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Quote:

“Our land is our greatest natural asset… There are increasing opportunities and demands on our land, requiring land use to be more dynamic than ever.”
— Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Land Use Consultation, January 2025
Link

Paraphrase:

From my perspective, DEFRA stresses that land is a key resource for society, the economy, and the environment. They suggest that growing demands—from food, infrastructure, and conservation—mean we need to manage land more strategically and flexibly to meet multiple goals.

Keywords :

Land
Natural asset
Opportunities
Demands
Dynamic land use

Illustration:

In my experience, this quote shows how land management connects directly to environmental diplomacy. Decisions about land aren’t just local—they influence food security, climate adaptation, and biodiversity on a broader scale. Recognizing land as a limited and multifunctional resource can help policymakers negotiate trade-offs, coordinate internationally, and create sustainable strategies that balance human and environmental needs.

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University of Washington, Political Science, Faculty Member

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— C. Wright Mills, The Sociological Imagination (1959), p.8 /week 4 

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— C. Wright Mills, The Sociological Imagination (1959), p.8 /week 4 

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Quote:

“The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the relations between the two within society. That is its task and its promise.”
— C. Wright Mills (1959), The Sociological Imagination, p. 3
Link

Paraphrase:

In my experience, Mills shows that the sociological imagination is a tool for understanding how a person’s life (biography) and the larger history of society are connected. I interpret this as a way to see that individual experiences are shaped by social structures and historical events, and vice versa. This perspective encourages thinking beyond personal circumstances to understand broader societal patterns.

Keywords :

Sociological imagination
Biography
History
Relations between the two
Society

Illustration:

From my point of view, this idea is very relevant to environmental diplomacy. For example, climate change policies are not just about global agreements—they also impact everyday lives, and people’s actions in turn affect society and the environment. Using a sociological imagination can help diplomats and policymakers understand these links, making strategies more effective because they consider both human experiences and historical trends.

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Quote:

1. "Petroleum, the lifeblood of the world food system, plays a key role in anthropogenic perturbations of Gaia’s carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and water cycles."

— Karen Litfin, Thinking Like a Planet,Gaian Politics and the Transformation of the World Food System (2012), p. 426 https://faculty.washington.edu/litfin/research/Gaian_Food_System.pdf

Paraphrase:

In my interpretation, the author emphasizes that the global food system is deeply dependent on petroleum, and this dependence actively disrupts key Earth systems. I understand her point as highlighting how human activity, through fossil-fuel agriculture, destabilizes the natural cycles that support life.

Keywords :

Petroleum
World food system
Anthropogenic perturbations
Gaia’s cycles
Carbon / nitrogen / phosphorus / water cycles

Illustration:

For me, this idea becomes especially clear when looking at how modern agriculture operates. Most food is grown, transported, and processed using petroleum, from fertilizers to machinery. When Litfin talks about “perturbations,” I picture how these activities push natural cycles out of balance—like excess nitrogen from fertilizers or CO₂ emissions from fuel. This makes me see the food system not just as an economic sector, but as a major environmental actor that diplomats and policymakers must address if we want a stable climate and sustainable future.

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Quote:

"Because it frames global environmental degradation as a crisis of consciousness, an integral approach can help bridge the gap between the emphasis on collective values and institutions in political and IR theory and the focus on individual responsibility in environmental ethics."
— Karen Litfin (2003), Towards an Integral Perspective on World Politics, p. 34.

Paraphrase:

In my interpretation, Litfin suggests that environmental decline is not only a political or structural problem but also a problem of human awareness. I understand her point as saying that an integral, holistic approach allows us to connect the big collective frameworks we study in IR with the personal ethical choices each individual makes toward the environment.

Keywords :

Global environmental degradation
Crisis of consciousness
Integral approach
Collective values
Individual responsibility

Illustration:

When I think about this idea, I imagine how environmental diplomacy often focuses on treaties, institutions, and collective commitments, yet real progress also depends on personal attitudes and behaviors. Litfin’s point helps me see that policies alone cannot solve ecological problems if people’s mindset does not change. For example, even if a country signs a climate agreement, its impact is limited unless citizens adopt more sustainable habits. This connection between institutional action and individual responsibility makes environmental governance feel more complete and realistic.

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Quote:

“Our students literally inhabit a different planet from the one on which we came of age. The question of who they are in a changing climate therefore becomes an existential one.”
— Karen Litfin (2018), p. 6

Paraphrase:

The way I understand this quote, Litfin is pointing out that today’s young people are growing up in environmental conditions that are completely different from those of previous generations. In my experience, this means that climate change doesn’t just influence politics or science—it also shapes how new generations see themselves and their place in the world. For Litfin, this becomes a deep, even existential question about identity in a rapidly changing planet.

Keywords :

Different planet — a drastically changed environmental reality
Came of age — the period when someone grows into adulthood
Changing climate — ongoing shifts in global climate systems
Existential — relating to meaning, purpose, or identity

Illustration:

When I reflect on this idea, I see how environmental diplomacy today has to deal not only with policies and negotiations, but also with the psychological and social experience of living in the Anthropocene. From my perspective, students and young diplomats inherit a world shaped by climate disruption—melting glaciers, extreme weather, resource stress. This shapes their identity, their priorities, and even their motivation to engage in global environmental governance.

To me, Litfin’s point is that environmental issues are now personal: they define who we are becoming. And in environmental diplomacy, this means future decision-makers must understand both the scientific and the human dimensions of climate change.

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Quote:
“The physical health of the planet is indeed in danger… planet Earth’s ‘biotic capacity’ has been put into serious question.”
— Eric Laferrière & Peter J. Stoett, International Relations Theory and Ecological Thought (1999), p. 1–2

http://ndl.ethernet.edu.et/bitstream/123456789/26056/1/23.pdf.pdf

Paraphrase:

The authors argue that Earth's life-support systems are under serious threat due to human activities. They emphasize that environmental damage is happening faster and on a larger scale than ever before, raising urgent concerns about the planet’s ability to sustain life.

