Why Is Environmental Policy Necessary?

As someone who deeply cares about preserving our planet, I grew to appreciate the vital role environmental policy can play in shaping a sustainable future. These policies, crafted at every level of government, influence everything from air quality and water conservation to wildlife protection and climate change mitigation. To further support the planet's health and ensure a healthy future for generations, there is a continued need to understand and support robust environmental policy. But why does environmental policy exist?

My journey into environmental policy began with my involvement in Model United Nations, or MUN. Having participated in MUN conferences, I got this peculiar glimpse into the complexity of policymaking and international diplomacy. This is where, through debating and drafting resolutions on pressing current global issues, I developed a deeper understanding of how policies are created and how important international cooperation can be in forming those policies. These have probably instilled in me several experiences that made a passion to one day leave a mark on the world with effective environmental policy.

Environmental policies are tools of necessity in addressing the myriad challenges our environment faces. They set standards and regulations to reduce pollution, manage natural resources, and protect ecosystems. For instance, the Clean Air Act, enacted in 1963 and substantially amended in 1970, 1977, and 1990, has been instrumental in efforts to reduce air pollution nationwide. The Clean Water Act of 1972 improved water quality by controlling pollutants in U.S. waters. These regulations keep the amount of contaminants in check and protect people's health and the environment. Without these policies, pollution would surely rise unchecked and create serious health issues and ecological devastation.

One of the critical current environmental policy issues is climate change. Conforming policy programs have been taken by governments of different parts of the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by shifting to renewable energy resources. A recent example is the Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015. Commitment to limit global warming to much below 2°C above pre-industrial levels has made signatory countries contribute to mitigating the severe impacts of climate change. National carbon pricing policies were initiated in several countries in the early 2000s, and incentives for clean energy support these global-level commitments. These policies thus play a significant role in curbing the evil consequences of climate change: extreme weather, rising sea levels, and even loss of biodiversity.

Contrasting to the struggle against climate change, biodiversity conservation is another emphasis of environmental policy. In this respect, protecting endangered species and their habitat is one of the main goals. Thus, the Endangered Species Act, enacted in 1973 in the United States, legally protects land-dwelling species listed as threatened and boosts efforts toward recovery and habitat conservation. These policies are crucial for maintaining biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and human well-being. Should this protection be lacking, many species could be driven to extinction, irreversibly damaging ecosystems.

There can only be truly effective environmental policy if governments, businesses, and civil society make a combined effort. Public participation and proper advocacy are essential for such a policy to be formulated. Grassroots and environmental organizations contribute significantly to increasing awareness of environmental issues and promoting more effective protection. We will all be able to develop and implement effective environmental policies by participating in public consultations, supporting the groups that carry out ecological advocacy, and making sustainable choices in our daily lives.

Strong policies are what guide us toward a sustainable world of equity. My experiences in Model United Nations showed me the power of policy and diplomacy and how I can influence and implement policies that protect our environment. Keeping up to date with the issues and advocating for strong policies supporting sustainable practices allows environmental policy to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations.