39
incentives (Sterner 2017; Filipović and Golušin 2015). Eco investments are still
seen as a marketing gag and not as a considerable alternative investment (Bostan
et al. 2010). Opportunities therefore lie in eco-projects with a high return and a low
uncertainty of failure; those investments either replace another more volatile market
such as oil, gas and coal or comply with governmental policy and therefore subsidies (UNEP 2015). Another key element of safeguarding an economic environment
for Environmental Citizenship is transparency. Maintaining full transparency is key
to guaranteeing the eco-friendly investment approach, creating trustworthiness
(Kanagaretnam et al. 2014). Environmental Citizens are interested in companies’
social and environmental performances, which makes transparency an irreplaceable
key for corporates and governments. Moreover, transparency and public perceptions
are increasingly considered as a citizen’s right to access to environmental information and participation in environmental decision-making (Marisi 2017). Furthermore,
macroeconomists have shown that green economy leads to the monetary welfare
and have introduced incitation methods for key players to invest. For example, notable projects against global warming would lead to cheaper insurance. Projects in
reusable goods would lead to cheaper waste management, and the replacement of
alternative energy would avoid a volatile price development for instable supply
(Michel-Kerjan and Morlaye 2008; Paterson 2001; Berz 1999). In conclusion, policymakers need to carefully monitor companies with a high impact on the environment and encourage researchers to find alternative solutions. Many eco-projects
serve as great ideas for economic changes but remain unprofitable for many
investors.
3.3.2 National Level
Strategic priorities of government programmes incorporated into policies of competent ministries play a fundamental role at the national level. It is a case of countries
where governments have the authority to make major policy on the matters of
national economy and social security. Here, implementing innovative green policies
and implanting the environmental agenda into overall economic planning are up to
the decision of national economies or as the consequence of multilateral agreements.
Local governments are instrumental players. No matter how eager and ambitious
the central government, the implementation of the various policies largely rests on
provincial, city and county officials. Their influence is greater than their interests in
realising the green agenda. The public – demanding environmental progress –
matters. In particular, the urban population’s discontent with air pollution and dirty
industries has influenced policymakers (Weng et al. 2015). For example, China’s
environmental NGOs, a civil society stakeholder group, often assist government
players and businesses in realising green economic objectives. Despite gaining
influence, the most effective way for environmental NGOs to bring about the desired
changes in policy and implementation is through partnering with government
departments (Schwartz 2004).
3 Economic Dimensions of Environmental Citizenship
incentives (Sterner 2017; Filipović and Golušin 2015). Eco investments are still
seen as a marketing gag and not as a considerable alternative investment (Bostan
et al. 2010). Opportunities therefore lie in eco-projects with a high return and a low
uncertainty of failure; those investments either replace another more volatile market
such as oil, gas and coal or comply with governmental policy and therefore subsidies (UNEP 2015). Another key element of safeguarding an economic environment
for Environmental Citizenship is transparency. Maintaining full transparency is key
to guaranteeing the eco-friendly investment approach, creating trustworthiness
(Kanagaretnam et al. 2014). Environmental Citizens are interested in companies’
social and environmental performances, which makes transparency an irreplaceable
key for corporates and governments. Moreover, transparency and public perceptions
are increasingly considered as a citizen’s right to access to environmental information and participation in environmental decision-making (Marisi 2017). Furthermore,
macroeconomists have shown that green economy leads to the monetary welfare
and have introduced incitation methods for key players to invest. For example, notable projects against global warming would lead to cheaper insurance. Projects in
reusable goods would lead to cheaper waste management, and the replacement of
alternative energy would avoid a volatile price development for instable supply
(Michel-Kerjan and Morlaye 2008; Paterson 2001; Berz 1999). In conclusion, policymakers need to carefully monitor companies with a high impact on the environment and encourage researchers to find alternative solutions. Many eco-projects
serve as great ideas for economic changes but remain unprofitable for many
investors.
3.3.2 National Level
Strategic priorities of government programmes incorporated into policies of competent ministries play a fundamental role at the national level. It is a case of countries
where governments have the authority to make major policy on the matters of
national economy and social security. Here, implementing innovative green policies
and implanting the environmental agenda into overall economic planning are up to
the decision of national economies or as the consequence of multilateral agreements.
Local governments are instrumental players. No matter how eager and ambitious
the central government, the implementation of the various policies largely rests on
provincial, city and county officials. Their influence is greater than their interests in
realising the green agenda. The public – demanding environmental progress –
matters. In particular, the urban population’s discontent with air pollution and dirty
industries has influenced policymakers (Weng et al. 2015). For example, China’s
environmental NGOs, a civil society stakeholder group, often assist government
players and businesses in realising green economic objectives. Despite gaining
influence, the most effective way for environmental NGOs to bring about the desired
changes in policy and implementation is through partnering with government
departments (Schwartz 2004).
3 Economic Dimensions of Environmental Citizenship