Keywords

Environmental crisis — A global emergency caused by severe damage to ecosystems

Biotic capacity — The Earth’s ability to support life forms

Ecological degradation — The decline of natural environments due to human actions

Anthropogenic causes — Environmental harm caused by human activities

Sustainability — Using resources responsibly to maintain long-term balance.

Reflection:

This quote highlights the fundamental challenge of environmental diplomacy: the survival of life on Earth depends on urgent international cooperation. It shows that ecological problems are not just environmental, but deeply political and global. The recognition that “it is not too late” emphasizes the importance of diplomatic negotiations, global governance, and collective responsibility to reverse environmental harm and protect the planet for future generations.

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Environmental Diplomacy and Societal Transformation

Quote:
“Today’s environmental problems are too critical to be dealt with solely through measures to prevent industrial pollution. Society itself must be fundamentally changed. We must radically revise various social and economic systems... People throughout the world must join hands to create new social and economic systems.”
— Richard E. Benedick, Diplomacy for the Environment, in Environmental Diplomacy: Conference Report, AICGS / Johns Hopkins, (1998, p. 3.)

Question:
How can a fundamental change in society and collective global cooperation make environmental diplomacy more effective?

Keywords and Definitions (from Benedick, 1998):

Today’s environmental problems – global ecological threats including climate change, ozone depletion, biodiversity loss, and pollution that affect all nations and societies.

Prevent industrial pollution – technical and regulatory measures to reduce emissions and waste from industrial activities, though insufficient alone to solve systemic environmental issues.

Society itself must be fundamentally changed – the idea that social values, economic priorities, and institutional structures must be reoriented toward sustainability.

Radically revise social and economic systems – restructuring economic incentives, production methods, and social practices to reduce environmental impact globally.

People throughout the world must join hands – global cooperation among nations, communities, industries, and civil society is necessary for meaningful environmental action.

Introduction:
Environmental diplomacy has evolved from technical negotiations over pollution control into a complex process requiring global cooperation and systemic societal change. As Richard E. Benedick (1998) emphasizes, addressing today’s environmental crises requires more than treaties or industrial regulations; it demands a fundamental transformation of social and economic structures. This essay examines how societal change and collective global cooperation enhance the effectiveness of environmental diplomacy.

Topic Sentence:
Benedick claims that solving modern environmental crises requires far more than pollution control: it demands deep social and economic transformation and global cooperation.

Thesis Sentence:
A fundamental change in societal values and systems, combined with nations and people “joining hands,” makes environmental diplomacy effective by aligning individual, national, and international actions toward common ecological goals.

Paragraph 1 — The Scope of Environmental Problems
Benedick emphasizes that today’s environmental problems are too complex to be addressed solely through pollution control (1998). Industrial and technical measures, while necessary, cannot reverse systemic ecological threats such as climate change, ozone depletion, and biodiversity loss. By highlighting that “society itself must be fundamentally changed,” Benedick shows that environmental diplomacy must target the root causes of ecological crises — human behavior, production patterns, and social structures — rather than only treating the symptoms. This establishes that large-scale societal change is a prerequisite for effective diplomatic action.

Paragraph 2 — The Need for Social and Economic Transformation
The quote stresses that social and economic systems require radical revision. Benedick’s assertion that people must “join hands” points to the necessity of coordinated action across nations, industries, and civil societies (1998). Environmental diplomacy is most effective when countries adopt policies that reflect shared priorities and responsibilities, rather than pursuing narrow national interests. In my experience, transforming social and economic systems means aligning incentives, regulations, and cultural values toward sustainability, which allows treaties and agreements to produce meaningful, enforceable outcomes.

Paragraph 3 — Global Cooperation as a Mechanism for Success
Benedick further argues that environmental diplomacy cannot succeed without collective global participation (1998). By calling for people “throughout the world” to collaborate, he stresses the interdependence of ecological systems and the impossibility of unilateral solutions. Cooperative frameworks, such as the Montreal Protocol or UN conventions, succeed when nations trust each other, share knowledge, and commit resources. In practice, this global coordination ensures that environmental policies are reinforced internationally, increasing the likelihood of long-term ecological protection.

Paraphrase
In my experience, Benedick means that environmental problems aren’t solved only by technical fixes; they come from how societies organize their economies and lifestyles. I interpret him as saying: unless people and governments change the way they produce, consume, and cooperate, diplomatic agreements will be insufficient. Real progress needs both moral/political will and practical institutional reform — that is, people and states must “join hands” to redesign social and economic systems.

Conclusion:
Sometimes this approach works — for example, when science, public awareness, and political leadership align (as with the Montreal Protocol). Sometimes it fails — when short-term economic interests or weak institutions block reform. Benedick’s point helps us see that effective environmental diplomacy depends as much on changing societies’ values and systems as on negotiating treaties: without that deeper change, diplomacy will struggle to deliver lasting solutions. If societies revise their social and economic systems and cooperate globally, environmental diplomacy can move from fragmented treaties to coordinated, systemic solutions.

https://aicgs.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/environmentaldiplomacy.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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Quote: “At the same time, environmental science has evolved at an accelerated rate as business goes green and new technical subfields open to entrepreneurial innovation.” (Laferrière & Stoett, 1999, p. 2)

Paraphrase :
In my view, Laferrière and Stoett suggest that the rapid growth of environmental science is closely linked to real-world economic and technological trends. From my perspective, this means that the combination of business adopting greener practices and the rise of new technical innovations creates both challenges and opportunities for societies to address ecological problems effectively. It is not just science progressing in isolation; it is science intertwined with human economic activity and practical problem-solving.

