Climate Conflict

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Climate Conflict Climate Conflict: Players and Tactics in the Greenhouse Game A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY From UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG By PATRICK RICHARD HODDER Bachelor of Arts (Honours) University of Wollongong 2007 SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION 2011 Certification I, Patrick Richard Hodder, declare that this thesis, submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy in the School of Social Sciences, Media and Communication, University of Wollongong, is wholly my own work, unless otherwise referenced or acknowledged. The document has not been submitted for qualifications at any other academic institution. ………………………………………….. Patrick Richard Hodder 14 June 2011 i Publications in support of this thesis Hodder, PR, ‗Australian climate change politics under the Howard and Rudd governments‘, Revised and resubmitted. Hodder, PR, ‗Credibility games: climate change critics in the Australian quality press‘, submitted for review. Hodder, PR 2010, ‗Lobby groups and front groups: Industry tactics in the climate change debate‘, Melbourne Journal of Politics, vol. 34, pp. 45-81. Hodder, PR 2009, ‗The hidden dangers of an emissions trading scheme‘, Social Alternatives, vol. 28, no. 4, pp. 49-53. Hodder, PR and Martin, B 2009, ‗Climate Crisis? The politics of emergency framing‘, Economic and Political Weekly, vol. 44, no. 36, pp. 53-60. Hodder, PR 2008, ‗Carbon pollution: Reduction scheme or soft option?‘, Australian Review of Public Affairs, available online, http://www.australianreview.net/digest/2008/09/hodder.html Text from the first four papers and ideas from all six are used in this thesis. ii Contents Certification ................................................................................................................ i Publications in support of this thesis ......................................................................... ii List of Tables ............................................................................................................... ix List of Figures ............................................................................................................... x Abbreviations ............................................................................................................. xii Abstract ....................................................................................................................... xv Acknowledgements ................................................................................................. xvi Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1 Concepts of Power ................................................................................................. 4 Social construction and the sociology of science .................................................. 8 Contemporary approaches to climate change ...................................................... 13 The backfire model .............................................................................................. 17 Methodology ............................................................................................................ 26 Data sources ......................................................................................................... 26 Use of terms ......................................................................................................... 27 Limitations of the research ................................................................................... 28 Thesis structure ........................................................................................................ 31 Chapter 1: Climate systems and climate change .................................................... 33 Chapter 2: Policy Options ......................................................................................... 47 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 47 Policy context........................................................................................................... 47 Economic or Market Instruments......................................................................... 50 Emissions Trading Schemes ................................................................................ 52 Carbon Tax ........................................................................................................... 55 iii Conclusion on market instruments....................................................................... 56 Feed-in tariffs ....................................................................................................... 57 Renewable Energy Targets .................................................................................. 59 Subsidies and Rebates .......................................................................................... 60 Regulation ............................................................................................................ 61 ‗Clean coal‘ .......................................................................................................... 66 Nuclear power ...................................................................................................... 68 Renewable Energy Plan ....................................................................................... 70 Transport and Integrated Urban Planning ............................................................ 71 Forest policy......................................................................................................... 72 Agriculture Policy ................................................................................................ 74 Immigration Policy .............................................................................................. 75 Economic growth and a Green New Deal............................................................ 78 Conclusions on Policy options ............................................................................. 80 Chapter 3: Agendas and Interests ............................................................................ 83 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 83 The media and public agenda .............................................................................. 84 Agenda access and agenda building .................................................................... 86 Problem definition ............................................................................................... 87 Interest groups and direct access to government ................................................. 88 Agenda management ............................................................................................ 90 Chapter 4: Government ............................................................................................ 95 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 95 Political challenges .................................................................................................. 96 Obstacles to international agreement ................................................................... 98 iv Australia‘s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Profile ..................................................... 106 Australian historical and political context ............................................................. 108 Hawke and Keating Labor Governments ........................................................... 108 Voluntary programs ........................................................................................... 110 The Kyoto Protocol ............................................................................................ 112 Howard Federal Government ................................................................................. 113 The Energy White Paper: Securing Australia‘s Energy Future (2004) ............. 114 The Stern review ................................................................................................ 115 The Prime Ministerial Task Group on emissions trading: The Shergold Report117 The Garnaut Climate Change Review ............................................................... 119 The agenda management techniques of government ............................................. 125 The Howard Government ...................................................................................... 126 Cover-up and access to information .................................................................. 126 Devaluation ........................................................................................................ 126 Reinterpretation.................................................................................................. 127 Official channels ................................................................................................ 130 Pressure .............................................................................................................. 132 The Rudd Government ........................................................................................... 133 Validation ........................................................................................................... 133 Reinterpretation.................................................................................................
