1. Unpacking the term politics
Narrow view: A processes of government; decision making and administration; elections; the machinations of political parties; and the efforts of groups to influence these political processes
Broader view: Our relationships to one another and our interactions in many different collective and sub-cultural forms: as individuals; as members of families; as informal networks and groups; as organisations; as governments; as corporations; and our activities in a whole range of other institutionalised settings

2. Political systems Republic Democracy
Government remains subject to those governed (the people)
Also seen as a representative democracy
Democracy
Direct democracy: Every citizen has an equal say in governmental works and can participate in governmental gatherings
Representative democracy: Citizens elect a representative to govern them by making laws
Provides a scope for people concerned about environmental issues to have their say and to try to influence the political process

3. Representative democracy
Separation of powers
Legislature: An assembly that has the power to pass, amend, and repeal laws (Parliament for South Africa)
Executive: Combination of the head of government and ministers having power to implement laws and to issue regulations (Government)
Judiciary: It is embodied by the Supreme/Constitutional Court for equal justice. Ensures the legislature and executive operate within the constitution

4. Policy life cycle Problem recognition Research Amendments formulation
Budgeting
Implementation
Monitoring
Adjustment
Amendments

5. Resource conservation vs Resource management
Usually has an undertone of no use or restriction to resources
Resource management
Allows resource allocation and this allocation is a combination of social, economic, ecological and political processes

6. Green political theories/ideologies
Environmentalism
Relationship between humans and nature for sustainability
Environment protection and environment improvement
Postmaterialism
Quality of life issues and concerns replace material ones
Results in a political changes
Green consumerism
Use of environmental and ethical criteria whether or not to buy a product

7. Green political theories/ideologies
Holism
Looking at issues a whole is better than adding the “isolated” parts
Ecologism
Encompasses ideas that perspectives that hold a sustainable society require radical changes require our relationship with the natural world and modes of economic, social and political life

8. Three components of environmental politics
The study of political theories and ideas relating to the environment
Examination of political parties and environmental movements
Analysis of public policymaking and implementation affecting the environment at international, national and local levels

9. Guides for environmental policy
How our actions affect nature
Avoid decisions that cannot be reversed
Take precautionary measures
Help prevent problems from occurring
Taxes and fines
No people should bear unfair burden