AP Environmental Science

Advanced Placement Environmental Science examining environmental systems and human impact.

Practical Applications

Evaluating Environmental Policies

Understanding Environmental Laws and Policies

Governments create policies to protect natural resources and human health. Learning how to evaluate these policies helps you become an informed citizen.

Types of Policies

  • Regulations: Rules limiting pollution or resource use
  • Incentives: Tax breaks for using renewable energy
  • International Agreements: Treaties like the Paris Agreement

Evaluation Criteria

  • Effectiveness
  • Cost
  • Fairness

Why It Matters

Knowing how policies work lets you participate in discussions and advocate for better solutions.

Examples

  • Analyzing the impact of a plastic bag ban in your city.

  • Debating the pros and cons of carbon taxes.

Evaluating Environmental Policies - AP Environmental Science Content | Practice Hub