Keywords:
environmental science, green business, technological innovation, sustainability, eco-entrepreneurship

Illustration :
A visual showing researchers, eco-friendly businesses, and new green technologies interconnected, symbolizing how innovation, economics, and environmental progress influence each other.

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Original :
“Ecological thought has produced an extremely varied literature, much of which is derived from established philosophical traditions… ecology was to become an integral part of the twentieth-century critique of modernity, as awareness of an increasing number of environmental crises exposed the limits of capitalism, socialism, statism, representative democracy, and science itself.” (Laferrière & Stoett, 1999, pp. 14–15)

Paraphrase / Interpretation:
In my view, Laferrière and Stoett highlight that ecological thinking is not just a scientific discipline, but a broad philosophical critique of modern society. From my perspective, this means that understanding ecology involves questioning the assumptions and limitations of our political, economic, and scientific systems. Environmental crises reveal that conventional ideologies, whether capitalist, socialist, or statist, may fail to address the complexity of human-nature interactions. Thus, ecology challenges us to reconsider the foundational principles of modernity and imagine alternative ways of living that are ecologically sustainable and socially just.

Keywords:
ecological thought, philosophy, critique of modernity, political systems, sustainability

Illustration Idea:
A visual showing the clash or balance between human society (cities, industry, politics) and nature (forests, rivers, wildlife), with thought bubbles or symbols representing different political and economic ideologies being questioned or transformed by ecological awareness.

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Quote:
“Ecological thought, then, hinges on a scientific understanding of natural interrelatedness and balance, expressed in the concept of the ecosystem; it requires an appreciation of nature as more than merely inert matter, of nature—if not alive—as, at least, in motion.”
— Thinking Like a Planet, Karen Litfin, 2012, p. 25

Paraphrase :
In my understanding, the author emphasizes that ecological thought is based on recognizing the intricate interconnections and balance within nature. Through the concept of the ecosystem, nature should be appreciated not merely as inert matter but as a dynamic, moving system, underscoring that humans are part of this living network.

Keywords:

ecological thought

nterrelatedness

balance

ecosystem

dynamic nature

Illustration :
A diagram of an ecosystem showing multiple species, plants, water, and humans interconnected, with arrows depicting flows of energy and matter to highlight the dynamic and interrelated character of nature.

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Quote:
“The early atomists, Leucippus and Democritus, were instrumental in laying the intellectual foundations, through Newton, of a materialist worldview to which many modern ecologists would adhere.”
— Thinking Like a Planet, Karen Litfin, 2012, p. 23

Paraphrase :
In my interpretation, the author suggests that early philosophical ideas about atoms and material interactions laid the groundwork for the scientific worldview underlying modern ecological science. This perspective highlights the importance of understanding causality and interconnections in nature.

Keywords:

atomists

materialist worldview

causality

ecological science

interconnections

Illustration idea:
A visual showing atoms or molecules connected with arrows forming a network, linking to a small ecosystem image, to depict how early scientific thought connects to ecological understanding.

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Quote:
“Aristotle…understood that balance (or ‘appropriate proportion’) was an important characteristic of nature which should also apply to human beings.”
— Thinking Like a Planet, Karen Litfin, 2012, p. 24

Paraphrase :
In my view, Aristotle’s idea of balance in nature extends to human societies, suggesting that moderation and equilibrium are essential both ecologically and socially. This reflects an early recognition of the interconnectedness of humans and their environment.

Keywords:

Aristotle

balance

moderation

human-environment connection

proportion

Illustration :
A scale balancing natural elements (trees, water, animals) on one side and humans, cities, or agriculture on the other, symbolizing equilibrium between nature and human activity.

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Quote:
“Utilitarianism thus took shape as a consequentialist ethical theory, where the ‘usefulness’ of an act (or a policy) would be judged according to its general, social impact, measured quantitatively in its capacity to ‘maximize pleasure’ and ‘minimize pain.’”
— Thinking Like a Planet, Karen Litfin, 2012, p. 27

Paraphrase :
In my reading, the author explains that utilitarianism evaluates actions based on their social consequences, aiming to maximize collective well-being. Applied to ecology, this perspective frames nature primarily in terms of its usefulness and benefits for human society.

Keywords:

utilitarianism

consequentialism

social impact

maximize pleasure

minimize pain

Illustration :
A diagram showing humans benefiting from natural resources (forests, rivers, animals) with icons representing well-being, happiness, or social goods, reflecting the utilitarian evaluation of nature.

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Quote:
“Nothing human beings do, and nothing that takes place in the natural world, occurs in isolation.”
— George Monbiot, Everything Is Connected, The Guardian, 12 December 2014

Paraphrase :
In my interpretation, Monbiot emphasizes that every action, whether by humans or nature, is part of a vast web of interconnected processes. Nothing exists independently; ecosystems and human activities are deeply entwined, and small changes can ripple widely.

Keywords:

interconnection

ecosystem

human impact

ripple effects

natural processes

Illustration :
A network diagram showing humans, animals, plants, and environmental elements connected by arrows to illustrate how actions in one area affect others.

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The interactions between wildlife and the physical planet are more complex and fascinating than we could ever have imagined.

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Quote:
“Large carnivores can transform both the populations and the behaviour of large herbivores. In turn this can change the nature and structure of the plant community, which in turn affects processes such as soil erosion, river movements and carbon storage.”

— George Monbiot, Everything Is Connected, The Guardian, 12 December 2014

Paraphrase :
I interpret this as a demonstration of trophic cascades: predators shape ecosystems not only by controlling prey populations, but also by influencing vegetation, soil, water systems, and even carbon cycles. Nature functions as a dynamic chain of cause and effect.

Keywords:

trophic cascades

large carnivores

herbivores

ecosystem dynamics

carbon storage

Illustration :
A simplified food chain showing wolves → deer → plants → soil and rivers, with arrows indicating cascading effects.

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The interactions between wildlife and the physical planet are more complex and fascinating than we could ever have imagined.

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Quote:
“Everything is connected.”

— George Monbiot, Everything Is Connected, The Guardian, 12 December 2014

Paraphrase :
In my reading, this is Monbiot’s central message: all components of the planet—humans, animals, plants, and climate systems—are linked. Understanding these links is essential to appreciate ecological complexity and the consequences of human actions.

Keywords:

interconnectedness

ecology

complexity

human-nature relationship

planetary systems

Illustration :
A globe with interlinked ecosystems, showing arrows connecting forests, oceans, animals, and humans, visually representing global interdependence.

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The interactions between wildlife and the physical planet are more complex and fascinating than we could ever have imagined.

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Quote:
“No nation or group of nations, however politically powerful or economically strong, can by themselves solve these planetary problems.”
— Richard E. Benedick, Environmental Diplomacy, 1998

Paraphrase :
In my interpretation, Benedick highlights that global environmental challenges are inherently transnational. No single country can address climate change, ozone depletion, or biodiversity loss alone; international cooperation is essential to achieve effective solutions.

Keywords:

global cooperation

transboundary issues

environmental diplomacy

planetary challenges

collective responsibility

Illustration :
A globe showing interconnected countries with arrows linking them, symbolizing shared responsibility for environmental issues.

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Quote:
“Environmental diplomacy truly came of age at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro.”
— Richard E. Benedick, Environmental Diplomacy, 1998

Paraphrase :
I interpret this as emphasizing that the Earth Summit in Rio was a turning point, marking the moment when environmental concerns became central to international policy, involving governments, NGOs, and multiple agencies in complex negotiations.

Keywords:

UNCED

Earth Summit

multilateral negotiations

environmental governance

sustainable development

Illustration :
An image of the Earth Summit with delegates from multiple countries around a globe, showing global participation in environmental decision-making.

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Quote:
“The ecological challenges of our time…are slow in developing, with a gradual cumulation of relatively small impacts…preventative policies will often involve substantial costs in the short term.”
— Richard E. Benedick, Environmental Diplomacy, 1998

Paraphrase :
Benedick points out that many environmental problems develop gradually but can have long-term catastrophic effects. Governments must weigh short-term costs against future risks, highlighting the importance of foresight in policy and diplomacy.

Keywords:

long-term risks

preventative policy

ecological challenges

sustainability

policy trade-offs

Illustration :
A timeline showing small environmental changes accumulating over decades, leading to major impacts, with a policymaker weighing costs vs. benefits.

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Quote:
“We’re entering a phase where a sense of ecological and climate crisis haunts stories which are not consciously environmental narratives at all.”
— Jenny Bavidge, University of Cambridge, 2019

Paraphrase :
In my interpretation, Bavidge suggests that climate change now permeates all forms of storytelling. Even narratives that are not explicitly about the environment reflect ecological crises, making climate awareness an underlying context in contemporary literature, film, and games.

Keywords:

climate crisis

ecological awareness

Anthropocene narratives

eco-dystopia

literature and media

Illustration:
A montage showing books, films, and video games, all subtly overlaid with climate imagery like storms, floods, or wildfire smoke, illustrating the pervasive presence of environmental crises across genres.

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A sense of climate crisis now haunts stories which aren’t even about the environment

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Climate change was once considered ‘too slow’ for great storytelling. Now, long-form novels are struggling to keep up with breakdown.

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Quote:
“Until recently, climate change was seen as a ‘slow motion disaster’…Nearly 15 years later that creep is closer. It has picked up pace, we feel a greater sense of urgency.”
— Jenny Bavidge, University of Cambridge, 2019

Paraphrase :
Bavidge emphasizes that climate change, once perceived as gradual, has accelerated, producing urgent and compounding effects across ecosystems. This growing immediacy challenges traditional narrative forms to capture the scale and speed of environmental crises.

Keywords:

climate acceleration

slow disaster

feedback loops

urgency

ecological domino effect

Illustration :
A timeline showing the acceleration of climate events, with icons for heatwaves, wildfires, storms, and melting ice, demonstrating the compounding and interconnected effects of climate change.

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A sense of climate crisis now haunts stories which aren’t even about the environment

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Climate change was once considered ‘too slow’ for great storytelling. Now, long-form novels are struggling to keep up with breakdown.

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Quote:
“Extreme weather events have solidified their place among the top global risks for the fourth consecutive year…climate adaptation must move from the periphery of policy discussions to the center of global action.”
— Global Risks Report 2025, 22 January 2025

Paraphrase :
The report emphasizes that extreme weather is no longer occasional but a persistent global threat, making climate adaptation urgent and central to policy and planning worldwide.

Keywords:

extreme weather

climate adaptation

global risks

policy priority

recurring crises

Illustration:
A world map showing recurring floods, wildfires, droughts, and heatwaves, with arrows connecting disasters to regions, highlighting global reach and urgency.

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The Growing Threat of Extreme Weather - Global Center on Adaptation

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A solutions broker to accelerate action and support for adaptation solutions around the world

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Quote:
“Advances in technology and data science are transforming the adaptation landscape…equitable access is paramount.”
— Global Risks Report 2025, 22 January 2025

Paraphrase :
Technological innovations, including AI-driven climate models and early warning systems, enhance adaptation, but fair access for all communities is crucial for effectiveness.

Keywords:

technology in adaptation

AI climate models

early warning systems

equity and accessibility

disaster preparedness

Illustration:
An illustration of a farmer, urban planner, and coastal community using AI and mobile-based early warning tools, showing tech supporting resilience globally.

