1.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 20th Conference of

Parties (UNFCCC-COP) held in Lima Peru a couple of years ago ended with many
NGO’s criticizing governments to be backtracking on pledges to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and protect the environment. This scenario was much like the outcomes of
other climate change conferences and initiatives: states evade binding commitments on
greenhouse gas emission reduction. What primarily explains the persistence of this
problem? Why is it difficult for governments to sign, ratify and, most importantly,
implement environmental agreements?

2. Scholars observe that the advent of globalization has ushered in greater

inequality between the global North and South. For instance, it was observed that
in 1960, the average per capita GDP in the richest 20 countries was 15 times that
of the poorest 20, and in 2001, the average per capita GDP in the richest 20
countries was 32 times that of the poorest 20. What explains the rising inequality
between the First and the Third World countries? Is it greater market openness?
Or is it rather the exclusion from the globalization process? Explain your answer
with at least five sentences.(10pts.)