Environmental problems and environmental regulations in Western Europe, 1980–1989 |
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Authors: | Morten Andersson Gunver Bennekou Henning Schroll |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Environment, Technology and Social Studies, Roskilde University Center, PO Box 260, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark |
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Abstract: | Environmental problems are a function of the process of economic development and the ability to mitigate the problems through
regulation. An historical analysis helps to show how the problems have been solved thus far. The objective of this investigation
is to present an overview of environmental problems and the corresponding regulations in Western Europe during the 1980s.
Environmental problems for 18 Western European countries were identified from abstracts from a data base on environmental
literature. The 1977 findings were systematized on the basis of 20 key words according to source and impact, and a new data
base was established. The data showed that the main environmental problems in Western Europe were: energy production/acid
rain, nuclear power/waste, air pollution/climate, heavy metals, pesticides, water pollution, solid waste, and unforeseen accidents.
Many environmental problems are common to most European countries. Regulatory measures differ significantly. In some countries
environmental regulations are largely limited to the implementation of European Economic Community (EEC) directives. We have
supplemented the national analyses with an examination of existing and proposed EEC regulations along with interviews with
civil servants in the EEC Commission. In the 1980s, EEC environmental regulations were similar to environmental regulations
in some member states. It is expected that future EEC regulations will be less reflective of those of individual member states. |
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Keywords: | Environmental problems Environmental regulations Western Europe EEC EFTA |
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