Introduction to Environmental Policy

Session 10

Case Study Four: Global Clilmate Change

EVR 2861 

Note:

The assigned chapter on climate change addresses a problem a bit more involved than might immediately seem apparent. To that end I have provided several film resources to help give perspectives from a variety of standpoints as well as readings focuing on the most famous of the climate treaties - the Kyoto Protocol. I suggest first reading the chapters in Cohen's book first and then sampling some of the videos. When you get to the final homework question you are going to need to use some of the reading resources I provide on Kyoto.

Reading:

Cohen, Steven (2014) Understanding Environmental Policy. New York, NY: Columbia University Press, Ch. 6 & 7.

Deaux, Joe and Filliopo Teoldi (2022) "Elements of A Greener Economy," Bloomberg Businessweek. (November, 7), Issue No. 4761.

Fletcher, Susan R. and Parker, Larry (2007) Climate Change: The Kyoto Protocol and International Actions. Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service.

Frankel, Jeffrey A. (1998) "Economic Analysis of the Kyoto Protocol," Council of Economic Advisors, (July 6).

Sunstein, Cass R. (2008) "Of Montreal and Kyoto: A Tale of Two Protocols," Environmental Law Review. Vol., 38, p. 10566-10581.

Wimberley, Edward T. (2007) "Steward-In-Chief: The Theology of George W. Bush and His Environmental/Conservation Policy", Journal of Religion and Society. Vol. 9. p. 2-18.

Video: The Skeptical Environmentalist; Cool It (Documentary by Bjorn Lomborg); Why Renewables Can’t Save the Planet | Michael Shellenberger | TEDxDanubia; Apocalyptic Climate Activists; Michael Shermer with Michael Shellenberger—Apocalypse Never: Why Environmental Alarmism Hurts Us All.

Homework:

1. Unavoidably pursuing a greener future entails moving away from internal combustion engines (ICE) and moving toward electric vehicles (EVs). These vehicles require accessing large quantities or rare elements which in turn involves despoilation of the Earth's surface with minining. Below is a table presenting some of these scarce elements that are principally located in China - a nation hostile to U.S. interests. From a policy perspectives speculate on the short-term and long-term implications of developing and electric-driven transportation system that is so dependent upon Chinese resources.

2. According to Cohen what makes public policy complicated?
3. What is the most important dimension of Cohen's policy framework and why?
4. According to Wimberley what was the environmental policy of the administration of President George W. Bush?
5. What does INC/FCCC stand for and what is its purpose?
6. What is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and what are its six guiding principles?
7. What are the three obligations required of all "developed" nations under UNFCCC?
8. What are the problems with renewable energy and what does Shellenberger suggest as an alternative?
9. Explain Michael Shellenberger's thesis in Apocalypse Never.
10. Compare and contrast the Kyoto and the Montreal accords in terms of what they emphasize and how receptive the U.S. has been to these two accords.
11. What makes Bjorn Lomborg a "skeptical" environmentalist and what does he argue in favor of and against?