Global Environmental Politics: The Transformative Role of Emerging Economies

Emerging economies, led by China and India, have fundamentally transformed global environmental politics, making or breaking international negotiations. They prioritize economic growth but have limited institutional capacity to contain environmental destruction. This book argues that innovative bargaining and institutional design offer a way forward, with bottom-up agreements that respect national sovereignty and invest in capacity building holding more promise than traditional top-down treaties.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 19 July 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The emergence of emerging economies has had a profound impact on the global environmental politics landscape. Led by countries such as China and India, these economies are increasingly shaping international negotiations and agreements, which now require consensus among a diverse range of governments with varying preferences. While emerging economies face numerous challenges, including poverty and policy implementation difficulties, they often feel that Western-led initiatives overlook their specific needs.

In this book, Johannes Urpelainen explores the reasons behind the growing influence of emerging economies in global environmental politics. He argues that while these economies prioritize economic growth, they often lack the institutional capacity to effectively manage the environmental consequences of their activities. However, Urpelainen suggests that innovative bargaining and institutional design can provide a way forward for international cooperation.

He emphasizes the importance of bottom-up agreements that respect national sovereignty and prioritize capacity building. These agreements can help emerging economies address environmental challenges while also fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. By contrast, traditional top-down treaties with binding commitments may be less effective in achieving sustainable outcomes.

The book features detailed discussions of various environmental issues, including hazardous chemicals, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. It also provides a comparative analysis of China and India, two of the largest emerging economies, and case studies of nine other emerging economies around the world. Global Environmental Politics offers a comprehensive and forward-looking overview of the most pressing international issue of our time.

In conclusion, the emergence of emerging economies has transformed global environmental politics, and their growing influence is likely to continue in the years to come. By recognizing the unique challenges faced by these economies and adopting innovative bargaining and institutional design, we can work towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 162 x 237 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231200769