International Agreements

Question 1

b. Explain what is meant by the term “common but differentiated responsibilities” in relation to international climate negotiations, and explain why parties have agreed to this principle. (2 marks)

Answer 1

Everyone has a responsibility to reduce their carbon emissions
Due to different circumstances and past emissions, each country has a differentiated target
Agreed to this principle as although it is a shared responsibility & shared problem, each country did not contribute to the same extent

Question 2

c. Explain what is meant by the terms:
Global Carbon Budget
Contraction and Convergence

Answer 2

Budget - carbon we are allowed to emit to limit global warming to 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels

Contraction - Reducing overall emissions to safe levels, by getting all countries to reduce their emissions to an equal level per capita (convergence)

Question 3

Describe the three types of flexibility mechanisms (also called market based mechanisms) under the Kyoto Protocol

Answer 3

• Emissions trading
• Clean development mechanism
• Joint implementation

Question 4

Discuss the main challenges that impede progress on a global climate change agreement

Answer 4

Burden sharing - equity? Who? Why?Responsibility
Economic impacts
Uncertainty & complexities

Question 5

Identify the main areas of current negotiation on International Climate Agreements through the UNFCCC process. (6 marks)

Answer 5

Level of ambition & burden sharing, what’s required, who’s contributing, is it binding?
INDC’s, needed to be more long term than Kyoto. Countries providing their own targets
Adaptation - adjusting to impact of climate change, loss & damage mechanism? Developed compensating developing countries/Special aid for developing countries
Technology - IP/Tech transfer
Finance - how/who pays for it, green climate fund ($100 b)

Question 6

Identify the important outcomes of the UNFCCC Paris COP, and discuss the extent to which the UNFCCC process can ensure global emissions targets are met. (4 marks)

Answer 6

• Ambition, 1.5 Degree aspirational goal
• Universal mitigation, reducing distinctions between developing & developed countries
• Ratch-up mechanism, have to update contribution regularly
• International review and transparency provisions
• Adaptation & finance equal to mitigation