Assignment #5, Part 2

1. Do you think that currently developing countries have the right to exploit forests (and other natural resources) as Europe and the U.S. did to increase their economic wellbeing? Why or why not?

This is a tough question for me to answer. I feel a pull in both directions. More and more countries must rely on their natural resources to secure their place in the global market. Yet, at the same time developed countries demand the natural resources of these countries are to be protected. As noted in Vig and Kraft, it is ironic because these developed countries are also the ones that often create the consumer demand for the destruction of these resources (2010). I believe that free market trade would allow for these countries to use their own resources. Developed nations should support and encourage developing nations in securing a place in the global market but by sustainable development- increasing development without damaging the environment (Vig & Kraft 2010) . It could actually be argued that developed nations have a "moral obligation to assist less fortunate ones" (Vig & Kraft 2010, p. 287). Another support could be in the form of riding corrupt governments that do not properly regulate environmental hazards. Another option is for developed nations like Europe and U.S. to more strictly regulate imports from countries that are not producing environmentally friend exports or goods (Vig & Kraft). Reducing the demand for such goods will automatically regulate the market and in turn regulate the environmental impact.

2. What expectations do you think think industrialized nations should have for developing nations in the climate change debate?

a. Should equity between industrialized and developing countries be a goal in this debate?

b. What if a developing nation values economic development more than slowing down global warming? In this case, should they be required to participate in reducing emissions? Why or why not?

c. Conversely, what expectations should developing nations have for industrialized nations?

Industrialized nations should expect for developing nations to actively participate in the global fight against climate change, even if that nation values economic development more than the fight against climate change. Global warming affects all nations and all citizens of the globe. Every nation should actively fight against global warming. Industrialized and developed nations should ensure that developing nations participate in reducing emissions. If they neglect to participate "the consequences of environmental damage" will essentially be inflicted upon inhabitants of all nations (Vig & Kraft 2010, p. 304).

Industrialized nations should also expect developing nations to adhere to agreements and regulations regarding the global community. Developing nations should also improve environmental policies and practices, with the goal of environmental sustainability, in their own countries in order to receive continued support from developed countries (Vig & Kraft 2010).

As long as developing nations rely on the industrialized and developed nations for support and aid, there cannot be equity in the debate on climate change. However, developing should expect industrialized nations to do just as they are asked and work towards sustainability. Especially since the United States "leads the world in per-capita production of trash" and produces nearly "one-fifth of emissions that contribute to global warming" (Vig & Kraft, 2010, pp. 299-300). The United States and other developed nations that consume the majority of the worlds' goods and resources need to be held to the same standard, if not a higher standard than developing nations. Industrialized nations such as the United States have a moral obligation to help developing and poor nations combat the "consequences of environmental damage" (Vig & Kraft, 2010, p. 304).