What is actually possible will depend on a country s resources and financial circumstances. The developed countries may need to establish plans to help the developing countries most at risk. There has been a strong tradition in Canada of using regulatory instruments. This is the command and control approach to achieve our environmental goals. The federal government, for example, sets emission standards for automobiles.
Economic instruments use market forces to integrate economic and environmental decision making.
These instruments can provide the price and other market signals that help decision makers to recognize the environmental implications of their choices. For example, some economic instruments directly affect the prices facing producers and consumers. Other economic instruments create a market and a price for access to environmental resources. Governments can encourage the use of alternative energy sources and technology by private citizens and the global community. Volunteer efforts are important.