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The main barrier is that environmental
issues are still considered to be of secondary importance after
economic progress. Many Central and Eastern European cities
follow the Western example: first economic development, then
environmental remediation…even though it is already known
that environmental considerations do not necessarily threaten
economic development. In fact they push the economy towards higher
efficiency and urge the formation of knowledge based societies.
- The complex interactions between the natural
environment/economy/society are not sufficiently considered.
Usually isolated problems are addressed.
- Decision makers tend to look at the costs
of urban sustainability, and place less emphasis on the benefits.
- The notion of environment vs. economy is
still prevailent. Even though lots of examples show that eco-efficiency
can bring real savings through more efficient production practices.
- It is extremely hard to break out from a
consumer society and give up wasteful habits.
- People strongly resist changing their lifestyles.
(E.g. drive less, purchase environmentally conscious goods, collect
waste separately, become more active members of civil society/be
less passive, become more responsible ("just not in my backyard…")
etc.)
- Business lobbies of energy/material intensive
or environmentally controversial industries are still very strong.
(E.g. oil industry, car manufacturers, power generators, tobacco
industry, chemical industry, throw-away product producers etc.)
- A weak democratic system increases the power
of various interest groups.
- Big social problems may hinder law inforcement,
cooperation in problem solving, acceptance of environmental principles,
long-term planning etc.
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India
Sweden
Argentina
Central Europe |
