International theories and Copenhagen Climate Treaty

Introduction One week conference was held in Copenhagen in Denmark for two weeks; in December 2009 to fight against global warming, an effect of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. The participants included countries all over the world.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on International theories and Copenhagen Climate Treaty specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More President Obama of the U.S. was optimistic and had hoped that U.S. would be at the front line in the fight against global warming. However, expectations of the meeting failed even after about 45,000 people participation. This essay will discuss why the summit failed to accomplish its expectations. Two theories, neo-realism and neo-liberalism will be the basis of the discussion; with reference to the climate politics on the basis of international relations. International relations include law, economics, ethics, strategy, philosophy, culture, environment and policy an alysis (Relations 1). The theories of the approach, realism and neo-realism will also be discussed including their characteristics. Copenhagen Summit on Climate Change The Copenhagen summit was meant to create unity in reduction of greenhouse gases by involving countries all over the world. The inclusion was meant to allow all countries to play a role, whether big or small towards this event. This happened later after the introduction of the Kyoto protocol. Due to increased greenhouse gases emitted mostly by the developing countries, there was need to raise an alarm so as to reduce the influence of the gases to climate change and global warming; that had been seen to have negative impacts on the environment. The Copenhagen summit proposed for Copenhagen Green Climate Fund which would raise $100 billion annually to assist the developing countries; to protect themselves from global warming and to adapt to climate change (Wynn 1).Advertising Looking for essay on international rela tions? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The summit also emphasized on saving the tropical forests so as to stop depletion of carbon sinks. Farms and forest clearing contributed about 33% of the greenhouse gases. The Kyoto protocol seemed to omit some of the crucial areas that contribute to global warming. This is because it excludes green house emissions from shipping and aviation which emits about 5% of total GHG. Kyoto protocol had planned to reduce emissions by introduction of carbon trading in the markets. The emitting countries were supposed to be paying for the emissions they made (Wynn 1). Neo-realism and Neo-liberalism Theories These two international relations theories seek to explain different arguments but they apply some assumptions which are quite similar to each other. Neoliberals say, â€Å"International cooperation could be achieved gradually and with effort and facilitation from cross border institutions† (Ta ylor 1). Neo-liberalism accepts the fact that states are the key actors in international relations. However they do not underestimate the influence of the non states as well as the non governmental organizations. They argue that states can cooperate if they know they will benefit at the end of the deal. This theory also considers economic factors in relation to open, free markets and institutionalism. Neo-realism, â€Å"underestimates the ability of states to cooperate and overemphasize the inevitability of conflict† (Taylor 1). Neo-realism argues that nations are inclined to influence of external factors; and that there is usually domination of the powerful influencing decisions to their own interests. Climate politics showed that there was a great influence on relations between states. The result of the conference according to neo-realism was failure of cooperation and little achievement according to neo-realism. Role of International Actors The U.S. and China were the main actors in this conference. European Union, India, Australia, Japan and developing countries participated. They greatly affected the results of the summit. U.S is the greatest emitter of Green house gases. Its failure to ratify with the Kyoto Protocol was an excuse for China in this second proposal.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on International theories and Copenhagen Climate Treaty specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The U.S. president Barack Obama had great goals to change and contribute towards reduction of GHG emissions. The proposed draft prospects were to reduce emissions by 17% below 2005 emissions by 2020. The new solution was an agreement of many countries with a removal of Kyoto protocol and commitment of China, India and other countries with high economic growth (The New York times, 1). China, being one of the fast growing economies eliminated about 1.6 billion tons of Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere by the year 2010. It was also committed to reduce its emissions. China wanted a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 40% below 1990 levels by 2020. They also needed support to the developing countries from the developed countries. India believed that the global warming was mainly caused by the developed countries and thus it is their responsibility to deal with the problem. Being the forth highest country to emit carbon dioxide in the world, India looked onto the west to solve the problem. India had only their domestic interest other than cooperating to solve a global problem. European Union was a major participant in the Copenhagen talks (The New York times, 1). The European Union was committed to reduce GHG emissions but there was also a conflict between it, the wealthier and poor nations. The problem of funding its efforts has also been problematic. The target of European Union was to reduce emissions by 20% below 1990 levels by 2020. Australia was also supporting the idea of emissions trading. Their target was to cut emissions by 5% below those of year 2000 in a period of ten years. Japan was also committing to cut down their emissions by 7% of year 1990 (The New York times, 2). Developing countries also participated because global warming had adverse effects on their economy. Though they did not have large emissions, they were mostly affected by