Abstract
This paper explains that placebo policies in environmental management are used by some government entities to mislead the government on its anti-environment agenda. The author cites specifically the Harris government in Ontario, which imposes policies that seem to be for the environment but are not, and the Saskatchewan Environmental Society, which has a more effective history depending on implementation. The paper relates that placebo policy has the effect of manipulating public opinion on the issue, reducing public input and participation in the process of making policy, and rolling back earlier environmental initiatives.

From the Paper
"A number of placebo policies can be found in Ontario, such as the government's attempt at manipulating public opinion on the issue of urban smog. When a highly publicized smog patrol program was introduced, along with summer gasoline volatility limits to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by 2 per cent, analysts found that overall VOC emissions were expected to rise by 10 per cent per decade as a result of other government policies that promote urban sprawl."

Tags:smog, saskatchewan, implementation, sustainability, agenda

Abstract
The paper maintains that there can be little doubt that a host of factors determine a nation environmental policy, just as there can be no doubt that a host of factors determine a country environmental laws. With that in mind and at the risk of appearing simplistic, it may be said that environmental policy is the public posture a government takes on environmental issues as well as the way in which it materially addresses environmental concerns through the allocation of resources and or through the physical regulation of industries.

Tags:discussion, causes, consequences

Abstract
This paper discusses the inherent flaws found in the American democratic system in regards to the formation of effective environmental policy. It talks about the tragedy of the commons, race to the bottom theory, spillover, and economies of scale. It advocates for the formation of a centralized governmental policy in regards to the environment. This paper supports its argument through the use of examples ranging from the struggle between Maine and the Midwest in regards to acid rain, as well as mentioning several of Nixon's environmental initiatives and what is necessary to make effective environmental policy on the federal level with the current form of American democracy.

From the Paper
"The idea of a three branch system of government comes largely in part from the fear of factions. As do the two, four, and six year terms of service assigned to the senate, house, and presidency. These provisions help to keep a system of checks and balances in which no one group can gain too much power. However they do not only stave off factions, but make it hard for the federal government to come together and institute strong cohesive environmental policy. The constitution also dictates that any power not specifically given to the federal government goes to the states which is why the current system of decentralized environmental policy making is in place, however it is time for a change."

Tags:environment, USA, policy

Abstract
This paper discusses the kind of impact that globalization has on Canadian policies concerning air pollution. The paper specifically focuses on the policies concerning motor vehicle air pollution. The paper argues that Canada's tendency to follow the policy of the United States is likely to result in Canada having the same critical problem of vehicle emissions that the United States has witnessed.

Table of Contents:
Objective
The Argument Presented In This Work
Introduction
I. The United States And Canadian Environmental Policy
II. Problems With Canadian Policy Related To Carbon Emissions
III. Environmental Policy Review
Summary And Conclusion

From the Paper
"Sustainable transportation in Canada is being overseen by the Metropolitan Transportation Agency, created by the province of Quebec in 1996 which is a provincial agency that coordinates the planning and funding of public transportation in the Montreal region. The agency receives revenue from a dedicated gasoline tax of 1.5 cents per litre collected within the region and a vehicle license surcharge of $30 per vehicle in the region." (Paraphrased) The province of Alberta approved the funding of transportation capital in Calgary and Edmonton in 1999 that provisions of the funding of 5 cents per liter of fuels taxes that are collected in those regions. It is stated that: "Calgary and Edmonton have integrated governance structures that allow them to plan and implement sustainable transportation policies on a comprehensive basis." (Ibid)"

Tags:emissions, globalization, transportation

Abstract
This paper reviews how Australia is currently confronted with vital problems jeopardizing the condition of the environment and weakening its economic and social development. The paper reports how the important concerns are the conditions of the soil, water and the likely effect of changes in climatic conditions due to greenhouse gases.

From the Paper
"Yet another issue is that although Australia is the driest continent on this planet, it ranks fifth on the per capita consumption of water in the world. Per day average household consumption of water is estimated to be nearly 300 liters, which is double the worldwide average. Half of the domestic water usage is spent on watering of household gardens. The increased levels of water consumption due to rising populations and more water usage in homes is untenable, considering the reality that drawing out water from several catchments are reaching capacity levels. Even prior to the recent droughts, several catchment levels were at their unprecedented low as compared to their net potential. Whereas the water policy of 'pay as per use' has lessened or contained the demand of water since the bygone decade in majority of the principal capital cities, the argument goes on regarding the practicality of these policies on a more broad based manner. (Sustaining Australia sustainable development issues facing Australia to 2025)
In another effort to deal with the environmental problems, the Australian Government passed the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act during 1999 in a wide-ranging initiative to delineate the environmental task of the Commonwealth in keeping with its consciousness of the environmental problems which the nation is presently passing through, inclusive of the urban air quality and pollution problems. The law took a leap in attempting to harmonize National, State and Territory measures to safeguard the environment, giving Commonwealth leadership with due respect to State and Territory control. Nevertheless, environmental headway for Australia continues to be sluggish due to want of unambiguous leadership at the federal level. "

Tags:island, continent, sea, ecology, biodiversity, atmosphere

Abstract
This paper defines environmental policy, and then explains why it is important to shape and influence its course. According to the paper, environmental policy has as it purpose to prevent, reduce and mitigate the harmful effects on nature of man's harvesting and use of natural resources. These man-made changes to the environment's resources may cause harmful effects to man in the future. The paper concludes by noting that the goal of environmental policy is really to protect man from himself.

