Syllabus
PS336 - GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS
North Carolina State University
Fall Semester 2005
"We have not inherited the earth from our forefathers - we have borrowed it form our children."
-- Kashmiri Proverb
"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need but not for every man's greed."
-- Mahatma Gandhi
"All persons are born free and have certain inalienable rights. They include the right to a clean and healthful environment." State of Montana Constitution
"It is the contrast between the pace at which the physical world is changing and the pace at which the human society is reacting
that constitutes the key environmental fact of out time." Bill McKibben
INSTRUCTOR
Professor of Political Science and Public Administration
North Carolina State University
Office: Caldwell 207
Phone (with voice mail): 515-3755
E-Mail: soroos@ncsu.edu
Website: http//:social.chass.ncsu.edu/soroos/
Office Hours: Mondays, 1:30-3:00, Thursdays, 10:00-12:00 AM, or by appointment or whenever my
office door is open
BOOKS TO PURCHASE
Regina S. Axelrod, David L. Downie, and Norman J. Vig, eds. The Global Environment: Institutions, Law, and Policy, CQ Press, 2005.
J. R. McNeill, An Environmental History of the Twentieth-Century World: Something New Under the Sun. W. W. Norton, 2000.
John H. Seitz, Global Issues: An Introduction. 2nd Edition, Blackwell, 2002
Additional readings are either accessible on-line either through clickable links indicated for readings below or through the D.H. Hill library's electronic reserves.
Websites that may be of interest are indicated for many of the topics. Unless otherwise indicated, these are optional. Students are encouraged to browse them depending upon their interests.
OVERVIEW
This course explores the international politics of the ecological problems that confront humanity at the beginning of the 21st century, and in particular international efforts to address them. The first part of the course develops a framework for studying international environmental politics based on Garrett Hardin's metaphor of the "tragedy of the commons" and introduces students to the basics of the international political system, as well as international law, international institutions and regimes, and nongovernmental organizations. Much of the remainder of the course takes up a broad range global environmental issues, such as population growth, the availability of food, transboundary air pollution, the thinning of the stratospheric ozone layer, global climate change, the law of the seas, depletion of marine fisheries, the state of the world's forests, and the loss of biodiversity, and the implications of biotechnology. Finally, consideration is given to international economic matters, such as the different perspectives of the rich and poor countries on environmental matters, strategies for promoting sustainable development, and the implications of trade liberalization and economic globalization for environmental policies.
OVERRIDING ISSUES
The course seeks to address the following larger issues:
1. How serious are international/global environmental problems as we enter the new millennium? Which environmental problems are the most compelling in the short run? Over the long run?
2. In what ways do international/global environmental problems fit the pattern of Garrett Hardin's the "tragedy of the commons"? Can nations be persuaded to restrain the pursuit of their self interest to preserve the global environment?
3. How does the international community go about addressing environmental problems? How is international law created and implemented? What roles are played by international organizations, both governmental and nongovernmental ones?
4. How do economic inequalities between the developed and developing countries complicate efforts to address environmental problems? How do the priorities of these countries differ? Do the people of developing countries have different perspectives on environmental problems What is a fair distribution of responsibility between rich and poor nations for addressing environmental problems?
5. How constructive a role has the United States played in international efforts to address international/global environmental problems?How important is American leadership in these efforts?
6. Is there hope for the global environment over the long run? Are international institutions equal to the challenge of averting a global "tragedy of the commons?"
Term Paper
All students must submit a term paper of 7-10 (doublespaced) pages, which is due at class time on Monday, November 21. No credit will be given to papers less than 6 pages. A proposed topic should be submitted on Wednesday, September 21, and an outline by Wednesday, November 2.
Click here for a more detailed explanation of the term paper assignment.
The paper is to be your work and be written exclusively for PS336. Plagiarized papers (including ones purchased over the internet) will receive no credit and will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct.
