ct George Bush’s debate with Al Gore, he mentioned that the United States should consider forgiving some third world debt in exchange for tropical rainforest land. The United States needs to continue supporting programs and treaties that preserve the endangered rainforests.The Convention on Bio Diversity was also signed at the Rio Earth Summit. This convention focuses on countries sharing genetic resources, protecting ecosystems and natural habitats, and working together to conserve Earth’s biological diversity. The convention was signed on June 4th, 1993, but the United States has not ratified it yet. Currently there are discussions going on about genetically modified organisms being commerced. Many countries question the United States being involved in the discussions because we have not even ratified the Biodiversity Convention. This is a very good point. The United States should not be involved in discussions unless we are willing to commit to the decisions made and actions taken. The Environmental Protection Agency plays a role in international environmental policies by sharing program ideas and conducting research studies with other nations. Some of the programs are; Common Sense Initiative, Project XL, Energy Star Buildings, Green Lights, and Waste Wise. An example of a research study done with another country is the study done on the effects of development in adolescents in India. Another study the EPA participated in was with China. Together, we did a study on children exposed to fine airborne particles, and the effects on their lungs. The Regional Environmental Hub Program is another way the United States is involved in international environmental policy. The Department of State established regional environmental hubs to address across the border environmental problems through regional cooperation. Hubs work with several countries within a region on a certain issue to share information and create and...
