Politics, Environment, and Sustainability Chapter 27 G. Tyler Miller’s Living in the Environment 13 th Edition Chapter 27 G. Tyler Miller’s Living in the Environment 13 th Edition

Key Concepts  Democracies and environmental problems  Making environmental policy  Environmental and anti-environmental groups  Global environmental policies

Politics and Environmental Policy  Constitutional democracy  Branches of government with check and balances  Elections  Special interest groups  Profit-making organizations  Nonprofit, nongovernment organizations

Politics The process by which individuals and groups try to influence or control the policies and actions of governments at the local, state, national or international levels.The process by which individuals and groups try to influence or control the policies and actions of governments at the local, state, national or international levels.

Democracy A government by the people through elected officials and representatives A government by the people through elected officials and representatives

Constitutional Democracy A constitution... 1)Provides the basis of government authority 2)Limits governmental power by mandating free elections 3)Guarantees freely expressed public opinion

What factors hinder the ability of democracies to deal with environmental problems? Reactive to problems instead of proactiveReactive to problems instead of proactive Short time between elections shift focus to short-term issuesShort time between elections shift focus to short-term issues Major affected groups do not vote; no obligation on the part of politiciansMajor affected groups do not vote; no obligation on the part of politicians Elected officials spend much time raising money to be re-electedElected officials spend much time raising money to be re-elected

Developing and Influencing Environmental Policy: Principles  Humility Principle  Reversibility Principle  Precautionary Principle  Prevention Principle  Integrative Principle  Ecological Design Principle  Environmental Justice Principle

10 way individuals can affect environmental policy 1)Running for office 2)Get elected to local planning and zoning boards and environmental commissions 3)Make your views known 4)Vote 5)Contributing money 6)Communicate w/elected representatives

10 way individuals can affect environmental policy 7)Forming or joining NGOs 8)Work to reform rules governing financing or election campaigns 9)Using education and persuasion 10) Exposing fraud, waste, and illegal activities in government

Environmental Law Statutory Law Laws developed and passed by legislative bodies such as federal and state governments Common Law A body of unwritten rules and principles derived from thousands of past legal decisions (based on evaluation of what is reasonable behavior)

Types of Federal Environmental Laws and Principles Used to Establish Regulations for Implementation Laws Setting standard for pollution levelsSetting standard for pollution levels Screening new substances for safetyScreening new substances for safety Evaluation of environmental impact on an activityEvaluation of environmental impact on an activity Setting aside and protecting ecosystems, species, resourcesSetting aside and protecting ecosystems, species, resources Encouraging resource conservationEncouraging resource conservation Setting standard for pollution levelsSetting standard for pollution levels Screening new substances for safetyScreening new substances for safety Evaluation of environmental impact on an activityEvaluation of environmental impact on an activity Setting aside and protecting ecosystems, species, resourcesSetting aside and protecting ecosystems, species, resources Encouraging resource conservationEncouraging resource conservation PrinciplesPrinciples No unreasonable riskNo unreasonable risk (Food and Drug Act) No riskNo risk (Clean Water Act) Standards based on best available technology)Standards based on best available technology) (Clean Air Act, Safe Drinking Water Act Benefit-Cost analysisBenefit-Cost analysis (Toxic Substance Control Act) No unreasonable riskNo unreasonable risk (Food and Drug Act) No riskNo risk (Clean Water Act) Standards based on best available technology)Standards based on best available technology) (Clean Air Act, Safe Drinking Water Act Benefit-Cost analysisBenefit-Cost analysis (Toxic Substance Control Act)

Major Environmental Laws in the U.S. Many of these laws have been amended (weakened or strengthened) since 1969.Many of these laws have been amended (weakened or strengthened) since 1969.

What is ‘environmental justice’? “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” (EPA) No group of people should bear an unfair share of harmful environmental risks.

Environmental Injustice Farm workers and agricultural pesticides Emelle, AL –Home of the largest hazardous waste facility Navajo lands of AZ –Uranium mines Uncontrolled toxic waste sites Favelas of Rio de Janeiro Shanty towns of Johannesburg

Environmental Groups and Claims  Mainstream groups  Grassroots groups  Specific issue focus  Raise understanding or awareness of issues  Many groups but not much cohesiveness

Anti-Environmental Groups and Claims  Threatened by environmental regulations  Threats to private rights or property  Spend much time attempting to discredit legitimate groups  Often use “environmentally-friendly” sounding names  Raise questions and doubt in the minds of citizens

Global Environmental Policy  Military security, economic security  Environmental security  International Meetings  Non-binding agreements  Effects of GATT and the WTO