EXAMINATIONS
There will be two midterms and a final examination. The tentative dates are indicated in the course calendar below. The format of the quizzes and final examination will be explained later in class.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Regular attendance at class sessions is expected of all students. Unexcused absences in excess of 5 sessions will be taken into account in assigning the final grade for the course as follows: 6-9 a one step reduction (e.g, B to B-), 10-14 a two step reduction (B to C+), 15-19 (one full grade reduction (B to C), 20 or more (F grade for course). Students with 0-1 absences will be given a one step increase (e.g., B to B+). Distracting activities (e.g., conversation, eating, sleeping, and reading non-related course materials will be considered a negative in assessing class attendance and participation).
GRADES
Grades for the course will be in A,B,C,D,F with pluses (+) and minuses (-) when appropriate. They will be based approximately as follows: two quizzes (20% each, the final examination (30%), and the term paper (30%). Participation in class discussions and role playing exercises may be taken into account in borderline cases. Note also adjustments to grade based on attendance--see attendance policy above. The grade scale will be 97-100 (A+), 93-96 (A), 90-92 (A-), 87-89 (B+), 83-86 (B), 80-82 (B-), 77-79 (C+), 73-76 (C), 70-72 (C-). A grade below 60 is failing.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Students with disabilities are encouraged to arrangement an appointment with the instructor to discuss academic accommodations.
COURSE CALENDAR AND READING ASSIGNMENTS
Aug 17 - Course Introduction--What are the Issues?
McNeill, preface and chs. 1, 2
Optional websites:
Junk Science.com (skeptical perspective on environmental problems)
Aug 19 - History of the Environment as a Global Issue (I) (Outlines Aug. 19 and 22 -print a copy and bring to class)
Seitz, pp. 158-161
Vig, "Governing the International Environment," ch. 1 in Axelrod et al
Soroos, "Global Institutions and the Environment: An Evolutionary Perspective," ch. 2 in Axelrod (pp. 21-27)
Aug 22 - History of the Environment as a Global Issue (II)
Optional websites:
UN Conference on Environment and Development-1992 (collected papers)
IISD Portal on the World Summit for Sustainable Development - 2002
Aug 24 - Tragedy of the Commons (Class Game)
Garrett Hardin, "The Tragedy of the Commons," Science, 162(1968):1243-1248 (on-line)
Herschel Elliott and Richard Lamm, "A Moral Code for a Finite World," Chronicle of Higher Education, November 15, 2002, pp. B7-B9
Aug 26 - The Problem of Global Commons (Outline for August 26)
Soroos, "The Tragedy of the Commons in Global Perspective," in Charles W. Kegley, Jr., and
Eugene Wittkopf, eds., The Global Agenda: Issues and Perspectives. 6th edition, Boston, MA:
McGraw Hill, 2001, 483-97. (electronic reserves)
Aug 29 - Primer on International Environmental Law (I) (Lecture Notes for Aug 29, 31, and Sept 2)
Mark W. Janus, "Custom and Other Sources of International Law," Ch. 3 (in particular pp. 41-54) in An Introduction to International Law (Third Edition), 1999. (electronic reserves for PS531)
Sands and Peel, "Environmental Protection in the Twenty-first Century: Sustainable Development and International Law," ch. 3 in Axelrod et al.
Aug 31 - Primer on International Environmental Law (II)
Mark W. Janus, "Treaties," ch. 2 in An Introduction to International Law (Third Edition), 1999. (electronic reserves for PS531)
United Nations, Treaty Reference Guide (available on-line)
Environmental Treaties and Resource Indicators (ENTRI) (browse on-line)
Optional websites:
Fletcher School Multilaterals Project
Sept 2 - Primer on International Environmental Law (III)
Faure and Lefevere, "Compliance with Global Environmental Policy," ch. 9 in Axelrod et al.
