Seven challenges to environmental policy Public goods nobody has the right to ownership Consequences for the use of common resources is illustrated in “The Tragedy of the Commons” by Hardin Transboundary problems Most environmental problems are not restricted by national borders Often require interaction cooperation, but ‘world government’ is non-existent

Seven challenges to environmental policy Complexity and uncertainty There are complex relationships between natural and anthropogenic Is there an environmental problem? What is the cause of it (natural or man-made)? What are the impacts? How can these impacts be avoided? What policies are necessary? Do these policies cover all the environmental, socio-economic and ethical spheres? Example is the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Science and professional experts are an important part of environmental policymaking Often result in political conflicts because of the different views and interests of policymakers, lobbyists and scientists

Seven challenges to environmental policy Irreversibility Many environmental problems are irreversible and some resources are non-renewable Environmental policy makers are pressured with a “get it right the first time” approach Temporal and spatial variability Many environmental problems are have long-term/future effects while politicians have short-term concerns Uneven distribution of the impact and solutions Equity and social justice poor and rich nations becomes questionable

Seven challenges to environmental policy Administrative fragmentation Division of distinct policy sectors with specific responsibilities Regulatory intervention Economic growth versus environmental protection Environmental damage is often a by-product certain activities (e.g. development)

Traditional policy paradigm Provides terminology and a set of taken-for-granted assumptions about the way they communicate and think about a policy area Failed to recognise the interdependency of political, economic, social and cultural systems Environmental policy was treated as a separate policy area A specialised branch of government (environment ministry) the emergence an alternative paradigm of sustainable development

Obstacles to environmental sustainability Special interests of different groups Institutional structure of the state and government Sectoral divisions within government Power of producers and businesses