Sherpa relation to a G20 country and climate discussion

Sherpa relation to a G20 country and climate discussion

This is an assignment that discusses the Sherpa relation to a G20 country and climate discussion. The assignment also discusses the cost benefits of a chosen overhaul.

The Sherpa relation to a G20 country and climate discussion

You are asked to write a memorandum for the Sherpa of your chosen G20 country and to also present your arguments why the country should take a fresh look at a specific climate change challenge which cuts across a number of important domestic and international environmental challenges. The objective of the memorandum is to:

(a) persuade the Sherpa[2] to take your memo to the leader of your chosen G20 country,
(b) win the leader’s support of your proposal,
(c) announce the country’s new climate change policy at the upcoming G20 meeting in Washington, D.C. in the autumn 2020!

As you approach this assignment, you must first thoroughly familiarize yourself with and include in your memorandum:

The major components of your chosen country’s climate change policy,
Firstly, identify the climate change area you feel needs a dramatic overhaul (e.g. energy policy because of its critical impact on the environment, economy, employment, public health, social equity, etc.),
Secondly, identify the costs-benefits of your proposed overhaul (in terms of the sectors directly impacted, but also in view of possible spin-off effects elsewhere),
Thirdly, present your arguments where the overhaul could have positive and negative impacts in terms of domestic politics, and how those could be addressed,
Finally, present persuasive arguments how the climate change overhaul would generally position the country more favorably (e.g. as a ‘leader’) in the international community’s efforts to meet the aspirational IPCC global warming target of 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Suggested Assignment Structure:

1. Executive Summary (write this part last, and include any recommendations here)
2. Background. What is the issue? Why is it pressing? Why is action needed?
3. Analysis. Analyze the alternatives without bias. Also, what options are available?
4. Recommendation. Why are you recommending the option that you choose?

[1] A Sherpa is a personal representative of the leader of a member country (such as the G8, G20). The term is from the Nepalese Sherpa people, who serve as guides for mountaineers in the Himalayas. The Sherpa also engages in planning, negotiation and implementation tasks in the lead-up and through the G8/G20 Summits. Additionally, they coordinate the agenda, seek consensus at the highest political levels, and participate in a series of pre-Summit consultations to help negotiate their leaders’ positions. Sherpas are career diplomats or senior government officials appointed by the leaders of their countries. However, there is only one Sherpa per Summit for each member country; he/she is assisted by several sous Sherpas.