Climate Change

Geopolitical Issues in the Arctic Region

November 13th, 2009 by eguerrero

The Arctic is without a single regimen to govern state behavior it is surrounded by eight highly developed states that compete for their own interests Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. Disputes over sovereignty such as determination of borders exclusive economic zones (EEZ’s) and access to marine passages are geopolitical issues that tend to dominate the most. Improvement technologies and market conditions have facilitated access to the Arctic regions natural resources. Climate change issues have affected the Arctic geopolitics. Melting sea ice cap is speculated to lead to increase usability of Northwest Passage for shipments of goods between Europe and Asia. Melting sea ice cap has also facilitated efforts to carry out mapping exercises.

Geopolitical issues are not exclusively conflicts over interest they also reflect cooperation amongst nations, multilateral initiatives such as the Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy 1991 signed an agreement to protect the Arctics marine environment and conserves flora and fauna. The Arctic Council was established in 1996 and it takes on the functions which concern the environment, and which, social and economic matters are discussed.

Category Group 5: Arctic | No Comments →

Moving closer to climate action — The UN perspective.

November 12th, 2009 by astypulkowskadragan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mo_VA1_Vk0

Above is a link to youtube where I have found the speech made by Senator Wirth, President of the Better World Campaign and the UN Foundation, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.

The House Committee on Foreign Affairs asked Timothy E. Wirth to testify at a hearing titled “Copenhagen and Beyond: Is there a Successor to the Kyoto Protocol?” Senator Wirth’s answer was “a resounding yes.”

According to the Better World Campaign, Senator Wirth in his testimony “made several key points: [First,] certain near-term steps would immediately contribute to solving the climate problem and help reach a global deal. [Second,] the UN Foundation and the Center for American Progress just released a report that shows how energy efficiency, renewable energy, forest conservation, and sustainable land use worldwide could provide 75 percent of needed global emissions reductions by 2020. [Tird,] these “core elements” of a new agreement would help developed and developing countries address strategic interests such as job creation, energy security and energy access, food security, environmental quality, and public health. [But] most importantly, Senator Wirth emphasized that climate change is about more than proposals and metrics – it’s about people, too. To reach a successful agreement, we must move people to the center of the debate so politicians understand the global as well as personal effects on citizens worldwide.”

Category Uncategorized | No Comments →