Politics and the Environment

Vocabulary

anthropocene biodiversity
sustainable development conservation
reduced carbon emissions renewable energy
carbon credits climate refugee
greenhouse effect Climate change skepticism/ climate change denial
greenhouse gas emitter UNFCCC United Nations
pollution Kyoto protocol
legally binding mitigation
opt out adaptation
water scarcity Green Climate Fund

Discussion Questions and topics

What are the key environmental issues? (answered during our discussions, answer also contained in
Global Environmental Concerns article)

Specifically discuss the Paris Climate Agreement? Why is it important? What is its target? What are
criticisms against it? What are its limitations? What are the consequences of the US pulling out? (John
Oliver video)

Why is it important to limit the rise of the average global temperature? What are the consequences of
not doing this? (slide show and discussions)

What must countries agree to do to achieve this? Why is this difficult?

Explain the concerns or issues of the different segments of the world population (3 groups from the
climate change exercise) in fighting climate change. (climate activity)

What laws has EU passed to fight climate change? (class discussions + plus your awareness of the
news)

What were the arguments against renewables made in the article about nuclear energy? How does the
renewables price graph from Deloitte dispute this? What is your opinion of this issue?

What problem did John Oliver highlight in his video about the way in which the climate change debate
is presented in the media (at least the United States)?

Discuss one countries policies regarding the environment.