Market based environmentalism

Market based environmentalism is a term which concentrates on the attainment of protection of the environment by means of freely operating markets (Bruekner 2010, 61). Market based environmental policy approaches help promote both environmentalism and competitiveness by putting emphasis on the positive results rather than on the technologies (Bruekner 2010, 62). This essay shall explain the advantages and weaknesses of natural step and natural capitalism and why they are considered as market-based environmentalism.

The natural step framework is an approach for tackling environmental problems built on agreement and systems assessment (Bruekner 2010, 63). Its main aim is to make organizations move towards sustainability by developing a common structure for organizational planning which includes science-based rules. The natural step approach allows organizations to incorporate the most favorable strategies for dealing with the contemporary world of today (The natural step 2000). It can be used to enable organizations to identify its main concerns of environmental management and consequently set long-term objectives. The natural step does not only move companies towards sustainability but also maximize short-term profitability and long-term flexibility (The natural step 2000).

The natural step framework has many advantages. The natural step framework allows organizations to reduce their costs, to enhance quality and productivity. Organizations are also able to find new customers and markets and avoid future liabilities. Natural step framework facilitates the categorization of problems and possible solutions and consequently makes informed judgements. Therefore, there is the existence of an effective collaboration. Furthermore, the natural step has defined four system conditions that need to be met for an ecologically sustainable society. These four conditions help to focus on the fundamental causes of social and environmental issues rather than focusing on