Course:ECON372/OK2019WT2/Topic7
Public Policy for Natural Resources
Group #1
Summary
The article by Nurbanu Kizil reports on Turkey's implementation of green policy measures focused on preservation of resources for turkey's future generation. In 2019 Turkey's government focused on passing legislation at all levels of government to address the issue of climate change, resources degradation, and resource shortages such as water that Turkey's population will face in the future. Legislation implemented included initiatives such as a plan to develop smart cities, the creation of public gardens, increased renewable energy development, a national forestation campaign, and the introduction of an electric vehicle. Turkey's deputy environment minister stated that 2019 was focused on passing the legislation while the course of action in 2020 was enforce and strengthen the legislation to further improve their effectiveness. One of the main goals was to improve air quality in Turkish cities by implementing regulations on emission limits that are inline with European Union standards. In addition low congestion areas will be created in cities and noise pollution will also be addressed by the government. Another key part of the governments plans is to increase solar and wind electrical generation in the nation which is a good geographic regions suitable for renewable resources. Finally fines for individuals and companies violating environmental law were increased in 2019 by 23.73% to further discourage environmentally hazardous behavior.
Analysis
This article highlights how directly linked public policy is to political decision making, and how this can be beneficial if the government is acting in a socially responsible manner. The main objective of Turkey's policies in this scenario is to maximize the social benefit of the environment and the countries resources for today's population and future generations. It is interesting to see how turkey's actions show how they are valuing the future value of resources at a higher value than present consumption. By pursuing these initiatives Turkey seeks to achieve economic efficiency including the indirect benefits that come from the preservation of Turkey's resources. The focus on developing renewables also shows how the government is seeking to improve economic efficiency by developing new technology and investing in a new industry that is likely to see growth in the near future. An interesting part of Turkey's policy is the focus on enforcement of the new environmental legislation as the main tool for ensuring the initiatives successful. By increasing fines by such a substantial amount and by promising to focusing on increasing the rate and intensity of enforcement it is likely that the policies will be successful as compliance will be high. The deputy minister's continued focus on improving the legislation is good to see as it shows they are willing to n=be flexible with their policies to address future developments that may affect current initiatives.
| Category | Mark | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Article Source (10) | 10 | |
| Article Relevance (10) | 10 | |
| Summary (20) | 20 | |
| Course Related Analysis (30-50) | 35 | Would have been good to relate to types of policy - market, incentive, command and control, direct production. Examples of at least three. Point about politics is good, as article reads much like a promotion of Turkey's actions as an article reporting on them. |
| Extended Analysis (0-20) | ||
| Presentation (10) | 10 | |
| Total | 85 |
Group #2
Summary:
This article by Alice Yan highlights the news in which China decides to ban finishing in a depleted Yangze river for the next ten years. China's government has decided to ban all finishing in the river because there are simply just no fish left, the ban took effect on the first of January and will be applied through 332 conservation sites along the rive and will be extended to cover the main river by the beginning of next year. The depletion in the fish stocks are quite severe as the fishers were able to bring in 427000 tonnes of fish annually in 1954 compared to less than 10000 tonnes in the most recent year, furthermore fishers reported the size of the fish are getting smaller on a yearly basis as well where it dropped from 35kg to less than 5kg on average. There are also many special species that are now critically endangered such like the Chinese Sturgeon. All of the fishers are affected as they are resorted to finding another way of life, however the consumers won't be after as the Yangtze river only provides 0.32% of fishes for consumption.
