Is Consensus Necessary for Effective Environmental Treaties?

Abstract

All environmental issues have the possibility for both violence and peaceful resolution. Peaceful resolution is usually found through treaties. It is gener ally believed that treaties will be more effective when parties reach a high degree of consensus. However, it is not clear whether consensus is necessary for effec tive environmental treaties. This article presents variables on problem and so lution representation that affect consensus as understood in political science, psychology, and cross-cultural communication. This article suggests the con ditions under which consensus can lead to effective treaties. A typology is cre ated, and several case studies are presented. The analysis indicates that there is a relationship between consensus and effectiveness. Treaty-making bodies that achieve a higher level of consensus do tend to draft more effective treaties. However, evidence suggest that it may not be as important for the parties to agree as to understand each other's concerns on a given issue.