17.2 Key international agreements and their implementation

The UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol laid the groundwork for global climate action. These agreements set emission reduction targets and introduced market-based mechanisms to help countries meet their goals. They recognized the different responsibilities of developed and developing nations in addressing climate change.

The Paris Agreement built on these foundations, aiming to limit global temperature rise and requiring all countries to submit climate action plans. It emphasizes adaptation, involves non-state actors, and promotes climate finance. Implementation faces challenges but also offers opportunities for innovation and sustainable development.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Kyoto Protocol

Main provisions of UNFCCC

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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 developed countries 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
  • Emissions trading allows countries to trade emission allowances among themselves (cap and trade)
  • Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) allows developed countries to invest in emission-reduction projects in developing countries and earn certified emission reduction credits
  • Joint Implementation (JI) 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 nationally determined contributions (NDCs) 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 (capacity building)
  • 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)