Chapter 24: Politics, environment and sustainability Flashcards
Balance policies
Too much control can hinder innovation, too little can harm the environment
3 interventions by government
- Full-cost pricing
- Fixing market failures
- Tragedy of the commons
Policy life circle (4 steps)
- Recognizing problems
- Forming policies
- Implementing policies
- Making adjustments
Democracy’s Challenge
Politicians focus on short-terms, because of elections
Environmental Justice
Everyone deserves protection from environmental problems
Holistic Principle
Recognize the environmental and other problems are connected. Focus on long-term solutions
Precautionary principle
When evidence indicates an activity threatens human health or environment, take precautionary measures to prevent it
Prevention Principle
Whenever possible, make decisions that help prevent a problem from occurring or becoming worse
Reversibility Principle
Avoid making decisions that can’t be reversed
Net Energy Principle
Avoid widespread use of energy resources and technologies with low or negative net energy yields
Polluter-Pays Principle
Develop regulations and use economic tools to ensure that polluters bear the costs of dealing with the pollutants and wastes
Environmental Justice Principle
Implement environmental policy
Triple Bottom Line Principle
Balance economic, environmental and social needs when making policy decisions
Structure of the Government
- Legislative (makes laws)
- Executive (implements laws)
- Judicial (interprets laws)
Lobbying
Persuading legislators to act in one’s favour
Budgeting
Crucial for policy implementation
Role of Science
Science should guide policy, but politics often dominate
Individual Power
Social media and grassroots movements can drive change
4 Legal Terms
- Plaintiff: Party bringing a charge
- Defendant: Party being charged
- Class Action Suit: A group sues on behalf of many
- Negligence: Deliberate Harm
Grassroots Movements
Local groups focused on improving environmental quality
Campus Groups
Students and faculty working for environmental improvements
Interconnected Security
Economies rely on Earth’s natural resources
Resource Scarcities
Can lead to civil unrest and failing states
International Policies
Organisations like the UN, World Bank, and others play crucial roles in global environmental decisions
International Policies played important roles in 5 things
- Expanding and understanding environmental issues
- Gathering and evaluating environmental data
- Developing and monitoring international environmental treaties
- Providing grants and loans for sustainable economic development and reduction of poverty
- Helping more than 100 nations to develop environmental laws and institutions
Corporate Responsibility
Companies can invest in eco-friendly R&D and improve eco-efficiency
Green Planning
Long-term strategies for environmental and economic sustainability and a high quality of life for a country’s citizen
4 key principles of Green Planning
- Prevent environmental problems
- Use market solutions to reduce harm
- Find win-win solutions
- Be honest and objective