Analysis:
From the results it is quite obvious that the fishers was operating on a method that was highly inefficient and destroyed the ecosystem and that has proven costly to themselves and the stability of the ecosystem. The effect is so detrimental that the government have to step in and order a ban which would be a picture perfect example of direct command and control method. Furthermore, the ban will likely not affect China's fish market ver dramatically as the supply taken away only accounts for a small portion, as such consumer's life will not be affect a great deal and the suppliers that used to fish on the Yantze River will likely see a steep decline in there annual income, GDP, and consumption levels. The government seems to have taken a right step in the direction of restoring the eco system. The government has previously already taken measures such like suspending a fishing season or two and then reopening them up later, however that was unsuccessful because as soon as they are reopened, the farmers rushed to bombarded whatever was available. These toxic fishing habits ultimately led to their own demise and it proves sometimes without dramatic interventions and absolute law intervention, people will discard eco system efficiency when self interest and money is involved.
| Category | Mark | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Article Source (10) | 10 | |
| Article Relevance (10) | 10 | |
| Summary (20) | 18 | |
| Course Related Analysis (30-50) | 40 | An item of note is the cultural connection some people have to fishing, and the efforts by the government to provide fishers with alternatives - housing, retraining, etc. |
| Extended Analysis (0-20) | ||
| Presentation (10) | 10 | |
| Total | 88 |
Group #3
https://globalnews.ca/news/3737281/canadas-wildlife-decline-wwf-canada-report/
Summary:
“New report says half of Canada’s wildlife species are in decline: ‘We are going to lose ecosystems’”, an article wrote by Global News reporter Sean Craig, pointed out that between 1970 and 2014, up to half of Canada's wildlife was disappearing at an alarming rate in 44 years. The biggest threat to wildlife, it said, was habitat loss; and Canada's greenhouse effect was twice the global average, with seasonal and temperature changes leading to the demise of many plants and animals. The reason was because of excessive human economic activities, including mining, fishing, hunting and carbon dioxide emissions. In 2002, the Canadian government recognized that unlimited economic activity seriously harmed the country's wildlife and implemented the wildlife protection law, Species at Risk Act. Although the total number of wild animals and plants in Canada was still declining until 2014, when the report was released, and the effectiveness of the Species at Risk Act was not satisfactory, the number of individual species recovered with the unremitting efforts of various sectors. Canada‘s situation is better than the rest of the world in natural resources because of the government's emphasis on them.
Analysis:
The sharp decline of species diversity caused by human economic behavior is one of the important environmental problems facing the world today. Although Canada has the advantage of being large and sparsely populated - relative to wildlife - it still faces such problems. The Canadian government and NGOs have long been aware of the problem, the Canadian government has implemented laws to try to improve the situation. However, as Sarah Otto, a professor of biology at the University of British Columbia and director of its Biodiversity Research Centre, said, " In the last decade, the Species at Risk Act was ineffectual," and "... it’s coming very late and we’re not yet seeing that actually improving the status of species at risk.” Although Canada's wildlife conservation efforts have been more successful than those of the rest of the world, they have been only driven by geography and population. The Canadian government is duty-bound to improve the Species at Risk Act, reasonably limit the harm to wildlife caused by commercial activities, and protect the diversity of species in the territory. Otto says losing species means losing ecosystems and even natural spaces. While there is still a long way to go to save species diversity, the Canadian government should move quickly to introduce laws and regulations that fulfil its role as a market regulator.
| Category | Mark | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Article Source (10) | 10 | |
| Article Relevance (10) | 10 | |
| Summary (20) | 17 | |
| Course Related Analysis (30-50) | 30 | How does this relate to ideas about sustainability? Natural capital? Is the decline in species being substituted for? One important thing you would not know that in Canada, most environmental matters are provincial concern. Federal law won't have much influence. |
| Extended Analysis (0-20) | ||
| Presentation (10) | 10 | |
| Total | 77 |
Group #4
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2019/03/19/news/budget-proposes-rebates-electric-cars-voluntary-sales-mandate
Summary:
This Article by Carl Meyer outlines the policy the government has put into place on March 19, 2019 to guide Canadians to a greener and more sustainable future. Canada transportation industry currently is accountable for 25% of total pollution. This policy made available to everyone will greatly reduce pollution which results in cleaner air. It talks about the govermernt promising to provide $300 million in rebates to those who purchase an electric car under $45,000. This is gives an incentive for people to make the change from a less efficient gasoline car to a greener alternative. The rebate has a cap of $45,000 to make it possible for more than just the upper class to choose a green solution. The long term goal is for %10 of car sales to be electric by 2025 and by 2040 to be fully electric. The government has also put $312 million dollars to be used for making and installing electric chargers across Canada, with the goal of charging EV's to be as easy as possible. Those who will still need to buy a charger at home will also face rebates on their electricity bill. Select provinces also have a provincial rebate, allowing people to double up on rebates.
