it is true, however, that states retain a relatively privileged position in the international politics of responding to global environmental problems. whereas states and their central governments do not generally directly control the economic, social, and environmental activities of concern, they do have sovereign authority to legislate within their territories and thus must play a central role in developing and implementing any environmental regulations. thus, while the rise of environmental problems has brought state power and sovereignty into question, the responses to these problems may often extend and strengthen aspects of state authority and involvement in society. moreover, to the extent that international agreements are important for cooperative responses to environmental problems, interstate diplomacy must come to the fore and states will be the legal parties to any treaties.