Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Global warming, driven by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, poses an existential threat to humanity, disproportionately impacting the world’s poor who have contributed least to the problem. The phrase “cry of the earth and the cry of the poor” encapsulates this stark reality – environmental degradation exacerbates existing inequalities, leading to displacement, food insecurity, and increased vulnerability to climate-related disasters. Recognizing this, the international community has engaged in decades of negotiations and initiatives to mitigate global warming, though with varying degrees of success. This answer will examine these international efforts, analyzing their scope, effectiveness, and remaining challenges.
International Efforts to Reduce Global Warming: A Historical Overview
The international response to global warming has evolved through several phases, marked by landmark agreements and evolving understandings of the problem.
1. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) - 1992
The UNFCCC established a framework for international cooperation to combat climate change. It recognized the principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’, acknowledging that developed countries bear a greater responsibility due to their historical emissions. However, the UNFCCC lacked legally binding emission reduction targets.
2. The Kyoto Protocol (1997)
The Kyoto Protocol was a significant step forward, setting legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries. It introduced mechanisms like:
- Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): Allowed developed countries to invest in emission-reduction projects in developing countries and earn credits towards their targets.
- Joint Implementation (JI): Enabled developed countries to invest in emission-reduction projects in other developed countries.
- Emissions Trading: Allowed countries to trade emission allowances.
However, the Kyoto Protocol faced criticism due to the non-participation of the United States and the exclusion of developing countries from binding targets. Its first commitment period ended in 2012.
3. The Copenhagen Accord (2009)
The Copenhagen Accord, though non-binding, represented an attempt to broaden participation beyond developed countries. It aimed to limit global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, but lacked concrete commitments and faced criticism for its political compromises.
4. The Paris Agreement (2015)
The Paris Agreement is a landmark achievement in international climate diplomacy. Key features include:
- Long-Term Goal: Limiting global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country submits its own emission reduction targets.
- Global Stocktake: Periodic assessments of collective progress towards the agreement’s goals.
- Financial Mechanisms: Developed countries committed to mobilizing $100 billion per year by 2020 to support climate action in developing countries (this target has not been fully met).
- Loss and Damage: Recognition of the need to address loss and damage caused by climate change impacts.
The Paris Agreement operates on the principle of ‘bottom-up’ approach, relying on national commitments. However, current NDCs are insufficient to meet the 1.5°C target.
Thematic Analysis of International Efforts & Challenges
1. Financial Commitments & Equity
Providing financial assistance to developing countries is crucial for their mitigation and adaptation efforts. The $100 billion commitment remains largely unfulfilled, creating mistrust and hindering progress. The principle of equity – ensuring a fair distribution of burdens and benefits – remains a contentious issue.
2. Technological Transfer & Capacity Building
Facilitating the transfer of clean technologies and building capacity in developing countries is essential. However, intellectual property rights and cost barriers often impede technology transfer.
3. Implementation & Enforcement
The lack of a robust enforcement mechanism is a major weakness of international climate agreements. Countries are not legally obligated to meet their NDCs, and there are limited consequences for non-compliance.
4. Political Will & National Interests
Political will and national interests often overshadow the urgency of climate action. Short-term economic considerations and domestic political pressures can hinder ambitious climate policies.
| Agreement/Mechanism | Key Features | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNFCCC | Framework for cooperation, ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’ | Established a global platform for climate negotiations | Lacked binding targets |
| Kyoto Protocol | Binding targets for developed countries, CDM, JI, Emissions Trading | Introduced legally binding targets and flexible mechanisms | US non-participation, exclusion of developing countries |
| Paris Agreement | Long-term goal, NDCs, Global Stocktake, Financial mechanisms | Broad participation, bottom-up approach, recognition of loss and damage | Insufficient NDCs, lack of enforcement, unfulfilled financial commitments |
Conclusion
International efforts to reduce global warming have come a long way, from the foundational principles of the UNFCCC to the ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement. However, significant challenges remain, including insufficient ambition, inadequate financial support, and a lack of robust enforcement mechanisms. Addressing the “cry of the poor” requires a renewed commitment to equity, increased financial assistance, and accelerated technological transfer. A more collaborative and ambitious approach, prioritizing both mitigation and adaptation, is crucial to avert the worst impacts of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for all.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.