Preparing and Writing: for the final project you will be preparing a research paper on a climate related topic in which you have developed a particular interest during this course. Keep this in mind as you begin your readings. Your research paper should be a standard college paper of 5-7 pages with an extensive, informative, and current bibliography,
You should use a minimum of five outside references and be sure to include them in a works cited page.
Many state and local governments in the U.S. have decided to ratify the Kyoto Protocol or implement CO2 emissions reductions on their own, despite the federal government’s decision not to sign onto Kyoto (decision as of January 2009). students will research and analyze one of the following three local or state programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Please evaluate the program based upon: 1) its cost to implement, 2) political and economic factors supporting or prohibiting its success, 3) calculations of anticipated carbon emission reductions, and 4) whether it is replicable at other levels of government. Students may select from one of the following:
You should plan to find analyses of the Plans that provide cost:benefit type analyses. Some of these should be critical of the plans, and you should present a balanced view that not only summarizes the plans as conceived by the agencies but also point out potential weaknesses.
The final project must be typed, double-spaced, and include the following sections:
- Introduction
- Problem Statement
- Proposed Policy Changes(s)
- Barriers and Challenges to Success (relate to similar existing proposals)
- Calculated Economic Costs of Implementation (include direct & non-direct)
- Calculated Anticipated Reduction Levels in Carbon Emissions
- Additional Funding Needs for Implementation/Public Education
- Summary of Policy Effectiveness
- Works Cited
