Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Global warming refers to the long-term heating of Earth’s climate system observed since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900) due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth’s atmosphere. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report (2021) confirms that human influence has unequivocally warmed the atmosphere, ocean, and land. This warming is manifesting in significant changes to the global climate, posing a severe threat to ecosystems and human societies. Understanding these changes and the international efforts to mitigate them, like the Kyoto Protocol, is crucial.
Global Warming and its Effects on the Global Climate
Global warming is driven by the ‘greenhouse effect’, where certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun. Key greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases. Increased concentrations of these gases, largely due to anthropogenic emissions, enhance this effect, leading to a rise in global temperatures.
Effects on the Global Climate
- Rising Temperatures: Global average temperatures have increased by approximately 1.1°C since the late 19th century.
- Changes in Precipitation Patterns: Some regions are experiencing increased rainfall and flooding, while others face prolonged droughts.
- Sea Level Rise: Thermal expansion of water and melting of glaciers and ice sheets contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities. According to NASA, global mean sea level has risen about 21–24 centimeters (8–9 inches) since 1880.
- Extreme Weather Events: Increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves, hurricanes, wildfires, and other extreme weather events.
- Ocean Acidification: Absorption of excess CO2 by the oceans leads to acidification, harming marine ecosystems.
- Impacts on Biodiversity: Shifts in species distribution, habitat loss, and increased risk of extinction.
Control Measures: The Kyoto Protocol and Beyond
The Kyoto Protocol (1997) was a landmark international treaty that committed its parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It operated on the principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’, recognizing that developed countries had historically contributed more to emissions and therefore should bear a greater burden in reducing them.
Key Mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol
- Binding Emission Reduction Targets: Developed countries were assigned legally binding emission reduction targets for the first commitment period (2008-2012).
- International Emissions Trading (IET): Allowed countries to trade emission allowances, creating a carbon market.
- Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): Enabled developed countries to invest in emission-reduction projects in developing countries and earn certified emission reductions (CERs) to meet their targets.
- Joint Implementation (JI): Allowed developed countries to invest in emission-reduction projects in other developed countries.
Limitations of the Kyoto Protocol
- Limited Participation: The United States, a major emitter, did not ratify the Protocol. Canada withdrew in 2011.
- Exclusion of Developing Countries: Major developing economies like China and India were not subject to binding emission reduction targets in the first commitment period.
- Effectiveness Concerns: The overall emission reductions achieved under the Kyoto Protocol were modest.
Post-Kyoto Efforts
Recognizing the limitations of the Kyoto Protocol, subsequent international efforts have focused on broader participation and more ambitious targets. The Paris Agreement (2015) represents a significant step forward. It aims to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. Key features include:
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country sets its own emission reduction targets.
- Global Stocktake: Periodic assessments of collective progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement.
- Financial Mechanisms: Developed countries are expected to mobilize financial resources to support climate action in developing countries.
Beyond international agreements, various national and sub-national initiatives are also crucial, including carbon pricing mechanisms (carbon tax, cap-and-trade systems), investments in renewable energy, and promotion of energy efficiency.
Conclusion
Global warming and its associated climate changes pose an existential threat, demanding urgent and concerted action. While the Kyoto Protocol laid the foundation for international cooperation, its limitations highlighted the need for a more inclusive and ambitious framework, as embodied by the Paris Agreement. Achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement requires sustained political will, technological innovation, and significant financial investments, alongside individual and collective behavioral changes. A transition towards a low-carbon economy is not merely an environmental imperative but also an opportunity for sustainable development and economic growth.
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.