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Documents and Papers
Human Population Growth and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
While the relationships between population growth, economic growth, poverty, land use, and the diffusion of technology are complex, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recognizes the role that future population growth can play in the growth of global greenhouse gas emissions. Varying assumptions about population growth, economic growth, and technological change are included in the IPCC’s “emissions scenarios.” Not surprisingly, the scenario that results in the smallest temperature increase by the end of the 21st century (1.8 degrees Celsius) incorporates the lowest population growth projection (7.1 billion people in 2100). However, further analysis is needed to isolate and highlight the specific contributions of population growth as a driver of climate change, and as a factor in human vulnerability to climate change impacts.
A Review of Decision-Making Support Tools in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Sector
In developing countries, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practitioners need a way to choose among the numerous available options for securing safe water and sanitation. A joint paper by the Wilson Center’s Environmental Change and Security Program and the Pacific Institute assessed 120 existing support resources, including books, manuals, and websites, and conducted an in-depth evaluation of the 18 that most closely resembled decision-making tools. This analysis indicated that existing support resources fail to adequately serve WASH practitioners. The authors conclude that an ideal decision-making tool would include all elements necessary to implement a WASH project; serve multiple languages; be developed in both web and print form; and include success stories. The tool would be complimented by a comprehensive and ongoing dissemination and support system, including regional workshops; on-call technical support teams; and long-term support for on-the-ground experts, including financing, community, and technical support.
Conflict and Cooperation: Making the Case
for Environmental Pathways to Peacebuilding
in the Great Lakes Region
In this issue brief, former OSI Africa Policy Scholar Patricia Kameri-Mbote argues that Africa’s dependence on the environment does not have to be a curse. Rather, this shared dependence can facilitate dialogue and provide an opportunity for collaboration and cooperation. The Great Lakes Region—with its war-torn history and transboundary ecosystems—is an appropriate place for initiating a larger initiative in environmental peacebuilding.
Climate Change Politics in North America: The State of Play
Examining key aspects and issues of North American politics and policymaking related to climate change, this report contains papers from a two-day conference organized at the Woodrow Wilson Center, May 18-19, 2006.
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