About This Lesson
In this hypothetical simulation from Model Diplomacy, students will role-play as members of the U.S. National Security Council (NSC) to deliberate and debate the U.S. response to climate change.
Concepts
- International environmental policy
- International economic policy
- Multilateralism
- International development
Issues
- Intersection of economic and foreign policy concerns
- Interests and responsibilities of developing and developed states
- Uncertainty of threats and of policy effects
- U.S. strategy at international summits, including top-down versus bottom-up approaches
The Situation
The effects of climate change pose risks not only to the environment, but also to the security and livelihoods of people in the United States and around the world, both now and in the future. Various international responses are possible, but the questions of how to cut emissions and prepare for climate consequences, and who should bear the costs of doing so, have few simple answers. The U.S. government has convened an NSC meeting to consider what goal to pursue at an upcoming international climate summit that the president plans to attend.
About
Model Diplomacy is a free simulation program that invites students, educators, and professionals to step into the roles of decision-makers in the U.S. National Security Council (NSC) or UN Security Council (UNSC). Model Diplomacy simulations help students develop critical thinking, persuasive speaking and writing, and collaboration skills, all while giving them hands-on experience grappling with the challenges of our modern, globalized world.
CFR Education is an initiative within the Council on Foreign Relations that aims to make complex foreign policy and international issues accessible for middle, high school, and college students through its educational products: World101, Model Diplomacy, and Convene the Council.
