Introduction
In the video titled “Ask Me Why I Care” Fred Silva, the Director of Public Policy in a non-profitable organization California Forward, explains the issues of public policy. Not only he describes the days of the past, when community and civic leaders were connected, but also advises young people on how to contribute to public policy development. Silva recommends students focus on an issue that they care about the most and work in that field for a few years.
The main reason for such a request is that, unlike decades ago, the community leaders and the general public are separated; the transparency between these two institutions is lost. Nevertheless, to meet certain communal goals, the community should be flexible on all levels. One of the most relevant issues that concern local governments in all states is environmental protection. This paper will further elaborate on why such a problem should be taken into consideration how it affects the community and how it can be solved in local areas.
Problem Definition and Analysis
Aside from the national level, the concerns about environmental degradation are relevant on a scale of the regional level as well. Contaminated groundwater, beaches that are filled with trash, air pollution, and annihilation of natural habitat generate great distress for citizens, tourists, and local governments (Arnold & Long, 2019). The preservation of the natural environment is crucial not only for the well-being of the planet, though this reason is the primary one. Moreover, a healthy environment contributes to economic profit and growth.
Drafting Policy Options
Regarding describing policy options, one can name a few ways to improve strategies that are related to the issue. The first step is the realization that community development is impossible in the conditions of deteriorating nature. The second step is providing sustainable development in all communal industries.
Policy Decision Implications
Every social and economic institution can benefit from taking care of such an issue. By investing in governmental and private projects that ensure environmental sustainability, local businesses may improve their public image, thus attracting more consumers. A good natural habitat provides resources for farmers and food markets. That is why anyone may contribute to environmental policy and gain financial and social profit from it.
Measuring Alternatives
The options for improving policy are endless. For example, it is expected from local authorities to invest funds into hiring staff to respective departments that are involved in environmental policymaking. Such departments must provide managing industrial and governmental projects which can have an impact on nature. Moreover, it is vital to support businesses that strive to achieve affordable solutions in resource savings and make adjustments in the production process. Citizens can participate in policy implementation by volunteering in special programs and spreading awareness around the community.
Ethical Implications
It should be remembered that environmental policy has always had ethical questions involved. Since humans are the ones who can alter nature significantly, they are responsible for non-human species and even whole ecosystems. By taking control of that issue, the community affects the values of environmentalists, animal rights activists, and people who care about the well-being of other creatures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, environmental policy is an important topic, to which every level of society can relate. The reason why it was selected is that success in this field creates the growth of the community in the long term. This research allows us to learn why the natural environment is fundamental to economic development and to provide a high standard of living for residents. However, the environmental policy will only be genuinely successful when it is sensitively integrated with all levels of society, including local government, businesses, and civilians as well.
References
Arnold, G., & Long, L. A. N. (2019). Policy expansion in local government environmental policy making. Public Administration Review, 79(4), 465-476.
Public Service Stories. (2015). Ask me why I care: J. Fred Silva, senior policy advisor, California Forward [Video file]. Web.