Global environmental politics

Why is it so difficult to develop solutions to global environmental problems? There are a number of potential impediments. Environmental problems often require extensive scientific knowledge, and involve risk and uncertainty. Existing incentives for different kinds of behavior can channel individuals and states away from environmental protection. The structure of political decision-making may disadvantage environmental activists. In this course, we explore three processes of environmental policy development – identifying problems, negotiating solutions, and implementing agreements – through a range of case studies. These include whaling, ozone depletion, deforestation, acid rain, and especially climate change. We will ask: under what circumstances do countries negotiate treaties to resolve important environmental problems? How can future agreements be improved?