Table of Contents
Foreword 11
Introduction 14
Chapter 1 Are Nations Doing Enough to Prevent and Recover from Environmental Catastrophes?
Overview: A History of Climate Science Matthew Mason 18
Scientists have been tracking climate change for over a century, culminating in our understanding of the impact climate change is having on the environment today.
Yes: States Are Working to Mitigate Environmental Catastrophes
States Are Setting Ambitious Targets to Stall Climate Change: NPR News Staff 25
Although often falling short, countries have established goals that would have a serious impact on climate change if successfully met.
Countries Have Been Working to Mitigate Climate Change for Over Twenty-Five Years Planete Energies 32
International agreements addressing climate change have been signed over the course of the past twenty-five years, showing a willingness to engage and cooperate on this important issue.
The Private Sector Is Responding to Climate Change Bill Ritter Jr. 36
Along with national policies, the private sector has been taking initiative on climate-related innovation.
No: The International Community Is Failing to Address Climate Change
So Far, Countries Have Not Done Enough to Meaningfully Address Climate Change Fiona Harvey 40
Studies have shown that in order to mitigate climate change, it is essential that countries do more.
The States Most Responsible for Climate Change Are Not Doing Enough to Help Those Vulnerable to Its Effects Glenn Althor James E. M. Watson Richard A. Fuller 43
Countries with smaller economies are the ones most threatened by climate change, and larger states must do more to address the climate change they are primarily responsible for causing.
Countries Working Alone Cannot Address Climate Change: BC Campus 49
The international nature of environmental concerns means no one state can act alone to address it successfully.
Chapter 2 Will Environmental Catastrophe Have a Measurable Negative Impact on Daily Life?
Overview: Environ mental Catastrophe Impacts Countries in Various Ways: United States Environmental Protection Agency 53
Climate change manifests in varied ways depending on the country, which will cause some to be disproportionately impacted.
Yes: The Impact of Environmental Catastrophe Will Be Significant and Damaging
Climate Change Has Dangerous Ramifications for Public Health A. J. McMichael S. Friel A. Nyong C. Corvalan 64
Environmental catastrophe will have a large impact on public health in many countries.
Climate Change Leads to More Severe Weather, Threatening Populations Around the World: Union of Concerned Scientists 73
Severe weather events will worsen and increase in frequency, exacerbating the issues presented by climate change.
Climate Change Impacts Food Security: Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations 78
Environmental catastrophe will have an impact on food security, leading to shortages and possible starvation in some areas.
No: Steps Are Being Taken to Mitigate the Impacts of Environmental Catastrophe
Technology Is Providing New Ways to Combat Climate Change and Environmental Catastrophe Lyndsey Gilpin 91
Innovation in technology is pointing to ways climate change can be addressed, while allowing quality of life to be maintained or improved.
Cities Can Work with Private Companies to Enable Innovation in Mitigating Environmental Catastrophe Christopher Cadham 96
NYC's public-private partnership is an example of how local governments can partner with private stakeholders to mitigate the impact of climate change.
Adaptation Itself Will Require Changes to Our Way of Life: National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility 99
Adapting to climate change will be a challenge, but it will reshape our way of life in order to address the impact of environmental catastrophe and climate change in a variety of ways.
Chapter 3 Is Future Environmental Catastrophe Avoidable?
Overview: Climate Change Will Impact the Environment in Numerous Ways: Union of Concerned Scientists 107
In an ecologically diverse nation like the United States, climate change and environmental catastrophe will have a wide range of effects and manifest in various ways.
Yes: There Is Time and Opportunity to Avoid the Worst-Case Climate Scenarios
Adapting to a Changing Climate Is a Challenge, but Also an Opportunity for Progress Saleemul Huq 112
While it is a considerable challenge, adapting to climate change and addressing the key concerns surrounding environmental catastrophe provides opportunities for growth and innovation.
Addressing Environmental Concerns Can Stimulate Growth in Industries Around the World: European Environment Agency 119
Climate change adaptation can be a catalyst for economic growth rather than a threat to global economic security.
No: We Are Past the Point of Being Able to Reverse the Effects of Climate Change
Mitigating Climate Change Would Require Unprecedented Action: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 128
Although there are actions that could be taken to address climate change, they are on a scale that makes them significantly unlikely for most states.
Technology Will Not Stop Climate Change on Its Own Howard J. Herzog 134
Leaning too heavily on innovation focused on "negative emissions" without pairing it with actions that limit emissions is not enough to combat climate change.
Chapter 4 Do Individual Choices Have a Role in Addressing Environmental Catastrophe?
Overview: What Motivates Individuals to Take Action Against Climate Change? Catherine Jex 140
With the help of psychologists, it may be possible to motivate people to act on climate change even if they do not believe the science behind it.
Yes: Individuals Can Make Choices in Their Daily Lives That Have an Impact on Climate Change
There Are Steps Individuals Can Take to Mitigate Their Impact on the Environment David Suzuki Foundation 143
Choices ranging from what we buy to the vehicles we drive can play a part in our carbon footprint.
Choices Regarding Food Can Help Address Climate Change Andy Murdock 148
Food waste has a significant impact on the environment, and making choices that help address that issue is one way to tackle climate change on a personal level.
Personal Decisions Also Impact the Environment Damian Carrington 151
Family size is a decision that is both deeply personal and has an impact on the environment, making it something to consider when thinking about the future of the planet.
No: Addressing Climate Change Requires More than Changes in Personal Behavior
Small-Scale Efforts Do Not Have the Impact Needed to Address Climate Change Oliver Milman 154
The potential impact of climate change is too great for individual choices to make a significant difference.
The Focus of Environmentalism Should Be on Industrial Activity Eliza Barclay Umair Irfan 157
Industries and large companies are responsible for a significant part of climate change, and therefore actions targeted at climate change should focus on these sectors.
Organizations to Contact 166
Bibliography 170
Index 173
