Group 1 - Quiz 2 Flashcards
was adopted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) with the aim of reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs)
in the atmosphere.
The protocol primarily targeted industrialized nations, requiring them to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and other GHGs.
Kyoto Protocol (1997)
FOCUS: Climate Change – Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG)
Emissions
KYOTO PROTOCOL (1997)
Kyoto Protocol (1997)
Main Provisions:
* _____________: Industrialized nations were assigned specific, legally binding emissions reduction targets (an average of 5.2% below 1990 levels during the first commitment period, 2008-2012).
* _____________: It introduced innovative mechanisms like
emissions trading, Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), and Joint Implementation (JI) that allowed countries to meet their targets more flexibly.
* ____________: The protocol included provisions for financial and technical support for developing countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
- Binding Targets for Developed Countries
- Market Mechanisms
- Adaptation and Financial Assistance
Limitations:
* The United States withdrew from the agreement, and many developing countries, such as China and India, were not required to take on binding emission targets.
* Its success was limited, with the protocol not achieving substantial emissions reductions in many countries
Kyoto Protocol (1997)
FOCUS: Air Pollution – Ozone Layer Protection
MONTREAL PROTOCOL (1987)
Phases out the production and consumption of ozonedepleting substances (ODS) such as CFCs, HCFCs, halons, and methyl
bromide. - Aims to repair and regenerate the ozone layer by limiting substances that contribute to its depletion
MONTREAL PROTOCOL (1987)
MONTREAL PROTOCOL (1987)
Highly successful – over 99% of ODS have been phased out. - Directly led to the gradual recovery of the ozone layer. - The __________ targets HFCs, which are potent greenhouse gases.
Kigali Amendment (2016)
- ________ is considered one of the most successful environmental treaties, with nearly universal ratification (198 parties).
- It has led to significant recovery of the ozone layer, with projections indicating full recovery by the 2060s
Montreal Protocol
MONTREAL PROTOCOL (1987)
Main Provisions:
* _____________: The protocol set up a detailed schedule for the gradual elimination of these substances.
* ________________: The Multilateral Fund was established to help developing countries meet the cost of phasing out ODS.
* _________________: The Kigali Amendment (2016) expanded the protocol to include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases
- Global Phaseout of Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS)
- Financial Mechanism
- Amendments and Updates
FOCUS: Climate Change – Limiting Global Temperature Rise
PARIS AGREEMENT (2015)
Keeps global temperature rise below 2°C and strives for *1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels. - All countries submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). - Encourages regular review and updates every five
years.
PARIS AGREEMENT (2015)
Unlike Kyoto, it involves both developed and developing countries. - Seeks net-zero emissions by 2050
PARIS AGREEMENT (2015)
PARIS AGREEMENT (2015)
Main Provisions:
* _______________: Countries must submit their voluntary plans to reduce emissions, with each country expected to ramp up ambition over time.
* _______________: Every five years, a global stocktake will assess progress towards the temperature goal, with the opportunity to update NDCs.
* _______________: The agreement calls for financial support to be provided to developing countries for climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.
* _______________: It emphasizes efforts to support vulnerable countries in adapting to climate impacts and addresses loss and damage from climate-related events.
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
- Global Stocktake
- Climate Finance
- Adaptation and Loss & Damage
Focus: Air Pollution
GENEVA CONVENTION ON LON- RANGE TRANSBOUNDARY AIR POLLUTION (1979)
The ________ aims to reduce transboundary air pollution in Europe and North America, addressing pollutants that affect the health
of humans and ecosystems across borders.
Geneva Convention
: The convention led to the creation of multiple protocols (e.g., 1985 Helsinki Protocol, 1994 Oslo Protocol) that imposed specific emission reduction commitments, leading to a significant decrease in air pollution in Europe and
Geneva Convention
Geneva Convention
Main Provisions:
* ________: The treaty identified major pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter that contribute to acid rain and smog.
* _______: Countries agreed to work together to address the problem of air pollution that spreads across national boundaries, with regular reporting and data sharing
- Emissions Reduction Protocols
- Cooperative Approach
Focus: Climate Change and Air Pollution
KIGALI AMENDMENT TO THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL (2016)
________ amends the Montreal Protocol to phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals used in refrigeration and air conditioning that are powerful greenhouse gases but do not deplete the ozone layer.
Kigali Amendment
- The ____________ is expected to prevent up to 0.5°C of global temperature rise by the end of the century.
- It contributes to both ozone layer protection and climate change mitigation.
Kigali Amendment
KIGALI AMENDMENT TO THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL (2016)
Main Provisions:
* _________: Developed countries committed to phasing down HFCs by 85% by 2036, and developing countries are gradually introduced to the phase-down process.
