International Climate Change Poltics

Question 1

Purpose of UNFCCC

Answer 1

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
- Framework for negotiating specific treaties to set binding limits

Question 2

Purpose of COP

Answer 2

Conference of the Parties - Annual conference to assess progress in dealing with climate change

Question 3

Kyoto Protocol

Answer 3

COP 1997 - First international treaty that committed countries to reduce greenhouse emissions

Question 4

Canada + Kyoto Protocol

Answer 4

Withdrew in 2011 to avoid financial penalties because they weren’t hitting their goals

Question 5

Montreal Action Plan

Answer 5

2005 - Extends the Kyoto protocol past 2011 to give countries more time

Question 6

Copenhagen Accord

Answer 6

2009 - Recognizes the scientific view that increasing global temperature should stay below 2C relative to pre-industrial levels

Question 7

Durban 2011

Answer 7

• New legally binding emissions reduction deal involving all countries by 2015
• Introduced the $100bn annual climate fund

Question 8

Paris Agreements

Answer 8

COP 2015 - ratified in 2016, aim to hold increase in global average temperature below 2C pre-industrial level

Question 9

Glasgow 2021

Answer 9

First climate agreement explicitly stating the goal to reduce burning of coal

Question 10

Mitigation

Answer 10

Reducing the intensity of global warming
- reducing emissions
- increasing GHG sinks

Question 11

Adaptation

Answer 11

Reducing vulnerability to global warming

Question 12

Steps for treaty to become law

Answer 12

1. Negotiate at international meetings
2. Sign
3. Ratify - local parliaments

Question 13

IPCC

Answer 13

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
- Reviews and assesses relevant information produced worldwide
- Informs decisions made at the COPs