Today, the world is challenged by different environmental factors, including climate change and control, air pollution, global warming, the destruction of the ozone layer, and natural resource depletion. These concepts promote the creation of federal environmental policies as governmental plans that are based on the ideas of sustainable development (social and economic progress), environment protection, and prediction of mismanagement (Theodoulou & Kofinis, 2012).
The first US policies were created in the middle of the 20th century (Clean Air Act or Water Quality Act). Then, the increase in environmental activities was observed globally by the introduction of the Kyoto Protocol to solve global warming outcomes. Americans also improved their environment under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (2003) or the Energy Independence and Security Act (2007) (Theodoulou & Kofinis, 2012). Despite the intention to protect water and air, their pollution is hard to control. Therefore, more aggressive attempts to control the quality of air and water have to be enacted to address one of the major environmental issues.
I think that fossil fuel combustion is one of the less recognized problems in the United States. Still, people continue breathing in polluted air, which challenges their respiratory system and quality of life. I observe a tendency to get sick as soon as weather conditions change from warm to cold, and I cannot control my cold. Before reading this week’s assignment, I thought that environmental policies would be full of empty promises and unnecessary time and money spent.
Now, I see that the US government pays much attention to the solution of these problems and struggle for better living conditions for every citizen. This information has reinforced my opinion and increase the desire to participate in social and environmental activities.
Reference
Theodoulou, S. Z., & Kofinis, C. (2012). The policy game: Understanding U.S. public policy making. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education.