Environmental Security as an Approach to Threats Posed by Global Environmental Change

Introduction Climate change concerns and its effects on human security have characterised many international development debates (Barnett Adger 2007; Barnett et al. 2010; Campbell 2009). In this debate, some researchers believe environmental issues do not share a direct relationship with human security issues, while other researchers say both concepts have a direct relationship.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Environmental Security as an Approach to Threats Posed by Global Environmental Change specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Both views exist within one continuum of environmental security analysis. On one end is the traditional thinking (realist thinking) that proposes a limited conception of human security, which excluded environmental issues, while the other end of the continuum adopts a new and broad definition of human security, which includes climate change. This paper critically evaluates both argume nts and shows that while it is important to acknowledge the changing nature of human security issues, people should understand how this new conception of human security issues interact with other discourses. To understand this fact, this paper first explains the new human security view. New Human Security View Proponents of the new human security view have widely used the concept to explain international politics and international peace (Barnett 2003; Kaplan 1994). For example, Busby (2007) and Mathews (1989) say we need to expand our definition of human security. They also say, for a long time, people have perceived security through lenses that do not show the new realities of climate change (Busby 2007; Mathews 1989). Similarly, the United Nations (1987) says many countries are quickly realising that it is impossible to separate economic developmental from environmental issues. For example, many human activities have caused resource conflicts through environmental degradation, the reby threatening the bedrock that supports human cohesion (Webersik 2010). The relationship between these two factors (environmental sustainability and human security) manifests in different ways. For example, the United Nations (1987) says poverty is both a â€Å"cause† and â€Å"effect† of environmental degradation. Therefore, it is futile to understand both concepts in isolation. Such concerns led the UN to set up the 1983 World Commission on Environment and Development (it includes environmental factors in understanding human security).Advertising Looking for assessment on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Based on the above assertion, Mathews (1989) believes that environmental strains are eroding the boundaries that defined international borders, and national sovereignty. This view prompted him to highlight the need to change human production factors that have supported civilisation. Mas on (2005) also believes there is a strong need to understand human security issues through environmental lenses because this new framework recognises the danger that human societies face if they continue to ignore the impact of their economic activities. Relative to this view, Brown et al. (2008) say, â€Å"In recent years, our traditional ideas about security have unravelled. No longer do the main threats to our security come from the massed armies of hostile neighbours—but from terrorism, epidemic disease, organised crime, conflict over natural resources and environmental degradation† (1). Mason (2005) advances the above view through ethical arguments because he says that ignoring the impact of climate change on human security creates an accountability problem. Particularly, he stresses this point by highlighting the transnational and global hazards of climate change (Mason 2005). Unlike other researchers, Mathews (1989) paints a more positive outlook on the environm ental-security issue by saying the global environment could support increased human populations if societies adapt to the new realities of climate change. Relative to the above conceptions of human security issues, Mathew Fraser (2002) believe broadening security definitions to include non-military issues, changes the role of the state in human security matters. For example, within the new security framework, the roles of transnational and sub-national non-state actors increase. Technological innovation, increased information flows, and globalisation have helped such non-state actors to increase their influence in security matters (Mathew Fraser 2002). Overall, human security interests do not align with national economic interests.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Environmental Security as an Approach to Threats Posed by Global Environmental Change specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Khagram et al. (2003) agr ee with the view of Mason (2005) when they say that the limited role of the state in this new conception of security is justifiable because human societies are the main victims of climate change. Indeed, states are not the main victims of climate change because the latter has immediate and direct effects on people’s livelihoods (Moran 2011). For example, although water scarcity may not necessarily lead to war, it could easily cause death from drought, dehydration, low food production, and similar calamities. Similar to the above view, Kaplan (1994) sums up the danger that human societies face from climate change by saying, â€Å"environmental scarcity inflames existing hatred† (p. 56) among communities. Traditional Thinking of Human Security Unlike the above researchers, proponents of the traditional view of security do not believe people should link climate change with human security. For example, Paris (2001) doubts the practicality of using a broad human security vi ew for academic and policy-making purposes. He says the concept lacks a precise definition because, like sustainable development, everyone supports it, but few people have a clear definition of its meaning (Paris 2001). Secondly, Paris (2001) contends that human security holds together different institutions and organisations (such as non-governmental organisations and middle power states) which want to shift the balance from conventional national security issues to newer approaches of security to support their international development goals. Therefore, he believes the these organisations have biased views (Paris 2001). Detraz Betsill (2009) also agree that there is no link between climate change and human security issues. They say both concepts fall within two frameworks of â€Å"environmental conflict† and â€Å"environmental security† and believe the new debate that links climate change and human security issues have only engaged â€Å"environmental security† issues (Detraz Betsill 2009). Therefore, a discursive shift has not occurred. They also say the shift would be counterproductive because it would slow people’s resolve to find the real solutions to climate change (Detraz Betsill 