Describe the ways in which a nation's attitude toward environmental issues might be shaped by economics, culture and religion, political ideology, and laws
What will be an ideal response?
A nation's economic situation will affect attitudes toward environmental issues. Providing food, shelter, and jobs to citizens might involve exploitation of resources. A limited supply of resources may drive prices up. A country may have to look for alternatives if demand exceeds supply and prices get too high. This may force citizens and governments to weigh, for example, the value of protecting vulnerable and valuable coastal ecosystems against the risks posed by offshore oil drilling. Economics may also dictate whether alternative environmentally friendly practices (such as recycling, solar energy, organic produce, and the like) are feasible. If a country has abundant resources, consumption may increase and waste may occur. In many places, clean water may be abundant, which could encourage misuse. A renewable resource such as water could become scarce if demand exceeds Earth's capacity to renew it. Culture and religion can also affect attitudes toward environmental issues. Many cultural and spiritual traditions envision the global environment as creation of the divine and therefore sacred, with a divine inner presence. If a culture has certain food or shelter preferences, for instance, this may deplete particular resources (such as land for vegetation or cattle grazing, and/or forests for wood shelters and cooking). In many places, Earth may be an integral part of religion. For instance, it is important in Aboriginal culture to take long walks in natural areas for spiritual renewal. Political ideology and laws can affect attitudes toward environmental issues as well. Taxing polluting industries and subsidizing environmentally friendly industries can aid in the protection of natural resources. Subsidies for research on alternative fuels and water conservation can discourage waste of fossil fuels and water. Laws can protect natural places from development. Politicians have different views on environmental issues based on their personal ethical or religious views, on political party, who lives in their districts, and what industries and resources are in their districts. Different politicians can set different policies based on these factors, which can either harm or protect the environment.
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