Questions
1. In order to feed the projected world population in 2050, what three needs are going to have to be 'balanced'? Discuss the role of agriculture in each of these. Why is it especially important to address the conditions of women?
2. If the US does not have anywhere near the world's largest population, why might it still bear a disproportionate amount of responsibility for ecological degradation? What, besides sheer numbers, is important to think about with respect to population, consumption and ecological issues?
3. Why does climate change lead to economic, social and political problems, through what kinds of events/processes? What is, in US military language, a ‘threat multiplier'? Why do many in the military see climate change as a national security threat?
4. How convincing, as a long-term position, do you find the response, "We won't do anything that harms our economy" as a reason for inaction on climate change? Considering who the world's per capita greatest polluters are, and who in the world is likely to first feel the effects of ecological degradation, where do you think responsibility lies for action to be taken? On the part of which countries, which socioeconomic groups, which individuals? Why? (make an argument)