Lisa Mastny and Hilary French, "Crimes of (a) Global Nature," Worldwatch, Sept.-Oct 2002, 12-23 (electronic reserves)
Sept 7 - International Organizations and the Environment (outlines for Week 4)
Soroos, "Global Institutions and the Environment: An Evolutionary Perspective" ch. 2 in Axelrod et al (pages 27-43)
Optional websites:
United Nations Environment Program
United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development
World Bank Environment Program
Sept 9 - Nongovernmental Organizations
McCormick, "The Role of NGOs in in International Regimes," (ch. 5 in Axelrod et al)
Gary Gardner, "Engaging Religion in the Quest for a Sustainable World," in Worldwatch Institute, State of the World 2003, Norton, 2003, 152-75 (electronic reserves)
Optional Websites:
saveourenvironment.org (coalition of 21 environmental NGOs)
International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU)
International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives
World Business Council for Sustainable Development
Sept 12 - The Division between the Rich and Poor of the World (Outlines for Week 5)
Seitz, chapter 1
Najam, "The View from the South: Developing Countries in Global Environmental Politics," ch. 12 in Axelrod et al
Optional Websites:
UNDP, Human Development Report 2005
Sept 14 - Examination #1 (Will Cover Scheduled Class Sessions and Readings up Through Friday, September 9)
Sept 16 - Is Population Growth Really A Problem? (Class discussion)
Population Reference Bureau, 2005 World Population Data Sheet - (review on line)
Sept 19 - Global Demographic Trends (Outlines for Week 6)
Seitz, pp. 30-51
McNeill, ch. 9
Optional Websites:
NIE, Marking a World Population of 6 Billion
50 Largest Metropolitan Areas (2000)
United Nations Population Fund
United Nations Population Information Network (POPIN)
United States Census Bureau-International Programs Center
International Planned Parenthood Federation
Sept 21 - National Population Policies
Submit a topic for your term paper
Seitz, pp. 51-65
Phillip Longman, "The Global Baby Bust," Foreign Affairs, Vol. 83, No. 3, May/June 2004, pp. 64-79 (electronic reserves)
Optional websites:
Sept 23 - The United Nations Population Conferences
Lincoln C. Chen, et al, "Women, Politics and Global Management: The Cairo Conference," Environment, Vol. 37, No. 1, Jan/Feb 1995, pp. 5-9, 31-33 (electronic reserves)
Ann Hwang, "Exportable Righteousness, Expendable Women," World Watch, January/February 2002, pp. 24-31 (electronic reserves)
Optional websites:
International Conference on Population and Development
ICPD+5 (International Planned Parenthood Federation)
Sept 26- The Issue of Population Migrations (Outlines for Weeks 7 and 8)
Matthew Connelly and Paul Kennedy, "Must It Be the Rest Against the West," Atlantic Monthly, Vol. 274, No. 6, December 1994, pp.61-84 (on-line)
Sept 28 - The Global Food Situation
McNeill, pp. 212-217
Seitz, chapter 3
Optional website:
United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
The State of Food Insecurity in the World 2003 (FAO)
Sept 30 - The International Flap Over Genetically Modified Food
David G. Victor and C. Ford Runge, "Farming the Genetic Frontier," Foreign Affairs, Vol. 81(3), May/June 2002, pp. 107-21 (electronic reserves)
Optional websites:
Cartagina Protocol on Biosafety
Biosafety Resources on the Internet (click on Issue 1, No. 3)
Friends of the Earth, "Genetically Modified Crops: A Decade of Failure"
Yahoo Genetically Modified Food Webpage
New York Times--Genetically Modified Organisms
Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology
Oct 3 - Population, Food, and Environmental Issues in China
Reading: to be announced
Optional website:
Worldwatch Institute's China Watch
Oct 5- Quiz #2
Fall Break
Oct 10 - The Atmosphere as a Global Commons (Outlines for Week 9)
Marvin S. Soroos, "Preserving the Atmosphere as a Global Commons," Environment, Vol.