* _________: The amendment will significantly reduce global warming potential (GWP) by curbing the use of HFCs, contributing to climate change mitigation.
- Global HFC Phase-down
- Environmental and Health Benefits
FOCUS: Climate Change
UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE (UNFCCC) (1992)
The ________ is a foundational international treaty that sets the framework for global efforts to address climate change. It aims to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system
UNFCCC
UNFCCC (1992)
Main Provisions:
* ________: The core objective is to stabilize GHG concentrations at levels that avoid dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.
* _________: Countries are required to submit national reports on their climate policies and actions.
* ________: It encourages financial support for developing countries to combat climate change.
- Emissions Stabilization
- National Commitments
- Climate Finance
- The ____ has been the foundation for subsequent agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. It has also facilitated mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund to assist developing countries
UNFCCC
The ________focuses on reducing emissions of pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds, which contribute to acidification, eutrophication, and ground-level ozone (smog).
Gothenburg Protocol (1999)
The protocol has led to significant reductions in air pollution in Europe and has improved air quality and
human health.
Gothenburg Protocol (1999)
GOTHENBURG PROTOCOL (1999)
Main Provisions:
* _________: Countries agreed to reduce emissions of several pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ammonia (NH₃), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
* _________: Emission inventories and regular reporting were established to track progress.
- Emissions Reduction Targets
- Monitoring and Reporting
FOCUS: Air Pollution and Health
OBJECTIVES: The _____ aims to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury emissions and releases, with a focus on limiting mercury use in industrial processes and consumer products.
Minamata Convention (2013)
Minamata Convention on Mercury (2013)
Main Provisions:
* ____________: The convention bans or phases out the use of mercury in products like thermometers and in processes such as gold mining.
* _____________: It establishes controls on emissions of mercury from power plants and other industrial sources.
* _____________: Requires countries to address contaminated sites
- Mercury Use Restrictions
- Emission Controls
- Cleanup and Remediation
FOCUS: Air Pollution and Toxic Chemicals
STOCKHOLM CONVENTION ON PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS (2001)
_________ aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs)—chemicals that remain in the environment for long periods and accumulate in the food chain, causing serious health and environmental risks.
Stockholm Convention
The convention has led to the global phase-out of many highly toxic chemicals, contributing to better human health and ecosystem protection
Stockholm Convention
STOCKHOLM CONVENTION ON PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS (2001)
Main Provisions:
* ________: Countries agreed to eliminate or severely restrict the use of chemicals such as DDT, PCBs, and dioxins.
* _____: Encourages the development of safer alternatives to these chemicals.
* _____: Continuous monitoring of POPs in the environment is required to assess their impact.
- Elimination of POPs
- Substitution
- Monitoring and Assessment
FOCUS: Ozone Layer Protection
_________ provides a framework for international cooperation to protect the ozone layer, which is critical for life on Earth by blocking harmful ultraviolet radiation.
VIENNA CONVENTION (1985)
________ led to the adoption of the Montreal Protocol, one of the most successful international environmental agreements.
Vienna Convention
Vienna Convention (1985)
Main Provisions:
* _________: It establishes general principles for reducing the release of ozonedepleting substances.
* ________: The convention promotes research, monitoring, and exchange of information related to ozone depletion.
- Ozone Protection
- Research and Monitoring
FOCUS: Biodiversity Conservation
________ seeks to conserve the Earth’s biodiversity, ensuring sustainable use of natural resources, and promoting equitable sharing of genetic resources.
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (1992)
____ has led to the creation of national biodiversity strategies and plans and has encouraged significant progress in conservation.
CBD
CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL
DIVERSITY (1992)
Main Provisions:
* ________: Countries agree to protect ecosystems and species, with efforts focused on endangered species.
* ________: The protocol encourages the sustainable use of natural resources, including forest management and sustainable agriculture.
* ________: It requires equitable sharing of benefits derived from the use of genetic resources.
- Conservation
- Sustainable Use
- Access and Benefit Sharing
FOCUS: Chemical Safety and Air Pollution
ROTTERDAM CONVENTION ON THE PRIOR INFORMED CONSENT PROCEDURE (1998)
The _________ regulates the international trade of hazardous chemicals, ensuring that importing countries are informed about their risks.
This convention regulates the international trade of hazardous chemicals, ensuring that importing
countries are informed about their risks.
Rotterdam Convention
ROTTERDAM CONVENTION ON THE PRIOR
INFORMED CONSENT PROCEDURE (1998)
Main Provisions:
* ________: Requires exporters to obtain consent from importing countries before shipping chemicals that pose risks.
* ________: Countries must notify the Convention about chemicals they wish to trade, which are then subject to the PIC procedure.
* ________: The Convention ensures that information on hazardous chemicals is available to the public
- Prior Informed Consent
- Chemical List
- Public Information
