Is environmental sustainability a case of failure of policy implementation?

Abstract

Aim: The study’s research objectives included identifying the factors that have led to policy implementation failure, identifying the impact of policy implementation failure on sustainability, and identifying the measures that can be implemented to achieve sustainability. Method: The research methodology involved a systematic quantitative review of the literature conducted using the techniques outlined by Pickering and Byrne. Findings: Findings from the literature’s methodical review affirms that the failure to achieve the planned outcomes of environmental policies is because of communication, political, and economic factors. Additionally, these findings prove that the failure of environmental policies continues to be a growing concern. Implications/Novel Contribution: The research outcomes identify that the main factors that lead to the inability to achieve environmental sustainability include the conflict between the roles of environmental policies and the objectives focused on economic development, the failure of communicating objectives to the key stakeholders, and a lack of incentives to adopt environmental policies. Therefore, policy-makers need to learn from such mistakes and still have the ability to set the globe on a path of sustainable development.