40, No. 2, March 1998, 8-13, 32-35 (electronic reserves) (available on line)
McNeill, ch. 3,
Oct 12 - Transboundary Air Pollution and Acid Rain
McNeill, ch. 3
Seitz, pp. 161-167
Optional websites:
Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution
Swedish NGO Secretariat on Acid Rain
Carlines (global standards on automobiles)
Oct 14 - The Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) Regime
McNeill, ch. 4 (pp. 84-108)
Oct 17 - Preserving the Ozone Layer (Outlines for Week 10)
McNeill, ch. 4 (108-117)
EPA, "On the Trail of Missing Ozone" (cartoon)
Seitz, pp. 167-170
Hillary French, "Learning from the Ozone Experience," in Lester Brown et al, State of the World 1997, New York: Norton, 1997, pp. 151-171. (electronic reserves)
Ozone Quiz (optional)
Ozone Science Crossword Puzzle (optional)
Optional websites:
UNEP/WMO Scientific Assessment, 2002 and Twenty Most Frequently Asked Questions
UNEP, Backgrounder: Basic Facts and Data on the Science and Politics of Ozone
US EPA Ozone Depletion Website (highly recommended)
Oct 19 - The Science of Climate Change
"Global Warming", Business Week, August 18, 2004 (online-use printer friendly version)
Naomi Oreskes, "The Scientific Consensus on Climate Change," Science, December 3, 2004, p. 1686
Donald Kennedy, "Climate Change and Climate Science," Science, June 11, 2004, p 1565.
Optional websites:
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
American Institute of Physics, Discovery of Global Warming (very useful on the history of climate
research perceptions of climate change)
US National Academy of Sciences, Summary of 2001 Report to the President The full report available on-line Climate Change Science: An Analysis of Some Key Questions, 2001
Abrupt Climate Change and US National Security (Pentagon Report-2004)
National Academy of Sciences Report on Abrupt Climate Change--2002
World Meteorological Organization
Climate Change on the WEB (MSNBC)
Global Warming Information Page (National Consumer Coalition) (skeptical view)
Global Climate Coalition (skeptical view)
Oct 21 - Film: "What's Up with the Weather?" (first part)
Seitz, pp. 125-30
EPA Global Warming Site (take quiz on line)
"Introduction" and "Some like it hot," Mother Jones , May/June 2005, pp. 34-49 (electronic reserves) -- (optional)
UNEP's Climate Change Overview (review website on-line)
Oct 24 - Impacts of Climate Change (Including Potential for Abrupt Climate Change) (Outlines for week 11)
Spencer Weart, "The Discovery of Rapid Climate Change," Physics Today, Vol. 56 (8), August 2003 (on-line)
Brian Harweil, "The Irony of Climate," World Watch, March/April 2005, pp. 18-23.
Optional websites:
US Global Climate Change Research Program
Union of Concerned Scientists (see also Global Warming Map)
The Heat is Online (Ross Gelbspan)
Global Warming Information Center (National Center for Policy Research)
Science articles related to Hurricane Katrina
Oct. 26 - Film: "Future Conditional" (PBS - 2005)
Julia Whitty, "All the Disappearing Islands," Mother Jones, July/Aug. 2003
Oct 28 - Framework Convention on Climate Change and Kyoto Protocol
Swedish NGO Secretariat, "Fact Sheet---Kyoto Protocol"
Michele M. Betsill, "Global Climate Change Policy: Making Progress or Spinning Wheels?" ch. 6 in Axelrod et al
Seitz, pp. 130-32
Optional Websites:
UNEP, Understanding Climate Change: A Beginner's Guide to the UN Framework
Convention and Its Kyoto Protocol (browse on line)
IISD Linkages-Framework Convention on Climate Change
Oct 31 - National Policies on Climate Change (Outlines for week 12)
Miranda Schreurs, "Divergent Paths: Environmental Policy in Germany, the United States, and Japan," Environment, Vol 45(8), October 2003 (electronic reserves)
