SCI 1101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Toxic Substances Control Act Of 1976, North American Free Trade Agreement, Market Failure
Document Summary
Chapter 7 environmental policy: making decisions and solving problems. When a society reaches broad agreement that a problem exists, it may urge its leaders to resolve the problem with policy. Policy consists of a formal set of general plans and principles intended to address problems and guide decision making in specific instances. Public policy is policy made by governments, including those at the local, state, federal, and international levels. Public policy consists of laws, regulations, orders, incentives, and practices intended to advance societal well-being. Environmental policy is policy that pertains to our interactions with our environment. It generally aims to regulate resource use or reduce pollution in order to promote human welfare and/or protect natural systems. Environmental policy addresses issues of fairness and resource use. Because market capitalism is driven by incentives for short-term economic gain rather than long-term social and environmental stability, it provides businesses and individuals little enticement to minimize environmental impact.
