Solving Global Problems: A Class Discussion

Introduction

Welcome, global citizens! Today, we're going to dive into some of the biggest challenges facing our world and discuss how different countries and international organizations work together (or sometimes don't) to solve them. Think about how these problems affect everyone, not just one country.

Discussion Questions

1. Climate Change: Climate change is a global issue. What are some specific ways countries and international bodies (like the UN or the Paris Agreement) try to address it? What makes it so difficult to get everyone to agree and act?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Global Pandemics: We've all experienced a global pandemic recently. How did countries and organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) respond? What were the successes and challenges of global cooperation during that time?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Human Rights: Issues like genocide, refugees, and human trafficking are violations of human rights that often cross borders. What role do international laws and organizations play in protecting human rights globally? What are the limitations?
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Economic Inequality & Poverty: Why is global economic inequality considered a challenge for global governance? How do international financial institutions (like the IMF or World Bank) try to address poverty and promote economic stability worldwide?
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Cybersecurity: In our increasingly digital world, cyberattacks can impact multiple countries. How can nations work together to create

International Treaty Negotiation: The Ocean Plastic Crisis

Scenario

It is the year 2040. The global ocean plastic crisis has reached catastrophic levels, threatening marine life, human health, and economies worldwide. Scientists predict that if no significant action is taken, there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050. Nations are gathered at an emergency summit to negotiate a binding international treaty to address this crisis.

Your Task

Your group represents a delegation from a specific type of nation (assigned below). Your goal is to negotiate a treaty with other nations that effectively addresses the ocean plastic crisis while also protecting your nation's interests. You will need to consider the perspectives of other nations and compromise to reach an agreement.

Group Roles (Assign within your group):

• Head Negotiator: Leads the discussion, presents arguments, and seeks common ground.
• Resource Expert: Focuses on the economic and scientific data related to plastic production, waste management, and potential solutions. Keeps track of feasible solutions and costs.
• Environmental Advocate: Ensures the treaty prioritizes environmental protection and sustainable practices.
• Scribe/Reporter: Takes notes on key points, compromises, and the final agreed-upon treaty clauses. Will report back to the class.

National Delegations (Your Teacher Will Assign Your Group One of the Following):

Delegation A: Major Industrialized Nation (e.g., USA, Germany, Japan)

Interests:

• Protecting domestic industries that rely on plastic production or packaging.
• Maintaining economic growth and trade relations.
• Willing to invest in new technologies but wary of excessive financial burdens.
• Strong scientific and technological capabilities for solutions.

Negotiating Stance: Advocate for market-based solutions, technological innovation, and shared responsibility. Resist strict bans that could harm industry but are open to recycling mandates and investment in waste infrastructure in developing nations.

Delegation B: Developing Coastal Nation (e.g., Indonesia, Philippines, Ghana)

Interests:

• Severe impact from ocean plastic pollution on fisheries, tourism, and public health.
• Lack of adequate waste management infrastructure and resources.
• Reliance on imports of goods packaged in plastic.
• Seeking financial and technological assistance from wealthier nations.

Negotiating Stance: Advocate for strong regulations on plastic production, financial aid for waste management, and a ban on wealthy nations exporting plastic waste to their shores.

Delegation C: Small Island Developing State (SIDS) (e.g., Maldives, Fiji, Seychelles)

Interests:

• Extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels and ocean pollution.
• Economies heavily dependent on pristine marine environments (tourism, fishing).
• Limited resources and minimal contribution to global plastic production.
• High moral authority on environmental issues.

Negotiating Stance: Demand aggressive targets for plastic reduction, significant financial compensation for environmental damage, and legally binding commitments from major polluters. Advocate for a global fund to support sustainable alternatives.

Delegation D: Major Plastic Producing Nation (e.g., China, India, Saudi Arabia - with large petrochemical industries)

Interests:

• Protecting a significant industrial sector that employs many citizens.
• Concerns about economic competitiveness if strict regulations are imposed.
• Willing to contribute to solutions but prioritizes national development.
• Developing new recycling technologies and materials.

Negotiating Stance: Advocate for a phased approach to reduction, emphasize investment in recycling technology and infrastructure, and resist immediate, widespread bans that could disrupt their economies.

Treaty Clauses to Consider (Discuss and agree on at least 5):

1. Plastic Production & Consumption: Should there be limits? Bans on certain types of plastic? Incentives for alternatives?
   
   
   
   
2. Waste Management: Who is responsible for improving waste collection and recycling infrastructure globally? How will it be funded?
   
   
   
   
3. Polluter Pays Principle: Should nations or corporations that produce the most plastic be held financially responsible for cleanup and mitigation efforts?
   
   
   
   
4. Technological Innovation: How can we encourage and share new technologies for biodegradable plastics, recycling, and ocean cleanup?
   
   
   
   
5. Enforcement & Monitoring: How will compliance with the treaty be monitored and enforced? What are the consequences for non-compliance?
   
   
   
   
6. Financial & Technical Assistance: How will developing nations and SIDS receive support to implement treaty goals?
   
   
   
   
7. Public Awareness & Education: What role does public education play in reducing plastic consumption?
   
   
   
   

Final Treaty Document

Once your group has negotiated and agreed upon the key clauses, write down your proposed treaty. Be prepared to present your treaty and explain your key compromises and priorities to the class.

Our Treaty: The Global Ocean Plastic Reduction Agreement of 2040

Preamble: (Briefly state the urgency and purpose of the treaty)

Article 1: Reduction Targets

Article 2: Waste Management Infrastructure

Article 3: Funding and Assistance

Article 4: Innovation and Technology Transfer

Article 5: Enforcement and Compliance

Signatories: (List the types of nations that would agree to this treaty)