Unpacking the term politics Politics Narrow view A

Unpacking the term politics • Politics • Narrow view: A processes of government; decision making and administration; elections; the machinations of political parties; and the efforts of groups to influence these political processes • Broader view: Our relationships to one another and our interactions in many different collective and sub-cultural forms: as individuals; as members of families; as informal networks and groups; as organisations; as governments; as corporations; and our activities in a whole range of other institutionalised settings

Political systems • Republic v Government remains subject to those governed (the people) v Also seen as a representative democracy • Democracy v Direct democracy: Every citizen has an equal say in governmental works and can participate in governmental gatherings v Representative democracy: Citizens elect a representative to govern them by making laws § Provides a scope for people concerned about environmental issues to have their say and to try to influence the political process

Representative democracy • Separation of powers v Legislature: An assembly that has the power to pass, amend, and repeal laws (Parliament for South Africa) v Executive: Combination of the head of government and ministers having power to implement laws and to issue regulations (Government) v Judiciary: It is embodied by the Supreme/Constitutional Court for equal justice. Ensures the legislature and executive operate within the constitution

Policy life cycle Problem recognition Amendments Research formulation Adjustment Budgeting Monitoring Implementation

Resource conservation vs Resource management • Resource conservation • Usually has an undertone of no use or restriction to resources • Resource management • Allows resource allocation and this allocation is a combination of social, economic, ecological and political processes

Green political theories/ideologies Environmentalism • • • Relationship between humans and nature for sustainability Environment protection and environment improvement Postmaterialism • • • Quality of life issues and concerns replace material ones Results in a political changes Green consumerism • • Use of environmental and ethical criteria whether or not to buy a product

Green political theories/ideologies Holism • • Looking at issues a whole is better than adding the “isolated” parts Ecologism • • Encompasses ideas that perspectives that hold a sustainable society require radical changes require our relationship with the natural world and modes of economic, social and political life

Three components of environmental politics • The study of political theories and ideas relating to the environment • Examination of political parties and environmental movements • Analysis of public policymaking and implementation affecting the environment at international, national and local levels

Guides for environmental policy • How our actions affect nature • Avoid decisions that cannot be reversed • Take precautionary measures • Help prevent problems from occurring • Taxes and fines • No people should bear unfair burden