The effectiveness of global environmental strategies

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Geography - The effectiveness of global environmental strategies

The effectiveness of global environmental strategies

This geography resources explores the effectiveness of global
environmental strategies for the reduction of sea levels and deforestation.

This global phenomenon has been recognised as one that can only be
controlled effectively if a global challenge is attempted. National and
local initiatives would be ineffective if the major carbon dioxide
polluters are not controlled. Sea level rises can only be controlled or
minimised if the north supports the national economic development in the
south. No strategy will succeed unless the north and south work together.
Some 'experts' say that any efforts are too little too late. Others,
particularly US politicians and representatives of the oil and coal
production companies, say that there is no evidence of rising sea levels or
global warming.

The Kyoto Conference and the climate change conferences that preceded and
followed it have been partially effective. The 159 or so countries that
have attended these conferences have agreed that there is accelerated
global warming, probably due to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere. They agree that sea levels are rising probably as a result of
the increasing global temperatures. Most NGOs that deal with environmental
issues, have campaigns to reduce the effects of increased levels of carbon
dioxide emission. Many governments committed themselves to reduced emission
levels but most are yet to ratify their commitments.

The group most concerned about sea level rise is AOSIS. The small island
states will disappear under the rising oceans. They are already suffering
the effects of rising sea levels. Many of these states have ratified their
agreement with the Kyoto targets even though the countries of the south
were not expected to participate in reducing their emissions of carbon
dioxide. The Tuvaluans have been offered shelter in Australia if their land
is flooded by rising sea levels. Is this an admission of guilt? Where will
the other rising sea level 'refugees' go? It is estimated that there could
be 25 million refugees from rising sea levels in Bangladesh alone!

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