17.2 Key international agreements and their implementation
3 min read•july 22, 2024
The UNFCCC and laid the groundwork for global climate action. These agreements set and introduced to help countries meet their goals. They recognized the different responsibilities of developed and developing nations in addressing climate change.
The built on these foundations, aiming to limit global temperature rise and requiring all countries to submit . It emphasizes , involves non-state actors, and promotes . Implementation faces challenges but also offers opportunities for innovation and .
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Kyoto Protocol
Main provisions of UNFCCC
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UNFCCC: emissions in industrialized countries continue to rise - up 2.3% from 2000 to 2006 View original
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CO₂ and other Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Our World in Data View original
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UNFCCC: emissions in industrialized countries continue to rise - up 2.3% from 2000 to 2006 View original
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UNFCCC: emissions in industrialized countries continue to rise - up 2.3% from 2000 to 2006 View original
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CO₂ and other Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Our World in Data View original
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- Adopted in 1992 at Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in atmosphere at level preventing dangerous anthropogenic interference with climate system
- Recognizes principle of common but differentiated responsibilities among countries where should take lead in combating climate change (US, EU)
- Establishes framework for international cooperation and negotiation on climate change issues
- Requires parties to develop and submit national inventories of greenhouse gas emissions and removals (CO2, CH4)
- Promotes development and transfer of environmentally friendly technologies (renewable energy, energy efficiency)
Kyoto Protocol and emissions reduction
- Adopted in 1997 as extension of UNFCCC setting legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries (Annex I parties)
- Targets aimed to reduce overall emissions by 5.2% below 1990 levels between 2008-2012
- Introduces three market-based mechanisms to help countries meet targets cost-effectively
- allows countries to trade emission allowances among themselves ()
- allows developed countries to invest in emission-reduction projects in and earn certified emission reduction credits
- allows developed countries to invest in emission-reduction projects in other developed countries and earn emission reduction units
Paris Agreement and Implementation Challenges
Key elements of Paris Agreement
- Adopted in 2015 as successor to Kyoto Protocol aiming to strengthen global response to threat of climate change
- Keeps global temperature rise well below 2℃ above pre-industrial levels and pursues efforts to limit increase to 1.5℃
- Requires all parties to submit outlining emission reduction targets and climate action plans updated every five years with progressively more ambitious targets
- Emphasizes importance of adaptation and resilience to climate change impacts establishing global goal on adaptation
- Encourages countries to develop and implement adaptation plans (coastal protection, drought management)
- Recognizes role of non-state actors in contributing to climate action (cities, businesses, civil society)
- Promotes mobilization of climate finance from various sources to support mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing countries (Green Climate Fund)
Implementation of climate agreements
- Challenges:
- Translating global targets into national policies and actions tailored to country-specific circumstances
- Ensuring adequate financial resources and technology transfer to support implementation, particularly in developing countries ()
- Addressing uneven distribution of costs and benefits associated with climate action across regions and sectors
- Overcoming political, economic, and social barriers to transitioning to low-carbon and climate-resilient development pathways (fossil fuel dependence, public acceptance)
- Opportunities:
- Fostering innovation and development of clean technologies spurring economic growth (solar PV, electric vehicles)
- Creating new jobs and economic opportunities in green economy (renewable energy sector)
- Improving public health and well-being through reduced air pollution and enhanced resilience (heat waves, floods)
- Strengthening international cooperation and partnerships for climate action (knowledge sharing, joint projects)
- Engaging and empowering local communities and stakeholders in implementation process (participatory planning, indigenous knowledge)
Key Terms to Review (20)
Adaptation: Adaptation refers to the process of adjusting to new conditions, particularly in response to climate change. It encompasses strategies and actions that help individuals, communities, and ecosystems cope with the effects of a changing environment. The goal of adaptation is to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience against climate impacts, allowing for a smoother transition to new realities.
Cap and trade: Cap and trade is an environmental policy tool that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by setting a limit, or cap, on the total amount of emissions allowed. Under this system, companies are allocated or can buy emissions permits, which they can trade with one another, creating a financial incentive for reducing emissions. This mechanism has been an essential part of key international agreements aimed at combating climate change.
Capacity building: Capacity building refers to the process of developing and strengthening the skills, abilities, and resources of individuals, organizations, and communities to effectively respond to challenges, particularly in the context of climate change. This concept is critical for enabling nations, especially developing ones, to implement climate policies and adapt to environmental changes. By focusing on education, training, and resource allocation, capacity building enhances resilience and supports sustainable development efforts.
