How does urban politics affect Municipal solid waste management?5 answersUrban politics significantly influences Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) practices. The Politics of Trash highlights how corruption, gender, and racial hierarchies historically shaped waste collection programs in American cities, showcasing the impact of political decisions on sanitation. In Yaoundé, Cameroon, socio-political practices of stakeholders affect household waste management, with blame games hindering efficient waste governance. The political economy of urbanization and waste management in developing countries emphasizes the need for effective systems and financial viability, requiring capacity development across society. In Ghana, the lack of attention to urbanites' roles in MSWM has led to poor waste management, with political influences in awarding contracts contributing to the problem. Similarly, in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe, inadequate funding, staffing, and resident cooperation impact solid waste management, necessitating a focus on environmental stewardship principles.
What are the political causes of global warming?5 answersThe political causes of global warming stem from the intense debates and conflicting interests among nations, politicians, and multinational corporations. The politicization of climate change is driven by economic, developmental, and strategic motives, leading to discord in international agreements and negotiations. While scientific evidence points to human-induced greenhouse gas emissions intensifying global warming, there is a strong opposition arguing for natural causes and minimal human contribution. This political struggle over climate change is further complicated by cultural influences that either deny the existence of global warming or recognize it as a severe threat, hindering effective mitigation efforts at both local and global levels. Ultimately, the politics surrounding global warming reflect a clash of interests and ideologies that impede unified action to address this pressing environmental challenge.
Why is there inequality in water in Detroit?4 answersIn Detroit, there is inequality in water access due to historical racial residential segregation policies that persist today. These policies have led to a decrease in black homeownership and wealth, as well as integration and democratically elected governance. The banking/housing industries, water access, and government policies are interconnected, resulting in taxpayer money being diverted away from affordable housing, home loans, and public services like water. This has created a system where the impoverished black population of Detroit is taxed and fined for water, while elites and the largely white suburban population receive free or reduced water rates. The relationship between water shut-offs and race and poverty is linked to structural disadvantage caused by a legacy of racism and segregation in the city. Industrial activity, often located in minority and low-income areas, has also contributed to water contamination and violations of drinking water standards. Historical redlining and housing trends have further exacerbated these inequalities.
Who cares about local politics?4 answersLocal politics is an important area of study that has been overlooked in political science. Understanding local politics can contribute to broader debates in political science and provide insights into unique aspects of cities. The study of local politics can help scholars better understand gender and politics, as well as authoritarian politics. Local government plays a significant role in suburbs and small towns, impacting various policy domains such as zoning, growth, integration, and public housing. Analyzing local politics within a polity-centered approach can provide valuable insights into major theoretical and empirical debates in American politics, such as the rise of conservative government. By studying local politics, researchers can gain a better understanding of political participation, cognition, and the factors influencing individuals' engagement in the local political process.
What are the factors that influence local government budget performance?5 answersFactors that influence local government budget performance include regional income, legislative size, regional government size, level of regional wealth, regional GDP, agriculture and industry volume, and the number of small business entities. The effect of these factors on budget performance varies. Regional income has a negative effect on financial performance. Legislative size, regional government size, and level of regional wealth have a positive and significant effect on financial performance. Regional GDP, agriculture and industry volume have a positive influence on local budget income, while the influence of the number of small business entities is not statistically significant. Additionally, budget planning is a significant driver of budget performance.
What can explain local policy failure?5 answersLocal policy failure can be explained by several factors. One factor is the inability of policymakers to plan for long-term population decline, which can be seen as a policy failure itself. Another factor is the perception of local failure by the central government, which influences the effectiveness of strategies aimed at recovering poor-performing local authorities. Additionally, failures in implementing intergovernmental programs can be attributed to the resistance of local actors to comply with federal goals and objectives. Furthermore, the effectiveness of local economic policies in creating employment is influenced by the circumstances and conditions in which they are implemented. Lastly, policy failure is a relational process that emerges from long-term interactions between political actors and governance institutions, and can have generative effects even after the failure occurs.