Environmental Policy

1. VOCAB
• Economic growth
• Sustainable economic growth
• Renewable energy
• Wind power
• Community
• Government
• Opportunity cost

3. Key Concept: Environmental Policy
Lesson Objectives:
To understand how the environment can be protected:
• Taxes • Subsidies •Laws • Regulations
To be able to evaluate the strengths and weakness of each
The Story So Far:
Economic growth is good because…
However economic growth can be
damaging because…
We need to encourage sustainable
growth because…

4. Key Concept: Environmental Policy
Lesson Objectives:
To understand how the environment can be protected:
• Taxes • Subsidies •Laws • Regulations
To be able to evaluate the strengths and weakness of each
What can governments do?
The governments of the world
can create policies to protect
the environment.
They meet regularly to discuss
new policies and reforms.
They also subsidise certain
industries and
The Cancún Climate Change
Conference was widely
criticised for a lack of action
What do you think that governments can
do to help the protect the environment?

5. Definition:
Environmental Taxes
Can be used to make goods that are heavily polluting more
expensive and discourage consumption. E.g. tax on petrol
Definition:
Environmental Subsidies
the government can pay part of the production costs of
‘green’ goods, making them cheaper . E.g. electric cars.
Definition:
Environmental Laws
The government can outlaw environmentally harmful
goods or chemicals, e.g. CFCs.
Definition:
Environmental Regulations
The government can introduce rules that reduce pollution.
For example, a carbon trading scheme.
Key Concept: Environmental Policy
Lesson Objectives:
To understand how the environment can be protected:
• Taxes • Subsidies •Laws • Regulations
To be able to evaluate the strengths and weakness of each

6. You are going to explore HOW the government can protect the environment
yourselves…
Singapore Policies http://www.greenfuture.sg/2012/05/30/2012-guide-to-
singapore-government-funding-and-incentives-for-the-environment/
UK Policies https://www.gov.uk/government/topics/environment
Article from ecologist
http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_round_up/483419/uk_coalition_gover
nment_announces_environmental_policies.html
Guardian article aimed at businesses
https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/blog/environment-law-
2014-business-should-know
Find at least one example of an Environmental Tax, Environmental Subsidy
(Grant), Environmental Law, and Environmental Regulation. Also find an
example of an education/awareness program.
Explain in detail how they are used and the purpose of these environmental
policies. Consider:
What is actually happening (the practical measure)
• UK based examples & Singapore examples
• Impact – how/why does each method work?
• Effectiveness?

7. Example Table
Type of Policy Name of
Policy
What it Involves Impact/Effectiveness
Environmental
Tax
Environmental
Subsidy
Environmental
Law
Environmental
Regulations
Education
/Awareness
Policy

8. In recent years China has enjoyed record levels of economic growth. However,
in this race for growth the Chinese government has been accused of sacrificing
the environment so as to benefit from rapid economic development.
In one town, clouds of yellow smoke hang in the air as a result of the constant
burning of plastic. The workers suffer from the polluted fumes from the fires
which melt the plastic. The cause of this pollution is the burning of supermarket
bags and food packaging waste, imported from Britain. Pollution of this kind not
only affects people living in the area it can also have lasting effects which can
affect future generations.
The Chinese government is under increased pressure to regulate pollution in
order to achieve sustainable growth.
Economic growth can lead to problems such as pollution. Using your
knowledge of business and economics, assess the case for the Chinese
government using regulation to achieve sustainable economic growth. (8
Marks)

9. Extended Question
Choose the policy you feel is the most effective
at controlling the negative consequences of
growth.
In your opinion how effective is this policy in
controlling/reducing the negative
consequences of environmental damage
caused by economic growth?
Ensure you give some arguments against!

10. Key Concept: Environmental Policy
Lesson Objectives:
To understand how the environment can be protected:
• Taxes • Subsidies •Laws • Regulations
To be able to evaluate the strengths and weakness of each
Plenary:
Taxes: Over half the price of petrol you pay is tax
Subsidy: You can apply for financial help to insulate
your home
Laws: The government has outlawed the use of lead
in petrol
Regulation: Local councils must meet targets for the
proportion of waste that is recycled