Climate Change is a growing threat to the United States and all other nations. But what are the world's countries doing about it? Some details of this answer are listed in this project.
Global warming is a global problem that requires a global solution. Many American citizens begin to take action to fight climate change and its consequences because in the past environmental problems were not on the agenda in the US politics - except in California where climate problems were treated exemplary.
A growing number of state and local Governments and private companies in the USA are stepping forward to address climate change with reasonable, creative, cost-effective strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But is it enough to preserve our environment and our climate?
The US President called global warming "the greatest environmental challenge of the 21st century" and urge all Americans to help find solutions to this important problem.
Nevertheless the USA represented itself as “refusenik” for any agreements in climate policies during the last climate conferences (COPs).
Table of Contents
1. Causes And Consequences Of Global Climate Change (Warming)
2. The IPCC (InterGovernmental Panel on Climate Change) And “Climate Skeptics”
3. The Kyoto Protocol
4. The Actual US Climate Policy
4.1 The US Attitude And Views
4.2 The Refusal Of And The Alternative To The Kyoto Protocol
4.3 The Enron Scandal
5. Climate Policy Positions In Comparison: USA, EU And Developing Countries
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper examines the contemporary climate policy of the United States, evaluating its divergence from global climate protection efforts, particularly the Kyoto Protocol, and its complex relationship with the American economy. It aims to determine whether the U.S. approach to environmental governance adequately addresses the escalating risks of global warming or primarily prioritizes national economic interests.
- Analysis of the scientific consensus on global warming versus the influence of "climate skeptics."
- Evaluation of the Kyoto Protocol’s flexibility mechanisms and U.S. opposition.
- Review of the Bush administration's "Clear Skies Initiative" and voluntary emissions goals.
- Comparative analysis of environmental policy positions between the USA, the EU, and developing nations.
Excerpt from the Book
4. The Actual US Climate Policy
The actual US and global climate policy is based on the problems caused by the greenhouse effect. US President Bush has just introduced “the most aggressive initiative in American history to cut power plant emissions and as well a new strategy concerning global climate change”. It seems that environment problems are conscious to the US and they know that they’re committed to protect the environment - but not without to ensure their continued economic growth and prosperity for their citizens.
“During his parliamentary term, President Bush has delivered a ‘declaration of war’ against the environment”, said the democratic senator B.Boxer.
The US Government official recommend reforms to the Secretary of Energy to:
• ensure that businesses that register voluntary reductions are not penalized under a future climate policy
• give credit to companies that can show real emissions reductions.
Government’s official aims of protectecting the environment:
• expanded research and development of climate-related science and technology
• expanded use of renewable energies
Summary of Chapters
1. Causes And Consequences Of Global Climate Change (Warming): Discusses the scientific reality of global temperature increases, identifying human activity and fossil fuel consumption as primary contributors to the greenhouse effect.
2. The IPCC (InterGovernmental Panel on Climate Change) And “Climate Skeptics”: Examines the role of the IPCC as a global advisory body while contrasting its findings with the influence of climate skeptics funded by industry interests.
3. The Kyoto Protocol: Details the objectives of the UNFCCC and the implementation of flexibility mechanisms designed to make emission reductions more cost-effective for industrialized nations.
4. The Actual US Climate Policy: Critically reviews the U.S. government's shift from international agreements toward market-based initiatives, highlighting the tension between environmental protection and economic growth.
5. Climate Policy Positions In Comparison: USA, EU And Developing Countries: Contrasts the distinct policy priorities, responsibilities, and demands of major global powers and developing nations regarding environmental governance.
Keywords
Climate Change, Global Warming, US Climate Policy, Kyoto Protocol, Greenhouse Gases, CO2 Emissions, Economic Growth, Clear Skies Initiative, Environmental Protection, Fossil Fuels, IPCC, Climate Skeptics, Sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the current state of U.S. climate policy, focusing on how the nation balances its environmental responsibilities with economic interests in the context of global warming.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The study covers the scientific causes of global warming, the role of the IPCC, the conflict over the Kyoto Protocol, and the specific alternative policy measures introduced by the U.S. government.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to analyze why the United States has distanced itself from international environmental agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and to assess the impact of its domestic policy alternatives on global climate protection.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The paper employs a comparative analysis approach, utilizing environmental reports, legislative documentation, and statistical data to contrast U.S. policy with international standards and the positions of other major global regions.
What topics are examined in the main section?
The main section investigates the U.S. government's rejection of the Kyoto Protocol, the promotion of voluntary "intensity goals," and the influence of industrial lobbies on environmental legislation.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Climate Change, US Climate Policy, Kyoto Protocol, Greenhouse Gases, Economic Growth, and Clear Skies Initiative.
How does the U.S. justify its refusal of the Kyoto Protocol?
The U.S. argues that the Protocol is fundamentally flawed, economically damaging, and ineffective because it does not include significant emission reduction requirements for major developing economies.
What was the impact of the Enron Scandal on climate policy?
The scandal highlighted the influence of the energy sector on government policy, raising questions about transparency in the Bush administration's energy and environmental decision-making processes.
- Citation du texte
- Jan Hollmann (Auteur), 2002, The Actual US Climate Policy In Comparison With The Global Climate Protection And The Interrelation With The US Economy, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/8206