the effects of global warming. They faced drought, floods and storms. They needed developed countries to apply better technology in their equipment. They also needed aid to help in protection of their countries (The New York times 2).Advertising Looking for essay on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The international Copenhagen convention was thus more of Neo-realism. Most decisions were influenced by the powerful economically. The conflict between the U.S A and other rising economies including China brought a disagreement. In this case United States was not able to control the outcome. Constructivism was evident because according to social politics, the superior always affect the final decision. Thus, the greater the economic growth of a country, the more the influence it had on the final decision. However, at that time, U.S. did not make it to the final decision, because their opinion was opposed though it was thought to be a superior. President Obama had been committed to the great task and included all nations, developing and developed. The conference was said to be chaotic President Obama injected himself into a multilayered negotiation that was far more chaotic and contentious than anticipated – frozen by longstanding divisions between rich and poor nations and a l egacy of mistrust of the United States, which has long refused to accept binding limits on its greenhouse emissions. (New York Times 1) This shows that the conflict was brought by disagreements which were brought up by U.S and other powerful countries that did not want to be influenced or to be controlled. Reasons for Failure of Copenhagen Summit The political influence and individual country instability posed a great challenge in achieving the expected goals which were meant to stop climate change. This was a great idea but the problem was that the proposed solutions had a connection with many economical activities in different countries. Neo- liberalism was the approach of this conference since climate change problems could only be solved by having participants from all over the world. This was because it was a global challenge. Its assumption of cooperation between all countries failed and was therefore challenged by the Neo-realism theory (Thomas 1). This was clear because most countries were expecting good results and agreement between countries. However the turn up was positive and supported the Neo-liberalism. Neo-realism dominated because, most of the developing countries were relying on industries for their economic growth. Most of them had a negative impact on the environment, the control measures would perhaps mean closure of their industries because they would become subject to paying high bills for their emissions (Thomas 1). Failure of cooperation because of domestic interests caused failure of the Copenhagen summit objectives. Major countries were India and China. These together with other rising countries opposed the proposed solutions, since they would have had a great effect on their economy. Domestic instability caused some countries to feel insecure about the decisions made to overcome negative effects of climate Change. The conflict came as a result of rich countries failing to take their respective responsibilities. The agreement was supp osed to be made after the meeting where treaties of every country would be signed by their respective representative to show their support and agreement by the year 2010. The Chinese said they turned down the offer because United States had previously refused to cooperate in the Kyoto protocol (Thomas 1). The Kyoto protocol controls Green House Gases (GHG): â€Å"Kyoto protocol is an international agreement linked to the United Nations framework convention on climate change† (Kyoto Protocol 1). It works towards reduction of Green House gases emissions through Carbon trading, clean development mechanism and joint mechanism. Kyoto protocol committed those involved to control the GHG while the convention at Copenhagen was encouraging to decrease the emissions of GHG (Kyoto Protocol 1). Kyoto protocol controls almost 40 rich nations emissions from 2008-2012. Decision of whether the Copenhagen treaty would have been to sign a new or sign both treaties was a challenge to reach to a comprehensive decision. Failure of U.S to ratify the Kyoto protocol was one of the contentious issues since the Chinese blamed them for then emissions of the past years and argued they were supposed to first take responsibility of their emissions (Kyoto Protocol 1). Rich countries were supporting the signing of a common treaty including all countries. On the other hand developing countries were looking for a way to bind the United States on the decisions they were about to make in a way they could benefit from them. Time duration of how long the treaty was supposed to take was another problem the Copenhagen encountered. Conclusion Global warming and climate change are global issues which need participation from countries all over the world. The Copenhagen conference was mainly supported by the U.S. but opposed by other fast economically growing countries including China and India. Australia, Japan and most countries were optimistic about this event but their expectations were cut s hort after they were opposed. For a positive impact to occur, better planning involving all countries should be done. Each country should not focus on their domestic issues but approach the problem as global issue. Power and domestic issues only sabotaged the process. Works Cited Kyoto Protocol. United Nations Framework convention on climate change. Kyoto Protocol, 2011. Web. New York Times. Copenhagen Climate Talks. New York Times, 2011. Web. Relations. International Relations. Sage Publishers, 2011. Web. Taylor, Nicholus. The Neo debate in international relations Theory. Tayylormckeler, 2010. Web. The New York Times. Energy and Environment. New York Times, 2011. Web. Thomas, Alex. Why the United Nations Climate Change Conference Failed. Word Press, 2010. Web. Wynn, Gerard. What was agreed and left unfinished in U.N climate change. Reuters, 2011. Web. This essay on International theories and Copenhagen Climate Treaty was written and submitted by user Elise Walker to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The Later Years and Last Words of John Adams

