Global climate change: an international problem?

As climate research improves, the term “global warming” has been scientifically amended to a more general theme of “global climate change.”  While it was determined that a more logical term is climate change, the word “global” has kept through new science, research, and advancements in studies.  This phenomenon has been caused by, and will affect humans, as well as the natural world on a global scale; but, how truly international is this issue?  And, will the effects of climate change be solved through global action?

At first, these questions may seem relatively easy to answer.  It is global climate change, after all; however, the states’ role in combating changes in climate is more complex.  Harriet Bulkeley and Peter Newell suggest that the framework of climate change on an international scale should be examined on a more multi-level approach.  Buckley and Newell state, “different levels of decision-making – local, regional, national, and international – as well as new spheres and arenas of governance that cut across such boundaries – are involved in both creating and addressing climate change” (Bulkeley and Newell, 2010).  This implies that creating a solution for the effects of climate change is more than a global problem.  Enforcing multiple networks of governance and problem solving involved with climate change will create more complex and direct solutions.

The involvement of non-state actors is especially vital to the proper governance of climate change.  The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change “Uniting on Climate Change” (2007) suggests that educating and training the public to raise awareness, while increasing public access to information should be among the first fundamental steps toward gaining support in climate change legislation.  Increasing public knowledge is the best way to expand involvement of non-state actors.  The support of the public, religious groups, businesses, Not-for-profit organizations, etc. all play a vital role in climate change policy.  For example, as carbon markets become more significant in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, businesses will be essential to the implementation of policies and governance.

Evidence shows that certain areas of the globe will be more affected by global climate change than others.  It is also proven that these areas are generally not those most responsible for climate change.  While it is still a global issue, the public has some control over how to prevent climate change from worsening over time.  Non-state parties acting for authority over greenhouse gas emissions and other climate change policies have the potential to gain access to global and individual nation legislation.

Bulkeley, H., and P. Newell, 2010. Governing Climate Change. Routledge, New York.

UNFCCC, 2007. “Uniting on Climate, A Guide to the Climate Change Convention and Kyoto Protocol.” UNFCCC Secretariat, Bonn, Germany.