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China's participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Posted on:1998-08-23Degree:Ph.DType:Dissertation
University:State University of New York at AlbanyCandidate:Liu, Ho-Ching LeeFull Text:PDF
GTID:1466390014975722Subject:Political science
Abstract/Summary:
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) has emerged as one of the most important international environmental conventions pertaining to climate change and global warming. The FCCC calls for carbon dioxide (CO;Three complementary scenarios--climate regime, domestic structure, and network of scientists--are adopted. The policy outcome in climate change negotiations reflects the processes of regime formation and consequences, interagency bureaucratic dynamics, and the role of increased scientific knowledge and its network of scientists. This research suggests a compelling sequence of process that science (1988 to 1990) initiated both scientific and policy debates; regime (1991-1992) set the broader international strategy and domestic implementation approach; and governmental politics (1993-1997) has been a dominant force in a process of political bargaining and tradeoffs.;China's FCCC participation is viewed as an interplay of international regime and domestic politics, or a version of ideas and environmental policy in China. This research identifies that access to assistance and technology, international recognition and reputation, and environmental protection are the major factors that motivate China's FCCC participation. As diverse forces are now driving the FCCC implementation, all "political actors" have found the "promise of science" an easy and immediate answer for advancing personal, parochial, political and bureaucratic interests. At the same time, science, marginally regarded as a motivation, has advanced in terms of an expanded research budget and global change research programs; newly established research centers; and measurement and modeling capabilities. While the FCCC process is still evolving and science is increasingly governed by political and other interests, scientific cooperation may contribute to political cooperation in international environmental negotiations.;Given China's intrinsic characteristics, its rapid economic and population growth, and its intense reliance on domestic coal, it would be difficult, if not impossible, for China to take part in such an international treaty. In fact, China was among the first ten countries to ratify the FCCC. Therefore the central research question is: why does China participate in the FCCC?...
Keywords/Search Tags:FCCC, Climate change, China, International, Participation, Environmental
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