An Examination of the Factors Determining American Foreign Policy with Regards to Global Climate Change Treaties
Author:
James Lyons
Name Change:
Major:
Biochemistry & Political Science
Graduation Year:
2010
Thesis Advisor:
Timothy Cole
Description of Publication:
For several decades, global climate change has been an issue addressed in both national and international debates. While much of the rest of the world has adopted a number of treaties aimed at addressing global climate change, the United States has consistently lagged behind its peers. An examination of poll responses, Senate statements, and editorials determined that a number of factors may be causing this effect. Specifically, a disconnect between the public and the scientific community, a political system that has made the question one of elites versus the masses, and a historical tendency for the federal government to prioritize security and economic issues above all others help explain the United States’ policy response.
Location of Publication:
URL to Thesis:
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/575/