US (Bush Administration) Policy on Climate Change
Optional websites:
Climate Change Newsfeed (extensive compendium of newspaper articles on climate change)
Union of Concerned Scientists, Global Warming Policy
White House Initiative on Global Climate Change
US Climate Action Report - 2002 (State Department)
Nov 2 - International Politics of Petroleum
Outline of Term Paper is Due
Seitz, pp. 107-124, 131-152
McNeill, ch. 10
Optional websites:
US National Energy Policy - Overview
Natiomaster National Energy Statistics
Nov 4 - The History of the Law of the Seas
Martin Glassner and Chuck Fahrer, "The Law of the Sea," ch. 31 in Political Geography, 3rd edition, Wiley, 2004 (electronic reserves)
Optional websites:
Oceans and Law of the Sea (United Nations)
Nov 7&9 The Law of the Sea Treaty of 1982 (outlines for Week 13)
Martin Glassner and Chuck Fahrer, "The Political Geography of the Sea," ch. 32 in Political Geography, 3rd edition, Wiley, 2004 (electronic reserves)
John Swing, "What Future for the Oceans?' Foreign Affairs, Vol. 82(5), Sept/Oct 2003, pp. 139-52 (library database listing for Foreign Affairs)
Optional websites:
International Maritime Organization
Nov 11 - The Managment of Global Fisheries
McNeill, pp. 237-252
Ann Platt McGinn, "Promoting Sustainable Fisheries," ch. 4 in Lester R. Brown, et al., The State of the World 1998, Norton, 1998 (electronic reserves)
John C. Ryan, "Feedlots of the Sea," World Watch, Sept/Oct 2003, pp. 22-29 (electronic reserves)
Optional websites:
Endangered Seas Campaign (World Wildlife Fund)
Internet Guide to International Fishery Law
Nov 14 - Case Study: The Turbot War between Canada and Spain of 1995 (Role Playing Guide) (outlines for Week 14)
Soroos, "The Turbot War: Resolution of an International Fishery Dispute," in Nils Petter Gleditsch, ed., Conflict and the Environment. Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1997, pp. 235-252. (electronic reserves)
Nov. 16- Protecting Endangered Species and Cultures
Seitz, pp. 192-203
Optional websites:
World Conservation Union (IUCN)
Nov 18 - Preservation of Biodiversity
McNeill, pp. 228-37, 262-66
Seitz, pp. 175-83,
Optional websites:
Convention on Biological Diversity Secretariat
Conservation International's Biodiversity Hotspots
IISD-Convention on Biological Diversity
World Commission on Forests and Sustainable Development, Our Forests, Our Future
(Summary Report)
International Tropical Timber Organization
Nov 21 - Water, Rivers, and Dams (outlines for Weeks 15 &16)
Seitz, pp. 170-174
Don Hinrichsen, "A Human Thirst," World Watch, Jan/Feb 2003, pp. 12-18
Sullivan, "Debating the Dam: Is China's Three Gorges Project Sustainable?," ch.13 in Axelrod et al
Optional Websites:
International Water Law Project
Global International Water Assessment
Convention on the Law of the Non-navigational Uses of Rivers
Helsinki Rules on the Uses of the Waters of International Rivers
Transboundary Freshwater Dispute Data Base
Nov 28 - Economic and Trade Issues
Esty, "Economic Integration and Environmental Protection," ch. 8 in Axelrod et al.
Nov. 30 - Conclusions: "Alternative Perspectives on the Emerging Global Order: From the End of History to the End of Nature"
McNeil, ch. 11
DeSombre, "Understanding United States Unilateralism: Domestic Sources of U.S. International Environmental Policy," ch. 10 in Axelrod et al
Optional Websites
Millenium Ecosystem Assessment
Dec 2 - Film: Journey to Planet Earth
Seitz, chapter 7
Final Examination Schedule
Section 1 (10:15) -- Wednesday, December 7, 8:00-11:00 AM
Section 2 (11:20) -- Monday, December 12, 8:00-11:00 AM