Global warming and resulting climate change are the 21st century's most important environmental problems. In November of 2021, another climate change summit (over 100 nations participated) was held in Glasgow, Scotland. We will examine the provisions of this new treaty, its accompanying initiatives, as well as its chances for success. We will evaluate the success of the 2015 Paris summit and its primary initiative, the nationally determined carbon contributions (NDCs). We will also analyze a new French proposal ("C 4/100") to encourage the sequestration of agricultural carbon.
The class will study new findings from Columbia University related to a worsening of the role of agricultural carbon emissions. We will evaluate several new technologies such as the suggested use of plasma to reduce the carbon footprint in agriculture. Finally, we will study new climate initiatives for cities and businesses being promoted by the World Resource institute.
Note: Suggested Reading: "Kolbert, Elizabeth. 2006. Field notes from a catastrophe: man, nature, and climate change. Bloomsbury USA. New York, New York. Nordhaus, William. 2013. The climate casino: risk, uncertainty, and economics for a warming world. Yale University Press. New Haven, CT
