Policy Decision Memorandum
A focus on the overall topic of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in China would be good, but again keep it as narrowly focused as possible. For example, you could focus specifically on the challenge of moving away from the extensive use of coal-fired power plants. This topic would have the advantage of allowing you to focus your recommendations both on the energy-side of the equation (where would the power come from if China no longer uses coal?) and the pollution issues, which are so severe in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, etc. But there are other considerations as well—e.g., the economic impact on the coal-mining industry in China and its workers.
There is generally no need for scholarly footnotes in a policy memo, unless you are citing data or using a direct quote. Unlike “real life”, I would also like you to include a list at the end of the paper of the sources that you consulted in preparing the paper. This will not be “counted” as part of the page limit. Also, though an “executive summary” paragraph is often included in such a memo, there is no need for you to so for this exercise. And please make sure that, in addition to a “TO” and “FROM” lines, you also include a “SUBJECT” line that states the topic of your policy decision memo. At least 12-point font.
FORMAT
• A statement of the specific issue to be decided or problem to be addressed by the decision maker– this should be very succinct (no more than a paragraph)
• Analysis of the issue or problem — about 1 page
• Presentation of policy options — typically 2-4 options would be presented for the decision maker to consider; each option should be no more than a paragraph
• Policy recommendation — you should complete the memo by presenting the decision maker with your best professional recommendation as to which option you consider the most desirable and the range of reasons for your choice.