Health is a complicated issue that is influenced by a diversity of factors. For example, apart from the individual behaviors and peculiarities of a person, health is determined by social and economic as well as physical environments. While individual peculiarities cannot be changed, environment regulation has potential for reducing health hazards and improving the health of humanity. This paper focuses on the problem of natural resources regulation and its importance for health.
Natural Resources Regulation as a Significant Social Policy Issue
Regulation of natural resources is a primary concern throughout the United States. In every state, there is a legal authority to deal with this issue. For example, in Florida, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is involved in this regulation. It is an agency for environmental management and stewardship, its activity comprises protection of air, water, and land. Its vision is “to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystems” (Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2018, para. 2).
The major areas of interest for the Department are land and recreation, regulatory, and ecosystem restoration programs. The mentioned programs are a part of local social policies since they provide community with better recreation opportunities, preserve natural resources, and take effort to protect and improve water quality (Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2018).
Natural Resources Regulation and Health
Florida is highly interested in environmental issues and the state budget for environmental protection is increasing (“Environmental policy in Florida,” 2016). Moreover, the state adopted some federal laws and standards such as Clean Air Act, Mercury and air toxics standards, Ozone standards, Clean Power Plan, etc. These legislative acts have a direct impact on the environment and, as a result, on the health of people. Thus, Clean Air Act is aimed at air quality improvement and maintenance through reducing air pollution, which has a positive impact on air-related diseases such as asthma.
Mercury and air toxic standards are expected to reduce toxic effects that these elements have on nervous, immune, and digestive systems as well as on lungs, kidneys, eyes, and skin. Clean Power Plan, in turn, positively influences carbon dioxide reduction, thus contributing to general health improvement.
The Necessity for Change in the Field of Natural Resources Regulation
On the whole, the condition of natural resources regulation in Florida is satisfactory. The state provides effective budgeting for the Department of Environmental Protection, which allows developing state programs to address both local and global problems related to natural resources and the environment. Still, there is a need for more public attention to the issue of natural resources and their thoughtful management as a health indicator. Therefore, change can be initiated in the aspect of developing community programs that involve citizens in natural resources’ regulation thus increasing their awareness of the significance of this problem.
Conclusion
Summarizing the above, it should be mentioned that regulation of natural resources is a significant social issue. Moreover, it has potential for influencing the health of people and thus demands particular attention from state authorities as well as from public. The state of Florida is actively involved in natural resources regulation and the related environment care due to the effective functioning of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Still, a better effect on the environment and, as a result, on human health can be achieved in case of involving community members in natural resources regulation.
References
Environmental policy in Florida. (2016). Web.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (2018). About DEP. Web.