Global Environmental Policy

Dealing with environmental issues is a complicated issue in itself. Despite having a global impact, there is no global government to regulate or implement policy. It’s up to individual nations to enact their own environmental policies, with the help of some influencing international organizations.

Let’s look at some major players.

The United States

Photo from: http://www.balticuniv.uu.se/images/stories/SBRupdate/Chapter-3/2003-world-consumption-cartogram.gif

The United States is one of the most influential world powers, and the way that we pursue environmental action could affect a plethora of other nations.

The US has a history of non-interference into environmental law and policy.  In the past, we have tended to remove ourselves from the issue, despite being one the world’s leading polluters, consumers, and producers.  In 2010, the United States had the second highest levels of pollution at 5,433,057 kilotons of carbon.  This figure was second only to China’s 8,286,892 kilotons (WorldBank).  Given that China’s population is 4.3 times greater than the US, but their carbon emissions are only 1.5 times greater, the United States could be considered the bigger problem.  The United States is also the world’s biggest consumer

The US is not known for taking precautionary action when it comes to environmental issues. Rather, they tend to worry about things after they actually happen.

China

Photo from: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dT_xIkZ2Lak/Uaak4Vg0xrI/AAAAAAAABJM/I909NOrg4OE/s1600/China+Smog.jpg

China’s environmental problems are among some of the most scrutinized in the world.  Their air is littered with extreme levels of smog, their rivers are heavily polluted, they are overpopulated, and they emit the largest amount of carbon dioxide on the planet.

UNEP (United Nations Environmental Program)

The UNEP is the leading international organization for environmental policy.

Kyoto Protocol

Tips for Living Sustainably

Conserving Energy and Water

Conserving energy is one of the easiest ways to live sustainably, and it’s mutually beneficial for the environment as well as your wallet.  So take note of some of these tips for conserving energy.

• Unplug electronics and appliances when you aren’t using them.
• Turn off electronics when leaving the room for more than 15 minutes.
• Invest in high-efficiency appliances — dishwasher, washing machine, toilet, shower head.  They use a lot less water and energy and will save you money in the long run.  Look for the WaterSense label on your appliances.
• Purchase compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) or light emitting diodes (LEDs) as opposed to conventional incandescent bulbs (though some incandescents are energy-saving, just read the label).

Avoiding Plastics

Plastic is terrible for the environment because it takes forever to break down.  Every single bit of plastic that has been produced will be on this planet for thousands of years.  Plastics have also been linked to negative health effects as well as major carbon emissions during the production process.

• Instead of purchasing water bottles, buy a reusable water bottle that you can take to class, work, or anywhere else you may need to go.  These run anywhere from $5-$20, and many universities and workplaces will give them out for free as a marketing tool.
• Invest in some reusable grocery bags.  They’re $1 at most grocery stores, and again, you can often get them for free.  I personally have about 6 medium to large sized bags, all of which I got for free.
• If you notice that a product has a lot of plastic packaging, look for an alternative.
• Check for the recycle symbols on your products and recycle them if possible.  If you have a pile of grocery bags built up, don’t throw them out.  Instead, bring them to the grocery store during your next visit; they usually have a plastic bag recycle bin (plastic bags cannot be recycled in your home bin).

 Cut Your Emissions

Reducing your carbon footprint doesn’t have to be difficult, but it can make a big difference.  Try a couple of these tips to reduce your ecological impact.

• Nice day?  Reasonable commute?  Ride your bike, take public transportation, walk if it’s not too far.
• If your commute is too far,  set up a carpool with others commuting to the same area.
• Keep it local.  Buy local products because they don’t travel as far, buy at your local store because you don’t travel as far, and find some fun activities locally.  Not only does it eliminate transportation; it builds community, economy, and overall growth.