2009). Deudney (1990) supports this view by saying there is no relationship between climate change and political conflicts.Advertising Looking for assessment on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More He says it is self-defeating and dangerous to link the two concepts because human security and environmental concerns do not emerge from the same concerns. Based on the same view, he says environmentalists often exaggerate the prospects of war from climate change concerns. Comprehensively, Deudney (1990) believes climate change does not affect national security, but the institutions and mindsets that created it. Cudworth Hobden (2011) also support the above view and say that merging environmental and security issues create two frameworks for understanding human security issues. These two approaches show that human societies â€Å"cause† climate change and climate change leads to insecurity (Cudworth Hobden 2011). He cautions that this approach should not ignore complex human relations (complexity theory) that regulate this relationship. In an unrelated context, O’Brien (2006) believes that most people are missing the point about the relationship between human securit ies and environmental change. He says the debate should shift from determining if environmental disasters are products of climate change, or not, to debates that explore if human societies could manage such disasters (O’Brien 2006). Nonetheless, many human societies are unable to cope with these adverse environmental effects. Therefore, they compromise human security. Based on these assertions, O’Brien (2006) de-links environmental change from human security. He says human security depends on people’s preparedness to handle climate change. Therefore, if societies could manage the effects of climate change, there would be no concerns about human security issues. Redclift (2001) agrees with the above view. However, he says researchers have failed to include other discourses of environmental sustainability when they associate the concept with human security. Mainly, he says researchers need to include changing human security and natural resource issues when explain ing the relationship between both concepts (Redclift 2001). He believes that by doing so, researchers would easily broaden security and sustainability concepts (Redclift 2001). This approach would also give them a broader insight into human security issues, within an environmental framework. Conclusion After weighing the traditional and new thinking of human security issues, this paper shows that science has often portrayed environmental problems as â€Å"scientific† and not â€Å"security† problems. This view largely defines traditional thoughts of human security. The broadened definition of human security suggests a strong interrelationship between science and security issues. This new thinking is important in managing today’s complex human security issues. Based on this fact, the new thinking of human security should guide future debates because it approaches the problem holistically. However, while it is important to acknowledge the changing nature of human security issues, people should understand how new human security views merge with other discourses (especially those that define traditional thinking) because human security is a complex phenomenon. References Barnett, J 2003, ‘Security and Climate Change’, Global Environmental Change, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 7–17. Barnett, J Adger, N 2007, ‘Climate change, human security and violent conflict’, Political Geography, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 639-655. Barnett, J, Matthew, R, O’Brien, K, McDonald, B 2010, Global Environmental Change and Human Security, MIT Press, Cambridge. Brown, O, Crawford, A Campeau, C 2008, Environmental Change and the New Security Agenda Implications for Canada’s security and environment. International Institute for Sustainable Development, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Busby, J 2007, Climate Change and National Security: An Agenda for Action. Web. Campbell, K 2009, Climatic Cataclysm: The Foreign Policy and National Security Implica tions of Climate Change, Brookings Institution Press, Washington. Cudworth, E Hobden, S 2011, ‘Beyond environmental security: complex systems, multiple inequalities and environmental risks’, Environmental Politics, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 42-59. Detraz, N Betsill, M 2009, ‘Climate Change and Environmental Security: For Whom the Discourse Shifts’, International Studies Perspectives, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 303–320. Deudney, D 1990, ‘The Case Against Linking Environmental Degradation and National Security’, Millennium – Journal of International Studies, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 461-476. Kaplan, R 1994, ‘The Coming Anarchy’, The Atlantic Monthly, vol. 273, no. 2, pp. 44-76. Khagram, S, Clark, W Raad, D 2003, ‘From the Environment and Human Security to Sustainable Security and Development’, Journal of Human Development,  vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 289-313. Mason 2005, The New Accountability: Environmental responsibility Acro ss Borders, Earthscan, London. Mathew, R Fraser, L 2002, Global Environmental Change and Human Security: Conceptual and Theoretical Issues. Web. Mathews, J 1989, ‘Redefining Security’, Foreign Affairs, vol. 68, no. 2, pp. 162-177. Moran, D 2011, Climate Change and National Security: A Country-Level Analysis, Georgetown University Press, Washington. O’Brien, K 2006, ‘Are we missing the point? Global environmental change as an issue of human security’, Global Environmental Change, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 1–3. Paris, R 2001, ‘Human Security: Paradigm Shift or Hot Air’, International Security, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 87–102. Redclift, M 2001, ‘Environmental Security and the Recombinant Human: Sustainability in the Twenty-first Century’, Environmental Values, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 289–299. United Nations 1987, Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future. Web. Webersik, C 2010, Clim ate Change and Security: A Gathering Storm of Global Challenges, ABC-CLIO, New York. This assessment on Environmental Security as an Approach to Threats Posed by Global Environmental Change was written and submitted by user Desiree Holder to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Winning Argumentative Essay Topics for Students †Pro-Academic-Writers.com

