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Activity 4.2.1 Applying your environmental policy frameworks

  Problem  The persistent problem of traffic congestion in New York City leads to significant economic costs, environmental damage, and reduced quality of life. While congestion pricing, a fee charged for driving in congested areas, has been proposed as a solution, its implementation in NYC faces substantial political and public acceptance challenges. These challenges stem from concerns about equity, economic impacts on specific groups, and the effectiveness of the proposed plans. Overcoming these barriers is crucial to alleviate congestion and improve the city's overall sustainability and economic health in the city.    Risk Frame *   Political Risks: Opposition from elected officials and lobbying groups. *   Public Acceptance Risks: Negative public perception and resistance to the new fees. *   Equity Risks: Concerns that the pricing disproportionately affects low-income drivers. *   Economic Risks: Potential negative impacts on businesses and e...

Activity 2.3.2 Ranches as Grassland Conservation

  1. Exploratory      Based on the podcast episode "Conserving and restoring the world’s grasslands," here are some basic facts and knowledge you might find:  Grasslands are vital ecosystems that support a diverse range of plant and animal species and play a significant role in carbon storage and soil health. They are threatened by human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and climate change, leading to habitat loss and degradation. Effective restoration techniques include practices like controlled grazing, re-seeding with native plants, and implementing sustainable land management strategies. Research evidence supports that restoring grasslands can enhance biodiversity, improve soil quality, and contribute to climate change mitigation by increasing carbon sequestration. These points can be further explored and related to additional resources for a stronger understanding of grassland conservation efforts. 2. Diagnostic    Agric...

Activity 2.3.1 Ranchers, Anglers, and Beavers

      Exploratory    The article and video discuss how grazing and beavers can help restore streamside vegetation. Key facts include the role of beavers in creating wetlands, which improves water quality and habitat for various species. Grazing can help manage vegetation growth, preventing overgrowth that can harm the ecosystem. This aligns with other studies showing that natural processes can enhance ecological restoration.     Diagnostic   The restoration occurs due to the interplay between natural processes and human intervention. Grazing reduces invasive plant species, while beavers create dams that slow water flow, allowing sediment to settle and promoting diverse plant growth. These actions are essential for maintaining healthy streamside ecosystems.     Cause and Effect   If beavers are reintroduced to an area, then the creation of wetlands occurs, leading to improved biodiversity and water quality. This r...

Activity 4.2 Environmental Policy Frameworks

  Environmental conflict resolution: Framing and intractability--an introduction. (2003) Context in environmental conflicts: Where you stand depends on where you sit. (2003) Environmental Framing Consortium. (2005) Identity “Who am I ?”Discusses how identities shape interest, values, and motivations, affecting how conflicts are framed and resolved.   Cultural Shapes environmental conflicts by influencing stakeholders' values, beliefs, and perceptions. Demographic How factors like age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status influence identities and perspectives. Identity How individual and group identities influence perception Characterization How the authors define and describe the different elements in environmental conflict resolution. Characterization How environmental issues are defined and portrayed Conflict Management How different stakeholders interrupt conflicts through various frames, such as economic or ecological. Legal Shaping the rights and responsibilitie...