The Later Years and Last Words of John Adams Thomas Jefferson still survives. These were the famous last words of Americas second president of the United States, John Adams. He died on July 4, 1826 at the age of 92, on the same day as President Thomas Jefferson. Little did he realize that he actually outlived his former rival who turned into great friend by a few hours.   The relationship between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams started cordially with both working on the draft of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson often visited with Adams and his wife Abigail after the death of Jeffersons wife Martha in 1782. When both were sent to Europe, Jefferson to France and Adams to England, Jefferson continued to write to Abigail. However, their budding friendship would soon come to an end as they became fierce political rivals during the early days of the republic. When new president George Washington was to choose a Vice President, both Jefferson and Adams were considered. However, their personal political views were quite different.  While Adams supported a stronger federal government with the new Constitution, Jefferson was a staunch advocate of states rights. Washington went with Adams and the relationship between the two men began to wane.   President and Vice President Ironically, due to the fact that Constitution did not originally differentiate between president and vice president candidates during presidential elections, whoever received the most votes became president, while the second most voter became the vice president. Jefferson became Adams Vice President in 1796.  Jefferson then went on to  defeat Adams for reelection in the  significant election of 1800. Part of the reason why Adams lost this election was due to the passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts. These four acts were passed as a response to the criticisms that Adams and the federalists were receiving by their political opponents. The Sedition Act made it so that any conspiracy against the government including interference with officers or riots would result in a high misdemeanor. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison were fiercely opposed to these acts and in response passed the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions. In Jeffersons Kentucky Resolutions, he argued that the states a ctually had the power of nullification against national laws which they found unconstitutional. Right before leaving office, Adams appointed a number of Jeffersons rivals to high positions in the government. This was when their relationship was truly at its lowest point.   In 1812,  Jefferson and John Adams  began to rekindle their friendship through correspondence. They covered many topics in their letters to each other including politics, life, and love. They ended up writing over 300 letters to each other.  Later in life, Adams vowed to survive until the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Both he and Jefferson were able to accomplish this feat, dying on the anniversary of its signing. With their death only one signer of the Declaration of Independence, Charles Carroll, was still alive. He lived until 1832.

