Climate Change

ClimateChangeWesleyPhipps

In my Diagram I wanted to start with climate change as this is the whole reason all these events came about.  From Climate Change we get world wide attention on this issue and so nations from all over the world come together at the Copenhagen summit.  i thought it was really important to point out why a country like the U.S. would be so for something like the Copenhagen accord and why a lot of countries were not.  The U.S. is already developed and therefore can look to do other things with its vast resources, such as becoming a greener more sustainable country.  As well the U.S. really gains nothing from countries growing more wealthy and powerful through industrialization.  Countries who oppose the bill simply realize that if stricter regulations come about the will struggle to grow at the same rate they have been and thus will take longer to become more industrialized and more wealthy.  Also investing in taking your country that is built to use fossil fuels and now switch it over to new renewable resources is quite expensive.  The U.S. therefore needed to persuade these opposing countries to agree to the accord.  The do this through spying, false emails meant to hack info, basically anything they could do to dig up dirt on foreign dignitaries so they will be forced to sign the bill.  The large switch to support of the accord drew the attention of the Guardian newspaper.  After some digging they uncovered the dirty political games the U.S. had been playing and exposed them.  This lead to the WikiLeaks articles we are reading now.

I personally think that what the U.S. is doing is okay.  We are facing a global crisis that has scientific backing and something needs to be done.  So I am fine with the U.S. using its power and resources to manipulate other nations into addressing and dealing with this issue.  This is a collective action problem and the whole world needs to get involved.  With that being said The U.S. is the largest polluter in the world co it cannot just simply bully countries into the accord. The U.S. needs to be the example for all countries on how to change from a fossil fuel dependent country to a clean, efficient, and climate friendly one.  The time for the U.S. to make its moves is now because as they said in the ted talk scientist believe we have already reach our threshold and something is bound to give.  As for making the tactics of the U.S. public, I think its great.  I like exposing the government and politics for what they are, its a cutthroat game.  We as citizens need to be exposed to this so we can see what’s going on, what’s at stake, and why decisions are being made.  I think the Guardian did a service to everyone as the bring so much attention to an issue that affects all of us.  Lastly I’ll just say that even though I believe strongly its gonna come down to governments making policies to help the climate.  We as individuals can all make a difference as well.

 

3 thoughts on “Climate Change

  1. Hello! My name is Kaitlyn, you can check out my blog post here:
    http://sites.psu.edu/geog30/2016/04/08/climate-change-6/

    I chose to respond to your post because your opinion on the actions of the US was drastically different than my own. I firmly believe that we should not use scare tactics and bribery for political gain regardless of our ability to do so. While the outcome was as desired and overall contributes positively to the conservation of our planet, it can create hostile bonds with other countries that could ultimately cause trouble later on. Your post allowed me to see a different perspective which is helpful even if i disagree. Great post!

  2. Hi, Wesley,

    I found it interesting that you agree with how the U.S. handled the situation of the Accord to see if other nations would partake in it or not. In a way, the surveillance and bribes is a “dirty” form of political persuading, I feel. Individuals can help solve the problem, as using energy/fuel efficient cars, etc., but in the long run I think it will come down to national policy by nation. Here’s a link to my article. Nice job. http://geog030.dutton.psu.edu/2016/04/07/u-s-manipulation-of-the-climate-accord/

    Harrison

  3. Hi Wesley, my name is Omar. Here’s a link to my post:
    http://geog030.dutton.psu.edu/2016/04/07/module-9-5/

    I understand your point of view on the Copenhagen accord issue. However, I think there’s a misunderstanding because the Copenhagen accord allows each country to control its emissions rate. On the other hand, the Kyoto protocol is much stricter but is not being accepted due to the conflict of interests. I agree with you that we as individuals should strive to participate in solving this problem.

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