Does a Good Knowledge Base Influence Policy-Making

Can the absence of good policy be attributed to the absence of a good theoretical understanding? Or is it that we need to understand the impact of knowledge at different levels, initially on policy as drafted in an overarching manner, and then on the drawing up of rules and laws which govern actual affects at the project and grassroots levels? This chapter examines these issues. It looks at different theoretical understandings of the environment and evaluates their effect, if any, on environmental policy, as well as on the details of laws and rules which give form to that policy. It first distinguishes between theory, models and frameworks. Postulating then that, at times, overarching concepts capture public attention more than detailed frameworks, the chapter then evaluates the policy impact of concepts such as sustainable development, resilience and vulnerability. It also examines the possibility of radical approaches such as de-growth and radical ecological democracy impacting policy. Recent developments in India such as the formulation of the National Environmental Policy, the Forest Rights Act and the move towards low-carbon growth and green accounting are seen as positive developments. On the whole, however, the Indian agenda on environment stands at the crossroads. Two kinds of processes are operating, albeit at different rates. There does exist a gradual understanding in different sections of the impending environmental crises. Other elements in the system, moving at a much faster pace, demand faster growth in the shorter run. These are driven by unconstrained market forces, irresponsible industrialisation and urbanisation. We do not know which way the balance will tilt.