Economy and Corporate Citizenship

The idea that continuous economic growth is impossible on a planet with finite resources. As we consume and produce more, we deplete the planet's resources and damage the environment.

The unequal distribution of economic benefits, where developed countries and wealthy individuals disproportionately benefit from global economic growth, often at the expense of developing nations and marginalized communities.

The practice of developed countries exporting their waste to developing countries, leading to environmental pollution and health risks in the recipient nations.

The concept that actions or projects should generate more economic benefit to society than their costs. A project is considered economically feasible if the positive social outcomes outweigh the negative consequences.

A project is considered economically feasible for a business if it generates a non-negative profit for the company. The focus is on maximizing profitability for the business.

A situation where economic activities that benefit a business may negatively impact society as a whole. For example, a factory might increase efficiency by polluting the environment, benefiting the company but harming public health.

Government intervention is often necessary when a project is socially beneficial but not financially attractive to businesses. Examples include public education, healthcare, infrastructure and utilities.

The creation of new ideas, products, or processes that can address economic and environmental challenges. In this context, innovation is crucial to find sustainable solutions and move beyond the current destructive model.

Government programs that offer financial benefits to encourage specific activities, such as research and development or the use of renewable energy.

Policies that aim to reduce the cost and risk of innovation by shifting them partially to the public.

A system that tracks the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life cycle - from raw materials to disposal.

The ability to reuse or recycle a product after its initial use.

The lack of motivation for businesses to invest in sustainable practices, like waste management.

A measurement of economic growth that includes social and environmental factors alongside economic performance.

Measures the well-being of nations based on long, happy, and sustainable lives, encompassing social, economic, and environmental aspects.

A set of goals aimed at promoting sustainable development around the world.

A system of rules, processes, and institutions that aim to manage cross-border issues like trade, finance, migration, and climate change.

Governance that focuses on balancing economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection for present and future generations.

A type of democracy that combines democratic principles with a strong focus on social rights and welfare programs to reduce inequality.

A trade agreement between the US, Mexico, and Canada, primarily focusing on free trade and labor mobility.

A key principle of good governance that ensures equal treatment and opportunity for all.

A core principle of good governance that involves openness, transparency, and accountability in public decision-making.

Refers to the effectiveness and efficiency of governmental processes and institutions in achieving their goals.

A crucial principle that emphasizes the importance of a strong legal framework for upholding rights and promoting justice.

A market where buyers have more power than sellers. This is often due to an abundance of products or services available.

A market where sellers have more power than buyers. This can happen when products are scarce or in high demand.

The concept that consumers' preferences and choices drive production decisions in a market economy. This allows consumers to influence what goods and services are produced.

The practice of developed countries controlling less developed countries through indirect means like financial policies, resource extraction, cultural influence, or climate agendas.

The historical injustices related to causing climate change. The Global North's excessive emissions since the 1850s are a primary reason for the current climate crisis.

The exploitation of resources from the Global South by the Global North to manage their climate agendas, exacerbating environmental and social issues in developing countries.

Refers to the economic restructuring where the Global North shifts polluting industries to the Global South, while enjoying the benefits of clean energy and industrial development.

The process of governing, involving decision-making, policy implementation, and maintaining order. It explores the balance between individual choices and collective well-being, as well as the tension between democracy and efficiency.

A system of government where a single person or entity holds absolute power with limited to no input from others, making decisions independently.

Industries considered too vital for public well-being to be left entirely to private companies with no regulation.

A government's actions to direct its country, including laws, regulations, ministries, and strategic plans aimed at achieving certain goals.

A specific government agency within Nova Scotia responsible for environmental protection and climate change initiatives.

Obstacles that hinder effective governance for sustainability, including bureaucratic delays, over-reliance on government, and lack of international perspective.

Actions or campaigns undertaken by individuals or organizations to influence policy decisions for their desired outcomes.

The pursuit of short-term gains at the expense of long-term sustainable goals, often driven by economic or political interests.

Concerns that hinder effective global governance for sustainability, including economic anxieties, political will, and the influence of special interests.

The practice of influencing government policies by companies to promote their interests and financial gains. It usually involves lobbying and campaigns to support or oppose legislation.

A formal and legal profession where individuals use their expertise and resources to influence governmental policies, laws, and administrative decisions on behalf of businesses. They often connect with lawmakers and build relationships to advocate for their clients' interests.

When companies engage in a collaborative effort with government entities to achieve common goals that benefit both the private sector and the public. Focuses on shared objectives, like economic growth or social progress.

A type of business-government collaboration where private companies and government agencies join forces to finance, build, and operate infrastructure projects. They share risks, benefits, and expertise, often involving long-term contracts.

An illegal act where individuals or businesses offer, give, receive, or solicit something of value, like money, gifts, or favors, with the intent to influence the actions or decisions of government officials for personal gain.

The misuse of power entrusted to an individual or organization for personal gain. This undermines good governance, public trust, and can lead to environmental damage and societal harm.

A less formal and more opaque approach to influencing government policies. It involves informal exchanges and connections beyond the legal channels of formal lobbying, sometimes involving quid pro quo arrangements.

The practice of individuals moving between government and private sector roles, potentially creating conflicts of interest and influencing decisions for personal gain.