Comprehensive Guide to Environmental Policy, Economics, and Climate Action

This collection of flashcards contains key terminology and definitions related to environmental policy, economics, and climate action, designed to aid in exam preparation.

Rational Actor Model

Assumes individuals act rationally to maximize utility based on complete information.

Behavioral Economics

Challenges the rational actor model, highlighting irrational behaviors and cognitive biases.

Bureaucratic Model

Suggests unelected officials influence policy through interpretation and implementation.

Classical Pluralism

Explains policy outcomes as resultant from negotiation among diverse interest groups.

The Iron Triangle

A closed loop among interest groups, legislative committees, and regulatory agencies.

Revolving Door

Movement of personnel between government roles and lobbying positions.

Agency Capture

Occurs when regulatory agencies prioritize the interests of the industries they regulate.

Supreme Court Decision Impact

Key rulings that have deregulated political spending in the U.S.

Buckley v. Valeo

1976 case that equated money with free speech in political contributions.

Citizens United v. FEC

Overturned restrictions on corporate and union spending in elections.

Concentration of Donor Influence

Refers to the dominance of a tiny elite in political fundraising.

Campaign Fundraising Dynamics

Describes the influence of lobbyists over elected officials through financial contributions.

Framing

Strategic manipulation of public perception to influence support for policies.

Fossil Fuel Industry Tactics

Methods used by the industry to delay climate policies.

Shareholder Model

Prioritizes maximizing short-term shareholder returns in corporate governance.

Stakeholder Model

Recognizes broader corporate responsibilities to employees, customers, and the environment.

Friedman Doctrine

Poses that corporate responsibility is solely to maximize shareholder wealth.

Income Inequality

A result of the shareholder model leading to vast pay gaps.

Corporate Lifespan

The average S&P 500 company's lifespan shrinking due to market disruption.

Federal Power Act of 1935

Divided energy authority between federal and state levels.

National Energy Act of 1978

Introduced incentives for efficiency and renewable energy contracts.

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

Provides long-term incentives for renewable energy and climate justice.

Origins of the U.S. Environmental Movement

Rooted in transcendentalism and figures emphasizing the intrinsic value of nature.

1980s Neoliberalism Impact

Diminished the influence of environmental movements.

Media as the Fourth Estate

Plays a critical role in ensuring transparency in democracy.

Misinformation in Media

Manipulation of public opinion through false information dissemination.

Microeconomic Instruments

Tools like carbon taxes and cap-and-trade used to address climate issues.

Carbon Markets

Systems that allow trading of carbon emission permits.

Corporate Governance and Sustainability

Refers to the impact of governance models on corporate responsibility and environmental investments.

Energy Security Dynamics

The interconnectedness of energy supply and geopolitical stability.