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Ecological Modernization and the Development of Emissions Trading Schemes in A ustralia and S outh K orea
Author(s) -
Hermanns Heike
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
pacific focus
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.172
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 1976-5118
pISSN - 1225-4657
DOI - 10.1111/pafo.12042
Subject(s) - ecological modernization , modernization theory , incentive , emissions trading , politics , greenhouse gas , adaptation (eye) , process (computing) , economics , economic system , business , environmental economics , ecology , political science , market economy , economic growth , computer science , operating system , physics , optics , law , biology
Ecological modernization has become a popular policy choice to mitigate negative effects on the environment. Rather than promoting radical changes, ecological modernization combines economic development with the limitation of environmental damage through technological advances. Such ideas are reflected in emissions trading schemes, which take a market approach to offer incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This paper compares the development of emissions trading schemes in A ustralia and S outh K orea to explore the factors that contribute to the adaptation of ecological modernization policies. The two countries share a dependence on energy‐intensive industries for economic growth, but the debate on emission policies is dominated by different actors, offering alternative scenarios for the adaptation of ecological modernization in domestic policies. The role of business interests and civil society as well as priorities on the political agenda also differentiate the two cases, highlighting the role of political networks in the process of ecological modernization and the depth of such policies.