The main idea of my system diagram is the Anthropocene. While climate change occurs naturally, this diagram highlights the human acceleration of climate change through one example of increased human population. The diagram is systemic; it shows an increase in population increases the demand for goods that leads to increased consumption and production, which the pollution increases with more production resulting in increased greenhouse gasses and climate change. The diagram shows cause and effect of humanity’s impact on the environment. My diagram addresses the disproportionate contributions and experienced consequences of climate change between developed and underdeveloped countries. The variation in the rate of consumption between developed and underdeveloped affects how the UN should mandate emission reduction and how nations accept the decision. The Kyoto Protocol is supported unevenly by most countries because of differentiated responsibilities. As Carrington showed, the countries most affected by climate change view “aid as a right, not a reward.” It is controversial as to whether developed countries should help those developing, even though developed countries are most responsible for climate change. My diagram shows this controversy. According to the article, 75% of the supporters of the Copenhagen Accord are responsible for over 80% of greenhouse gas emissions (Carrington, 2010). The U.S. is a large contributor to environmental pollution. Wikileaks shows the U.S. threatening and promising aid to other countries for support of the low carbon model (Carrington, 2010). The Copenhagen Accord is placed at the end of this diagram under the U.S. because the U.S. is an example of one of the countries that need to make deep cuts to their emissions and should not be threatening other countries if the U.S is not reaching their emission cut goals.

A significant issue I encounter around climate change is the belief from individuals that it is indefinite. I meet too many people in the U.S. who feel climate change is not accelerated by human interaction. Also, I encounter individuals who believe that humanity is separate from the natural environment. I see the U.S. striving to make climate change diplomacy, but I see it is difficult when there are citizens who deny the Anthropocene. My diagram highlighted one aspect of human effect on the environment that is human population growth. Without responsible and sustainable practices developed throughout the globe, an increasing population is a threat to our future environmental conditions. The U.S. is one of the developed countries that is responsible for 80% of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, diplomacy should occur where the U.S. works to reduce our emissions, and in a way, quit worrying about other countries. I found it interesting how the Copenhagen Accord holds its name. Copenhagen is one of the “greener cities” that takes responsibility to reduce their emissions. As we saw in the video in module 4, Copenhagen has a rate of successful collective action programs such as citizens riding their bikes and the city adjusting infrastructure to accommodate bikes. I support how the U.S. is advancing towards climate change diplomacy, but they are doing it wrong. The State Department Cables should have been public to show the disproportionate actions and corruption occurring between countries. Another country should not be threatening other countries if they are not holding up to their individual set of action plans. I do feel developed countries should support underdeveloped countries because they have the technology and efforts to help. Particularly in the U.S. where we have a large volunteer base to travel to other countries. There should be a collective responsibility to mitigate and adapt to climate change, but it should be each country’s responsibility and those citizens within to reduce their emissions before they are concerned about the actions of other nations.

References

Carrington, D. (2010). WikiLeaks cables reveal how US manipulated climate accord. Retrieved April 08, 2016, from http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/dec/03/wikileaks-us-manipulated-climate-accord