Transboundary Environmental Governance across the World’s Longest Border

Description

Canada and the United States share a border that spans several of the world's major watersheds and encompasses the largest reserves of fresh water on the planet. The border that separates these two neighbors is political, but the natural environment is a matter of common concern. In recent years, dramatic changes have taken place in the political and environmental landscapes that shape the conversations, possibilities, and processes associated with the management of this shared interest. More than ever, Indigenous populations are recognized to be a necessary part of negotiations and decision-making regarding matters ranging from pipelines to the protection of endangered species'habitats. Globalization and, in particular, the continuing elaboration of a transnational conversation and architecture for addressing issues related to climate change have ramifications for Canada-US transboundary issues. The contributors to this volume examine the state of the existing transboundary relationship between Canada and the United States, including the governance structures and processes, the environmental impacts and adequacy of these structures and processes, and the opportunities and obstacles that exist for reform and improved outcomes. Contents Preface, Andrea Olive and Stephen Brooks The International Joint Commission: The Promise and Limits of an Ambitious Model, Stephen Brooks Transboundary Water Management and Governance in the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Basin, Daniel Macfarlane and Noah D. Hall Multi-jurisdictional Governance of the Shared Great Lakes Fishery: Can a Nonbinding Agreement Work?, Marc Gaden and Charles C. Krueger Transboundary Environmental Governance and Water Pollution in the Great Lakes Region: Recent Progress and Future Challenges, Carolyn Johns Transboundary Water Governance in the Prairie Region: Development Institutions in a Conservation Age, B. Timothy Heinmiller Transboundary Environmental Governance in the Pacific West, Donald K. Alper Canada/US Transboundary Energy Governance, Stephen Bird and Martin D. Heintzelman Canada–United States Relations and a Low-Carbon Economy for North America?, Debora L. VanNijnatten and Marcela López-Vallejo Olvera Lessons Learned and New Applications, Andrea Olive Contributors Index