The Paris Agreement

This book discusses the immediate and severe threat posed by global climate change and the various obstacles that stand in the way of action. Judith Blau presents scientific evidence relevant to The Paris Agreement (COP-21): an international treaty that promises to strengthen the global response to climate change. As she reckons with the dangers of catastrophic planetary heating, Blau discusses the clash between the deeply ingrained American tradition of individualism and the collective action and acknowledgement of intertwined fate needed to address climate change.  She acknowledges that America’s capitalist bent stands in contrast to the idea of the “commons”—a concept that we need to embrace if climate change is to be mitigated. The volume also explains the foundations of international human rights standards as they relate to climate change. Drawing from guiding principles of human rights and equality, the book concludes hopefully—suggesting that the people of the world canmeet the challenge posed by climate change by at once acknowledging shared humanity and celebrating difference. 

“This short book offers a succinct, readable overview of GCC and the framework of international human and environmental rights. … The Paris Agreement may be more appealing to an advanced undergraduate readership, perhaps as a supplementary text for environmental sociology, political sociology, and/or social movements courses.” (Alexander M. Stoner, Social Forces, Vol. 97 (01), September, 2018) “As Judith Blau states in her preface, ‘November 2016 may be the most decisive month ever for the fate of humanity!’  Blau has assembled an amazing collection of material which gives one the resources to develop a serious understanding of the issues and possible solutions for preserving a habitable earth for humankind.  She has interwoven the facts and issues of climate change with human rights with the options for humans to act in solidarity to survive in a troubled world.  A manual for survival!” (Chris Polloni, Chair, Sierra Club Cape Cod and Islands Group, USA)

“What are the social foundations that permit transnational cooperation to combat climate change? Judith Blau points mainly to solidarity: an awareness of shared experiences, interests, ideals, and vulnerabilities. By presenting theoretical arguments for and practical examples of collaboration to address climate change, Blau demonstrates that human beings have the capacity to be united in equalities and differences. While all people have equal rights to dignity, protection from abuse, sustenance, health, and education, they also have the right to explore, develop, and affirm their racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender, and sexual identities. It is the earth itself that provides the context for the actualization of these rights. Accordingly, Blau exhorts the US population to think beyond individualism and exceptionalism and to actively embrace its responsibility to preserve the environment.” (Mark Frezzo, University of Mississippi, USA)

Judith Blau is Professor Emerita, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA. She also served as President of the Southern Sociological Society, and is Founder and Director of the Human Rights Center of Chapel Hill & Carrboro.