Planning & Management Philosophy

Question 1

What is the issue between government vs. individual control?

Answer 1

We often look to the government to ensure health and environmental policies, but some believe individuals need more say. (ex, composting in waterloo)

Question 2

What is the issue for planners with competing public values?

Answer 2

You have to bring together different values and decide what is best. (ex, Oka Crisis)

Question 3

What is the issue with government jurisdiction?

Answer 3

There are different types of land and governments, so there is often conflict over who has jurisdiction (ex, between prov & fed govt)

Question 4

What is the issue with protection against selfish actions?

Answer 4

Everyone wants to take what they can get while they can get it, which leads to resource depletion (no one can have anything)

Question 5

What is the issue with finding the “best means to an end”?

Answer 5

Everyone often agrees on the outcome, just not how to get there. (ex, UW beaver issue)

Question 6

What is the issue with political power relationships?

Answer 6

Democracy is often good, but minority tend to have less say (power)… should consider to make a fair decision

Question 7

What are the 3 methods for implementing change?

Answer 7

1. Regulation
2. Education
3. Economic

Question 8

Regulation application is….

Answer 8

The precautionary principle (See water ethics cards)

Question 9

What are the pros and cons of the precautionary principle?

Answer 9

Pros: - recognize potential harm, uncertainty & actions are warranted
Cons: - most technology creation involved risks, so this potentially inhibits progress
- often ignores the benefits because it focuses on the implications

Question 10

Education application is….

Answer 10

Public Participation

Question 11

Define Public Participation

Answer 11

Public describes those with interest in a decision other than the govt, developer or other authority. They may have interest because of: - proximity - economics - land use - issues - values

Question 12

Economics application is….

Answer 12

Ecosystem services… extensive and rapid ecosystem change by humans leads to degradation. There are challenges to meet human needs with systems as we take services for granted.

Question 13

Name the 4 types of ecosystem services

Answer 13

1. Provisioning - supply of goods directly benefitting people (ie, timber, medicinal plants)
2. Regulating - range of functions, not usually considered (ie, pollinators, carbon storing)
3. Supporting - don’t directly benefit people, but are essential (ie, soil, plant growth)
4. Cultural - contributes to societal needs/desires or has spiritual value (ex, sacred areas, aesthetic beauty)

Question 14

How do we apply ecosystem services?

Answer 14

Incorporate the cost of ecosystem services into price for the true cost of goods & services (ie, gas prices, pay stewards of land for protecting clean water) Ex, Sierra Leone case study

Question 15

What is the participatory approach?

Answer 15

Valuing stakeholders in decision making processes… essential for overall happiness (vernacular knowledge - combining community values with scientific knowledge)