What do policymakers mean by the term stakeholders, and how do these stakeholders shape climate policy?
What is the appropriate role for science in guiding public policy?
Summarize current international efforts to respond to climate change.
Compare the roles of developed and developing nations.
Stakeholders in Climate Policy
Stakeholder Definition: Any person with an interest or investment in climate policies (laws or rules).
Everyone is affected by climate change, thus everyone is a stakeholder.
Focus often on the energy supply sector due to financial contributions (e.g., lobbying).
Lobbying differences:
Oil and Gas Companies: $100-200 million/year
Alternative Energy Companies: < $50 million/year
Role of Science in Policy
Science should provide informed and evidence-based guidance for policy decisions.
Global Climate Policy Framework
United Nations and IPCC:
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) established in 1988.
Collaborates on climate science and addresses knowledge gaps.
Policy Neutrality: IPCC does not recommend specific actions.
Political Neutrality: Involvement from representatives of 113 different governments.
Reports published every 5 years, latest in 2013-2014.
IPCC Structure
Divided into Working Groups:
Working Group 1: Physical science basis.
Working Group 2: Climate change impacts and adaptation.
Working Group 3: Mitigation.
Includes a task force on national greenhouse gas inventories.
Criticisms of the IPCC
Slow Report Process: Extensive data analysis leads to outdated reports.
Watered Down Synthesis: To maintain consensus, some scientific facts may be excluded.
Economics of Climate Change
Cost of Global Warming:
Adaptation and mitigation both entail high costs.
Proactive vs. Reactive Approach:
Immediate action costs ~1% global GDP.
Delayed action could cost ~20% global GDP.
Economic Models and Strategies
Carbon Tax: Tax on carbon emissions to reduce use.
Example: Stern's aggressive vs. Nordhaus's gradual carbon tax models.
Cap-and-Trade: Emissions trading system to reduce overall emissions.
Developed vs. Developing Nations
Developed Nations: Major historical carbon emitters (e.g., North America, Europe).
Developing Nations: Low energy use but growing rapidly (e.g., China, India).
Considerations for Energy Access:
Should developing countries use fossil fuels or leapfrog to renewable sources?
Conclusion
The challenge involves balancing economic costs and benefits, addressing stakeholder influences, and seeking equitable global solutions to climate change.
Reflect on the roles of different nations and strategies for mitigating climate change efficiently.