Understand the structure, objectives, and outcomes of global climate initiatives like UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and COP summits.
Recognize the market mechanisms and flexible approaches under the Kyoto Protocol.
Identify international funding mechanisms for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Analyze the efforts towards climate-smart agriculture, REDD+ programs, and biodiversity economics.
Grasp the role of intergovernmental organizations like IPCC in climate policy and research.
UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)
The UNFCCC was adopted at the UN Summit Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992. It is the primary multilateral legal framework aimed at addressing climate change through international cooperation.
Formation: Established in 1992 at the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, it brought together 195 parties to limit global temperature increases and manage climate change.
Secretariat’s Role: Supports the Conference of the Parties (COP), subsidiary bodies, and the COP Bureau in negotiations, providing technical and organizational assistance.
Principles: Sets the foundation for future climate change negotiations, emphasizing mitigation and adaptation.
KYOTO PROTOCOL (COP-3)
Due to inadequacies in emission reduction in the original UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol (KP) was negotiated and adopted in 1997, operationalizing the convention by setting binding commitments.
Commitments: Mandates 37 industrialized countries and the EU to stabilize GHG emissions, recognizing developed countries’ historical responsibility for climate change.
Targets: Aims for an average 5% emission reduction from 1990 levels over 2008-2012.
Architecture: Consists of reporting, verification procedures, flexible market-based mechanisms, and a compliance system.
Kyoto Protocol Mechanisms
Emissions Reduction Commitments: Limits industrialized countries’ greenhouse gas emissions.
Flexible Market Mechanisms:
Joint Implementation (JI): Developed countries earn emission reduction units (ERUs) by funding projects in other developed countries.
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): Allows countries to earn certified emission reduction (CER) credits by implementing projects in developing countries.
Emission Trading: Involves trading of carbon credits within an economy or internationally. Includes Emission trading (cap-and-trade) and Offset trading (baseline-and-credit) mechanisms.
Objectives of Kyoto Mechanisms
Compliance: Enforce adherence to Kyoto commitments.
Stimulate Development: Promote technology transfer and sustainable investment.
Important Note: The Indian Water Monitor Lizard is the second largest lizard species after the Komodo Monitor.
Non-Compliance and Penalties under Kyoto Protocol
Reporting Failures: Loss of credits through joint implementation projects.
Emission Cap Exceedance: Requires compensation plus a 30% surplus in the subsequent period.
Cap-and-Trade Restriction: Possible exclusion from trading programs.
BALI MEET (2007)
The Bali Meet convened 190 countries under the UNFCCC to discuss post-2012 climate action and the need for developing nations to participate in emission reduction efforts.
Bali Roadmap: Initiated a two-year process to conclude a binding agreement by 2009.
Key Elements: Included the Bali Action Plan, negotiations for Annex I commitments, technology transfer, and strategies for reducing emissions from deforestation.
COP 15 COPENHAGEN (2009)
The Copenhagen Accord resulted in a non-binding agreement, acknowledging the necessity for global emission reductions to limit temperature rise to 2°C.
Developed Country Targets: Set for reduction by 2020.
Financial Commitments: Establishes a goal of mobilizing $100 billion annually by 2020 for developing countries.
Mitigation: Encourages developing countries to adopt mitigation strategies.
CANCUN AGREEMENTS (COP 16)
Formalized actions on mitigation, adaptation, and financial support with specific emphasis on reporting requirements.
Targets: Recognized national voluntary mitigation goals.
Adaptation: Established the Cancun Adaptation Framework.
Financial Support: Commitment to mobilize $30 billion in fast-start finance by 2012 and $100 billion by 2020.
Note: The Rock Python in India can elevate its body temperature using muscular contractions.
Mechanisms of COP 16
Technology Mechanism: Facilitates technology development and transfer for mitigation and adaptation.
Green Climate Fund (GCF): Supports developing country projects, programs, and policies.
Adaptation Fund: Finances adaptation projects in vulnerable developing countries.
COP 17 DURBAN (2011)
Secured a second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol and initiated steps for a new climate agreement to be finalized by 2015.
Green Climate Fund Launch: Operationalized in Durban with support for technology and capacity building.
Adaptation Mechanism: Enhanced adaptation efforts and transparency mechanisms.
DOHA OUTCOMES (COP 18, 2012)
Extended the Kyoto Protocol with an eight-year second commitment period starting in 2013.
Amendments: Parties can carry over surplus AAUs with specific limitations.
Infrastructure: Advanced new mechanisms for finance and technology transfer.
WARSAW OUTCOMES (COP 19, 2013)
Enhanced the framework for mobilizing funds, addressing pre-2020 ambitions, and reducing deforestation.
REDD+: Established a framework to reduce emissions from deforestation.
Adaptation Fund: Met a capitalization target of $100 million for climate projects.
LIMA OUTCOMES (COP 20, 2014)
First-time inclusion of education, transparency, and national adaptation plans into climate action dialogues.
NAP Global Network: Launched for elevating adaptation efforts.
Climate Action Portal: Introduced to document initiatives from cities, companies, and investors.
PARIS CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE (COP 21, 2015)
Adopted the Paris Agreement, targeting a temperature rise limit of 1.5°C to 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Parties put forward and strengthen their efforts through national plans.
Global Stocktake: Every 5 years to assess collective progress.
Concept: Talanoa Dialogue from Fiji involves inclusive and participatory storytelling in climate discussions.
Other Mechanisms under UNFCCC
Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF): Finances adaptation, technology transfer, and economic diversification.
Green Economy: Promotes sustainable economic growth with a focus on reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and protecting biodiversity.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE (IPCC)
Formed in 1988, IPCC provides scientific assessments on climate change, impacts, and potential response strategies.
Assessment Reports: Five completed reports provide socio-economic information and adaptation options.
Methodologies: Develops national greenhouse gas inventory methods for UNFCCC compliance.
Important Note: Climate-Smart Agriculture focuses on increasing resilience and mitigating emissions through sustainable practices.
NATIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORIES PROGRAMME (NGGIP)
The NGGIP provides standardized methods for estimating greenhouse gas emissions and removals.
Methodology: Uses the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for inventorying emissions.
Focuses on inclusive growth, reducing carbon footprints, and integrating sustainable practices. TEEB (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity) highlights economic consequences of biodiversity loss.
GLOBAL CLIMATE FINANCE ARCHITECTURE
Channeled through multilateral funds like Global Environment Facility (GEF), Strategic Climate Fund (SCF), and Clean Technology Fund (CTF) to support mitigation and adaptation strategies.