Please Respond To The 2 Peers Only Discussion: Should The ✓ Solved

Please respond to the 2 peers only Discussion: Should the

Should the United States participate in global conferences and sign binding treaties with other nations in an effort to reduce the effects of climate change? Is climate change significant or is it all hype? After posting your initial response, respond to two other students' posts with your opinion of their evidence and/or position statements. Responses such as, “I agree” or “good idea” are not acceptable and will receive no credit. The response must add to the scholarly dialogue presenting the reasons for your opinion and supporting documentation cited.

Paper For Above Instructions

In considering the importance of the United States’ participation in global conferences and the signing of binding treaties to combat climate change, it is essential to examine the perspectives presented by both peers in this discussion. Their viewpoints highlight the urgency of climate action and the complexities surrounding environmental policy, underscoring that climate change is indeed a significant issue affecting our world today.

Response to Peer #1

Peer #1 emphasizes the necessity for the United States to remain actively engaged in addressing climate change, citing that inaction would lead to ignorance compared to other nations taking proactive measures. This is a crucial point, as the perception of the United States as a leader in global issues significantly impacts its diplomatic relationships and global standing. The reference to the Paris Climate Agreement, as mentioned by Peer #1, is pivotal in this context. This agreement signifies a collective commitment by nearly every nation to mitigate climate change, aiming to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius. According to Denchak (2018), the goals set forth in the Paris Agreement could yield profound benefits for both developed and developing nations alike by reducing emissions and fostering sustainable development.

Moreover, Peer #1's assertion that human activity is partly responsible for climate change is supported by extensive scientific research; the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) confirms that greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activities are a primary driver of global warming (IPCC, 2021). Consequently, the United States’ involvement in international treaties is not only a moral obligation but also a strategic necessity to facilitate cooperation on environmental issues and technological innovation.

Response to Peer #2

Peer #2 presents a contrasting viewpoint, questioning whether binding agreements merely serve as a means for the United States to shoulder the financial burden of compliance while other regions benefit without equivalent sacrifices. This argument reflects common concerns over fairness in international agreements. However, framing climate policies as solely punitive overlooks long-term benefits of global collaboration. A transition toward greener technologies can create economic opportunities, stimulate job growth, and foster innovation (United Nations, 2021).

While it is valid to pursue educational initiatives aimed at encouraging environmental responsibility, relying solely on voluntary compliance can lead to insufficient action. The urgency of climate change necessitates a robust regulatory framework that mandates accountability across all nations. Prioritizing fear-based narratives in climate policy may detract from informed discussions and desirable solutions; however, failing to address climate change while relying on goodwill risks exacerbating the crisis (Babatunde, 2020). Thus, a balanced approach should integrate both education and enforceable agreements.

The Significance of Climate Change

The global climate crisis is not a mere debate about opinion; it is a scientifically substantiated phenomenon with severe consequences on ecosystems, human health, and economies worldwide. The tectonic shifts in climate systems manifest in extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2018), climate change can lead to health risks through increased air pollution, food insecurity, and exacerbation of pre-existing health conditions.

Given these realities, dismissing climate change as hype trivializes the experiences of countless individuals and communities around the globe who are already facing its repercussions. It underscores the need for an established framework where the United States not only leads the dialogue but also acts on commitments made to uphold sustainable practices that can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

The Role of the United States

The United States remains a pivotal player in global climate action due to its considerable carbon emissions and economic influence. Engaging in international conferences and treaties allows for sharing of resources, technologies, and expertise. For instance, through the Green Climate Fund, the U.S. can contribute to efforts aimed at helping developing nations adapt to climate impacts, which reflects a sense of global responsibility (Green Climate Fund, 2020).

Moreover, participation in global climate governance can bolster the United States' ability to enact comprehensive domestic policies tackling climate change. A unified global approach can spur corporations and local governments to align with sustainability goals, creating a more resilient society capable of addressing both economic and environmental challenges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the United States’ engagement in global conferences and treaties is critical in the fight against climate change. The positions presented by Peer #1 and Peer #2 illustrate the importance of this dialogue, revealing differing perceptions on responsibility and policy frameworks. As climate change poses significant threats no longer confined to borders, it is imperative for the United States to lead by example, commit to binding agreements, and promote international collaboration. Only through unified efforts can humanity aspire to mitigate the effects of climate change and create a sustainable future.

References

  • Babatunde, E. O. (2020). Distributive justice in the age of climate change. The Canadian Journal of Law and Jurisprudence, 33(2).
  • Denchak, M. (2018). Paris Climate Agreement: Everything You Need to Know. NRDC. Retrieved from https://www.nrdc.org/stories/paris-climate-agreement-what-you-need-know
  • Denchak, M. (2017). Global Climate Change: What You Need to Know. NRDC. Retrieved from https://www.nrdc.org/stories/global-climate-change-what-you-need-know
  • Green Climate Fund. (2020). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.greenclimate.fund/about
  • IPCC. (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Retrieved from https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/
  • United Nations. (2021). The 17 Goals. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals
  • World Health Organization. (2018). COP24 Special Report: Health and Climate Change. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-and-health
  • Dye, T. R. (2017). Understanding public policy (15th ed., p. 247). Pearson Education, Inc.
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (NOAA) (2020). Climate Change: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/weather-climate/education/climate-change-overview.
  • World Wildlife Fund. (2020). Climate Change: Causes and Effects. Retrieved from https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/climate-change

Related Assignments