Environmental policy for everyone: New study demands social justice!

Environmental policy for everyone: New study demands social justice!

A new study by the eco-institute, Fös and ISOE on behalf of the German Federal Environment Agency examines the challenges of the socially just design of environmental policy. As Econews aims to distribute the costs and income from the CO2 prize so that in particular Experience disadvantaged groups. The participation of all social groups in environmental protection is to be promoted, whereby the focus is on particularly underrepresented groups.

Research emphasizes that social environmental policy takes into account people's burdens and strives for a fair distribution of financial resources. Dirk Arne Heyen, the main author of the study, emphasizes the importance of the social effects of environmental policy measures. These include the promotion of green spaces in cities, the improvement of local public transport and measures to reduce noise and fine dust.

social consequences of environmental policy

The study also mentions three essential ways to relieve financial relief from environmental policy: measures to energy efficiency should be promoted that save both energy and money. In addition, there are income support measures such as increasing transfer payments, for example through citizen benefit. Price-damping measures that start directly on energy, material or water prices can also play a role, but it can be seen that such approaches are often ecologically counterproductive and can have an inefficient effect.

dr. Katja Schumacher from the study emphasizes that a social design of environmental measures can also benefit people with low incomes. Nevertheless, it is crucial to address the negative distribution effects, since adjustment measures in environmental policy can burden private households. The area of ​​tension between environmental and social policy is becoming increasingly relevant, and there is a great need for research to define effective support measures.

scope for action for sustainable lifestyles

Sustainable switch requires a socially acceptable design of environmental policy. The dangers of financial overload through environmental policy measures are common among the population, especially among poorer people who often live in contaminated environments. Like Environmental Office , the acceptance of environmental policy depends heavily on the perception.

Targeted support programs and need -precise consultations must be developed in order to improve the scope for maneuver for sustainable lifestyles. Supporting citizens is essential to create infrastructures that make it easier to switch to environmentally friendly practices. This also includes reducing environmentally harmful subsidies and closer cooperation between different social actors.

The challenges of environmental policy are therefore closely interwoven with questions of social justice, and an exchange between social and ecological actors could enable a change of perspective and increase social acceptance.