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Difficulty: EasyDebates about the Environment after 1900

Source: Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, United Nations, 1992

"States shall cooperate in a spirit of global partnership to conserve, protect and restore the health and integrity of the Earth's ecosystem. In view of the different contributions to global environmental degradation, States have common but differentiated responsibilities. The developed countries acknowledge the responsibility that they bear in the international pursuit of sustainable development in view of the pressures their societies place on the global environment and of the technologies and financial resources they command."

Which of the following debates about the environment after 1900 is most directly reflected in this passage?

  1. A
    The debate over whether chemical fertilizers and high-yield crop varieties from the Green Revolution are environmentally sustainable.
  2. The debate over whether developed nations should bear a greater responsibility for environmental protection than developing nations.Answer
  3. C
    The debate over whether global trade policies are causing complete cultural homogenization and the loss of local identities.
  4. D
    The debate over whether resource scarcity would lead to direct military conflict between superpower blocs.

Answer

The debate over whether developed nations should bear a greater responsibility for environmental protection than developing nations.
The passage highlights 'common but differentiated responsibilities,' acknowledging that developed countries bear a larger responsibility for global environmental issues due to their historical industrialization and greater financial and technological resources. This directly reflects the ongoing debate between industrialized and developing nations regarding who should shoulder the costs of environmental regulation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Read the stimulus and identify the main argument regarding environmental responsibility.
The passage states that nations have 'common but differentiated responsibilities' and notes that developed nations bear a larger share of responsibility because of the pressure their societies place on the environment.
To establish the core subject of the source before evaluating the options.
2
Relate the source's focus on differentiated responsibility to post-1900 environmental debates.
This reflects the debate between industrialized countries (who historically emitted more greenhouse gases and consumed more resources) and developing nations (who prioritize economic growth).
To connect the specific text to the broader AP World History curriculum framework on globalization and the environment.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the one matching the identified debate.
The option concerning the unequal responsibility of developed versus developing nations matches the stimulus.
To select the correct option based on historical and textual analysis.

Key Concept

The conflict between the environmental responsibilities of industrialized nations and the development goals of poorer countries.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Debates about the Environment after 1900

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