Analysis:
This decision made by the government to allocate a-lot of resources and importance on this program is an example of a Government incentive policy. This is a very effective method because it gives the people reason to be proactive and make the change. As of last year, Canadas emissions from cars reached 568 million pounds of C02 and growing year by year. This is not only very costly to try and fix in the short term, but long term could make irreversible changes. This policy is put into place to try and slow down or even reverse Global Warming. Although eletricity isn't a sorce that is naturally made, it is a substitute for Natural resources. Electricity is sustainbily and relativity easy to regenerate. As more people decide to change from gas to EV's the demand for oil and gas will decrease, with is a depleating natural resource. So, one of the main objectives this incentive policy is set out to achieve is, too slow down the usage of harmful resources. A bi-product that is will emerge is better air quality. Chinas has already started to enforce this a couple years ago and has seen %7 decrease in air pollution in a single year. Lastly, this change will lower transportation cost for family's who switch. EV's on average at 1/8 the cost to run then a tradition combustion engine, This fact alone should push people to leave the tradition car behind.
The Rebate program isn't directly focused on putting a limit on consumption of Natural resources, which in this case is gas. But it makes the alternative transportation method more viable and achievable. The trickle down effect will lower the consumption of gas and be better for the overall economy.
| Category | Mark | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Article Source (10) | 10 | |
| Article Relevance (10) | 10 | |
| Summary (20) | 20 | |
| Course Related Analysis (30-50) | 50 | |
| Extended Analysis (0-20) | ||
| Presentation (10) | 5 | |
| Total | 95 |
Group #5
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/05/30/1859755/0/en/Restaurants-Canada-applauds-federal-action-to-help-foodservice-businesses-improve-their-bottom-line-by-investing-in-sustainability.html
Summary:
This article explains how the Canadian federal government has made a decision to help food service businesses improve their profits while also reducing their carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. Indeed, the article explains how the federal government has taken steps to implement two programs that will help small and medium-sized foodservice businesses save money as well as become more energy efficient. It also explains how small businesses could receive refunds for buying energy-saving appliances to save money as well as to reduce their carbon footprint. The concept of sustainability has become more important over the last few years as businesses work to improve their profits while also reducing their carbon footprint. This is especially important for the future of human society as all businesses need to carry out measures to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, regardless of the industry in which they operate. The article was written by Restaurants Canada, a not-for-profit organization that supports small and medium-size foodservice businesses and tries to improve their operations and become profitable. The article also goes on to state how the government is willing to help small businesses by giving refunds so they can achieve their aims of being energy efficient and reducing their carbon footprint. Restaurants Canada is trying to raise awareness about sustainability in the foodservice industry as a result of its work with the government in relation to small and medium-sized businesses which could receive large refunds if they move to energy efficient appliances, as well as create sustainability in their business operations.
Analysis:
For this section, the GlobeNewswire article published on May 30, 2019, appeared to fit the context, even though it addressed one part of the public policy developed to enhance sustainable development in relation to natural resources. Written by Marlee Wasser of Restaurants Canada, the article is titled “Restaurants Canada applauds federal action to help foodservice businesses improve their bottom line by investing in sustainability”. In the paper, Wasser states that the public policy initiative that was created by the federal government through its Climate Action Incentive Fund was welcomed, especially by the foodservice businesses, because it would be very helpful in improving their bottom line and reducing their environmental footprint. At this point, it’s crucial to note that the article does not take a direct approach in addressing the issue of public policy for natural resources, but the manner in which it is written can help one to discern the policy. Even though the Canadian restaurateurs have come to the realization of the significance of sustainability to their success, the environmental policies as stated by the article hurt their operations because their profit margin is below 5%. The policy, therefore, is driven by the need to shift from the use of natural resources as a source of energy, to green energy sources. The state requires that businesses that use energy generated from the natural resources (i.e. the fossil fuels) in the four provinces of Manitoba, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, to pay the federal price on greenhouse gas emissions. Such policies are aimed at reducing the affinity of all businesses towards the use of energy from natural resources and shift to green energy. However, such policies have affected small- and medium-sized businesses in adverse ways, and that is why the government, through its Climate Action Incentive Fund would start to make refunds of between 25% and 50% of the cost on the energy-saving equipment incurred. Such policies help protect natural resources from overexploitation.
