Week 1: Mainstream sustainable development: Pre-reading

Question 1

What are the characteristics of Mainstream Sustainable Development (MSD)?

Answer 1

• Reformist approach, not radical
• Focuses on improving existing development practices
• Relies on economic growth while acknowledging environmental needs in development policies

Question 2

What is the core idea of Market Environmentalism?

Answer 2

• Uses markets to solve environmental problems
• Values nature as an economic “good” with measurable value

Question 3

What approach does Market Environmentalism advocate for?

Answer 3

• less state intervention
• market driven solutions

Question 4

What is the main criticism of Market Environmentalism?

Answer 4

• fails to address environmental issues effectively
• Particularly problematic for open-access (public) resources

Question 5

What are similarities and differences between Market environmentalism and Ecological modernisation?

Answer 5

Similarities: both aim to adress environmental issues within a captialist system.
Differences: Market environmentalist: relies on the market, ecological modernisation relies on technology, regulation and market solutions

Question 6

What is the core idea of Ecological Modernization?

Answer 6

• Supports capitalism but emphasizes innovation and regulatory policies

Question 7

What are the criticisms of Ecological Modernization?

Answer 7

• Limited effectiveness in non-industrialized nations (because thhese countries often lack the infrastructure and governance for effective implementation)
• May overlook the need for deeper systemic changes beyond technological fixes

Question 8

How is MSD populist?

Answer 8

it believes that change is the responsibility of
of citizens and the use of appropriate technology.