GeoPolitics of Sustainable Energy

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Purpose:

You are a team of energy policy advisors with various backgrounds tasked with trying to research and draft an international climate/energy agreement. The agreement is an initiative by the energy advisors to the US government and to the Chinese government to promote long-term environmental, economic and industrial health. In a group of 4, compose a 5-10 minute proposal (with Google Docs) with visuals that clearly state what you think governments are, can, and should, and/or shouldn’t be doing to promote green/alternative/sustainable energy and curb carbon emissions. You can create a general argument or choose a specific energy to focus on.

>> QUESTIONS to ANSWER DURING THE COURSE OF YOUR PRESENTATION <<

1. WINNERS AND LOSERS: Who are the losers with this plan? Who stands to gain the most? How will these constituents be convinced/dealt with/brought on board?

2. PROJECTED REDUCTION: What is the actual predicted long-term and short-term reduction in dangerous fossil fuel emissions? What technologies/methods are most supporting?

3. PUBLIC PERCEPTION: What do your average citizens of both countries think, and what are the obstacles and challenges to gaining support of public opinion?

4. LEGISLATION: How will you pass legislation to support it?

5. COST: Who will pay for this? How will it affect the global economy? How will it affect local and national economies? How does this affect a highly developed country like the US, vs. a growing country like China?

6. POLICY NAME: Come up with a catchy and/or meaningful name.

Any or all of the following topics can also be included in your argument:

Energy Subsidies
Taxes and Tax Incentives
Public Opinion Challenges and Opportunities in various regions
Mandates
Climate Bills
Education and Social Awareness
Investment in Research (private or public)
Cap and Trade Laws
Long-Term Regional Agreements
Trade Tariffs

What will make your argument good?:

Use examples of methods that have worked in the past or may be working now
Cite viable sources for your argument
Talk about broad and specific examples (i.e. what can be done in general? What can be done with bio-fuel in the Midwest?)
If you know there are specific drawbacks to an idea, point them out but also point out why the positives out way drawbacks.
Include goals and dates.
Include good visuals and graphs.
Consider all economic classes.
Consider the realities of globalization and the current national economy.
Divide and conquer! Don’t all research the same things.

Participation rule: