Short Response

Due Date: Tuesday (April 21)

The Question: Should the United States ratify the Kyoto Protocol?

Assignment:

• You will be assigned a stakeholder viewpoint from which to answer this question (see list below).
• Go to the two Kyoto-related website links below to read an overview of the issue
• Find your stakeholder assignment from the links for each class below
• Use the web or other resources to research the viewpoint for your stakeholder
• Write a 1 page position paper that outlines why we should or should not ratify the treaty based on your viewpoint

Tips

• To make this successful, you must immerse yourself in your viewpoint, regardless of your personal viewpoint on the issue.
• Find at least four sources to substantiate your views
• Don't be limited by the specifics of your viewpoint. For example, if you are the CEO of Exxon, you can find any source that deals with the questions from the viewpoint of major oil companies
• Don't be limited by what is on the web. Think about your stakeholder and use what you know about the world to analyze the issue from that perspective.
• You may "Google" Kyoto Protocol to get started with understanding the issues.
• Use your skills in systems thinking (e.g., economics, ethics, ecology, etc.) and your understanding of the global commons

Stakeholders

1. CEO of a major oil company, e.g., Exxon Oil, BP (choose one to focus on, but the choice is up to you)
2. Environmental Group - e.g. Sierra Club, Audobon Society, NWF (choose one to focus on, but the choice is up to you)
3. Republican, e.g. a Congressperson (John Bohner) or activist (Rush Limbaugh)
4. Democrat, e.g. a Congressperson (Nancy Pelosi) or activist (Robert Kennedy, Jr.)
5. A country that has already adopted the Kyoto Protocol (e.g., Germany, France, Japan)
6. A commuter who drives 300+ mi. per week

Resources to get started

• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
• U.S. Energy Information Administration

Stakeholder Assignments

• Fennessy Section
• Mauck Section