An Ethical Evaluation Of The Israeli Palestinian Conflict Religion Essay

An Ethical Evaluation Of The Israeli Palestinian Conflict Religion Essay The Middle East is perhaps the most important region in the world. For followers of the three monotheistic faiths, it contains several holy cities, with the most important being Jerusalem. The violence in the region, specifically in Israel-Palestine, makes it difficult for observers of these religions to worship as they please. There have been many efforts to resolve the conflict begun in the first half of the twentieth century, from peace talks to international laws. However, nothing seems to have helped. The solution needs to be one that benefits all in the region and is ethical. It is impossible, however, to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with the current definition of ethics being used – ethics of obligations, rights, and claims. Instead, a new ethics of fairness and forgiveness needs to be followed. Memory also needs to experience a shift from a focus on vengeance to a focus on remembering justly. Terms Defined In order to better understand the terms used by diff erent groups examined within this paper, it is necessary to define basic terms and indicate in which ways they will be used. Israel will be used when referring to the present country of Israel. This does not include the occupied territories and is limited to the present day land. Eretz Israel will be used when necessary to describe the historically Biblical land of Israel. Any other forms of Israel discussed will be defined by the year or another trait. The occupied territories (OT) as a term will be used when discussing both the West Bank and Gaza Strip or, in different time periods, any of the lands Israeli forces occupied. If this is the case, the year will be given as well as a geographical description. During the Six Day War in 1967, for example, the Sinai Peninsula would also be an occupied territory. The West Bank was conquered by Israeli forces during the 1967 Six Day War and have been in relative control of the territory ever since. Current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin N etanyahu is planning yet more Israeli settlements within the West Bank. However, international organizations such as the United Nations believe the continued settlements to be illegal.   [ 1 ]   The Gaza Strip was controlled by Egypt until the 1967 war, when Israeli forces invaded and conquered it. In 1994, the Palestinian Authority (the governing body of the occupied territories) took political control of lands in the strip not being used by Israeli armed forces or settlers. East Jerusalem was taken over by Israeli forces during the Six Day War. According to UN Resolution 181, Jerusalem is supposed to be an international city, with a â€Å"special international regime† which â€Å"shall be administered by the United Nations.†Ã‚   [ 2 ]    Fundamentalism is defined by the Encyclopedia Britannica as a â€Å"type of militantly conservative religious [and/or political] movement characterized by the advocacy of strict conformity to sacred texts.†Ã‚   [ 3 ]   To the American public, this term generally is associated with Islamic fundamentalists. Within any religion, however, there can be different groups of fundamentalists. Islamic fundamentalists often restrict themselves to very literal interpretations of the Qur’an, their main holy text, and the Hadith, a book about the life of the Prophet Muhammad. Islamic fundamentalists are often associated with Islamism. Not all Islamic fundamentalists are Islamists, but generally speaking, all Islamists are Islamic fundamentalists. Islamists want a religious state, with Islamic law, or Shari’a, replacing secular laws. Islamists also promote the notion of pan-Islamism, or the unity of all Muslims, and the elimination of non-Islamic influences, such as western ideals, practices, and more.   [ 4 ]   For many, this means waging a holy war against outsiders, known as a lesser jihad in mainstream Islam.

Short research paper Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Short paper - Research Proposal Example Interestingly enough, there is a similar program in the United States to provide low-cost laptops (approximately $500) for teachers in cash-strapped school districts, and as this illustrates the impetus to provide computers to people is growing as the need for computer literacy becomes crucial for the economic viability of a nation, the US being no exception. (Markoff) In this paper we will briefly examine the differences in computer utilization in Brazil and the United States, and will focus on three main areas of utilization, general, governmental, and academic usage. Brazil is a nation of 190 million people and approximately 43 million internet users (CIA World Fact Book). Assuming that the overwhelming majority of computer users access the internet at some point, this places the percentage of personal computer utilization at 22.6%. In comparison the personal computer utilization in the United States is over 66% with more than 200 million internet users. This discrepancy is due to a number of issues, a lack of economic development and infrastructure. Brazil has made significant strides in increasing internet usage, in 1992 less than one-half of one percent of Brazilians had internet access (Leao 35). According to an e-Government for Development Conference held in 2006, Brazil ranks 18th in governmental internet and computer utilization, whereas the US ranks 1st in that same benchmark (Leao 6). Though 11.7% of households have a computer, the technology gap between rural communities and urban centers in Brazil is immense with nearly 95% of those h ouseholds located in major metropolitan areas like, Sao Paolo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasilia. This particular digital divide is the sort of problem that the OLPC is trying to resolve through its introduction of low-cost laptops. Brazil is generating its own initiatives to resolve this issue through GESAC, a government

