Part A – worth 50% You must answer the Part A question. It is worth 50% of your over-all exam mark.  The text of your answer must be 750 words or less. QUESTION ONE In this course, we discussed the vulnerability of the following scarce resources: the atmosphere; water; and farmland.  What are the challenges in devising effective governance structures for the management and protection of these resources?  Be sure to discuss the significance of incentives and trade-offs.

QUESTION

Instructions:

• You MUST answer the Part A question (50% of your total exam mark). Answer any TWO questions in Part B (25% + 25%=50% of your total exam mark).
• The word limits will be strictly enforced. Your answer to the Part A question can be no longer than 750 words. Each Part B answer can be no longer than 500 words. I will stop reading your answers after you reach these limits.
• The word ceilings do not apply to any citations/foot- or endnotes; or sub-headings; or to title page; or to ‘works cited’ page/bibliography. The word ceilings do apply to any quotes you use incorporated into your answers.
• You are advised to NOT simply string together quotes from the lecture slides & readings. Students will be evaluated on their ability to answer the questions in their own words. Just stringing together quotes or crude paraphrasing of quotes will not get you a good mark.
• You can use any source you want in preparing your answers, including the lectures.
• This includes using proper citations for all your sources. As was the case with the March essay in this course, you can use any one of the main citation systems, just as long as you use one of them properly. If you do use lectures as a source, they must be cited like any other source.

Part A – worth 50% You must answer the Part A question. It is worth 50% of your over-all exam mark.  The text of your answer must be 750 words or less. QUESTION ONE In this course, we discussed the vulnerability of the following scarce resources: the atmosphere; water; and farmland.  What are the challenges in devising effective governance structures for the management and protection of these resources?  Be sure to discuss the significance of incentives and trade-offs.

Part B – worth 50% (25 + 25=50) Choose any two out of the three Questions in Part B.  Each answer is worth 25% of your total test mark.  The text of each of your Part B answers must be 500 words or less.   QUESTION TWO In this course we discussed the concept of externalities.  Give examples of externalities discussed and their impact on environmental policy and protection.

QUESTION THREE What is the role and impact of property rights in environmental policy? Be sure to give examples.

QUESTION FOUR Why did the government of Ontario create a Greenbelt?

ANSWER

Challenges in Governance Structures for Scarcity of Resources: Atmosphere, Water, and Farmland

Introduction 

The effective governance and management of scarce resources, such as the atmosphere, water, and farmland, are critical for sustainable development and environmental protection. However, devising appropriate governance structures for these resources poses significant challenges. This essay explores the complexities and trade-offs involved in establishing effective governance for these resources, with a focus on the significance of incentives and trade-offs.

Complexity and Interconnectedness of Resources

The scarcity of resources like the atmosphere, water, and farmland is further compounded by their intricate interconnections. These resources transcend political boundaries and require collaborative efforts among various stakeholders. For instance, addressing air pollution requires international cooperation, as emissions from one region can have global impacts. Similarly, water resources often traverse multiple jurisdictions, necessitating coordinated management and allocation strategies (Manisalidis et al., 2020). The complexity arises from the need to harmonize policies, regulations, and practices across diverse actors, including governments, communities, and private entities. The challenge lies in establishing effective mechanisms that promote collaboration and ensure equitable resource distribution.

Competing Demands and Conflicting Interests 

The scarcity of resources leads to competing demands and conflicting interests among various sectors. Water and farmland, for example, are vital for agriculture, industrial production, and urban development. The competing claims for these resources can result in overexploitation, depletion, or degradation. Balancing the needs of different stakeholders while ensuring sustainable resource use becomes a delicate task. Effective governance structures must address these conflicts through mechanisms such as stakeholder engagement, participatory decision-making processes, and the establishment of clear guidelines for resource allocation. Moreover, trade-offs may be necessary, such as implementing water conservation measures or land-use planning to reconcile conflicting interests (Chapter 7 : Risk Management and Decision Making in Relation to Sustainable Development — Special Report on Climate Change and Land, n.d.).

Significance of Incentives in Resource Governance

Incentives play a crucial role in shaping resource governance and management strategies. Traditional approaches based solely on regulations and punitive measures often fall short in achieving sustainable outcomes. By incorporating positive incentives, such as financial incentives, subsidies, and rewards, governments can motivate individuals and organizations to adopt environmentally friendly practices. For instance, offering financial support for the adoption of water-efficient technologies in agriculture can incentivize farmers to reduce water consumption. Similarly, providing tax incentives for land conservation efforts can encourage responsible land use practices. Effective governance structures should incorporate a mix of regulations and incentives that align individual and collective interests with broader sustainability goals.

Trade-offs in Resource Governance

Managing scarce resources inevitably involves trade-offs. For example, prioritizing the conservation of the atmosphere by reducing greenhouse gas emissions may require trade-offs in terms of economic growth or energy production. Similarly, allocating water resources for ecological needs may impact agricultural productivity. Effective governance structures must carefully assess and balance these trade-offs by considering long-term sustainability, equity, and societal priorities (Website, n.d.). Transparent decision-making processes, stakeholder consultations, and the integration of scientific knowledge can help identify optimal trade-offs that maximize overall social and environmental benefits.

Conclusion 

The governance and management of scarce resources such as the atmosphere, water, and farmland present complex challenges due to their interconnectedness, competing demands, and the need for incentives and trade-offs. By addressing these challenges through collaborative governance approaches and balancing the diverse interests, we can strive towards sustainable resource management for the benefit of present and future generations.

References

Chapter 7 : Risk management and decision making in relation to sustainable development — Special Report on Climate Change and Land. (n.d.). Special Report on Climate Change and Land. https://www.ipcc.ch/srccl/chapter/chapter-7/ 

Manisalidis, I., Stavropoulou, E., Stavropoulos, A., & Bezirtzoglou, E. (2020). Environmental and Health Impacts of Air Pollution: A Review. Frontiers in Public Health, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00014 

Website, N. G. C. C. (n.d.). Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation. Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet. https://climate.nasa.gov/solutions/adaptation-mitigation/