An Introduction to Three Global Environmental Issues

Abstract

Why are some global environmental issues covered by binding, enforceable commitments for their amelioration while others are not? Why is there a binding international treaty system that is predicted to bring about full recovery of the ozone layer within the next 50 years, while there is no global treaty covering deforestation despite an “alarmingly high rate” of deforestation?¹ Finally, why, despite the existence of a binding international treaty system covering climate change, are atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations projected to continue to rise to perhaps as much as double or triple today’s concentration, according to some models (IPCC 2001)? Why, in other words, are there effective regimes to address some global environmental problems but either very weak arrangements or none at all for others?