From the Paper
"Environmental policy is a course of action that is taken in an attempt to manage or control human activities as they relate to the environment. Environmental policy has as it purpose to prevent, reduce, mitigate the harmful effects on nature of man's harvesting and use of natural resources. These man-made changes to the environment's resources may cause harmful effects to man in the future. The goal of environmental policy is really to protect man from himself. Water quality is a concern for all governments worldwide. The ability to..."

Tags:water, environmental, policy

Abstract
There are numerous constraining factors that burden the process of forming an effective environmental policy in Australia. This paper discusses how clashing values and ideas prevent the formulation and implementation of coherent environmental policy in Australia. It looks at how Australia's over-reliance on a resource-based economy, federalist framework and failing policy processes often converge to create conjecture in the environmental arena. The conclusion is a brief summary, which reflects that the conflict and ambiguity plaguing environmental policy in Australia is the direct result of a confusion of ideas.

From the Paper
"A quick review of environmental policy in Australia reveals the extent of confusion surrounding the issue, this confusion can be partially attributed to Australia's dependence on and sometimes exploitation of its natural resources to generate revenue (Eckersley, 1996:89). This utilitarian trend began with European settlement and originated from the developmentalist approach to land management (Walker, 1999:24-5). An approach that fails to recognise the value of nature beyond that which is appropriate for development such as mining, logging and other economically productive practices (Aplin, 1998:173). Developmentalism comes at an immense cost to the environment; large portions of Australia's woodlands and forests have already been destroyed in the relentless pursuit of economic growth. "

Tags:bio, cycle, devolution, diversity, economic, federalism, natural, policy, rationalism, resources

Abstract
This paper explains that, many years ago, the development of a systematic environmental policy began in Germany; but the reunification of the two German states (Federal Republic of Germany and German Democratic Republic), in 1990 created a great new challenge for German environmental policy because of the extensive environmental damage in the former GDR and because of the major economic crisis that started during this time. The author points out that the most remarkable result of increased environmental awareness was the development of an "eco-industry", a new manufacturing sector that develops pollution-control devices and other environmentally useful equipment. The paper concludes that the constantly changing world of politics requires innovative strategies to keep up with these changes; therefore, all available economic resources, environmental group leadership, and public environmental support, including the Green Party, should combine to overcome the obstacles created by potential economic and environmental tradeoffs.

Table of Contents
Literature Review
A Brief Review of Germany's Environmental History
Integration of Systems and Policies
Energy and Environmental Policy
Environmental Programs and Initiatives
Methodology
Results of Study
Organizational Structure of Environmental Protection in Germany
The Environment
Germany's Future
Economic and Political Options for Environmental Protection in Germany
Traditional Features of German Environmental Policy
Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendations

From the Paper
"Regulations and government actions to protect nature and human beings against environmentally hazardous activities of commercial and industrial firms have a long history in Germany. Environmental protection is anchored in private and public law, including building, public health and sanitation, and police laws. The Water Rights Act and the Factories Act set the standard for many subsequent laws. The various regulations created to prevent offensive emissions from becoming a nuisance to health and property were systematized and concentrated for the first time in the Prussian Industrial Statute of 1845."

Tags:green, regulation, damage, eco-industry, green

Abstract
This essay assesses the changes European environmental policy making has undergone since the 1970s in respect of their effectiveness. First, it is shown how European environmental policy making has changed in terms of its scope and legalization on a European level. The paper then shows with what instruments European institutions have tackled environmental protection.

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Legalization
2.1. Treaty of Rome
2.2. Single European Act
2.3. Treaty on European Union
3. Instruments
3.1. Moral Suasion
3.2. Regulatory Instruments
3.3. Financial Instruments
3.4. Market Instruments
3.4.1. Eco-tax
3.4.2. Eco-labels
4. Conclusion
5. References

From the Paper
"In 1993 the Commission established the European Environment Agency (EEA) in Copenhagen, which succeeded the CORINE programme, an experimental data collection project, along with the European Environment Information and Observation Network. The EEA "is intended to provide the Community and the Member States with objective, reliable and comparable information at European level enabling them to take the requisite measures to protect the environment" (Dinan, 2000:171). As the EEA does not have an enforcement role of EU environmental legislation, it is hard to assess its direct impact on environmental protection."

Tags:euro, EAP, Cohesion, Fund, EU

Abstract
The paper relates that environmental policy is conducted in the United States through the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The paper discusses the background of the act, how it involves collaboration with communities and which agencies are involved in proposed regulations. The paper explains that these agencies have the power and authority to oversee the implementation of regulations. The paper also offers a personal comment in regard to the proposed rules.

From the Paper
"The United States has a rather complicated, yet useful means of creating laws, rules, and regulations. In this sense, the legislative body which is the Congress, as well as the executive body, the Presidency is involved. However, the support of the civil society as well as that of the specialists is required. In this sense, the issue of regulations has become an increasingly complex procedure which allows the laws passed by the Congress to be implemented. From this point of view, it can be said that regulations play a key role in giving the legislative function its best use.
"The policy of the environment benefits nowadays from an increasing attention, a fact largely due to the issue of public health, as well as of the environment at large."

Tags:regulations, agencies, EPA, community