Environmental Politics Climate Change Politics Questions Long
There have been several major international agreements and protocols related to climate change that have been established over the years. These agreements aim to address the global issue of climate change and mitigate its impacts. Some of the key agreements and protocols are:
1. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): The UNFCCC was adopted in 1992 and serves as the foundation for international cooperation on climate change. It sets out the objective of stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.
2. Kyoto Protocol: The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997 as an extension of the UNFCCC. It introduced legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries for the period 2008-2012. The protocol established the concept of carbon trading and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to promote sustainable development in developing countries.
3. Paris Agreement: The Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015 and is considered a landmark agreement in the fight against climate change. It aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The agreement requires all participating countries to submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) outlining their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Montreal Protocol: Although primarily focused on protecting the ozone layer, the Montreal Protocol has also contributed to climate change mitigation. It was adopted in 1987 and aims to phase out the production and consumption of substances that deplete the ozone layer, many of which are also potent greenhouse gases.
5. Copenhagen Accord: The Copenhagen Accord was a political agreement reached in 2009 during the 15th UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP 15). While not legally binding, it recognized the need to limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius and provided a framework for developed countries to provide financial and technological support to developing countries for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
6. Doha Amendment: The Doha Amendment was adopted in 2012 and established a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol, extending its provisions until 2020. It introduced new emission reduction targets for developed countries and provided a platform for negotiations on future climate actions.
These agreements and protocols represent significant milestones in international efforts to combat climate change. However, it is important to note that their effectiveness depends on the commitment and actions of individual countries to implement and fulfill their obligations. Ongoing discussions and negotiations continue to shape the global response to climate change, with the aim of achieving a sustainable and low-carbon future.