ehs

Three Levels of Government

The major governance layers: federal, state, and local government.

Policy Response Trigger

Historical problems that lead to the creation of new policies, implying a process of learning from past issues.

The Precautionary Principle

An approach that emphasizes preventive action to avoid potential negative outcomes and risks, particularly when dealing with uncertainty, often balancing economic growth with environmental protection for public welfare.

Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Protection

The practice of finding a trade-off and reconciling economic development with environmental sustainability and natural resource preservation.

Environmental Policy and Public Good

Environmental policy is conceptualized as a public good intended to serve societal welfare by protecting the environment for the benefit of the people.

Conceptual Formula for Outcome

A simple representation of trade-offs: O = f(G, E), where O denotes an outcome, G denotes economic growth, and E denotes environmental protection.

Impact of Precautionary Principle on Growth and Environment

Under the precautionary principle, policy choices may lead to \Delta G \le 0 (economic growth may be constrained) and \Delta E \ge 0 (environmental protection is prioritized and enhanced).