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.
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