Governance: Environmental policy under scrutiny

Governing, regulating, controlling, coordinating – the term “governance” encompasses various aspects of political activity. Governance may be in the hands of state bodies, such as the federal government, agencies at various levels or local authorities, but companies and actors from other sectors of society also contribute to the governance of our common life.

In relation to nature and the environment, governance refers to approaches that help to protect the environment, cut resource consumption, mitigate climate change, reduce pollution or conserve biodiversity. Such approaches may involve the establishment of constitutional principles and a wide range of policy instruments such as orders and prohibitions, taxes and information campaigns.

Governance also encompasses consultations with organisations and associations and opportunities for public participation. Finally, governance tools include voluntary commitments, private-sector management approaches (such as corporate sustainability strategies), trade association standards (e.g. on sustainability certification) and round tables with diverse stakeholders.