Winning Argumentative Essay Topics for Students An argumentative essay is a special type of essay which requires students to argue with the existing points of view in order to prove the truth of their own position. Usually, there are no 100% right or 100% wrong positions. The chosen topics should be yet contradictive and debatable. To prove his or her own position, a student is encouraged to use various sources that are dated no more than five years. Otherwise, the information may be too old to use. It is especially crucial for various statistics and data for the certain period. The main goal of all argumentative topics is to convince the target audience in the authenticity of the author’s judgments. To look more professional, argumentative topics should be supported by the arguments for and against. This way a student shows his awareness of the discussed field. To decide which argument to include, students have to start with conducting an in-depth research. They should study all sides of the given issue. The final purpose of the paper is to make an educated stance. The evidence should include observations, studies, reports, statistics, articles, and other papers published by scientists or legal entities like the government. These primary sources are no doubt the most reliable sources of information for all argumentative topics. The organization of the argumentative topics essay is rather complicated. You may find it here. But it is still better to have a look at one of the online examples to survive with the highest possible grade. How to Choose Argumentative Essay Topics Wisely? Argumentative paper on any subjects should inspire the audience to: Read the entire text Participate in the discussion or even make it To debate and argue Thus, the ideas should be selected carefully. The first stage is usually the most important when speaking about argumentative essays. If you are not assigned a particular theme, you may go on searching for the inspiring topics on your own. It’s not that hard if you have an internet access or opportunity to visit libraries. Check out the newspapers and magazine archives to grab the best ideas for your argumentative piece. Look at their date! A bad idea is to consider sensitive and biased topics like: nationality race gender social status relationships between two humans religion politics The good idea is to talk about things that encourage people to argue with each other without turning them enemies. Try to avoid hostile topics in favor of less biased ones: music, laws, history, food preferences, books, etc. Involve all your consideration and pick familiar topics for your argumentative essays. Choosing an emotional topic is a nice way out, but you should not do it if you are not an expert in the field. If you want a paper on the topic you are not sure about, contact online writing service to get proper help. List of the Best Argumentative Topics Simple Argumentative Essay Topics (Elementary Middle School) Should young students ask their parents to be allowed to purchase contraceptives? Should people be encouraged to drink less with the help of special laws? Should college education be made obligatory? Middle-level Complexity (Argumentative Essay Topics for College) The Difference between Moral and Non-Moral Issue Can military intervention in Syria be justified? Are parents responsible for the criminal actions of their children? Is GPA enough to successfully pass application process? Advanced-level Ideas for Argumentative Essay Is Career Choice Impacting Applicants Heavily? How Do Cultural Aspects Influence Management Decisions? Was the last presidential election in the United States fair? Do film celebrities make too much money unfairly? Funny Ideas for Argumentative Paper How to make money on joking videos on YouTube? What is the worst motion picture ever? Who is the best comedian actor and why? Topics for Any Life Situation Violent video games are not the main cause of Columbine High School massacre Gender Studies was initiated by the feminist group and should not be studied to teenagers Should people make abortions illegal? Bioethics How can activists ban the usage of wild animals for research purposes? Cloning any living creatures must be forbidden Computer Science/IT Is Google staff right in increasing privacy and security? Copyright violation: is there a way to withstand this problem? Should YouTube comments be strictly monitored and deleted if needed? The Internet today involves more risks than benefits. Law and Political Science Argumentative Topics Is gun control the best method to reduce criminal activity? Should governments support same-sex marriages everywhere? How should smoking and drinking in public places be punished? The problem of too over-regulated community Legalization of marijuana: pros and cons Ecology The essence of cross-cultural marriages Why women participate in criminal activity less than men Remote learning is more efficient than the traditional classes Violence in the media: its hidden dangers Media Studies Media impact on the teen’s development The role of rock and metal music in the life of school students Organization and Format of an Argumentative Paper                                                                                                                Argumentative Essay Structure for Any Topics Beginning paragraph   (introduction)                                        3-5 body paragraphs Conclusion Summary of the target topics, their role in society. End up with a thesis statement (the last one in the first paragraph) List the arguments that support your main idea best of all. Students have to support each of them with up-to-date sources (evidence) The support should be logical. Focus on proved facts, analytics, statistics, official data, etc. The student must synthesize the information recalled in the body paragraphsÃ'Ž. How to Use So-Called Connection Words Correctly When you construct an argumentative essay, it does not really matter which topics you describe. To unite all body paragraphs with the introduction and conclusion, use transition words. Then all paragraphs and sentences will function as one whole. Function Connection Word Addition In addition; and; additionally; as well as; identically; along with; likewise; too; also; together with Contrast Above all; different from; despite; although this may be true; on the contrary; in spite of; on the other hand; however; besides; but; otherwise; whereas Cause or Target Because of; so long as; due to; given that; with this in mind; provided that; when; unless; in case; with this in mind Examples or Evidence Truly; another key point; by all means; chiefly; for instance; especially; specifically; to point out; in other words Outcomes Due to the fact that; accordingly; consequently; hence; as a result; in effect; in that case Conclusion/Summary All things considered; to sum up; as can be seen; so summarize; after all; in the end As you can see, writing an argumentative essay on most of the available topics is a time-consuming process which requires a lot of efforts and skills it is worth trying as you can gain unforgettable experience. Students should mind English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary usage when working on their drafts. Style is also crucial. Avoid plagiarism. Those are the main rules. If you still feel unsure about the particular writing task, you can download the good topics ideas or simply order an argumentative essay written from scratch by the amazing writers from this site.