by Emily Adams

Created on: June 21, 2008

The environment and global warming is a problem usually solved domestically-each region determines how their respective industries will cut greenhouse gas emitions and pollution, which eventually will cut down global warming. Unfortunately, it is not the case in this situation: global warming effects states internationally, and therefore requires an internationally-agreed upon solution. It is necessary for states to cooperate but because of the anarchic nature of the international system cooperating proves to be extremely difficult, provoking a fundamental collective action dilemma. The statement, "there are only two things humanity will need in the future and two things only-suntan lotion and swimming lessons" reflects the difficulty of the situation; the global warming crisis cannot be solved without international cooperation, and international cooperation is uncharacteristic to the anarchic international system.

The way in which we make and consume goods is a huge contributing factor to the severity of the situation. Firms and consumers naturally desire the most cost efficient production of goods, however the necessity to reduce the emitions(the cause of pollution) which are produced from energy inputs raises both the cost of production and goods. This economic problem-tension between what's better economically for the consumer and producer and what's best for the environment- induces many states to cheat on pacts like the Kyoto Protocol and promises made to their constituents and cease cutting emissions. Those that cheat do so because they are afraid of a possible rise in unemployment and what effect increased prices might have on their citizens and economy, which could ultimately direct the elections of said officials.
The economic problem is far more multi-dimensional than the price of production and goods, it injects itself into the very heart of America's values: consumerism. A symbol of America's success has become the ability of the majority of consumers to purchase goods considered luxuries in most states, and that is not something Americans will readily give up. The American social value has already been set on this system of approval of the incessant acquirement of goods, and the liklihood of reversing this-the perception of what's cool- is slim. Regardless of these difficulties, however, we shouldn't give up.
China has also become accustomed to the comfort that industrialization brings, and appears to be even more obstinate to altering their means

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