Why do governments struggle to tackle environmental problems before crises?

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Governments Prioritise Economic Activities Over Environmental Concerns, Leading to Inaction on Ecological Issues

Governments often struggle to proactively address environmental problems because the predominant development model prioritises economic and commercial activities, treating health and environmental issues as secondary concerns that can be managed as they arise. This approach overlooks the fundamental role of environmental health in sustaining economic growth, leading to a reactive rather than preventive stance on ecological challenges. The consequences of this approach are evident in the persistent struggle to implement meaningful environmental solutions until a crisis, such as a global pandemic, forces a re-evaluation.
Economic Growth Takes Precedence in Development Models

The prevailing development paradigm places a strong emphasis on economic and commercial pursuits. This focus often results in environmental and health concerns being relegated to the status of mere side effects. According to Martin Khor, these issues are often addressed in a piecemeal fashion only when they become critical. This perspective fails to recognise that the environment and natural resources form the very foundation upon which the economy is built and dictate the limits of sustainable economic expansion.
Reactive Responses to Environmental Issues

The limitations of a business-as-usual approach are highlighted by the fact that significant environmental improvements, such as drastic reductions in carbon emissions and pollution, were only achieved globally in response to the severe health crisis brought on by the novel coronavirus. For instance, during Malaysia's movement control order, the Air Pollutant Index (API) levels dropped by 14 per cent, and water quality showed improvements, attributed to the decrease in activities like vehicular emissions and industrial output. These positive outcomes were unintended consequences of the pandemic-induced lockdowns, demonstrating that governments have historically been unable to achieve such environmental progress through their standard environmental policies.
Environmental Degradation as a Precursor to Crises

There is a growing understanding that environmental mismanagement can directly contribute to crises, including the emergence of infectious diseases. Major reports from the UN have previously warned that increased human encroachment on natural environments, habitat fragmentation, biodiversity loss, and practices in livestock production and wildlife trade can lead to the emergence or re-emergence of infectious diseases. This underscores the interconnectedness of environmental health and human well-being, suggesting that neglecting environmental issues poses a direct threat to public health and economic stability.

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Why do governments struggle to tackle environmental problems before crises?

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