Topic examines how governments, the United Nations and the environment movement in Australia and Europe address climate change. The topic begins by focusing on readings from social and political theorist, Anthony Giddens' recent book,The Politics of Climate Changeand testing the heuristic value of the methodology for studying environmental politics outlined in John Dryzek's book, The Politics of the Earth.
Depending upon the interests of students, subsequent content may include analysis of debates over the science of climate change as articulated by the 'IPPC consensus', 'alarmist' and 'skeptic' positions; analysing the prospects of international treaties on emissions reduction; analysing the history of the Kyoto Protocol process; comparing advantages and disadvantages of emissions trading and carbon taxes; assessing the prospects for international cooperation on the spread of nuclear power technologies and assessing the pathways for India, China and developing nations in joining an international emissions trading regime. The topic provides opportunities for students to adopt role play advocacy based on scenarios currently being played out in policy forums in Australia over future energy options.
This topic aims to:
Timetable details for 2021 are no longer published.