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We didn't have a chance to discuss the global politics of climate change in #ChicagoIntroIR2019.
But if we had, it would have gone like this...
[THREAD]
But if we had, it would have gone like this...
[THREAD]
Key point is that one can't solely "tech" their way out of this (or really any) of the big problems facing humanity. This was recognized by Albert Einstein
In his 1947 "Open Letter to the United Nations", Einstein wrote (in specific reference to the challenges posed by nuclear arms and energy)
With respect to climate change, a similar sentiment was expressed recently by the @theNASciences
A 2011 report stated, "Limiting climate change requires global-scale efforts …. it is clear that strong, credible U.S. policies for reducing domestic emissions will help advance international-level efforts to do the same."
Of course, Bob and Bob in @World_Pol informed us that we shouldn't hold our collective breath for such an outcome because "Achieving cooperation is difficult in world politics"
Concerns about climate change have intensified A LOT recently, especially in the past 12 months (as discussed in this @sciam blog piece by @russellcris) https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/a-scary-year-for-climate-change/
What's the the concern? Well, 
The shape of the graph, especially the spike in temperatures at the end, coincides with a similar spike in CO2 emissions, as shown by @NASA data
The consequence is
Which, by raising sea levels, could wipe out entire countries or coastal cities. https://www.nbcnews.com/mach/science/three-islands-disappeared-past-year-climate-change-blame-ncna1015316
And that is just the "Tip of the Iceberg" when it comes to the scary consequences associated with climate change.
@cullenhendrix speaking on the @FLIxrisk podcast about the consequences of climate change for violent conflict https://futureoflife.org/2019/11/12/not-cool-ep-22-cullen-hendrix-on-climate-change-and-armed-conflict/
@cullenhendrix speaking on the @FLIxrisk podcast about the consequences of climate change for violent conflict https://futureoflife.org/2019/11/12/not-cool-ep-22-cullen-hendrix-on-climate-change-and-armed-conflict/
Speaking of the @FLIxrisk, I find it interesting that they consider "podcasts" to be an existential risk to humanity 
Given the scariness, why can't something be done?
Two problems:
(1) Distribution
(2) Information
Two problems:
(1) Distribution
(2) Information
Regarding Distribution Problems: @realDonaldTrump described it well (in a very Trumpian way) in an interview last year
In other words, "why should 
when 
& some others are bigger problems?"
when & some others are bigger problems?"
Regarding Information Problems: prediction is hard, especially about the future 
This uncertainty about the future can lead to a "time inconsistency problem": why incur costs NOW for an uncertain future benefit?
For these reasons, it's not surprising that previous attempts at international cooperation have not panned out.
These attempts include...
These attempts include...
...the 1997 Kyoto Protocol...
...and the 2015 Paris Accord
I recommend that the students read more about these issues in the @CambridgeUP book by @harrietbulkeley, Liliana B. Andonova, & Michele M. Betsill https://www.google.com/books/edition/Transnational_Climate_Change_Governance/eTIDBAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover
But the overall lesson is that while "solving" climate change will require political solutions ("you can't just 'tech' your way out of this), such solutions will be VERY difficult to achieve.
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