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is a market-based approach established under the Kyoto Protocol that allows developed countries to invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries as a way to meet their own greenhouse gas reduction targets. By facilitating financial support and technology transfer to projects like renewable energy or energy efficiency in developing nations, the CDM aims to promote sustainable development while also contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
Climate Action Plans: Climate action plans are strategic frameworks developed by governments, organizations, or communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the impacts of climate change. These plans typically outline specific goals, strategies, and measures to mitigate climate change effects while also promoting sustainability and resilience. They often involve stakeholder engagement, implementation timelines, and mechanisms for monitoring and reporting progress towards climate-related targets.
Climate finance: Climate finance refers to the financial resources and investments that are directed toward projects, initiatives, and policies aimed at addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. This includes funding for mitigation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as adaptation strategies to help communities adjust to the impacts of climate change. Climate finance plays a crucial role in facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy and supporting vulnerable populations in building resilience.
Climate resilience: Climate resilience refers to the ability of systems, communities, and ecosystems to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related impacts while maintaining essential functions. This concept emphasizes not only bouncing back from disturbances but also adapting and transforming to mitigate future risks and uncertainties related to climate change.
Developed countries: Developed countries are nations with advanced economies, high standards of living, and well-established infrastructure. These countries typically have a high gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, access to quality education and healthcare, and a stable political environment, which positions them as key players in international agreements and environmental policies.
Developing countries: Developing countries are nations with lower levels of industrialization, lower income per capita, and generally poorer infrastructure compared to developed countries. These nations often face significant challenges such as poverty, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to education, which can impact their ability to effectively participate in global climate agreements and initiatives.
Emission reduction targets: Emission reduction targets are specific goals set by governments or organizations to decrease the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere over a defined period. These targets are crucial for addressing climate change, as they guide policies and initiatives aimed at reducing overall emissions and help in measuring progress towards sustainability. They play a significant role in future projections of greenhouse gas emissions and are often influenced by international agreements that outline collective responsibilities.
Emissions trading: Emissions trading is a market-based approach to controlling pollution by providing economic incentives for reducing the emissions of pollutants. It allows countries or companies with low emissions to sell their extra allowances to larger emitters, creating a financial motivation to cut emissions overall. This system is often linked to key international agreements aimed at reducing greenhouse gases and combating climate change, making it a critical tool in global environmental policy.
Joint implementation (JI): Joint implementation (JI) is a mechanism that allows countries to collaborate on greenhouse gas reduction projects in order to meet their emissions reduction commitments under international agreements. By investing in projects in other countries, nations can earn emission reduction credits that contribute towards their own targets, fostering cooperation and technology transfer between developed and developing nations.
Kyoto Protocol: The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty that commits its parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on the premise that global warming exists and human-made CO2 emissions have caused it. This agreement reflects the growing acknowledgment of climate change and aims to set legally binding obligations for developed countries to decrease their emissions, thus connecting to broader discussions about climate science, global temperature trends, and greenhouse gas management.
Market-based mechanisms: Market-based mechanisms are policy tools designed to promote environmental sustainability by leveraging market forces to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These mechanisms create financial incentives for companies and individuals to lower their emissions, often through the buying and selling of emission allowances or credits. This approach aims to achieve pollution reduction goals in a cost-effective manner while encouraging innovation and investment in clean technologies.
Nationally determined contributions (NDCs): Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) are the commitments made by countries under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. These contributions reflect each country's climate action goals and are essential for meeting global targets, emphasizing the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities among nations based on their capabilities and circumstances.
Paris Agreement: The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted in 2015 that aims to address climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. It establishes a framework for countries to set and achieve their own greenhouse gas reduction targets, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development and climate resilience.
Peer review processes: The peer review process is a critical evaluation mechanism in which experts in a specific field assess the quality, validity, and relevance of research before it is published. This process helps ensure that only high-quality research contributes to the scientific literature, which is essential for informing key international agreements and their implementation related to climate science.
Reporting obligations: Reporting obligations refer to the requirements imposed on countries and organizations to disclose specific information related to their environmental policies and actions, particularly in the context of climate change agreements. These obligations ensure transparency, accountability, and the effective monitoring of progress toward meeting international climate targets. By adhering to these requirements, parties contribute to global efforts in tackling climate change and demonstrate their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable Development: Sustainable development refers to a holistic approach that seeks to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept emphasizes a balanced relationship between economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social equity, recognizing that these elements must work together to create a sustainable future. It plays a critical role in addressing pressing global challenges such as health disparities, energy transitions, and international collaboration on environmental policies.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty aimed at addressing climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development. Established in 1992, the UNFCCC provides a framework for countries to negotiate and implement strategies to combat climate change, which includes commitments to report on national emissions and progress towards climate goals.