I created the diagram so that it explained how the Copenhagen Accord came about and the effects it had on different countries. Because climate change was receiving more global attention, the UNFCCC created the Copenhagen Accord, after the Kyoto Protocol was largely unsuccessful. The United States needed other countries to support this accord because it would benefit them. In order to gain support, the United States went about it in a questionable manner. For example, they spoke with Saudi Arabia to discuss their alliance. Saudi Arabia agreed but needed money from the United States to make the transition and to diversify their economy away from petroleum. The U.S. also threatened some countries, such as Ethiopia, saying they should “sign the accord, of discussion ends now”. Lastly, the United States gave money to Maldives to gain support. There was also a “spear phishing” attack on Todd Stern, in which hackers were given access to individual’s computers through emails with malicious codes. Because of all of this, getting trust from poorer countries proved difficult, but not impossible for the United States. Various countries were concerned about where this money would come from and if it would come in the form of cash. Nevertheless, in the end, 75% of the 193 countries involved associated with, or intended to associate with the accord. This means the world is getting closer to achieving success with this collective action problem. However, it is a question of ethics whether or not the ends justified the means.
I believe that climate change is a very important issue, one that needs attention right away. However, large amounts of people do not think about the effects of greenhouse gases and how they may be contributed to their abundance in the atmosphere. Because of this, I think it is important that the UNFCCC is working on mitigation efforts and to reduce emissions around the world. I also think that the cables being made available to the public may actually be a good thing. Although making threats may not have been the best way to gain support, I think the United States is doing the right thing. Working towards gaining support means fixing an issue that many people do not want to adjust their lives for. For example, most people would agree that it is in our best interest to reduce emissions but it is in our individual interest to keep emitting. Therefore, this raises the question of whether or not the United States could have gone about this in any other way. For instance, if the U.S. simply asked for support by explaining why this accord will help the world as a whole, we may not be where we are now. The changes that need to be made cost money, and by offering this money, it makes it nearly impossible for nations to say no. In this way, I think the ends justify the means. Now, there are many countries in support of this accord and the UNFCCC continues to work toward adapting our way of life so that generations can live on.
I like your visual! it was very easy to follow along. I agree with you that climate change is a very important issue and not many people realize how server its actually getting. I also agree that the cables being made available to the public, was beneficial because it shed light on climate change. Making threats probably wasn’t the best way to gain support, but I think it was a step in the right direction.
Hey Alyssa. Your graphic is awesome! You have some great detail, and the graphic really helps to simplify and better explain the situation regarding WikiLeaks. I also agree that the cables probably should have been available to the public, but I don’t believe that the way WikiLeaks made them public was ethical. With that said, I also think that in this case the ends justified the means. This is a tricky situation and there’s really no surefire right answer. Feel free to check out my post! http://sites.psu.edu/geog30/2016/04/03/climate-change-jared-mummert/
Hi Alyssa, My name’s Lexie, you can see my post here: http://geog030.dutton.psu.edu/2016/04/05/lexie-gersbacher-mod-9/
I like your visual! it was very easy to follow along. I agree with you that climate change is a very important issue and not many people realize how server its actually getting. I also agree that the cables being made available to the public, was beneficial because it shed light on climate change. Making threats probably wasn’t the best way to gain support, but I think it was a step in the right direction.
Hey Alyssa. Your graphic is awesome! You have some great detail, and the graphic really helps to simplify and better explain the situation regarding WikiLeaks. I also agree that the cables probably should have been available to the public, but I don’t believe that the way WikiLeaks made them public was ethical. With that said, I also think that in this case the ends justified the means. This is a tricky situation and there’s really no surefire right answer. Feel free to check out my post!
http://sites.psu.edu/geog30/2016/04/03/climate-change-jared-mummert/