How might the vulnerable countries of Bangladesh and the Maldives best respond to the challenges posed by the threat of global climate change? What responsibilities do wealthy countries such as the United States have in regard to such issues?

Question

The most serious problem
associated with global climate change in these two countries is the flooding that would result
from rising sea levels.

Answer 1

There are two main strategies that have been proposed: (1) controlling anticipated floodwaters to the extent possible; and (2) protecting people from the floodwaters. The former includes the constructing of dams and the creation of reservoirs. Both of these project-oriented solutions, however, may simply transfer the problem to another location, thereby exacerbating the problem. It may also be possible to encourage, and facilitate, the relocation of flood-prone affected persons to other locations; however, fertile agricultural land in Bangladesh is in shortsupply. For the Maldives, the problem is more serious, given that the entire country may be underwater. It remains a contentious issue as to whether more developed countries have an obligation or responsibility to help. Some suggest that wealthy countries, including the United States, contribute more to greenhouse gas emissions and thus have a moral responsibility to help; others argue that global warming isn't occurring, or, if it is, it is simply "nature" and hence no country is obligated to help because no country is responsible.