1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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