Problem
Subsidized natural resource consumption
Other Names:
Hindrance of sustainable development by government subsidiesOverconsumption through virgin materials subsidies
Public subsidization of environmental pollution
Incidence:
The USA subsidizes conventional energy forms several times more than new, renewable, and non-polluting forms. Subsidies for fossil fuels and nuclear energy amounted to many billions of dollars a year during the 1980s, whereas support for renewables dwindled to $114 million. Globally, subsidies that foster the overuse of soils, water, timber, pesticides, and land resources are estimated exceed $1 trillion a year, or almost one twentieth of the global economy. Broader Problems:
Unsustainable consumption patternsOverdependence on government subsidiesUnconstrained exploitation of natural resourcesNatural resource depletion due to high-level consumptionGovernment financing tied to exploitation of non-renewable resources Narrower Problems:
Counter-productive agricultural subsidies Aggravates:
Resource depletionUnsustainable livelihoodsInadequacy of economic accounting systemsLack of incentive for users to care for community property Strategies:
Protesting unsound public spendingEnsuring environmental management of privatizationUncoupling economic growth from growth in resource useReducing public subsidization of environmental pollutionExposing public subsidization of environmental pollutionProviding government subsidiesHindering sustainable development Subject(s):
Resources → Resources Amenities → Consumption
Commerce → Finance
Societal Problems → Pollution
Societal Problems → Impediments
Government → Government
Government → Public
Environment → Environment
Development → Sustainable development
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
F: Fuzzy exceptional problems Date of last update
30.05.2000 – 00:00 CEST