12.2 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and Paris Agreement

Climate change is a global challenge tackled by the UNFCCC since 1992. The organization aims to stabilize greenhouse gas levels, prevent dangerous human interference with the climate, and ensure sustainable development. Its principles guide actions and annual meetings assess progress.

The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, set ambitious goals to limit global warming. It introduced Nationally Determined Contributions, climate finance commitments, and a transparency framework. Despite progress in some areas, challenges remain in implementation, including political barriers, economic issues, and technological limitations.

History and Objectives of UNFCCC

History and objectives of UNFCCC

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• UNFCCC adopted at Rio Earth Summit 1992 entered into force 1994 addressing global climate change concerns
• Objectives stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations prevent dangerous human interference with climate system ensure food security enable sustainable economic growth
• Principles guide actions common but differentiated responsibilities precautionary approach intergenerational equity considering future generations
• Conference of Parties (COP) annual meetings assess progress negotiate new agreements (Kyoto Protocol 1997, Paris Agreement 2015)
• Notable milestones shaped global climate action Bali Action Plan 2007 set framework for negotiations Copenhagen Accord 2009 recognized 2℃ target

Paris Agreement and Implementation

Key provisions of Paris Agreement

• Long-term temperature goal limit global warming well below 2℃ pursue 1.5℃ above pre-industrial levels
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) countries submit individual climate plans updated every 5 years with increased ambition
• Global Stocktake assesses collective progress first scheduled 2023 informs future actions
• Climate finance developed countries provide assistance to developing nations $100 billion annually by 2020 goal
• Technology transfer capacity building support developing countries enhance climate action (renewable energy technologies, efficient transportation)
• Transparency framework regular reporting on emissions NDC progress ensures accountability
• Loss and damage addresses climate impacts in vulnerable countries (small island states, least developed countries)

Progress on Nationally Determined Contributions

• Varied progress some countries (Sweden, Morocco) on track others (Australia, Brazil) falling short
• Global emissions continue rising despite NDC pledges some nations show reductions (UK, Germany)
• Renewable energy adoption increased investment declining costs (solar panels, wind turbines)
• Policy implementation carbon pricing mechanisms (EU Emissions Trading System, Canada's carbon tax) energy efficiency standards
• Measurement challenges lack standardized reporting difficulties quantifying certain actions (reforestation efforts, behavioral changes)

Challenges in Paris Agreement implementation

• Political barriers leadership changes affect commitment levels domestic priorities conflict with climate goals
• Economic challenges costs of low-carbon transition job losses in fossil fuel industries (coal miners, oil workers)
• Technological limitations need advancements in clean energy carbon capture scaling up existing solutions (battery storage, smart grids)
• Equity issues balancing responsibilities between nations addressing historical emissions current development needs
• Funding gaps insufficient climate finance mobilization access difficulties for vulnerable countries
• Lack of enforcement mechanisms voluntary NDCs no penalties for non-compliance
• Public awareness engagement varying climate change understanding motivating individual collective action
• Cross-sectoral coordination integrated approaches needed (energy, agriculture, transportation, buildings)
• Data monitoring challenges ensuring accurate transparent reporting of emissions climate actions