Unlike climate change negotiations, international bargaining on the preservation of rain forests has made considerable progress. Explain why this collective action problem has been easier to address, using examples to bolster your argument. Then, discuss whether it has been easier or more difficult to overcome the collective goods problem regarding the use of oceans.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The ideal answer should include:
1. Explain why international bargaining on the preservation of rain forests has made considerable progress. For example, most rain forests belong to a few states, which have the power to speed up or slow down the destruction of forests. Rich states have an interest in protecting rain forests, so they are using development assistance as leverage to induce poorer states to protect their forests rather than exploit them.
2. Provide examples. For instance, in 2006, the U.S. government and NGOs helped Guatemala cancel more than $20 million in debts in exchange for expanded conservation programs.
3. Discuss whether it has been easier or more difficult to overcome the collective goods problem regarding the use of oceans. For instance, students might argue that unlike rain forests, oceans belong to no state but are a global commons, which makes the collective goods problem more difficult because no authority exists to enforce regulations.
4. Offer a concise summary and effective conclusion.