ABSTRACT
This chapter presents few theses regarding the role of the nation-state in global environmental policy. The national government is the subject of policy learning on how to solve environmental problems. Successful environmental policy innovations-the introduction of new institutions, instruments or strategies-thereby are often adopted by other governments. Pioneering environmental policy of certain countries has been possible since 1970. The national government is the subject of policy learning on how to solve environmental problems. At the same time national governments are looking for best practice, by observing other governments. Global economic development increases, both at the same time, the level of environmental pressure and the capacity to react to environmental problems. The advanced nations cannot hide behind the fictive monster of globalisation, seemingly legitimising any kind of inactivity.
