The “Second Generation”

1. The “Second Generation” Globalization and Environmental Management

2. 2nd Generation? • This is a term coined by Prof. Lynton Caldwell to describe the difference between past env problems, and future ones • First-Generation Problems were those that could be handled at the National level • Such as the EPA, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, etc.

3. 2nd Generation • “Second Generation Problems” are those that cannot be effectively handled at the level of the state—it is just not big enough • Global Problems, for instance, head this list. • There are many global problems, by no means all of them are environmental

4. 2nd Generation Environmental Problems • #1 has to be Global Atmospheric Change

5. 2nd Generation Environmental Problems • Briefly, the Environmental 2nd Generation Problems are: • Climate Change—with its many different effects • Changes in the distribution of diseases and the global spread of mutant diseases • Rising Sea Level

6. How do we handle these now? • By trying to find some way for 200 countries to work together • This pits national interests against global interests, just like we pit individual interests against collective interest. • The sum of all state interests is not necessarily global management We rely on Treaties for cooperative action.

7. How Effective are Existing Methods • Sometimes they work because all states perceive it to be in their interest that it should work. Example: Ozone Treaty

8. How Effective are Existing Methods • However, the Kyoto Protocol on Carbon Dioxide is a disaster because countries, including the US and Australia think it puts them at a specific disadvantage.

9. Right Now • We are trapped between the traditional model of the sovereign state, and the scale of emerging problems • Either we develop a much better sense of collective action, or we choose to give up part of our sovereignty.