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The Growing Threat of Extreme Weather - Global Center on Adaptation

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A solutions broker to accelerate action and support for adaptation solutions around the world

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Quote:

“Decisions taken by the US government and the rest of the world during the remainder of 2021 will be among the most important of our generation.” (Sachs, 2021)

Paraphrase :

In my experience, Jeffrey Sachs emphasizes that decisions made by the US government and other nations during this critical period are among the most consequential of our generation. Interpreting his argument, I understand that he sees these choices as pivotal for shaping a sustainable and equitable future, where urgent action on climate and social justice cannot be postponed.

Keywords: Global decision-making, climate action, generational responsibility, policy urgency

Illustration : A global summit with leaders in discussion, emphasizing the urgency of the decisions.

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Decisions taken by the US government and the rest of the world during the remainder of 2021 will be among the most important of our generation.
By Jeffrey D. Sachs
The new report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change summarizes the current state of scientific knowledge regarding the global climate crisis, including the urgent steps needed to keep global warming below 1.5°C - a threshold the report said the planet is likely to hit - or exceed - within 20 years if no steps are taken. Together with other recent reports, it provides a critical basis for policymaking in the crucial months ahead. Decisions taken by the US government and the rest of the world during the remainder of 2021 will be among the most important of our generation.

Even as the world grapples with the Delta variant of COVID-19, climate crises are exposing our fragility. Floods, droughts, heatwaves, extreme storms, and mega-fires are ravaging the planet. The IPCC report explains that these events reflect a climate system profoundly destabilized by the rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide caused by fossil fuels. Only rapid decarbonization - the shift to wind, solar, and other zero-emission energy technologies - can save us from intensifying disasters.

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Yet this is not all. Last month's report "The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World," issued by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and partner institutions, documented the dire state of food insecurity. No fewer than 3 billion people on the planet, 40 percent of the global population, cannot afford a healthy diet. Climate change threatens to worsen the food crisis. The IPCC report shows that much of the world faces the prospect of intensifying agricultural and ecological droughts as a result of climate change.

A farmer walked back to his car between two barren fields on July 23 in California's drought-stricken Central Valley. Before the drought the fields were sown with hemp or garlic crops, but as a result of California's water restrictions the farmer decided not to plant.ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images

Yet another recent report - "Biodiversity and Climate Change," co-sponsored by the IPCC and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services - documents the profound decline of biodiversity and the risks that climate change poses to biodiversity. The collapse of biodiversity in turn further threatens global food supplies and countless other ecosystem functions on which we utterly depend.

Thus, even as hopelessly puerile and demagogic politicians such as Republican Governors Greg Abbott of Texas and Ron DeSantis of Florida waste our time and squander the lives of their citizens with cruel rants regarding face masks and vaccines, the real work of rescuing the world from human folly has become more urgent than ever. There is a way out of the current morass - and even a diplomatic and political timetable in the coming months.

The solutions to our growing crises lie in two overriding transformations - the first to sustainable energy and land use, and the second to a fairer society.

In the spring, the International Energy Agency published an essential roadmap, Net Zero by 2050, showing how the global energy system can be converted to net-zero CO2 emissions with technologies already in hand or within reach. Solar and wind power, electric vehicles, green hydrogen (produced from water with zero-carbon electricity), and other technologies can support a rapid, low-cost energy transformation by mid-century.

Ventilation fan units beside the hydrogen electrolysis plant at the Wesseling green hydrogen refinery, operated by Royal Dutch Shell Plc, in Wesseling, Germany. Europe is pinning its green hopes on hydrogen in an unprecedented economic overhaul that aims for the region to reach climate neutrality by 2050. Alex Kraus/Bloomberg

The path to a fairer society is also within reach. The key is more taxes on corporations and the super-rich, to enable governments to ensure health care, nutrition, education, and other basic needs to every citizen. This too is not complicated. Many societies (notably in Northern Europe) already achieve this kind of basic fairness. The United States could as well by adopting basic tax reforms.

President Biden and the Democrats in Congress have the opportunity to pass historic legislation outlined in a proposed budget resolution to the FY2022 Budget Reconciliation bill that Senate Democrats launched Monday. The legislation targets environmental sustainability and a fairer society paid for with higher taxes on corporations and the rich. The Democratic proposals are strongly backed by public opinion. The real political battle is notwith the public but with the corporate lobbies and the mega-rich campaign donors who still fight for their tax breaks and protection against IRS audits. Key votes will take place in September and October.

The US political drama will unfold against a backdrop of unprecedented global diplomacy, a make-or-break period for the world as a whole to set a course toward sustainability and fairness after the shocking dislocations of the pandemic. No less than four major diplomatic events are on the calendar, a series of meetings that can redirect the world towards sanity and safety.

First, at the UN in September, leaders will meet in a UN Food Systems Summit to chart a path toward food security. In mid-October, the world's nations will hold a UN Biodiversity Conference in Kunming, China, with the goal of setting urgent new guardrails against the collapse of biodiversity and ecosystems. In late October, the world's leaders will meet at the G20 in Rome, where they can agree on global tax reform and a revamp of global finances needed to direct more resources to low-income countries. In November, all 193 UN member states will convene in Glasgow, Scotland, for the UN Climate Change Conference. That should be the occasion for all nations to commit to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, and to do so cooperatively.

