Environmental protection

LO: To know what problems the environment is experiencing and what the government are doing about this

Melting ice caps

Changing weather

Tropical storms

Reduction of forests

Extinction

Severe flooding

Government regulation

Huge range of legislations, regulations and guidelines designed to protect the environment

Clean Air Act 1993 bans dark smoke from chimneys

Waste legislation is about disposal of waste

Water legislation about discharge into water systems

Environment agencies

Take responsibility against people who break the laws.

Give advice to firms.

Taxation

Adding high taxes onto businesses who pollute the environment

Subsidies

Given to businesses who are doing environmentally friendly things such as opening a plastic recycling plant.

Also given to firms who provide positive externalities eg train companies taking cars off the roads

Compensation

Firms have to pay compensation to people living close by if they pollute the environment

Recycling

Collection of waste to be re-used.

International targets

These are set to reduce global pollution.

Permits

Firms buy a permit that lets them create a specific amount of waste. The more waste, the more they cost you

Road pricing and charges

Have to pay road tax and tolls on busy roads

Congestion charging for busy areas

Look at question 1 and 2