Research 3 software applications with balanced scorecard, business Term Paper

Research 3 software applications with balanced scorecard, business intelligence, business analytics and predictive analytics tha - Term Paper Example an effectively reduce a large computation work into a set of sizable computations thereby improving the speed, capability and accuracy of the applications (Winkler, 2011). Analytics applications are often regarded as a sub set of performance management because they are closely related to the analysis of various business processes such as potential risks and account payable analytics and this is critically important during the decision making processes. This paper discuses the three main business analytics applications such as SPSS analytics, SAS analytics application and Oracle analytics software as well ass their potential deployment in cloud computing. IBM’s SPSS predictive software is currently one of the widely used business applications that enable managers to effectively and accurately predict a number of business operations to enable them make smarter decisions, solve their business problems as well as improve outcomes. As predictive analytics software, SPSS provided an integrated approach to predictive analytics through a number of distinct application packages such as data collection, statistics, Modeler and decision management software. Competition in the current business world has been seen at various points and the need to focus so that to remain profitable has encouraged the use of SPSS predictive soft ware and SAS Analytics application software. These softwares have become important tools for analysis of business performance and prediction of the direction an organization takes in terms of strategies and management in order to remain profitable. It has been observed that through usage of such software it has increased the forecast into performance and enabled businesses to make informed decisions. Through such various organizations have gained insights... r of business operations to enable them make smarter decisions, solve their business problems as well as improve outcomes. As predictive analytics software, SPSS provided an integrated approach to predictive analytics through a number of distinct application packages such as data collection, statistics, Modeler and decision management software. It is currently one of the popular business application software used in business development to gather, analyze interpret and make decisions on the viability and future changes in strategy and concepts. This software have been beneficial to many businesses and organizations. Oracle business analytics is another important application with business intelligence, business analytics and predictive analytics which can be effectively deployed via cloud computing. There are a number of organizational implications of deploying business analytics applications via cloud computing. In conclusion, cloud computing is a new technology that has significan tly influenced the use of business intelligence applications.

An Analysis of Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences Essay Example for Free