The most basic challenge for global survival and well-being is to turn our knowledge into action. The world's scientists are clear on the dangers. The technologists are clear on the solutions. The challenges are therefore political and ethical, to use our knowledge wisely, for the common good. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, and the International Energy Agency have done their part to inform us of what needs to be done. The challenge is now ours and our governments to act for the common good.
Jeffrey D. Sachs is university professor at Columbia University, director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, and president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/08/10/opinion/climate-crisis-challenge-belongs-all-us/

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The climate crisis challenge belongs to all of us - Jeffrey D. Sachs

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Decisions taken by the US government and the rest of the world during the remainder of 2021 will be among the most important of our generation. By Jeffrey D. Sachs The new report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change summ

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Quote:

“Floods, droughts, heatwaves, extreme storms, and mega-fires are ravaging the planet.” (Sachs, 2021)

Paraphrase :

In my experience, Sachs points out that extreme weather events—floods, droughts, heatwaves, storms, and mega-fires—have become increasingly severe and frequent. Interpreting his position, I see that he regards these phenomena as a clear signal of the destabilized climate system and as urgent calls for global mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Keywords: Extreme weather, climate crisis, planetary impacts, disaster risk

Illustration : Collage showing flooding, wildfires, and hurricanes affecting different continents.

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Decisions taken by the US government and the rest of the world during the remainder of 2021 will be among the most important of our generation.
By Jeffrey D. Sachs
The new report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change summarizes the current state of scientific knowledge regarding the global climate crisis, including the urgent steps needed to keep global warming below 1.5°C - a threshold the report said the planet is likely to hit - or exceed - within 20 years if no steps are taken. Together with other recent reports, it provides a critical basis for policymaking in the crucial months ahead. Decisions taken by the US government and the rest of the world during the remainder of 2021 will be among the most important of our generation.

Even as the world grapples with the Delta variant of COVID-19, climate crises are exposing our fragility. Floods, droughts, heatwaves, extreme storms, and mega-fires are ravaging the planet. The IPCC report explains that these events reflect a climate system profoundly destabilized by the rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide caused by fossil fuels. Only rapid decarbonization - the shift to wind, solar, and other zero-emission energy technologies - can save us from intensifying disasters.

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Yet this is not all. Last month's report "The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World," issued by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and partner institutions, documented the dire state of food insecurity. No fewer than 3 billion people on the planet, 40 percent of the global population, cannot afford a healthy diet. Climate change threatens to worsen the food crisis. The IPCC report shows that much of the world faces the prospect of intensifying agricultural and ecological droughts as a result of climate change.

A farmer walked back to his car between two barren fields on July 23 in California's drought-stricken Central Valley. Before the drought the fields were sown with hemp or garlic crops, but as a result of California's water restrictions the farmer decided not to plant.ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images

Yet another recent report - "Biodiversity and Climate Change," co-sponsored by the IPCC and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services - documents the profound decline of biodiversity and the risks that climate change poses to biodiversity. The collapse of biodiversity in turn further threatens global food supplies and countless other ecosystem functions on which we utterly depend.

Thus, even as hopelessly puerile and demagogic politicians such as Republican Governors Greg Abbott of Texas and Ron DeSantis of Florida waste our time and squander the lives of their citizens with cruel rants regarding face masks and vaccines, the real work of rescuing the world from human folly has become more urgent than ever. There is a way out of the current morass - and even a diplomatic and political timetable in the coming months.

The solutions to our growing crises lie in two overriding transformations - the first to sustainable energy and land use, and the second to a fairer society.

In the spring, the International Energy Agency published an essential roadmap, Net Zero by 2050, showing how the global energy system can be converted to net-zero CO2 emissions with technologies already in hand or within reach. Solar and wind power, electric vehicles, green hydrogen (produced from water with zero-carbon electricity), and other technologies can support a rapid, low-cost energy transformation by mid-century.

Ventilation fan units beside the hydrogen electrolysis plant at the Wesseling green hydrogen refinery, operated by Royal Dutch Shell Plc, in Wesseling, Germany. Europe is pinning its green hopes on hydrogen in an unprecedented economic overhaul that aims for the region to reach climate neutrality by 2050. Alex Kraus/Bloomberg

The path to a fairer society is also within reach. The key is more taxes on corporations and the super-rich, to enable governments to ensure health care, nutrition, education, and other basic needs to every citizen. This too is not complicated. Many societies (notably in Northern Europe) already achieve this kind of basic fairness. The United States could as well by adopting basic tax reforms.

President Biden and the Democrats in Congress have the opportunity to pass historic legislation outlined in a proposed budget resolution to the FY2022 Budget Reconciliation bill that Senate Democrats launched Monday. The legislation targets environmental sustainability and a fairer society paid for with higher taxes on corporations and the rich. The Democratic proposals are strongly backed by public opinion. The real political battle is notwith the public but with the corporate lobbies and the mega-rich campaign donors who still fight for their tax breaks and protection against IRS audits. Key votes will take place in September and October.

The US political drama will unfold against a backdrop of unprecedented global diplomacy, a make-or-break period for the world as a whole to set a course toward sustainability and fairness after the shocking dislocations of the pandemic. No less than four major diplomatic events are on the calendar, a series of meetings that can redirect the world towards sanity and safety.

First, at the UN in September, leaders will meet in a UN Food Systems Summit to chart a path toward food security. In mid-October, the world's nations will hold a UN Biodiversity Conference in Kunming, China, with the goal of setting urgent new guardrails against the collapse of biodiversity and ecosystems. In late October, the world's leaders will meet at the G20 in Rome, where they can agree on global tax reform and a revamp of global finances needed to direct more resources to low-income countries. In November, all 193 UN member states will convene in Glasgow, Scotland, for the UN Climate Change Conference. That should be the occasion for all nations to commit to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, and to do so cooperatively.

