Lecture 5 - Environmental Policy, Programming and Governance

Define net zero.

Define real zero.

Explain a common criticism of the net zero approach.

*ALSO, that with net zero, GHG emissions are still being emitted into the atmosphere so still not that great.

What do Evans and Thomas (2024) posit?

Name the 3 principles of governance.

Define neoliberalism.

What are the assumptions of neolieralism?

Explain the common critique of neoliberalism.

Compare and contrast government vs. governance.

Define environmental governance.

Can uncertainty and doubt in governance be positive? Explain why.

List the challenges to collective action in the environmental field.

Define wicked problems.

What is the consequence of having wicked problems?

What makes it hard to address global environmental systems? Explain if the alternative is better though.

According to Rittel & Webber (1973), do we have a chance to change our unsustainable ways? Explain how.

Explain the 4 different modes of governance.

Test yourself. Match a mode of governance to the prompt.

Explain what the Conference of the Parties (COP) is.

It is a supreme decision making body made up of member states that have signed the agreement. Its purpose is to review progress, assess GHG emissions and negotiate and implement climate policies (i.e., Paris Agreement) annually.

Explain what the Blue vs. Green zone in COP is.

Explain if there have been concerns about COPs effectiveness. If yes, explain why.

Explain how multiple modes of governance are found in COPs.

Explain what the Green New Deal is.

It is a policy framework and movement that uses massive public investment to fight climate change while also fixing economic inequality and creating jobs. Its main goals are:

1. transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy—to attain net-zero GHG emissions

2. create jobs revolving around clean energy, infrastructure and manufacturing

3. invest in low-income groups that suffer most from climate change and economic decline

4. upgrade infrastructure to make them energy efficient

What does Rhiana Gunn-Wright posit about governance and policy?

According to Rhiana Gunn-Wright, what is policy?

According to Rhiana Gunn-Wright, what are the best types of policies?

Define redlining and explain a real-life example of it.

Is redlining found in Toronto, explain why or why not.

Why did the Green New Deal emerge?

What values influenced the green new deal?

How does the green new deal intend to shift power?

What role does science play in the climate crisis? What can it do, and what can it not do?

Explain what a Just Transition is.

A framework that encompasses policies which propose reducing carbon emissions while addressing any social and economic inequalities that may come with this change.

What are the 3 examples of a Just Transition policy approach?

How do we ensure a just transition when creating net zero plans?

What is policy according to Gunn-Wright?

What does Daniel Jasper do and what is his main point?

What are the 3 ways Jasper thinks policy could be more impactful on the environmental crisis?

1. Follow the science

2. Co-design solutions with the public

3. Have governments lead by example

Why does Jasper think we need to ‘follow the science’?

What are the limitations of primarily relying on technological solutions to address climate change?

Why does Jasper think we need to ‘co-design with the public’? Explain how he proposes we do this.

Other than IAP2, what else can we do to increase public engagement?

Why does Jasper think we need to ‘have governments lead by example’?

Compare and contrast policy vs. programming.

What are the main points Lois Moorcroft discussed in regards to water governance in the Yukon?