Fall+2010,+Environment+and+Politics+Essay+Exam

=Environment and Politics Fall 2010= Cumulative Exam (contributes 15% to your final grade)

The (six) questions you select below should be answered in essay form, in approximately 300-400 words. It is not sufficient to provide correct information. You need to demonstrate your ability to provide a sophisticated, well supported explanations and arguments. A printed copy of your exam is due in class Tuesday, December 7.

I. Answer one of the following:

A. Describe the ideological framework of two of the following people/organizations. What is their position on climate change? What assumptions and arguments do they make about government, business and the market, science and religion? What kinds of knowledge do they draw on to support their positions? You can use material from Sourewatch, Wikipeda, New York Times, etc in developing your descriptions.

Sarah Palin -- Jon Stewart -- Union of Concerned Scientists -- Al Gore -- Ronald Bailey -- The Manhattan Institute

B. There is considerable concern among scientists about the climate change skepticism evident in the recent U.S. elections. What do you think best explains the skepticism? What do you think scientists should do to further enroll the public in concern about climate change? The articles listed below will provide material for your argument. Reference at least two of these articles in your answer. []
 * The Perception Factor: Climate Change Gets Personal. (Environmental Health Perspectives, 11/1/2010)

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 * Heroes wanted in climate science story (USA Today, 11/20/2010)

II. Answer one of the following:

A. What is appropriate technology, and what three examples of appropriate technology do you find particularly compelling? Make sure to explain why the appropriate technologies you list are “appropriate,” what makes them work in the context where they have been developed, and why your find them compelling. Provide references for your sources of information.

B. What is social entrepreneurialism, and what three examples of social entrepreneurialism do you find particularly compelling? Make sure to explain why you are persuaded by the design of the projects you list. Provide references for your sources of information.

III. Evaluate the United States’ responsibility to address global climate change. Consider the United States’ contribution to the problem, other countries’ contributions, impacts in different countries and the different capabilities countries have to help solve the problem.

IV. Explain, from your point of view, what the US government should do to advance environmental protection. What should the US government not do? Together, your lists should include at least six items. Include concrete example to illustrate your points.

V. Design a modern society that does not depend on personal cars. Where would people live and work? How would they get around? What would it take (in the built environment, politics, incentives, etc) to make this society work? What would be the benefits beyond environmental benefits? What would be the challenges? In this essay, aim to demonstrate the project design skills you have developed in this course.

VI. Describe the key message of The Age of Stupid, providing illustrative examples from the film, then evaluate its strategy and effectiveness as environmental media.

Extra credit Write a 400-word biosketch that describes where you will be and what you will have accomplished twenty years from now. The biosketch should be narrative rather than resume style. Include basic biographical and educational information, the expertise you have built and have become known for, and a brief description of important projects you have been a part of over this period of time. For an example, see the Wikipedia entry for Paul Farmer ([]