The most basic challenge for global survival and well-being is to turn our knowledge into action. The world's scientists are clear on the dangers. The technologists are clear on the solutions. The challenges are therefore political and ethical, to use our knowledge wisely, for the common good. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, and the International Energy Agency have done their part to inform us of what needs to be done. The challenge is now ours and our governments to act for the common good.
Jeffrey D. Sachs is university professor at Columbia University, director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, and president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/08/10/opinion/climate-crisis-challenge-belongs-all-us/

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The climate crisis challenge belongs to all of us - Jeffrey D. Sachs

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Decisions taken by the US government and the rest of the world during the remainder of 2021 will be among the most important of our generation. By Jeffrey D. Sachs The new report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change summ

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Quote:

“Human-induced climate and hydrologic change is likely to make many parts of the world uninhabitable, or at least uneconomic. Even if there are some "winners" from climate change… there will also be large numbers of undeniable losers. Over the course of a few decades, if not sooner, hundreds of millions of people may be compelled to relocate because of environmental pressures.”

Paraphrase :

In my experience, Jeffrey Sachs argues that human-driven changes in climate and water systems will render large regions of the planet uninhabitable or economically unviable. Interpreting his analysis, I understand that while some areas—like higher-latitude farms—might temporarily benefit, the overwhelming majority of people will face profound losses. Sachs highlights that over the coming decades, environmental pressures could force hundreds of millions to migrate, emphasizing the urgency of planning for climate-induced displacement.

Keywords: Climate migration, environmental refugees, human impact, water stress, global inequality

Illustration: Map showing areas of high climate vulnerability with arrows representing potential migration flows.

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Climate Change Refugees (extended version)

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As global warming tightens the availability of water, prepare for a torrent of forced migrations

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Quote:

“To a significant extent, water will be the most important determinant of these population movements… Combined with the human-induced depletion of groundwater sources by pumping, and the extensive pollution of rivers and lakes, mass migrations may be unavoidable.”

Paraphrase :

In my experience, Sachs emphasizes that water availability will be the primary factor driving large-scale population movements. Interpreting his argument, I see that he stresses how human activities—like over-pumping groundwater and polluting freshwater sources—intensify the natural pressures of climate change, making mass migrations increasingly inevitable.

Keywords: Water scarcity, groundwater depletion, environmental stress, migration, hydrological impact

Illustration : Infographic showing shrinking rivers, depleted aquifers, and population movements.

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Climate Change Refugees (extended version)

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As global warming tightens the availability of water, prepare for a torrent of forced migrations

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Quote:

“Regions much further inland will wither. Hundreds of millions of people, including many of the poorest farm households, live in river valleys where irrigation is fed by glacier melt and snowmelt. The glaciers are disappearing, and the annual snowmelt is coming earlier each year, synchronizing it less and less well with the summer growing season.”

Paraphrase :

In my experience, Sachs notes that even regions far from the coast will face severe water stress. Interpreting his insights, I understand that river valleys dependent on glacier and snowmelt will see growing mismatches between water availability and agricultural demand, especially as glaciers retreat and seasonal flows shift. The poorest farming communities are particularly vulnerable, underscoring the unequal impacts of climate change.

Keywords: Inland water stress, glacier retreat, seasonal mismatch, agricultural vulnerability, inequality

Illustration: Diagram showing glacier melt timing versus crop growth cycles in river valleys.

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Climate Change Refugees (extended version)

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As global warming tightens the availability of water, prepare for a torrent of forced migrations

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Quote:

“In Africa, all signs suggest that currently subhumid and arid areas will dry further, deepening the food crisis for many of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people.”

Paraphrase :

In my experience, Sachs points out that subhumid and arid regions in Africa are likely to face worsening droughts. Interpreting his perspective, I see that he links these drying trends directly to escalating food insecurity among the most vulnerable populations, warning that climate change is compounding existing socioeconomic and environmental stresses.

Keywords: African drought, food security, climate vulnerability, subhumid regions, socio-environmental stress

Illustration: Map of African regions showing predicted rainfall decline and food insecurity hotspots.

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Climate Change Refugees (extended version)

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As global warming tightens the availability of water, prepare for a torrent of forced migrations

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Quote:

“Until now, the climate debate has focused on the basic science and the costs and benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. That stage is now ending… Attention will now increasingly turn to the urgent challenge of adapting to the changes and helping those who are most affected.”

Paraphrase :

In my experience, Sachs explains that while earlier discussions centered on climate science and emission reductions, the conversation is now shifting toward adaptation. Interpreting his viewpoint, I understand that he sees an urgent need to help communities most affected by climate change through infrastructure, technology, and policy measures, emphasizing that mitigation alone is no longer sufficient.

Keywords: Climate adaptation, mitigation vs adaptation, vulnerable populations, policy action, resilience

Illustration : Side-by-side comparison of mitigation strategies (emission cuts) and adaptation strategies (flood defenses, irrigation systems).

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Climate Change Refugees (extended version)

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As global warming tightens the availability of water, prepare for a torrent of forced migrations

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QUOTE

"The mainstreaming of the MECC nexus remains limited in the development and climate change domains, with labour migration and adaptation perspectives largely missing in policy, legal and strategy documents. [...] There are knowledge gaps due to the lack of evidence regarding the interlinkages of migration, environment and climate change in the context of Kyrgyzstan."
— Jeenbaeva, J. & Banerjee, S. (2022). Policy Analysis on Migration, Environment and Climate Change: Kyrgyzstan. IOM.

PARAPHRASE

In my experience, what the authors are essentially emphasizing is that Kyrgyzstan still lacks a coherent and integrated understanding of how migration, environmental pressures, and climate change intersect. They argue that, from a policymaker’s perspective, the MECC nexus remains only partially recognized: key strategies do not yet treat labour migration as a potential adaptive mechanism, nor do they sufficiently consider climate-related risks faced by migrant-sending households. According to their analysis, the absence of reliable data, fragmented institutional responsibilities, and limited coordination among agencies make it difficult to translate climate and migration realities into effective national policies. In my view, the authors interpret these gaps as evidence that Kyrgyzstan needs a stronger conceptual foundation and more capacity to integrate the MECC nexus into sustainable development planning.

