Sophisticated Interdependence in Climate Policy: Federalism in the United States, Brazil, and Germany

(Paperback)

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With the US as the world's most prominent climate change outlaw, international pressure will not impel domestic action. The key to a successful global warming solution lies closer to home: in state-federal relations. Thomson proposes an innovative climate policy framework called "sophisticated interdependence." This model is based on her lucid analysis of economic and political forces affecting climate change policy in selected US states, as well as on comparative descriptions of programs in Germany and Brazil, two powerful federal democracies whose policies are critical in the global climate change arena.

Reviews

"In this engaging and carefully researched book, Vivian E. Thomson offers a politically astute roadmap for reducing our dependency on fossil fuels. Even when tackling a global problem like climate change, national and local institutions are as relevant as ever." -Paul F. Steinberg, Professor of Political Science and Environmental Policy, Malcolm Lewis Chair in Sustainability and Society, Harvey Mudd College "Through elaborated interconnections and an in-depth view, Thomson provides unique insights, skillfully identifying common ground and pivotal factors to break today's stalemates in multilateral environmental agreements. Readers, regardless of their political views, will find much to stimulate their thinking in this book." -Oswaldo Lucon, Professor, University of Sao Paulo, and Climate Change Adviser, Sao Paulo State Government "Packed with climate law and policy insights, this book's most notable scholarly contribution is in illuminating conditions and motives associated with US state climate activism during periods of federal inaction. Thomson provides rich material for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in the policy challenges posed by climate change." -William W. Buzbee, Professor of Law, Emory University, and author of "Fighting Westway: Environmental Law, Citizen Activism, and the Regulatory War that Transformed New York City"

Author Bio

Vivian E. Thomson is an associate professor in the Departments of Environmental Sciences and Politics at the University of Virginia.