Date of Award
Spring 2008
Project Type
Thesis
Program or Major
Political Science
Degree Name
Master of Arts
First Advisor
Aline Kuntz
Abstract
Why is climate change a top priority on the political agenda in Germany and not a top priority on the political agenda in the United States? This study seeks to answer this question by examining the evolution of climate change policy in both countries. Analyzing Germany's and America's environmental movement, the thesis points to several theories which include the European Union and cultural values. However, it is the nations' political structures/institutions and their post WWII foreign policy views that most determine where climate change policy stands on each country's political agenda. The analysis concludes with a possible outlook on America's environmental leadership.
Recommended Citation
Kesling, Kristin, "Climate change policy: Why Germany leads and the United States lags" (2008). Master's Theses and Capstones. 77.
https://scholars.unh.edu/thesis/77