International Policy Flashcards
What were the key points from article 2?
The ultimate objective is stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.
Such a level should be achieved within a time frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, to ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner.
How the UNFCCC works?
Conferences of the parties = annual meetings of the parties to the convention
- to assess progress
- develop mechanisms for implementation
- develop new protocols
- agree on next steps
What does the SBI (subsidiary body for implementation do)?
They have to work what the emissions from different countries are.
What the countries are doing to reduce emissions.
What year was chosen as the base year in which future years relate their annual emissions?
1990
When was the Kyoto Protocol and what did it set as binding?
1997
Binding GHG emissions reduction on: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulphur hexafluoride plus hydrofluorocarbons and perflourocarbons for industrialised countries.
Key signatory not to ratify is the US. Dec. 2011
What have all Annex 1 countries (including the US) collectively agreed to do?
Reduce their emissions by 5.2% on average for the period 2008-2012.
What is the cap and trade mechanism?
The cap on greenhouse gas emissions is a limit backed by science. Companies pay penalties if they exceed the cap, which gets stricter over time.
The trade part is a market for companies to buy and sell allowances that permit them to emit only a certain amount.
What are emission-reduction projects in poor countries?
Allow rich countries to buy Certified Emission Reduction credits to meet Kyoto targets.
For example, reforest in poor country for higher emissions in rich country.
What was the first CDM project?
Reduce methane emissions from landfill in Rio by capturing methane to generate electricity.
Direct health and environmental benefits for the local community.
What is joint implementation?
Rich trade with rich.
Allows one industrialised country to earn Emission Reduction Units (ERUs) from an emission-reduction in another Annex B party.
Country-level obligations in the UNFCCC
Treaty sets plan for future updates (protocols) to set mandatory emission limits but to start with…
- no mandatory limits on greenhouse gas emissions for individual countries.
- No enforcement mechanisms
What was the kyoto protocol 1997?
Sets binding GHG emissions reduction: on carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide etc for industrialised countries.
Excldues international aviation and shipping.
What is the clean development mechanisms?
Emission reduction projects in poor countries earn Certified Emission Reduction credits.
Rich countries can buy these to meet Kyoto targets.