Recommended publications
  • Industry Associations & ASX Companies
    Industry Associations, ASX Companies, Shareholder Interests and Lobbying CONTENTS About the Authors ........................................................................................................................ 3 ACCR ............................................................................................................................................ 3 About ISS-caer ............................................................................................................................. 3 About the Report .......................................................................................................................... 4 Foreword ...................................................................................................................................... 4 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 5 Report Structure .......................................................................................................................... 6 PART 1 - Background ................................................................................................................... 8 What is an Industry Association? .............................................................................................. 8 Advantages and Disadvantages of Belonging to an Industry Association ........................... 10 Australian Legislation and Regulations Covering Industry Associations ............................. 11
    [Show full text]
  • The Social Construction of Climate Change: Deconstructing the Climate Change Debate in Australia
    The Social Construction of Climate Change: Deconstructing the Climate Change Debate in Australia Author Hytten, Karen F Published 2013 Thesis Type Thesis (PhD Doctorate) School Griffith School of Environemnt DOI https://doi.org/10.25904/1912/1670 Copyright Statement The author owns the copyright in this thesis, unless stated otherwise. Downloaded from http://hdl.handle.net/10072/366505 Griffith Research Online https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au The Social Construction of Climate Change Deconstructing the Climate Change Debate in Australia _________________________________________________________________________ Karen F. Hytten B Env Mgt (Hons) 31 May 2013 Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, Brisbane. i ii Abstract _________________________________________________________________________ Since the 1980s there has been a growing recognition of the significant risks associated with climate change. By 2007, the scientific evidence that anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions were causing global warming was irrefutable. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released its Fourth Assessment Report which describes in great detail the biophysical and social impacts of climate change, some of which are already being experienced. Many argue that Australia is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. It is also widely acknowledged that as one of the highest per-capita emitters in the world, Australia has a particular responsibility to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. However, despite this, Australia’s response to climate change has been largely inadequate, giving rise to a need for research into factors shaping this response. Research has identified the important role that discourses play in shaping perceptions of climate change and responses to the issue.
    [Show full text]
  • The Justice Academy Journal Law and Justice Executive Series Special Edition
    The Justice Academy Journal Law and Justice Executive Series Special Edition Critical Thinking, Common Fallacies, and Leadership One of my all-time favorite movies was Tom Clancy’s, Hunt for Red October. Within that movie there is a scene that I found fascinating within my capacity as a university professor teaching logic and statistics. The scene involves a JusticeAcademy.org meeting of top level decision makers who are gathered around a table in the basement of the Whitehouse, and after a briefing given by Jack Ryan pertain- he Justice Academy serves as a national repository ing to the design, construction, and launch of a new Russian submarine, the and portal for instructional programs and special- ized training materials that are produced by law National Security Advisor who is chairing the meeting asks Admiral Greer enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and the (the character played by James Earl Jones) what conclusions he has made. courts and makes these educational assets availa- ble to the general law enforcement community, at The Admiral responded, “Sir, the data support no conclusions as of yet”. I no charge. thought this statement was one of the more profound expressions that I had JusticeAcademy.org also sponsors comprehensive research into a variety of issues relative to the law ever heard in any movie. What an astonishing and refreshing response I and justice professions, as well as authoring and thought to myself. He was exactly right that it was premature, given the lim- advancing national strategic initiatives that deal with specific challenges. The intention of this ited information available at the time, to base any decision about the Rus- service is to support professional development, sian’s intent, mission, or objectives.
