Milestone Four Politics Behind Climate Change and What Can a
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Milestone Four: Politics Behind Climate Change and What
Can and Should Be Done
Mary Allyson Wannamaker
Southern New Hampshire University
ENV – 305
12/01/2023
VI.
Politics Behind Climate Change
a.
At an international level, climate change related questions are being addressed
through a range of key factors. Negotiations, agreements, and collaboration among
countries are ongoing and are now at the forefront of many international relations.
The Paris Agreement, UNFCCC, and coinciding COP28 (which is currently being
held in Dubai) are examples of major international agreements and collaborative
negotiations that have mobilized cohesive action on a global scale. Setting emissions
reduction targets is a central question in global climate discussions. Countries
negotiate until they come to an agreement on target goals for greenhouse gas
emissions, considering their respective abilities to implement mitigation measures as
well as historical responsibility and level of development. Countries discuss and share
their policies and mitigation strategies including renewable energy transition
proposals, sustainable land use practices, and ways to improve energy efficiency.
Discussions are also held regarding strategies to better protect vulnerable
communities and regions, developing infrastructure that is better equipped to adapt to
changing climate conditions, and ways to build climate-resilience. Developed
countries must make commitments to providing financial and technological resources
to developing countries so that they may transition to climate-resilient and low-
carbon societies. Ensuring accountability and transparency is another key question
that is being addressed. The current and ongoing COP28 conference is the first which
will involve a “global stock take” which will assess collective progress on emissions,
adaptation efforts, and aid to developing countries hit hard by the warming climate
(United Nations, 2023).
b.
In the United States, the climate change debate is framed quite differently based on
political parties and interest groups. Democrats generally support ambitious climate
targets, clean energy transitions, and increased regulation. Additionally, the
democratic party tends to prioritize environmental justice and increasing jobs in the
green energy sector. The Republican stance tends to vary with some outright denial or
downplaying of climate change threats and others advocating for market-based
solutions and voluntary private sector involvement or action. Many republicans argue
against policies and government involvement while prioritizing economic growth and
technological innovation. There are various interest groups that play a role in the
climate change debate in America as well. Environmental organizations (such as the
Sierra Club) advocate strongly for renewable energy and stringent climate policies
and conservation efforts. Industry interests are represented by business associations
(such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce) and generally support policies that balance
environmental and economic goals. Other special interest groups include grassroots
movements, youth groups, scientific associations, and faith-based organizations.
These groups contribute to climate discussion and advocacy by providing
perspectives and priorities which align to their specific values and goals, and this
helps to give voice to the individuals and groups separate from governing bodies
regarding climate policy.
VII. Conclusion—What Can and Should Be Done?
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c.
It is accepted in the science community that human actions are the main drivers of
climate change (Turrentine, 2022). Understanding both the positive and negative
causes and drivers of climate change is particularly important to properly address it.
Positive drivers of change would include increasing public awareness, advancements
in renewable energy, cutting emissions from fossil fuel usage, implementing more
climate protective policies, international agreements, and sustainable agricultural
practices. Negative drivers of change would be continued and increasing fossil fuel
usage, deforestation, and the lack of political support to adopt climate friendly
practices in some regions or countries.
d.
Stabilizing atmospheric temperatures involves several proposed solutions.
Transitioning to renewable energy sources (quickly), reducing GHG (greenhouse gas)
emissions, carbon capture and storage (CCS), planting new forests and restoring
degraded ecosystems, and switching to sustainable agriculture and farming practices
all aid in healing the earth and atmosphere. Many actions can be taken to address
climate change issues including individual actions, government policies, corporate
involvement and action, and international agreements. A combination of scientific
research, economic considerations, public input, and political negotiations influence
the choices made to address climate issues. Global mobilization for climate action
will require a multi-faceted and concerted effort among businesses, individuals,
governments, and industries. These combined efforts need to be implemented
immediately and there will be a long road to a sustainable future. Governments have a
significant role to play in supporting and establishing these actions, namely reducing
consumption and waste, investing in energy efficient infrastructure, and advocating
for policies that prioritize the health of the planet and the future of life on earth. In the
end, all the major decisions being made that affect the climate by industries, utilities,
and governments are shaped by the people, by us and our needs, priorities, and
demands. Rethinking our needs, reshaping our priorities, and making our demands
much, much louder is the key to winning the fight against climate change.
References
United Nations. (2023).
Science points to “climate collapse” as UN chief calls cop28 to action |
UN news
. United Nations.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023
/11/1144147
Turrentine, J. (2022, September 13).
What are the causes of climate change?
. What Causes
Climate Change? Human and Natural Causes. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/what-are-
causes-climate-change#human
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