Ens845 Assignment
Ens845 Assignment
Ens845 Assignment
This examination explores the evolution of global climate change mitigation efforts, focusing
on two landmark international agreements: the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement
established during COP 21. The Kyoto Protocol, which set legally binding emission reduction
targets for developed nations, laid the groundwork for international climate policy but faced
challenges due to limited participation and scope. In contrast, the Paris Agreement marked a
significant shift by involving both developed and developing countries in a collective effort
to limit global temperature rise, albeit through non-binding commitments. The paper also
examines the outcomes of COP28 in Dubai, which introduced ambitious new targets,
particularly the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030 and 60% by
2035. Despite these advances, challenges remain in securing adequate financing and ensuring
widespread participation. The findings highlight the progress made and the ongoing
challenges in global climate governance, emphasizing the need for sustained international
cooperation and financial commitment to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement by 2030.
Introduction
The global response to climate change has evolved through various international agreements,
with the Kyoto Protocol and COP 21 being two of the first most significant milestones. This
paper examines the strategies for climate change mitigation established under these
policies.
The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997 and entered into force in 2005, was the first major
international agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It set legally
binding targets for developed countries, recognizing their historical responsibility for climate
change.
Legal Framework: The Kyoto Protocol established a system where developed nations were
obligated to reduce GHG emissions by an average of 5.2% below 1990 levels during the first
[UNFCCC], 1998).
Commitment Periods: The first commitment period was from 2008 to 2012, and the second
was from 2013 to 2020 (Doha Amendment). Not all countries ratified the second period,
I. Emissions Trading: Countries could trade emission units with each other.
developing nations like China and India, which became major emitters.
II. Withdrawal: The United States, one of the largest emitters, never ratified the protocol.
The 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21), held in Paris in 2015, led to the Paris
Agreement, a landmark in global climate governance. Unlike the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris
Agreement involved both developed and developing countries, committing all to take action
Global Participation: The Paris Agreement requires all countries to submit Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlining their climate actions and progress (UNFCCC,
2015).
Mitigation Strategies: The agreement emphasizes limiting global temperature rise to well
below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C (UNFCCC,
2015).
Long-term Goals: The Paris Agreement sets long-term goals for carbon neutrality by the
second half of the 21st century, fostering a transition towards low-carbon economies
(UNFCCC, 2015).
Contrast and Comparison
Binding Nature: Unlike the Kyoto Protocol, which imposed binding targets only on
developed nations, the Paris Agreement is more inclusive but relies on voluntary national
emission reduction targets, while the Paris Agreement’s emphasis on transparency and global
Illustrations
illustrated by comparing emission trends before and after their adoption. Graphs showing the
decline in emissions in Annex I countries post-Kyoto can be contrasted with the broader
Case Studies: Case studies from countries like Germany (Kyoto Protocol) and India (Paris
Agreement) can be used to illustrate the success and challenges of implementing climate
The COP28 conference in Dubai has been a significant event in the ongoing global effort to
address climate change, particularly in terms of climate change mitigation strategies. Below
are some key takeaways and data-backed insights from the conference:
Mitigation Targets and Fossil Fuels: A central focus of COP28 was the commitment to
reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. For the first time, the conference explicitly
acknowledged the need to cut GHG emissions by 43% by 2030 and 60% by 2035 relative to
2019 levels. This ambitious target is crucial for limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-
industrial levels. However, there is also a recognition that transitioning away from fossil fuels
must be done in a just and equitable manner, taking into account the economic realities of
different nations(
Climate ChampionsUNFCCC).
Energy Transition: COP28 is seen as marking the "beginning of the end" of the fossil fuel
era. Although there was no definitive call for a complete phase-out of fossil fuels, the
aiming to triple global renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030.
However, the absence of a clear phase-out timeline for fossil fuels led to frustrations among
Global Stocktake and Loss and Damage Fund: The first Global Stocktake was a key
component of COP28, which reviewed global progress towards the Paris Agreement goals.
The Stocktake highlighted the importance of enhanced adaptation strategies and the
operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, aimed at assisting vulnerable countries with
irreversible climate impacts. Although the fund was officially launched with initial
commitments, it still falls short of the estimated $580 billion needed by 2030(
financial gap, particularly for developing nations. Although COP28 saw the establishment of
a new climate finance goal, set to replace the previous $100 billion annual target, many
financial issues were deferred to COP29. The new target, named the New Collective
Quantitative Goal (NCQG), will have to address the financial needs estimated at $5.8 trillion
Climate Champions).
Inclusion and Non-State Actors: COP28 emphasized the role of non-State actors, including
businesses, cities, youth, and Indigenous Peoples, in driving climate action. Their
involvement is crucial for translating the conference outcomes into tangible actions. This
inclusivity highlights the broadening of the climate action movement beyond just
governmental entities(
UNFCCC).
The global stocktake data clearly illustrates the gap between current emissions reduction
efforts and the necessary targets to stay within the 1.5°C limit. The financial pledges, while
substantial, fall short of the trillions needed, particularly for developing nations to transition
Summary
COP28 in Dubai set new, more aggressive targets for climate mitigation, the success of these
goals will depend heavily on securing adequate financing and the active participation of a
wide range of stakeholders. The conference laid important groundwork, but much will hinge
Conclusion
The recent COP28 in Dubai has set the stage for a critical decade of climate action. The
outcomes reflect both progress and challenges, with the need for greater ambition and
cooperation among nations to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement by 2030.
The Kyoto Protocol and COP 21 represent two critical phases in the global effort to mitigate
climate change. While the Kyoto Protocol established a foundation for emission reductions
through legally binding targets, COP 21's Paris Agreement expanded the scope and
participation but with more flexible, non-binding commitments. The effectiveness of these
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7. UN Climate Change. (2023, November 29). COP28 Opens in Dubai with Calls for
UNFCCC. https://unfccc.int/news/cop28-opens-in-dubai-with-calls-for-accelerated-
action-higher-ambition-against-the-escalating-climate-crisis
8. Carbon Brief. (2023, December 13). COP28: Key outcomes agreed at the UN climate
agreed-at-the-un-climate-talks-in-dubai/
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