Environmental Studies Quiz #5

Public Policy

• Strategies that governments can use to "fix” environmental problems

• Governments attempt to manage or change behavior

Technological fixes

• Retrofitting the energy to use diverse renewable energy sources

• More efficient auto engines with emission control devices that use less fuel and pollute less

• Insulating houses to cut fuel bills

• Genetic breeding of more productive seed hybrids

• Biotechnology

How can public policy stimulate the adoption of new technology?

• Public investment

• Subsides

• Tax policiees

• Regulatory mandates

Behavioral fixes

Use public policy to provide incentives to get us to behave differently

Behavioral changes

Require incentives or penalties

Examples of behavioral fixes

• Getting people to eat lower on the food chain (for ecological and health reasons)

• Wear sweaters

• Turn down thermostats in the winter

• Install attic fans and use AC less during summer

• Walk, bike, carpool, or use public transportation instead of driving

Cognitive fixes

• Attempt to create awarness of problems in people’s minds

• Little evidence that these strategies work in isolation from others

Cognitive fixes beliefs

• If people change their mind, they will change their behavior

• Rely on public education and media campaigns

What does cognitive fixes rely on?

It relies on voluntary change and is compatible with norms of personal freedom

Legal fixes

Mandate change through laws and regulations

Examples of legal fixes

• Federal speed limits on interstate highways

• Requirements to remove lead from gasoline

• Install antipollution devices

• Recycle beverage containers or household or industrial hastes

Why legal fixes mught be unpopular in some places?

They can be unpopular in a society that views government regulation negatively

Technological and Behavioral strategies

Can be pursued by regulatory or nonregulatory means