KEYWORDS

Migration–Environment–Climate Change (MECC) nexus

Policy gaps

Climate adaptation

Labour migration

Institutional coordination

Evidence gaps

Kyrgyzstan

Disaster displacement

ILLUSTRATION

A conceptual diagram showing three overlapping circles labeled “Migration,” “Environment,” and “Climate Change,” with the small intersection (MECC) highlighted to show how little this nexus is integrated into national policy. In the background, small icons represent mountains, drought, floods, and migrating workers, symbolizing the complex pressures facing Kyrgyzstan.

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Environmental Diplomacy, Consciousness, and Planetary Interdependence

Environmental diplomacy today increasingly requires not only political decisions but also a deep rethinking of how people live, consume, and interact with the planet. Reading texts by Litfin, Mills, and materials on land use, I realized that the ecological crisis is simultaneously a material, political, and consciousness-related problem. It affects both large global systems and small details of our everyday life. Therefore, my topic in this essay is how human consciousness, social structures, and planetary resources are interconnected. And the key question is: why environmental diplomacy must take all of this into account together.

Topic Sentence:

Environmental problems cannot be considered only as technical or political—they are connected to the state of human consciousness, the structure of global systems, and the way we use Earth’s resources.

Thesis Sentence:

I believe that environmental diplomacy becomes effective only when three levels are combined—the ecological systems (as in Gaia theory), collective political structures (as described by Litfin), and personal awareness of one’s role in these processes (as discussed by Mills and Litfin, 2018).

Research Question:

How are human consciousness, society, and the planet interconnected in environmental diplomacy?

Paragraph 1

Planetary Cycles and the World Food System

The first thing that really struck me is how much modern food depends on petroleum. As Litfin writes:

“Petroleum, the lifeblood of the world food system, plays a key role in anthropogenic perturbations of Gaia’s carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and water cycles.”(Litfin, 2012, p. 426)

Reading this, I felt that we live in a system that literally disrupts the foundations of the planet. I used to think about food as something “natural,” but it turns out it is built on oil—from fertilizers to transportation.

Paraphrase:

Litfin explains that the global food system disrupts the main biogeochemical cycles of the Earth because it is heavily dependent on petroleum.

From a Gaian perspective, Earth is a living organism that self-regulates, and our agriculture acts against this self-regulation. This shows that diplomacy, which only talks about “food security” without considering ecology, is insufficient.

Sometimes these approaches work—for example, when sustainable agriculture is developed. Sometimes they do not—when countries prioritize cheap fuel and quick solutions.

Paragraph 2

Crisis of Consciousness and Integral Approach

The second important idea is the crisis of consciousness. Litfin writes:

“Because it frames global environmental degradation as a crisis of consciousness, an integral approach can help bridge the gap…”(Litfin, 2003, p. 34)

Paraphrase:

Litfin emphasizes that the ecological crisis is not only a matter of politics or economy—it is a problem of human perception of the world.

Honestly, this idea seems both the hardest and the truest to me. Often, it feels like many people simply do not see the connection between their actions and the state of nature.

The integral approach combines:

-structures and institutions,

- collective values,

- individual responsibility.

Even the strongest international agreements work only when citizens also change their behavior. If a country signs a climate agreement but people continue living as before, the effect is minimal.

Paragraph 3

Sociological Imagination and Human Position in the Crisis

This connects with what Mills wrote back in 1959:

“The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the relations between the two within society.”(Mills, 1959, p. 3)

Paraphrase:

Mills explains that we must see the connection between our lives and larger historical processes.

In the context of ecology, this means that climate and diplomacy are not just news—they shape our biography, and we shape history as well.

Litfin (2018) adds a modern dimension:

“Our students literally inhabit a different planet from the one on which we came of age.” (Litfin, 2018, p. 6)

This is true—we are growing up on a planet that changes every year because of climate change. For me, this sometimes even feels scary because it is not only an ecological issue but also a question of identity.

Young generations worry more about climate because they face its consequences directly.

Paragraph 4

Land Use as Diplomacy and Sustainability

The last topic is land as a resource. According to DEFRA:

“Our land is our greatest natural asset… There are increasing opportunities and demands on our land, requiring land use to be more dynamic than ever.”(DEFRA, 2025)

Paraphrase:

Land is a key resource that must be used strategically.

This is directly connected to climate, food, and diplomacy. Countries dispute over land, water, and forests. Therefore, sustainable land use policy is already part of international relations.

Even local land-use decisions affect global climate goals.

Conclusion

Integrative approaches sometimes work—when countries link diplomatic decisions with ecological cycles and personal responsibility. Sometimes they do not—when economic interests outweigh planetary concerns.

But the overall idea from Litfin, Mills, and land use materials shows:

For environmental diplomacy to be effective, planetary processes, political structures, and human consciousness must all be connected.

References

DEFRA. (2025). Land use consultation. UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. https://consult.defra.gov.uk/land-use-framework/land-use-consultation/supporting_documents/Land%20Use%20Consultation.pdf

Litfin, K. (2003). Towards an integral perspective on world politics: Secularism, sovereignty and the challenge of global ecology. Millennium: Journal of International Studies, 32(1), 29–56. https://faculty.washington.edu/litfin/research/Integral_politics.pdf

Litfin, K. (2012). Thinking like a planet: Gaian politics and the transformation of the world food system. https://faculty.washington.edu/litfin/research/Gaian_Food_System.pdf

Litfin, K. (2018). The contemplative pause: Insights for teaching politics in turbulent times. Journal of Political Science Education. https://www.polisci.washington.edu/sites/polisci/files/documents/research/jpse_contemplative_pause.pdf

Mills, C. W. (1959). The sociological imagination. Oxford University Press. https://www.polisci.washington.edu/sites/polisci/files/documents/research/jpse_contemplative_pause.pdf