    [Show full text]
  • Columbia University Task Force on Climate: Report
    COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE: REPORT Delivered to President Bollinger December 1, 2019 UNIVERSITY TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE FALL 2019 Contents Preface—University Task Force Process of Engagement ....................................................................................................................... 3 Executive Summary: Principles of a Climate School .............................................................................................................................. 4 Introduction: The Climate Challenge ..................................................................................................................................................... 6 The Columbia University Response ....................................................................................................................................................... 7 Columbia’s Strengths ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7 Columbia’s Limitations ...................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Why a School? ................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 A Columbia Climate School .................................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Pathway to a Green New Deal: Synthesizing Transdisciplinary Literatures and Activist Frameworks to Achieve a Just Energy Transition
    The Pathway to a Green New Deal: Synthesizing Transdisciplinary Literatures and Activist Frameworks to Achieve a Just Energy Transition Shalanda H. Baker and Andrew Kinde The “Green New Deal” resolution introduced into Congress by Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Senator Ed Markey in February 2019 articulated a vision of a “just” transition away from fossil fuels. That vision involves reckoning with the injustices of the current, fossil-fuel based energy system while also creating a clean energy system that ensures that all people, especially the most vulnerable, have access to jobs, healthcare, and other life-sustaining supports. As debates over the resolution ensued, the question of how lawmakers might move from vision to implementation emerged. Energy justice is a discursive phenomenon that spans the social science and legal literatures, as well as a set of emerging activist frameworks and practices that comprise a larger movement for a just energy transition. These three discourses—social science, law, and practice—remain largely siloed and insular, without substantial cross-pollination or cross-fertilization. This disconnect threatens to scuttle the overall effort for an energy transition deeply rooted in notions of equity, fairness, and racial justice. This Article makes a novel intervention in the energy transition discourse. This Article attempts to harmonize the three discourses of energy justice to provide a coherent framework for social scientists, legal scholars, and practitioners engaged in the praxis of energy justice. We introduce a framework, rooted in the theoretical principles of the interdisciplinary field of energy justice and within a synthesized framework of praxis, to assist lawmakers with the implementation of Last updated December 12, 2020 Professor of Law, Public Policy and Urban Affairs, Northeastern University.
    [Show full text]
  • Scorcher: the Dirty Politics of Climate Change
    BOOK REVIEWS undercut market competition, commercial school, a tradition Scorcher: The dirty politics profi tability and the rule of law. of thought accurately labelled of climate change In the next chapter, ‘The commercial humanism. Highly by Clive Hamilton Dilemma of Democracy’, the focus sceptical of the men of system, Black Inc Agenda falls upon the electoral politics of those of the commercial school Melbourne, 2007 democracy, the tyranny of the regard commercial order as $29.95, 266pp majority, and onto public choice integral to any society that aspires ISBN 9780977594900 and interest group politics which to the title of civilised.’ move inexorably to undercutting This is a fine study, replete he central theme of Scorcher the rule of law and towards an with facts and arguments relating is the impact that a special ever-expanding welfare state. to its subject matter that are not T interest group consisting of carbon In his concluding chapter, Gregg commonly to hand in a relatively intensive industries has had on refl ects upon the often unnoticed short book. It is lucid and easy to Australia’s climate change policies. but crucial role of cultural moeurs read, and rewarding for both the Dr Hamilton believes that a group in helping the emergence of a non-specialist reader as well as of people known as the greenhouse commercial society, and sustaining those familiar with topics often mafi a have successfully convinced it when established. Here again not dealt with as competently and the Australian Government not Gregg’s sensitivity to the moral revealingly as they are here.