An Analysis of Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences Essay The purpose of this paper is to explore Howard Gardner’s theory on multiple intelligences. I will focus on spatial and bodily-kinesthetic intelligences and how linguistic intelligence has an underlying effect on the other intelligences. Spatial and bodily-kinesthetic intelligences would seem to be very distant from linguistic intelligence, however I believe that they are more similar then one might expect. Spatial intelligence can be loosely defined as the ability to manipulate and recreated the physical work in ones mind. Artists often use this intelligence as they take an actual object and are able to manipulate it onto a canvas or piece of paper. Many IQ tests have a section that tests the ability of a person in their use of block design. Students who excel in spatial intelligence have the ability to recreate within their mind the things that they see visually. Gardner states, â€Å"The left hemisphere of the brain has, over the course of evolution, been selected as the pre-eminent site for linguistic processing, the right hemisphere of the brain, and in particular the posterior portions of the right hemisphere, proves to be the site most crucial for special processing† (Gardner, p. 181). Gardner is trying to show how separate in the brain spatial and linguistic intelligence really are. By isolating the intelligences, Gardner focuses on the idea of savants and brain damage to prove his theory that the intelligences are totally separate. Eliminating part of the brain would still allow for someone to be successful and intelligent at spatial abilities. His idea is that even if a person lost their ability to speak or the ability to use their hands, that their other intelligences could possibly still work at a high level. I agree with his theory, however I think the intelligences overlap more then he may believe. Linguistic intelligence seems to have a basis in spatial intelligence also. Many students might do just fine being able to read a word problem and then form the design in their head. Gardner gives an example, â€Å"Take a square piece of paper, fold it in one half, then fold it twice again in half. How many squares exist after this final fold? † (Gardner, p. 171). This idea shows how linguistic intelligence can be used when dealing with a student who has a greater spatial intelligence. Even without the student physically being able to fold the piece of paper they could still solve the problem due to their linguistic intelligence. Gardner shows this idea as he talks about people having distinct separate intelligences, but that each intelligence has the ability to overlap with another. I also decided to talk about his theory of bodily-kinesthetic intelligence because I feel this intelligence goes together well with spatial intelligence. Both of these intelligences are educated best by going away from the traditional teaching methods of reading and writing. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is the ability for a person to use their body to solve a problem. This can be seen in many athletes and other people who are very active. Some people are born with a higher bodily-kinesthetic intelligence then others. Tests on reaction time have shown that some people are born with almost superhuman reaction time ability. This reaction time allows them to hit a baseball with such success that cannot be taught. Parts of this intelligence can be learned by studying similar to some of the more the academic intelligences, however bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is not viewed as an academic intelligence. Wayne Gretzky said, â€Å"Nine out of ten people think what I do is instinct†¦. It isn’t. Nobody would ever say a doctor had learned had profession by instinct: yet in my own way I’ve spent almost as much time studying hockey as a med student puts in studying medicine† (Gardner, p. 231). Both a hockey player and a surgeon rely on their body to perform at a high level. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is just not brute force but the ability to read what is happening, and then adapt. In football, a player will tackle another player, although before that happens the tackling player must read the play to get a path take on the ball carrier. A surgeon can have perfect skills in using their hands to operate but they also need the ability to learn the correct procedures. These ideas show that a person can be above average in more then one intelligence and that is in fact fairly common. The traditional way of teaching is through reading and writing that puts an emphasis on linguistic intelligence. Gardner’s theory is to separate the intelligences by showing that even a person who loses the ability to use part of their brain will still be able to function at a high level at some other intelligences. Gardner points out that he believes the intelligences are separate, but that they rarely operate separately and more often then not there are several intelligences working together. This is how linguistic intelligence is so important to the overall learning of a student. Most tests such as IQ tests put an emphasis on how well a person does on verbal section of the test. Gardner said, â€Å"I have already noted that many retarded children display a surprising ability to master language†¦ Even more striking are those rare children who, despite retardation or autism, prove able to read at an astonishingly early age† (Gardner, p. 84-85). This is apparent when talking about a surgeon who loses the ability to use their hands and so they cannot operate on patients anymore. They may not have the ability to physically do the operation anymore but they can still instruct someone else to do the surgery. This surgeon has lost their ability to use their hands but their brain is still intact so they can use their linguistic intelligence to instruct another person to perform the operation. Gardner does not think linguistic intelligence is more important than any of the other intelligences, but I believe that linguistic intelligence sets the basis for the other intelligences. Without this intelligence the student will not be able to understand what that teacher is trying to convey in class. Language is important for the student to get through school, however a student could get though school without fully realizing their full spatial intelligence. Linguistic intelligence allows a student to gain the ability to study the concepts and then apply them to the other intelligences such as bodily-kinesthetic intelligence. One cannot expect someone to just learn all the intricate details of boxing and then to go into the ring and win a title. This can only happen with some intelligence that is born within the person. Intelligences are within everyone but it is hard for a person to know exactly what intelligence they posses the strongest. Howard Gardner’s idea of multiple intelligences stems from his belief that each person has different intelligences that they posses. These intelligences are inherently separate due to the fact that because of brain damage, a person can lose an intelligence while still being able to perform at a high level on other intelligences. Gardner does not believe that linguistic intelligence is more important then the others, however in our society we put such a great emphasis on linguistic intelligence. A student can fall behind in their linguistic development and due to our societies testing and basis in teaching the student might not attain high grades. This does not mean the student is not smart, it just means that they might excel at a different type of intelligence. Overall, Gardner explains how each person has many different forms of intelligence that they could be above average in.

Racism Speech by Charles R. Lawrence -- Papers Analysis Race Essays

Racism Speech by Charles R. Lawrence In the following essay, Charles R. Lawrence encompasses a number of reasons that racist speech should not be protected by the First Amendment. In this document, he exhibits his views on the subject and what he feels the society should confront these problems. In this well- written article, he provides strong evidence to prove his point and to allow the reader to see all aspects of the issue. On Racist Speech Charles Lawrence has been active in his use of the First Amendment rights since he was a young boy. When confronted with the issue of racist speech, he feels that it needs to be diminished by society as a unit, because this discrimination does not just effect one person, but society as a whole. There are many reasons that this issue disturbs Lawrence. The first being the fact that the use of racist speech on college and university campuses has greatly risen since the past. Another reason he is troubled is the fact that there are actual people being victimized and being perceived as a minority because of race, sex, class ...