The United States of America and its people are very multi-layed. From an international perspective the political behaviour and the American way of life are mostly considered very sceptical. Especially the War against Terror and also environmental issues, rejections and restraints are intensively discussed worldwide.
Driven by global developments in the last years, international actors demand for extensive collective environmental and particulary climatic goals. So the international Union was almost indignant about the rejection of the Kyoto Protocol by the American government. The United States as the main emittent of CO2, the most responsible substance for global warming, signaled with this reaction ignorant acting and an unacceptable attitude about common property. But often unheard are the discussions inside the United States and also the predominated political base and its possibilities for environmental goals.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. INTRODUCTION
- 2. THE POLITICAL STRUCTURE IN THE USA AND ITS SPACE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
- 3. ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENTS, PARTICIPATION, BASIC ATMOSPHERE AND MENTALITY
- 4. CLIMATIC CHANGE IN THE USA AND ITS SUSPECTED ECOLOGIC, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT
- 5. PREVIOUS AND CURRENT COURSE OF POLITICAL ACTION
- 6. SUMMARY
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This text aims to analyze the complex relationship between the political structure of the USA, its environmental movements, and the country's response to climate change. It explores the role of political parties, NGOs, and public interest groups in shaping environmental policy. The analysis avoids drawing major conclusions but focuses on presenting a comprehensive overview of the situation.
- The American political system and its capacity for addressing environmental concerns.
- The influence of various political actors (parties, NGOs, interest groups) on environmental policy.
- The history and evolution of environmental movements in the USA.
- Public perception and participation in environmental initiatives.
- The impact of the American way of life on environmental sustainability.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. INTRODUCTION: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the international perception of the USA's environmental policies, particularly its rejection of the Kyoto Protocol. It emphasizes the need to examine the internal political dynamics and the potential for environmental action within the United States, moving beyond the common international criticisms.
2. THE POLITICAL STRUCTURE IN THE USA AND ITS SPACE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: This chapter analyzes the American two-party system and its limitations in addressing environmental issues. It explores the role of third parties, particularly the Green Party, in influencing the political discourse. While acknowledging the dominance of the two major parties, the chapter highlights the growing influence of third parties, especially at the state and local levels, and their ability to push environmental agendas. The chapter also discusses the significance of NGOs and public interest groups, such as the Sierra Club, in advocating for environmental protection and influencing policy through lobbying efforts.
3. ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENTS, PARTICIPATION, BASIC ATMOSPHERE AND MENTALITY: This chapter examines the complex relationship between the American lifestyle and environmental consciousness. While acknowledging the negative reputation of the USA regarding environmental issues (high per capita consumption, CO2 emissions), it counters this with evidence of high participation in voluntary associations and a growing awareness of environmental concerns among various segments of the population, including religious groups. The chapter traces the historical roots of environmental awareness in the USA, highlighting pivotal moments such as the founding of Yellowstone National Park and the publication of Rachel Carson's *Silent Spring*. It also mentions the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its impact on environmental regulations.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
American environmental policy, two-party system, third parties, Green Party, NGOs, public interest groups, Sierra Club, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), climate change, environmental movements, participation, consumerism, Kyoto Protocol, American lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of US Environmental Policy
What is the main focus of this text?
This text analyzes the complex interplay between the US political system, its environmental movements, and the nation's response to climate change. It examines the roles of political parties, NGOs, and public interest groups in shaping environmental policy, offering a comprehensive overview without drawing definitive conclusions.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
Key themes include the American political system's capacity to address environmental concerns; the influence of various political actors (parties, NGOs, interest groups) on environmental policy; the history and evolution of US environmental movements; public perception and participation in environmental initiatives; and the impact of the American lifestyle on environmental sustainability.
What aspects of the US political structure are discussed?
The text analyzes the American two-party system and its limitations in addressing environmental issues. It explores the role of third parties, like the Green Party, and the influence of NGOs and public interest groups (e.g., the Sierra Club) in advocating for environmental protection and lobbying for policy changes.
What is the text's perspective on US environmental movements?
The text examines the historical development of environmental movements in the USA, highlighting key events such as the creation of Yellowstone National Park and the publication of Rachel Carson's *Silent Spring*. It also discusses the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its influence on environmental regulations. It acknowledges both the negative perceptions of the US regarding environmental issues (high consumption, CO2 emissions) and the significant level of public participation in environmental initiatives.
How does the text address the issue of climate change?
The text explores climate change in the USA and its potential ecological, economic, and social impacts. It considers the historical context, including the US rejection of the Kyoto Protocol, and examines the current political actions and responses to climate change.
What are the chapter summaries included in the preview?
The preview includes summaries of each chapter: an introduction setting the scene; an analysis of the US political structure and its capacity for environmental action; an examination of environmental movements, public participation, and prevailing attitudes; a discussion of climate change and its impacts; an overview of past and present political actions; and a concluding summary.
What keywords are associated with this text?
Keywords include: American environmental policy, two-party system, third parties, Green Party, NGOs, public interest groups, Sierra Club, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), climate change, environmental movements, participation, consumerism, Kyoto Protocol, and American lifestyle.
What is the overall objective of the text?
The text aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between the US political structure, its environmental movements, and its response to climate change, without reaching sweeping conclusions but rather offering a detailed and nuanced overview.
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- Katrin Geier (Autor), 2007, Environmental consciousness in USA, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/128090
