Download Political Science/ENTS 268

Political Science/ENTS 268
International Environmental Policy and Politics
Spring Term, 2006
Prof. Norm Vig
[email protected]
Willis 417
Phone: 4120
Purpose
This course is a study of the response of the international community of nation states and
non-governmental actors to the global environmental crisis. Building on the concepts of
global change and sustainable development, it will focus on the development of
international institutions, law and policies to deal with problems such as ozone depletion,
climate change, loss of biodiversity, cross-boundary pollution, trade in hazardous
chemicals and toxic wastes, and preservation of the oceans, forests and other resources.
Basic concepts of international environmental law, procedures for making and enforcing
treaties, and globalization and international trade and development will be discussed.
Required Readings
The following books are required and will be available in the bookstore:
Axelrod, Downie, and Vig, The Global Environment, rev. ed. (2005)
Chasek, Downie, and Brown, Global Environmental Politics, 4th ed. (2006)
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, Ecosystems and Human Well-Being:
General Synthesis (2006)
Speth, Red Sky at Morning (2004)
Victor, Climate Change (2004)
Supplementary readings will be handed out in class.
Other Requirements
Students are expected to complete assigned readings prior to class and to be prepared for
discussion. Class participation is important and will count 10 percent of the grade! There
will also be a mid-term exam (30 percent) and final exam (30 percent). Each student will
choose a research topic on some aspect of international environmental policy (such as a
particular treaty regime or policy proposal) no later than May 4 (topics must be approved
and proposals finalized no later than May 11) and complete a 10-15 page term paper on
this topic by the last day of class, May 30 (30 percent of grade). A list of possible topics
and detailed instructions for the term paper will be handed out later in class.
Assignments
Mar. 28
Introduction to the course
I. Global Trends and Policy Alternatives: a Critical Overview
Mar. 30
The Globalization of Environmental Issues
Speth, Red Sky at
Morning, pp. 1-73
Apr. 4
The Initial Global Response
Speth, pp. 75-139
Apr. 6
Globalization v. Sustainable Development?
Speth, pp. 140-201
II. Development of Global Environmental Institutions, Policies and Law
Apr. 11
Emergence of International Environmental
Politics
Axelrod et al., The Global
Environment, chap. 1; and
Chasek et al., Global
Environmental Politics,
chap. 1
Apr. 13
Developing International Institutions
Axelrod, chap. 2; and
Chasek, chap. 2
Apr. 18
Principles of International Environmental
Law
Axelrod, chap. 3
Apr. 20
Treaty Compliance and Effectiveness
Chasek, chap. 4; and
Axelrod, chap. 9
Apr. 25
The U.S. and International Treaties
Axelrod, chaps. 6 and 10
Apr. 27 Mid-term Exam
all of above
Mid-term break
III. Case Studies in International Environmental Policy
A. Overview of Environmental Regimes
May 2
International Pollution and Waste;
Ozone Depletion, Climate Change
Chasek, pp. 97-142; and
Axelrod, chap. 7
May 4
Endangered Species and Habitats
Chasek, pp. 143-196
Preliminary paper topics due
B. Case Study in Depth: Climate Change
May 9
May 11
The Current State of Climate Change
Three Basic Policy Alternatives
Victor, Climate Change,
pp. 1-75; handouts
Victor, 76-114; handout
Final paper proposals due
IV. Global Economics and Sustainable Development
May 16
International Trade and the Environment
Chasek, chap. 5; and
Axelrod, chap. 8
May 18
Globalization and Developing Countries
Axelrod, chaps. 12 and 13
May 23
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
MEA Ecosystems and Human
Well-Being, pp. 1-38, 64-70
May 25
Four Alternative Futures
MEA, pp. 71-83
May 30
Concluding Discussion
term papers due in class
Final Exam (self-schedulable)