This paper consists of an analysis of the failure of the Yasuní-ITT Initiative, examining the internal and external factors that influenced the Initiative’s development, progress and subsequent...Show moreThis paper consists of an analysis of the failure of the Yasuní-ITT Initiative, examining the internal and external factors that influenced the Initiative’s development, progress and subsequent failure. The Yasuní-ITT Initiative was introduced under the Correa government as an environmental project that proposed to discontinue oil extraction in part of the Yasuní National Park in Ecuador, in turn for financial compensation from the international community. As such, it had the opportunity to set an example of global collaboration in conservation by proposing to share the costs and benefits of conservation internationally. While attempting to find an explanation for the Initiative’s failure, this paper taps into the highly topical dilemma between ecologism and economism as faced by the Ecuadorian government.Show less
Plastic carrier bags are a big source of plastic pollution all around the world. To combat environmental degradation, Kenya has adopted a ban on plastic bags in 2017. This action has made Kenya...Show morePlastic carrier bags are a big source of plastic pollution all around the world. To combat environmental degradation, Kenya has adopted a ban on plastic bags in 2017. This action has made Kenya join the forefront of global environmental policy with regards to plastic pollution. Despite the accompanied strict penalties, the Kenyan ban on plastic bags is globally regarded as an environmental success story. Nonetheless, there are various other positive and negative effects of the ban. This thesis examines the social, environmental, and economic effects of the plastic bag ban in Kenya to determine how effective the 2017 ban has been. These three factors are intertwined and affect one another, sometimes leading to indirect negative side effects of an initial positive consequence. Taking all of the effects of the ban into account, this thesis concludes that although the environmental intentions behind the ban were to reach sustainable development in Kenya, there have been many negative consequences of the ban that have lowered its success.Show less
This research aims to find out what the legal significance is of the provision of a high level of environmental protection in the EU. To do so, the paper aims to assess if the ambition can be seen...Show moreThis research aims to find out what the legal significance is of the provision of a high level of environmental protection in the EU. To do so, the paper aims to assess if the ambition can be seen as a rule, a principle, or an ambition in primary and secondary law, and in case law. First, the development and wording of the provision in primary law is outlined. Next, the inclusion of the ambition in secondary law is discussed by examining 24 EU environmental laws. Third, case law is researched by looking at to how the Court of Justice of the European Union explains and uses the provision. From this information, it seems that a high level of protection can be categorized as a principle. Moreover, its legal significance lies in its ability to ensure that harmonization in the environmental field is possible by collectively agreeing to a high level of protection, while maintaining the flexibility for the EU legislature to assess and negotiate the exact level of protection that is necessary. Also, it is legally significant because it provides the CJEU with the power to correct manifest errors of assessment concerning the level of environmental protection by forming an integral part of the arguments used to annul certain EU laws.Show less