| Category | Mark | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Article Source (10) | 10 | |
| Article Relevance (10) | 10 | |
| Summary (20) | 20 | |
| Course Related Analysis (30-50) | 25 | Should discuss type of policy - incentive based, using subsidies to make it more attractive for firms in industry to adopt more environmentally friendly technologies in their businesses. |
| Extended Analysis (0-20) | ||
| Presentation (10) | 10 | |
| Total | 75 |
Group #6
https://patimes.org/public-policy-influences-climate-change/
Summary:
Global warming has become a global issue. This article focuses on human behaviors that need to be responsible for global warming. Taking the United States as an example, climate change is not only a deterioration of the environment, and it has also caused actual economic losses. That also has a significant impact on the normal life of humans, such as the clean air, safe drinking water, adequate food, and secure shelter mentioned in the article. The data can prove that the leading cause of climate change is carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas) emissions. So human behavior leads to carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas) emissions, and these factors lead to climate change. Ultimately, climate change will affect human life.
Therefore, the author hopes that the government can introduce corresponding policies to control carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas emissions). And we should actively provide ways to reduce such gas emissions to mitigate climate change.
Analysis:
Climate change is not only a matter of natural science but also has an important impact on human survival and development. Due to the impact of climate change, the United States has directly caused about $ 14 billion in loss of life and medical costs. The author of this article mentions that the dramatic increase in population is one of the main factors leading to global warming. There are many factors that contribute to global warming. Human beings are over-cutting forests to obtain timber, reclaiming land for agricultural production, and are causing severe damage to vegetation. The land is eroded due to irrational resource development and utilization, and forest resources are declining rapidly. Biodiversity is the basis for human survival. The increase in population directly causes other species to plummet and even many species become extinct. Human water consumption is increasing rapidly, and the scale of water pollution is constantly expanding. Climate change and irrational use of resources affect all humankind. The government needs to develop fair, flexible and enforceable policies to stop this situation from worsening. Reasonable use of resources maximizes social net profit. The government can also formulate relevant incentive policies to direct and control the use of resources, reduce global warming and protect all humanity.
| Category | Mark | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Article Source (10) | 8 | |
| Article Relevance (10) | 4 | Far more of a pollution issue than a natural resource issue |
| Summary (20) | 16 | |
| Course Related Analysis (30-50) | 20 | Need analysis in terms of course concepts. Recent concepts are types of policy, Coase theorem, etc. Other policies are supply and demand, static and dynamic efficiency, etc. |
| Extended Analysis (0-20) | ||
| Presentation (10) | 10 | |
| Total | 58 |
Group #7
https://www.eenews.net/stories/1062039825
Summary:
Climate change, economics, and politics are more and more intertwined. President Trump has announced new changes for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that have not had a good reception by the Democratic party. The Democratic party is planning a legislative response, such as a Congressional Review Act, for the changes that they feel that the changes will allow the complete elimination of the consideration of greenhouse gas emissions and climate impacts in the environmental reviews. The Democrats seek to permanently block any changes that the executive branch could make to the NEPA. One of the main changes proposed by President Trump is that the completion of the environmental report within two years, which according to the administration allow the country to be more competitive. The proposal has received surprising support of labor groups and clean energy officials, as they believe that speeding up the processes of infrastructures for clean energies would reduce the cost and the delays. Democrats and environmentalists believe that it is important to consider the cumulative and indirect effects of construction since the increasing weather disasters are affecting the economy.
