low or negative net energy yields

Question 11

Polluter-Pays Principle

Answer 11

Develop regulations and use economic tools to ensure that polluters bear the costs of dealing with the pollutants and wastes

Question 12

Environmental Justice Principle

Answer 12

Implement environmental policy

Question 13

Triple Bottom Line Principle

Answer 13

Balance economic, environmental and social needs when making policy decisions

Question 14

Structure of the Government

Answer 14

• Legislative (makes laws)
• Executive (implements laws)
• Judicial (interprets laws)

Question 15

Lobbying

Answer 15

Persuading legislators to act in one’s favour

Question 16

Budgeting

Answer 16

Crucial for policy implementation

Question 17

Role of Science

Answer 17

Science should guide policy, but politics often dominate

Question 18

Individual Power

Answer 18

Social media and grassroots movements can drive change

Question 19

4 Legal Terms

Answer 19

1. Plaintiff: Party bringing a charge
2. Defendant: Party being charged
3. Class Action Suit: A group sues on behalf of many
4. Negligence: Deliberate Harm

Question 20

Grassroots Movements

Answer 20

Local groups focused on improving environmental quality

Question 21

Campus Groups

Answer 21

Students and faculty working for environmental improvements

Question 22

Interconnected Security

Answer 22

Economies rely on Earth’s natural resources

Question 23

Resource Scarcities

Answer 23

Can lead to civil unrest and failing states

Question 24

International Policies

Answer 24

Organisations like the UN, World Bank, and others play crucial roles in global environmental decisions

Question 25

International Policies played important roles in 5 things

Answer 25

1. Expanding and understanding environmental issues
2. Gathering and evaluating environmental data
3. Developing and monitoring international environmental treaties
4. Providing grants and loans for sustainable economic development and reduction of poverty
5. Helping more than 100 nations to develop environmental laws and institutions

Question 26

Corporate Responsibility

Answer 26

Companies can invest in eco-friendly R&D and improve eco-efficiency

Question 27

Green Planning

Answer 27

Long-term strategies for environmental and economic sustainability and a high quality of life for a country’s citizen

Question 28

4 key principles of Green Planning

Answer 28

1. Prevent environmental problems
2. Use market solutions to reduce harm
3. Find win-win solutions
4. Be honest and objective