Assignment #5 - The Task Part 2:

1. Other countries do not have the right to exploit forests and other natural resources as Europe and the U.S. did to increase their economic well-being. This concept reminds me of my mother telling me, “Just because your friends are jumping off the cliff, does not mean that you have to follow.”

Europe and the U.S paid and are paying the costs of the exploitation of their natural resources. While we are slowly “turning the tide,” to allow other nations to destroy the environment for the sake of economic wealth, just because we did is ludicrous. Although, as the author tells us, there is a growing resentment of poorer nations toward the environmental sermons from developed countries like the U.S. (Vig 303)

Ultimately, we globally need to look at the costs past, present and future. As Vig points out the case of China in Chapter 14, its rapid development (touted as economic miracle) is an environmental disaster. As we move to a greater global community, Vig points out in Chapter 15; scholars foresee even wider consequences of global environmental change for the international community. We, as a world population are spiraling out of control and close to catastrophe. (Vig 327) It is only as a global population that we can come together and work on the protection of natural resources to the benefit of all.

2. What expectations do you think industrialized nations should have for developing nations in the climate change debate? Industrialized nations should have high expectations for developing nations in the climate change debate. While Vig points out that the poorer nations are resentful of the U.S. and Europe, it is important to keep the feet of the developing nations to the fire of reducing climate change. The industrial nations should be looking for the developing countries to find cleaner and more efficient means of feeding their populations and stimulate economic development without destroying natural resources.

a) Should equity between industrialized and developing countries be a goal in this debate? Equity must be a goal in this debate. We are a world at risk, not just a nation at risk. The U.S., according to Vig, is working to follow Obama’s plan to reduce climate change. 1) the need for accelerated R&D on alternative sources of energy, including advanced biofuels; 2) the need to invest far more in existing renewable energy technologies, like wind generation; 3) the need to accelerate energy efficiency programs and conservation programs; 4) the need to create a national cap-and-trade program to control GHG emissions and 5) the need to reengage in international climate change negotiations and to restore U.S. leadership in this area. (Vig 354) The U.S. cannot do it alone. The Kyoto principle and other climate change commitments must be made globally. Of course, simply saying that you are interested in this goal will not do. Developing nations and industrialized alike must demonstrate a willingness to help one another to reach this crucial worldwide goal.


b) What if a developing nation values economic development more than slowing down global warming? In this case should they be required to participate in reducing emissions? Why or why not? A developing nation that values economic development over reducing emissions should still be required to participate in the global effort to reduce overall emissions. This is an all or nothing quest to save the planet and its valuable resources. As Vig discussed in the readings, China is a recent case study in what can happen when economic pressures outweigh environmental ones. As Vig points out, with China, the U.S. and the rest of the world will have to get much smarter about how to cooperate with China in order to assist its environmental protection efforts. Above all, Vig states that the U.S. must devise a limited and coherent set of priorities. China’s needs are vast (not unlike many developing nations) and its capacity is poor; therefore, launching one or two significant initiatives over the next five to ten years would do more good than a vast array of uncoordinated projects. (Vig 322) Industrialized nations need to reach out in significant ways to the developing nations and demonstrate restraint in their own nations to promote environmental change.

c) Conversely, what expectations should developing nations have for industrialized nations? Developing nations should also have high expectations of industrialized nations. They are the focus of much consternation and debate in the global market and they have a right to say, hey, you industrialized and wealthy nations need to help us reach the common goal of climate change control and natural resource development. Developing nations should expect and receive guidance and support from the industrialized nations as those nations continue to tweek and change their focus on protecting the environment. Vig points out in the text that within the U.S. there is an effort to find a more integrated approach to environmental regulation instead of the wide range of laws and agencies we have presently to work on the issues. (Vig 363) This point coincides with my opinion that developing nations have the right to demand assistance and guidance from the wealthier and more environmentally experienced industrialized nations. After all, we do not live in the same world that our grandparents did. We are slowly becoming a global state with a global economy. That means we all have to cooperate. It is life or death for the world.