POL101Y1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Kyoto Protocol, Global Warming, Acid Rain
Document Summary
Purpose of planet: existed for millenia, host life such as plants and animals. Global warming: man made phenomenon leading to detrimental effects. Acid rain, coral bleaching, spread of malaria, rise in sea levels. Average global temperature is 1. 8 degrees f higher than it was in 1880. Carbon emissions on the rise as globalization spreads. Each country has an individual role to play in bringing the collective good. Hence, extension of 1992 un framework: kyoto protocol. Objective: control emissions of human-emitted greenhouse gases. This essay will demonstrate how the collective action problem and prisoners dilemma have manifested in the lack of progress on climate change negotiations and agreements. Define: a situation where all parties would be better off cooperating, but ultimately fail to do so due to conflicting interests discouraging joint action. 17th century hume: two people are more likely to drain a meadow than a thousand. Increases chance of being a freerider, enjoying benefits (economics)
