Europeanization, Environmental Policy and the UK, Analyzing Perspectives of Offshore Wind Farms and Planning Procedures

Abstract

Sustainable development is an important principle for improving human life and ensuring the wellbeing of the planet. It posits a desirable future for human societies in which living conditions and resource-use meet human needs, without undermining the sustainability of natural systems and the environment, so that future generations may also have their needs met. It ties together concerns for the capacity of natural systems and challenges faced by humanity which concentrates on a balance between social, economic and environmental variables in relation to current and future existence. To accomplish a successful balance of these variables a transition is required which necessitates a move away from fossil fuel by the mid-twenty-first century. Through focusing on the Europeanization of sustainable development in the UK this paper will assess the extent that successful implementation of EU policy requires socio-political acceptance. Europeanization will focus on the adaptive response by actors to changing environmental policies (specifically offshore wind farms) which have a direct impact on renewable resources and planning implications.