Climate Chaos

Abstract

This 1989 article in Foreign Policy -- of considerable interest from an historical point of view -- is one of the first systematically to outline the causes and effects of impending climate change. Among other policy measures, the article argues for new international agreements in order to mitigate the damaging effects of climate disruption. Because climate change is likely negatively to impact all nations, taking steps to reduce the rate and amount of change must be an international priority for the entire world. The proposed treaty would require reducing the global output of CO₂ substantially, while committing developed countries to make the largest cutbacks and to invest in research into alternative energy sources. Other programs to encourage or require the efficient use of energy would benefit both developing and developed countries.