3-14: Legislation and Policy

Importance of this Unit to the Course

Some activities of developed societies are managed collectively since individuals are unable or unwilling to manage them without some organization (e.g., fire and police protection, care of elderly or indigent). Climate change problems are generated primarily by human choices which we may or may not be willing or able to change. In this unit we explore the role of public policy in promoting global change action on behalf of the public good.

Objectives

To review global, national, and local legislative processes in addressing global change issues.
To review successes and failures of international agreements on environmental change and the prospects for future progress in addressing management of our environmental future.

Preparation for Discussion (You must complete this section before class.)

Read the summary information.

Take the Quiz over the summary information. (see your portfolio)

Review additional reading material (this material is not covered in the quiz, but offers more ideas for online discussion)

Discussion (online / face-to-face) (See your portfolio for due dates and times)

A major component of the course is participation in the online dialog. The following types of comments are required:

Social Comments
Knowledge-building Comments
Ethical Comments

The following may be used as discussion starters for the online dialog:

Unit Problem to Ponder:

The Montreal Protocol to eliminate ozone-depleting substances was an example of a very successful international agreement to promote the global good. Why did this policy work but the Kyoto Protocol on limiting greenhouse gases not work? What can we predict about future protocols on deforestation or biodiversity?
Unit exam questions from previous years
Unit discussions from previous years, available from the current discussions discussion page

Additional Reading