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Hawaii Pacific University *
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682
Subject
Geography
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
Pages
3
Uploaded by AmbassadorAlpacaPerson1061
Case Guidelines: Greenland and the
Paris Agreement
Case Guidelines: Greenland and the Paris Agreement
The Issue: Explore the tradeoffs between climate change action and economic development from the
perspective of Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark.
Greenland lacks autonomous decision-making authority in several key international fora, including the United
Nations international climate negotiations. The Paris Agreement was a milestone in international climate
negotiations, and an important step towards limiting global greenhouse gas emissions. Greenland, as part of
wealthy Denmark, would be considered under the Paris Agreement obligations of the European Union and Denmark.
The central conflict explored in this case is whether Greenland should participate in the Paris Agreement or request
a territorial exclusion from Denmark.
The Agreement:
The Paris Agreement was widely accepted by the international community, with signatories ranging
from the wealthiest nations to the least-developed nations. However, countries are not equally responsible for
historical emissions. With a population of approximately 56,000 (90% indigenous Inuit), Greenland has contributed a
negligible amount of historic emissions, but is experiencing disproportionate impacts from climate change,
including rapid melting of its ice sheet.
During the case, Greenland is in the process of nation building. Greenland's economy historically has been
dependent on fisheries, but with climate change transforming the landscape, Greenland has an opportunity to
pursue economic development by tapping into its abundant natural resources, including minerals, oil, and gas, or
developing other sectors like tourism. This development is seen as the key to Greenland's economic growth and
ultimate independence from Denmark.
Many in Greenland's government are concerned that joining the Paris Agreement would limit Greenland's ability to
achieve economic growth and independence. Others were in favor of participating in the Paris Agreement to
demonstrate Greenland's active participation in global efforts against climate change.
The Question: Should Greenland participate in the Paris Agreement as part of Denmark? OR should Greenland
participate in the Paris Agreement as an independent region with its own economic priorities?
Pro Side position:
Greenland should participate in the Paris Agreement as part of Denmark.
Con Side position: Greenland should participate in the Paris Agreement as an independent region with its own
economic priorities.
Both sides:
To strengthen your argument, please consider…
a. The relationship between Denmark and Greenland as a dependent territory with a predominantly Indigenous
population.
b. The relationship between the Global South (historically low-emitting) and the Global North (historically high-
emitting), also described as developing vs. developed countries.
c. The relationship between local/domestic government priorities and international climate policy.
d. The tension between environmental protection and economic development.
When presenting please:
1. Offer a coherent Ethical perspective: From Utilitarianism, Virtue Ethics, Rights, and Justice, which ethical theor
y is most appropriate for this situation? Why? Given your position, what should Greenland's next steps be?
2. Explain the strategic (business operating) implications for Greenland. How will your decision affect the compe
titive position of Greenland in the market?
3. Draw arguments from Chapter 7: Business and Government relations, and Chapter 8: Influencing the Political Environment, to explain why Greenland should/should not engage in environmental protection at the expense of economic development.
Debate Guidelines: The classroom debates are exercises designed to allow you to strengthen your
skills in the areas of leadership, interpersonal influence, team-building, group problem solving, and
oral presentation. All group members are expected to participate in the research and development
of your debate position. At least 4 group members must participate in the presentation and rebuttal.
Preparation will require reading the case debate topic and additional library research. Each
participating member will receive the same case grade. Debate Format:
8 minute Position Presentation - Pro
8 minute Position Presentation - Con
5 minute Work Period
4 minute Rebuttal - Pro
4 minute Rebuttal - Con
2 minute Work Period
2 minute Position Summary - Pro or Con (who goes first will be decided by coin flip).
2 minute Position Summary - Pro or Con
5 minutes Collection of Ballots. Results will be on iLearn by Wednesday that same week.
Complete Debate Guidelines are on iLearn
(https://ilearn.sfsu.edu/ay2122/mod/resource/view.php?
id=53183) .
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