Choose one of the following topics related to the current issues about the climate change and write a "position paper" giving your opinon on the given topic. The paper must be at least 400 words (not including any references).
The paper must be your own words, material simply copied will be given no credit. Backup any statements with sources
1. Sustainable Energy Initiatives - A number of these have been setup (most notably by the UN after the Rio+20 convention). Some issues, especially fossil fuel subsidies need to be addressed.
2. REDD+ (Reduction of Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation plus Reforestation) - This program is designed to link the effects of climate change to deforestation, degradation, and reforestation.
3. Carbon Markets - Some suggest trading carbon on the open market (just like commodities) is a way to reduce carbon emissions. However, the markets so far have been plagued with problems.
4. Improvement in Agricultural Practices - Initiatives in making agriculture so it produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
5. Loss and Damage - Developing countries want a mechanism for compensation from future damages from climate change. Developed countries do not want to set up a legal framework.
6. Adaptation Financing, including the Global Climate Fund - All countries agreed in 2009 to set up the Global Climate Fund with US$100 billion by 2020. Developed countries now say that the global recession does not allow them to contribute this amount (while still giving subsidies to fossil fuels).
7. Equity - Under the Kyoto protocol, developed countries (listed in Annex A of the treaty) had to meet specific targets of carbon dioxide reduction, but developing countries countries (including China, the #1 emitter of greenhouse gases) had no targets. Many developed countries saying developing countries must also have mandatory targets. However, some developing countries say they have a right to develop and therfore should continue with no targets.