thank you again for joining us on our very first NTNU MUN Society Workshop. It was great to see rigorous discussion among groups; and most of all, to see each one of you taking the chance to speak up!
I hereby post the documents of Workshop I and PPT slide.
A. Video and Your Ideas
--- Al Gore's New Thinking On the Climate Crisis
(** Bonus: David Keith's Unusual Climate Change Idea
Professor Keith proposes an idea that is cheaper, faster and more effective on combating climate change. Yet is it without its downside? What is it?)
1. From the video, we know that the in the list of challenge to confront, climate change is still at the bottom. Why do you think is the case?
2. What is the role of developing countries in dealing with climate change issues?
3. Further, what is the role of developed countries in this crisis?
4. According to Al Gore, the best solution is to "put a price on carbon."
What do you think will be the advantage of charging the CO2 tax?
5. What might be the downside effect of charging CO2 tax?
B. Thinking in Depth: Find out the answers at home!
1. We have heard the term "emission trading" in Al Gore's speech,
hat is emission trading?
2. What can be the problem of emission trading?
3. Can emission trading really help?
C. Group Discussion
Self-reflection:
1. What have you learn about the climate change?
2. What is your country position?
3. What do you think you and your country can deal with climate change?
Now is time for you to show us what you and your country can do!
A) As we all know that, climate change has affected different countries differently. Please provide example of the effect in different countries.
B) Now the power of developing countries like China and India are growing rapidly. Do you think they have the responsibility for our environment? Why?
C) If you were developed countries or developing countries, what do you think about China or India’s position in being responsible of climate change?
D) Government of Maldives is sending rescue to the world. How can the world do to help them? What can be done to deal with the climate change issue?
E) What is the difference between looking at this issue as a non-government representative (or individual), and looking at it as a country's representative.
F) Do you know any good policies which governments/organizations are promoting? Please share with everyone!
Role Play: As a Diplomat!
( You are encouraged to do further research on countries' stances.)
Topic: How to cooperate in solving issues of climate change internationally?
Country Position
PR China
A great deal of development projects in PR China would generate CO2 emission. It is hard to lessen the emission as well as to maintain the low cost for sustainable equipment needed. To impose carbon tax will push multinational companies out of the country. Thus, PR China opposes to carbon tax.
USA
It is not necessary to impose carbon tax. According the USA experts, it is more important to promote the value of environment protection among people. Besides, we will also put more emphasis on developing the alternative energy.
Germany
We should take immediate actions to save the environment. Germany has contributed to invest environment friendly architecture materials, and is dedicated to support worldwide usage of the green materials. It will be disappointing if other developed countries do not make efforts on the problems.
Brazil
People always ask us to preserve the trees. However, the request is equal to ask Brazil people not to make a living. It is more important to reach the consensus that developed countries should not avoid their responsibilities. If everyone may let go part of their benefits, the problem will be solved.
Australia
Australia now faces the issue of drought. It is urgent to solve the problem. Australia is willing to take the lead to decrease the carbon emission. However, it should be not the responsibility only for a single country. The carbon tax should be strictly enforced in order to deal with issues of climate change.
Coordinator's Cornor:
I was walking around groups while you were devoted to discussioins; and I heard some ideas and reflections that I would like to share with you.
One of you described the excessive use of resources in the U.S.. That echoed my experience the past summer in the country. I was surprised to be served all my meals and drinks in polystyrene plastic (Styrofoam). That would be the material we commonly used maybe about 5 -10 years back in Taiwan. Besides that, the air-conditioners are never turned off in university buildings. You can imagine it is just a very tiny little miniature of the country and some other countries in the world behave. If we are to consider industrial use of resources... well, it exceeds my imagination of how MUCH that can be.
Many of you, along with activists worldwide resort to the solution to the very core issue of education. The fundamental effect of education on climate change issues and all others can never be underestimated. Through education, we are forming our attitude and habit towards life and the world. For all students from our university, the teachers to-be, that is the responsibility we carry.
Some of you also brought about the potential contribution from various industries. I agree that either industrial, agricultural and commercial industries work better when together. All industries need better consensus and an efficient and effective collaberation.
And here is where public policy comes to be powerful and effective. Governments in this case can function as a "strong hand" that guides and pushes all sectors to contribute to a sustainable environment. Obama adminitration was mentioned in our workshop; and is dubbed as a green admin. Whereas its predecessor had something else in mind. What makes the difference possible, and why ? Probably education can provide answers.
Lastly, we all acknowledge the project to save the world is by no means an easy one. I would say, it is itself a learning process. The issues teach government and people alike on how to think beyond yourself , and how to cooperate in order to bring about the more satisfactory outcome. Kyoto Protocol, the Copenhagen Summit and all multilateral treaties were the trademark of such human endeavour. Climate change, global warming and the affiliated issues such as hygiene, refugee, human rights, await each one of us to action, now.
We look forward to seeing you the coming Saturday for Workshop II on SOCHUM Committee, which topics are "The right to development" and "The right of Disabled Persons".
You are more than welcome to have your comments here or to e-mail us!
Best regards,
Diana
Director of Academic Division
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