Introduction
This memo addresses the pressing issue of climate change, a global challenge that demands urgent and coordinated action. As a political studies student, I argue that the United States must prioritise international cooperation to mitigate climate change impacts through binding agreements and funding mechanisms for vulnerable nations. My primary recommendation is for Congress to support renewed commitment to global climate accords, such as the Paris Agreement, while advocating for increased financial assistance to developing countries. This opinion is significant because climate change transcends national borders, necessitating collective responsibility to ensure a sustainable future.
Background
Climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, has been a recognised global issue since the late 20th century. The establishment of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992 marked a critical step in addressing this crisis through international dialogue (Bodansky, 1993). The 2015 Paris Agreement further solidified global efforts by setting a target to limit warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Historically, the U.S. has played a pivotal role but has faced criticism for fluctuating commitment, notably withdrawing from the Paris Agreement in 2017 before rejoining in 2021. This inconsistency highlights the need for a stable policy framework to uphold international trust and progress.
Findings and Research
Research consistently underscores the necessity of international cooperation to combat climate change effectively. According to IPCC reports, global emissions must peak before 2025 to achieve net-zero by 2050, a target unattainable without collective action (IPCC, 2021). Furthermore, studies indicate that developing nations, despite contributing less to historical emissions, suffer disproportionately from climate impacts like rising sea levels and extreme weather (Eckstein et al., 2021). The U.S., as a major emitter, bears a moral and practical responsibility to lead. Evidence from the Global Climate Risk Index suggests that financial and technological support to vulnerable regions can significantly reduce adaptation costs and prevent loss of life (Eckstein et al., 2021). However, current U.S. contributions to international climate funds remain below pledged levels, limiting global progress.
Recommendation/Opinion
I recommend that Congress actively strengthens U.S. participation in international climate frameworks, particularly by honouring financial commitments to the Green Climate Fund, which supports mitigation and adaptation in developing nations. Additionally, legislative measures should ensure sustained engagement with the Paris Agreement, avoiding future withdrawals. Such actions would not only demonstrate leadership but also encourage other nations to meet their targets, fostering a collaborative global response.
Conclusion
In conclusion, addressing climate change through international cooperation aligns with both ethical imperatives and strategic interests. By reinforcing commitments to global accords and supporting vulnerable nations, the U.S. can lead by example, ensuring a safer, more equitable world. This recommendation is paramount, as failure to act collectively risks irreversible environmental and geopolitical consequences. Indeed, the urgency of this issue cannot be overstated—Congress must prioritise climate diplomacy to safeguard future generations.
Questions for Future Follow-Up
Several unanswered questions remain, such as the specific mechanisms for increasing U.S. contributions to climate funds without domestic political backlash. Additionally, how can Congress balance national interests with global obligations? Future steps include consulting with policy experts and conducting public opinion surveys to gauge support for international climate commitments, ensuring policies are both feasible and widely accepted.
References
- Bodansky, D. (1993) The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change: A Commentary. Yale Journal of International Law, 18(2), pp. 451-558.
- Eckstein, D., Künzel, V., and Schäfer, L. (2021) Global Climate Risk Index 2021. Germanwatch.
- IPCC (2021) Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
