Economics, Policy, and the Future Willie McClure 2 nd pd Chapter 21

Sustainability The condition in which human society can go on indefinitely and future generations can have a standard of living as high as our own.+ To live a sustainable way, we need to look for new ways to solve problems. An example is fresh water & energy are becoming scarce and expensive in many parts of the world.

Economics The study of the choices people make as they use and distribute limited resources. Economists say that an economic system is successful when there is economic growth, an increase in the flow of money and products within a market.

Enviornmental Impact Statement Any proposed project or policy that would have a significant effect on the environment. Proposal for the construction of dams, highways, airports, and other projects that the federal government controls. An EIA states the need for a project, the projects impact on the environment.

Lobbying An organized attempt to influence the decisions of lawmakers. Both environmental and industry groups hire lobbyists to provide information to lawmakers and urge them to vote a certain way.

Other Facts About Economics, Policy, and the Future Some goals of international agreements on the environment have been achieved and implemented. Other goals have been set but not yet achieved.

More Facts Economic systems operate within the environment by using resources and by returning both desired and undesired results. Economic systems sometimes fail to balance all the costs and benefits of people’s actions.