Final answer:
Howard wrote a contingency plan, which is a short-range plan developed to support an intermediate plan, based on the best estimates of future environmental conditions. This type of plan is essential for responding effectively to uncertain future events while minimizing risks and ensuring adaptability in sustainability and environmental protection efforts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Howard wrote a short-range plan to support an intermediate plan by considering estimated future environmental conditions. This type of planning is referred to as contingency planning. Contingency planning involves preparing for future events or circumstances that are uncertain, with the main goal of minimizing risk and enabling organizations to respond effectively if the envisioned scenarios materialize. Especially relevant to matters like climate change, contingency planning allows entities to address potential challenges proactively, such as adjusting to alternative energy, shifting economic models, or re-evaluating resource conservation methodologies.
In the context of the information provided, where there's a lack of consensus on long-term plans and difficulty in executing large-scale structural changes, contingency planning becomes vital. It involves anticipating objections and obstacles, and considering how to navigate such terrain without compromising on the ultimate goal of sustainability and environmental protection. Therefore, Howard's plan could serve as a blueprint for action when more widely-accepted long-term strategies are not in place, allowing for adaptation and progress in the face of uncertainty.