18: Climate Change: ESEM and Agenda Setting

Question 1

Potential Tech. levers to control Global Warming

Answer 1

1. Mass decrease in emission (mitigation
2. Surface sequestration (mass reforestation)
3. Sub-surface seq. (deep geolical)
4. Deep ocean seq.
5. Addition of sulfate aerosols into stratosphere
6. solar mirrors in space

Question 2

Ethical issues with ESEM solutions

Answer 2

Unpredictable consequences, absence of social components (lacks the third E) like behavioral changes, and the possible beginning of a slippery slope in which the planet is viewed by society as a human artifact.

Question 3

Levels of Agenda setting

Answer 3

1. Public (activists, media)
2. Formal (proposals/plans, litigation and draft legislation)
3. Decision-making (vote)

Question 4

What stands out most when Comparing Agendas on Ozone Depletion with Climate Change

Answer 4

1. Technology solution for OD was scientifically uncertain of the cause, yet it offered a cheap substitute that boosted existing economy (fridge recall provides new pocket of industry and jobs)
2. No sufficient int’l legal control over CC agenda in comparison to 2 major treaties signed to address OD

Question 5

Actions required to make real policies on sustainability

Answer 5

Action requires many levels of politics, a clear definition of the problem, and workable solutions that are technologically innovative and proven to work.