Enviromental Science Chapters 2

Front 1

Name two key ways in which human economics are linked to the natural environment?

Back 1

1) Economic activity uses natural resources we need to survive, such as the suns energy, fresh water, trees, rocks and fossil fuels. 2) Earths ecological systems purify air and water, cycle nutrients, provide for the pollination of plants by animals and receive and recycle the waste generated by our economic activity.

Front 2

Describe four ways in which critics hold that neoclassical economic approaches can negatively effect the environment.

Back 2

1) neoclassical economics assumes natural resources and human resources are seen as either infinite or largely substitutable and interchangeable.

2)Neoclassical economics gives an event in the future less value than one in the present.

3)neoclassical economic assumes all costs and benefits associated with an exchange of goods or services are borne by individuals engaging directly in the transaction.

4)neoclassical economics assumes economical growth is required to keep employment high and maintain social order.

Front 3

Compare and contrast the views and approaches of neoclassical economists, environmental economists, and ecological economists.

Back 3

Neoclassical economics most often use a cost-benefit approach whereas environmental economics modifies neoclassical economics to address environmental challenges. On the other hand ecological economics applies the the principles of ecology and systems to economics.

Front 4

What are ecosystem services? Describe at least two ways in which some economists have tries to assign market values to ecosystem services.

Back 4

Ecosystem services are essential services that support life and make economic activity possible.

Economists use surveys to determine how much people are willing to pay to protect a resource or to restore it after damage has been done. They also measure the money, time, or effort people expend to travel to parks for recreation.

Front 5

Describe and critique three common justifications for environmental policy. Explain the concept of external costs, and state why it is relevant to environmental policy.

Back 5

1) Tragedy of the commons
2) Free riders
3) External costs

External costs are costs borne by someone not involved in an economic transaction. Examples include harm to citizens from water pollution or air pollution discharged by nearby factories.

Front 6

Summarize the difference between the first, second, and third waves of environmental policy in U.S. history. What approach appears to be the fourth wave?

Back 6

The first wave of environmental policy was in the 17 and 1800s. Environmental laws of this period were intended mainly to promote settlement and the extraction and use of the continents abundant natural resources. U.S environmental policy of this era reflected the public perception that Western lands were practically infinite and inexhaustible in natural resources. The second wave of environmental policy occurred in the late 1800s. Laws of this period aimed to mitigate some of the environmental problems associated with western expansion. During this time a National park system, National wildlife refuge system and a national forest system were created. These developments reflected a new understanding that the Wests resources were exhaustible and required legal protection. The third wave of environmental policy occurred in the mid-to late 20th century. Several events triggered increased awareness of environmental priorities and public policy. Today because of these policies, pesticides are more strictly regulated, and the nations air and water are considerably cleaner. The fourth wave occurred in the early ninety's and continues to today. This fourth wave of environmental policy focuses on sustainable development , finding ways to safeguard natural resources while raising the living standards of people in third world countries.

Front 7

What did the National Environmental Policy Act accomplish? Briefly describe the origin and mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Back 7

NEPA's effects have been far-reaching. NEPA created an agency called the Council on Environmental Quality and required that an Environmental impact statement or EIS be prepared for any federal action that might significantly effect environmental quality. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was created by President Nixon out of necessity as a way to organize the governments environmentally related activities. The order charged the EPA with with conducting and evaluating research, monitoring environmental quality, setting and enforcing standards and goals, and educating the public.

Front 8

How does customary law differ from conventional law? what special challenges do trans boundary environmental problems present?

Back 8

Customary law is international law that arises from long-standing practices, or customs, held in common by most cultures whereas conventional law is international law that arises from conventions , or treaties, that nations agree to enter into.

Front 9

List the steps of the environmental policy process, from identification of a problem through enactment of a federal law.

Back 9

1) Identify problem

2)Pinpoint causes of the problem

3)Envision solution and set goals

4)Get organized

5)Cultivate access and influence

6)Shepherd a solution into law

Front 10

Differentiate between a green tax, a subsidy, a tax break, and an emission permit.

Back 10

A green tax is a levy on environmentally harmful activities and products aimed at providing a market-based incentive to correct for market failure.

A subsidy is a government giveaway of cash or resources to promote environmentally sustainable activities.

A tax break is a governmental reduction or elimination of taxes required of a business or an individual, for the purpose of promoting industries or activities deemed desirable.

An emission permit is government issued permit to conduct environmentally harmful activity.