Analysis:
As the effects of climate change become more evident the protection of the environment has become a key issue in the political agenda. Even though most politicians agree that there should be a balance between environmental protection and economic growth, that balance has proven difficult to find. President Trump’s proposal is an initiative towards economic growth with little regard for the environmental consequences. Although as some advocates state it could speed-up the process of many projects in favor of environmental protection, it could also loosen the environmental standards for highly pollutant industries. Like any other policy the government cannot please everyone, but when it comes to matters of the environment and economics it is always better to find a balance.
| Category | Mark | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Article Source (10) | 10 | |
| Article Relevance (10) | 10 | |
| Summary (20) | 19 | |
| Course Related Analysis (30-50) | 25 | Key issues include difference in perspective on value of environmental impacts. How big are those externalities. Others are differences in perspective on the right tools to use - incentive vs. regulation. |
| Extended Analysis (0-20) | ||
| Presentation (10) | 10 | |
| Total | 74 |
Group #8
https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/30/politics/environmental-policy-moments-2017/index.html
Summary
The CNN article "5 major changes to US environmental policy in 2017" presents different policies which Donald Trump deregulated, or made dramatic changes to, after becoming President of the United States. These policies regarding natural resource preservation, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation were put in place or supported by former President Barack Obama. President Trump withdrew from the Paris climate agreement, making The United States the only country in the world to not committed to the pact. This was a significant decision because the United States is second behind China in carbon dioxide emissions and is a very powerful world player. Former president Obama was strongly opposed to this decision along with many other mayors and governors.
President Trump also made notable changes to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by proposing a 30% budget cut and according to the New York Times, causing hundreds of employees to leave the agency in 2017. The Clean Power Plan was also announced to be repealed without a replacement plan presented. This plan was intended to reduced carbon emissions and incentive renewable energy. EPA administrator, Scott Pruitt, said that the "exceeded the agency's authority," but many environmental groups were quite upset by the proposed change. Two national monuments were reduced to allow the land to be used for oil and natural gas extraction instead.
These decisions may have made many environmental groups and climate change activists upset, but some of the new policies were very beneficial for the oil industry. The Trump administration approved the Keystone XL pipeline which had previously been blocked by Obama. Trump also signed a deal to start construction on offshore drilling off the United States east coast. Another change affects the tax law in Alaska. The provision opens the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to be drilled for oil and gas. These new regulations were proposed to help stimulate the economy, but many environmentalists strongly opposed the decisions.
Analysis
Article Author, Jennifer Hansler, wrote, "Trump has said often that climate change isn't real" and many of the proposed actions in this article reinforce this statement. It is not too often that all the countries of the world are unanimously united on an international issue, so it was a serious decision for the United States to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement. According to another article written by NPR, President Trump formally began the process for the United States to withdraw their commitment. There is a one year waiting period, but by the end of 2020 the United States will no longer be a part of this pact.
Chapter seven explains how policies are used can be used to help reduce environmental externalizes so that the market can be economically efficient. The government can accomplish this goal through two broad types of policies: incentive-based policies and direct public action. Many of the policies deregulated by the Trump administration were command-and-control policies such as the previous ban to do offshore drilling. The Clean Power Plan which the EPA had plans to repeal, is a government-sponsored incentive policy. This policy incentivised company's to reduce their carbon emissions and reach renewable energy standards by using taxes and subsides. Incentive programs tend to be more effective than command-and-control policies because they allow the market decide based on the incentives how to reach efficient levels of emissions and natural resource use.
| Category | Mark | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Article Source (10) | 10 | |
| Article Relevance (10) | 10 | |
| Summary (20) | 20 | |
| Course Related Analysis (30-50) | 50 | |
| Extended Analysis (0-20) | ||
| Presentation (10) | 10 | |
| Total | 100 |