    [Show full text]
  • Presentation Slides
    Clifford Singer, Chenghao Ding, Lula Chen, and Bei Yang, with input from Li Hui and Ryan Sriver CAGE extrapolates economic impacts of climate change based on 200 years of country level data on Demographics GDP Greenhouse effects Without and without policy modifications based on Assumed scenarios (earlier work) Interactive negotiation exercises (in progress) Game theory (under development ) Overall Goal: Data calibrated probability distribution for the actual climate change outcome: Including how climate change alters anthropogenic effects Why is this needed: Mirador, Galapagos, as an example There is now some significant but realistic planning going on, with acute sensitivity to the islands’ special culture and needs… by Pedro Quintanilla and Samantha Singer of the London-based Prince (Charles) Foundation (for the Built Environment). The two planners have been living on the islands for a year, having been invited by the Galapagos Regional Government. https://www.citylab.com/equity/2012/11/balancing-people-and-nature-galapagos/3910/ Galapagos Urban Planning Code Question: How close to the shore should new construction be allowed? The *IPCC won a Nobel Prize for unprecedented international cooperative work on estimating probability distributions for sea level rise in different greenhouse gas emissions scenarios. However, the IPCC does not estimate the probability of different future emissions scenarios occurring. So the billions of dollars that have supported IPCC reports does not provide a probability distribution for actual future sea level rise. *IPCC=Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Why Not?? (This is speculative) IPCC focusses on “natural” (=hard??) science, albeit also with emphasis on social (=soft???) science. IPCC is an intergovernmental cooperation.
    [Show full text]
  • The Relationship Between Poverty and Eros in Plato's Symposium Lorelle D
    Marquette University e-Publications@Marquette Dissertations (2009 -) Dissertations, Theses, and Professional Projects Love's Lack: The Relationship between Poverty and Eros in Plato's Symposium Lorelle D. Lamascus Marquette University Recommended Citation Lamascus, Lorelle D., "Love's Lack: The Relationship between Poverty and Eros in Plato's Symposium" (2010). Dissertations (2009 -). Paper 71. http://epublications.marquette.edu/dissertations_mu/71 LOVE’S LACK: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POVERTY AND EROS IN PLATO’S SYMPOSIUM By Lorelle D. Lamascus A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School, Marquette University, In partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Philosophy Milwaukee, Wisconsin December 2010 ABSTRACT LOVE’S LACK: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EROS AND POVERTY IN PLATO’S SYMPOSIUM Lorelle D. Lamascus Marquette University, 2010 This dissertation responds to a long-standing debate among scholars regarding the nature of Platonic Eros and its relation to lack. The more prominent account of Platonic Eros presents the lack of Eros as a deficiency or need experienced by the lover with respect to the object needed, lacked, or desired, so that the nature of Eros is construed as self-interested or acquisitive, subsisting only so long as the lover lacks the beloved object. This dissertation argues that such an interpretation neglects the different senses of lack present in the Symposium and presents an alternative interpretation of Eros based on the Symposium ’s presentation of Eros as the child of Poverty and Resource. Chapter one examines the origin and development of the position that Platonic Eros is acquisitive or egocentric and the influence this has had on subsequent interpretations of Plato’s thought.
    [Show full text]
  • Buildingcd a Healthy Democracy
    Building cd a healthy democracy Research Paper Photo: Parliament House, Canberrra; James Thomas Photo: Yellingbo National Park; Annette Ruzicka/MAP group Executive Summary Together we aim to build a democracy where power resides with the people, where people can participate in a fair and clean process in an active and meaningful way, and where decisions are made in the interests of the people and the planet. Top four opportunities More people today live in democracies than for democratic reform: any other time in history. But throughout the world, there are widespread concerns about how democracies are functioning to protect 1. Donation and election the things that matter most—wellbeing of finance reform people, planet and future generations. In Australia, our democratic system has failed to 2. Broadening the safeguard our landscape from crises like climate parameters of government damage and habitat destruction, even though decision-making most Australians are concerned about these issues and want action. Political discontent 3. Participatory and and disempowerment are steadily rising with deliberative democracy record low levels of trust in politics and political representatives across the country. This report 4. Civics education explores the reasons behind these trends and articulates a vision and key principles for a healthier democracy, which can deliver on what really matters. We spoke to prominent stakeholders from organisations across Australia to deepen our understanding of the obstacles to a healthy democracy and learn how we might move closer to our vision: One where power resides with the people, where we can participate in a fair and clean process in an active and meaningful way, and where decisions and decision-making are made in the interests of the people and the planet.
