The Uncertain Road to Environmental Policy

Abstract

There are many circumstances where there is a recognised environmental problem and, although there appears to be support for protection, in practice little is done about it. Policy-making is a complex and uncertain process. Under democratic systems, policies are introduced by governments where they command sufficient political support. The development of policy in response to a new concern for the environment therefore depends first on people appreciating the nature and significance of the problem. Support for action to be taken will depend on a sufficiently widely held recognition that there is a net gain to be had from it and, at least on the part of those who may be negatively affected by a policy, a certain willingness to bear the costs. In many cases it is necessary to mobilise support for action amongst many different countries. In this chapter we will outline some of the characteristics of environmental problems and of the policy decision-making process which can stand in the way of the development of what might appear to be rational environmental policy.