As global environmental crises mount, numerous policies have been proposed with an eye toward a more sustainable future. However, such recommendations have often gone unheeded, falling by the wayside for lack of public support.
The science is clear: the biodiversity crisis, the climate crisis and the health crisis are interdependent. Political leaders from across
the world, representing 80+ countries and the European Union, have also recognised this
connection in the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature.1 Climate change accelerates the destruction of
the natural world through extreme weather events such as droughts, flooding and wildfires.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) turns 50 this year, but scientists and environmentalists see little reason to celebrate.
"Good intentions" do not generally produce "good results." This wisdom also applies to establishing coherent environmental policies. Without proper oversight and planning, environmental policies can lead to unintended and harmful side effects.
The Vanuatu National Environment Policy and Implementation Plan 2016–2030 (NEPIP) is an overarching policy for the sustainable conservation, development and management of the environment of Vanuatu. It is the first of its kind since Vanuatu gained independence in 1980.