    [Show full text]
  • © 2016 M S King
    © 2016 M S KING Preface by Aesop & Edward Gibbon Aesop’s Fable of the Man and the Lion A man and a Lion traveled together through the forest. They began to boast of their respective superiority to each other in strength and prowess. As they were disputing, they passed a statue carved in stone, which depicted a Lion strangled by a Man. The man pointed to it and said: "See there! How strong we are, and how we prevail over the king of beasts." The Lion replied: "This statue was made by one of you men. If we Lions erected statues, you would see the Man placed under the paw of the Lion." The Lesson: One story is good, till another is told. "History is indeed little more than the register of the crimes, follies and misfortunes of mankind." Edward Gibbon, English historian (1737-1794) From: "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" 2 About the Author M. S. King is a private investigative journalist and researcher based in the New York City area. A 1987 graduate of Rutgers University, King's subsequent 30 year career in Marketing & Advertising has equipped him with a unique perspective when it comes to understanding how "public opinion" is indeed scientifically manufactured. Madison Ave marketing acumen combines with 'City Boy' instincts to make M.S. King one of the most tenacious detectors of "things that don’t add up" in the world today. Says King of his admitted quirks, irreverent disdain for "conventional wisdom", and uncanny ability to ferret out and weave together important data points that others miss: "Had Sherlock Holmes been an actual
    [Show full text]
  • A New Global Paradigm
    A New Global Paradigm: Understanding the Transnational Progressive Movement, the Energy Transition and the Great Transformation Strangling Alberta’s Petroleum Industry A Report for Commissioner Steve Allan Anti-Alberta Energy Public Inquiry Dr T.L. Nemeth April 2020 Table of Contents List of Figures ................................................................................................................ 2 List of Tables .................................................................................................................. 2 I. Introduction ............................................................................................................... 3 II. Background/Context ................................................................................................. 5 III. Transnational Progressive Movement..................................................................... 12 A. Definitions .............................................................................................................. 12 B. Climate Change Rationale for Revolution .............................................................. 17 C. Global Energy Transition ........................................................................................ 27 i. Divestment/Transforming Financial Industry ............................................. 31 ii. The Future of Hydrocarbons ....................................................................... 40 IV. Groups Involved.....................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • A Critical Study of Informal Fallacies in Some Socio-Political Discourse in Ghana
    A CRITICAL STUDY OF INFORMAL FALLACIES IN SOME SOCIO-POLITICAL DISCOURSE IN GHANA BY RICHARD ANSAH submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PhD) in the subject PHILOSOPHY at the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA SUPERVISOR: Dr Ezekiel SN Mkhwanazi CO-SUPERVISOR: Prof MLJ Koenane 2019 1 DECLARATION Name: RICHARD ANSAH Student number: 58556893 Degree: DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PHILOSOPHY) Exact wording of the title of the thesis as appearing on the electronic copy submitted for examination: A CRITICAL STUDY OF INFORMAL FALLACIES IN SOME SOCIO-POLITICAL DISCOURSE IN GHANA I declare that the above thesis is my own work and that all the sources that I have used or quoted have been indicated and acknowledged by means of complete references. I further declare that I submitted the thesis to originality checking software and that it falls within the accepted requirements for originality. I further declare that I have not previously submitted this work, or part of it, for examination at Unisa for another qualification or at any other higher education institution. (The thesis will not be examined unless this statement has been submitted.) ________________________ February 10, 2020 SIGNATURE DATE 2 DEDICATION To my late mother, Agnes Obo and my late mother-in-law, Elizabeth Agyapong 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS My profound gratitude goes to the Almighty God for strength to complete this work. Again, I wish to express my warmest gratitude and appreciation to my supervisors, Dr. Ezekiel SN Mkhwanazi and Professor Koenane Mojalefa for their patience, very important suggestions and inputs which aided in the successful completion of this work.
    [Show full text]