Tara Olson

Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Alcock, Frank

Area of Concentration

Environmental Studies and Political Science

Abstract

Neonicotinoids are an insecticide group, introduced in the 1980s, as a more effective method to combat insect pests. Within the past decade, unexpected side-effects of neonicotinoids have been discovered. The most prominent species that has shown negative side effects is the European honey bee, Apis mellifera. By targeting the nervous system, chronic, sub-lethal exposure to neonicotinoids causes behavioral changes and neurological damage, leading to eventual mortality in this species. The United States and the European Union are both affected by the loss of this globally essential pollinator. However, they have taken diverging approaches to manage the risk to this pollinator species among others. The EU has strongly restricted the use of three neonicotinoid substances, whereas the US has not responded with restrictions. To explain this difference in risk management, risk assessments and risk management outcomes in the EU and the US are compared. The interpretation of precaution and the relationship between risk assessment and management powers have shaped risk assessment outcomes. In addition, neo-corporatist and pluralist interest representation in the EU and US, respectively, have shaped institutional design. This affects who is involved in policy-making and the policy-making process itself.

Download

Share

COinS