Global Warming Gridlock: Creating More Effective Strategies for Protecting the Planet
Cambridge University Press
Edition: Illustrated, 3/10/2011
EAN 9780521865012, ISBN10: 0521865018
Hardcover, 392 pages, 22.9 x 15.2 x 2.5 cm
Language: English
Originally published in English
Global warming is one of today's greatest challenges. The science of climate change leaves no doubt that policies to cut emissions are overdue. Yet, after twenty years of international talks and treaties, the world is now in gridlock about how best to do this. David G. Victor argues that such gridlock has arisen because international talks have drifted away from the reality of what countries are willing and able to implement at home. Most of the lessons that policy makers have drawn from the history of other international environmental problems won't actually work on the problem of global warming. Victor argues that a radical rethinking of global warming policy is required and shows how to make international law on global warming more effective. This book provides a roadmap to a lower carbon future based on encouraging bottom-up initiatives at national, regional and global levels, leveraging national self-interest rather than wishful thinking.
List of figures
List of tables
Preface and acknowledgements
Hard truths on global warming
a roadmap to reading this book
Part I. Setting the Scene
1. Introduction and overview
2. Why global warming is such a difficult problem to solve
Part II. The Three Dimensions to Climate Policy Strategy
3. Regulating emissions part 1
the enthusiastic countries
4. Regulating emissions part 2
engaging reluctant developing countries
5. Promoting technological innovation
6. Preparing for a changing climate
adaptation, geoengineering and triage
Part III. Putting it All Together
7. Explaining diplomatic gridlock
what went wrong?
8. A new strategy
9. Climate change and world order
implications for the UN, government, industry and nature
Bibliography
Notes
Index.
'Uncertainty over global climate negotiations is impeding investment into the low-carbon economy. But policy gridlock is not inevitable. In his lucidly argued and timely new book, David Victor gives a pragmatic roadmap to help policymakers navigate their way around the current climate impasse.' Lord John Browne, Partner, Riverstone Holdings LLC and former CEO, BP Plc