VCE Global Politics 2026 Unit 3 AOS1: 'Climate Change'

What is ‘realism’ in politics?

The idea that global actors prioritise their own interests over then needs of others.

What is ‘cosmopolitanism’ in politics?

The idea that all human beings are members of a single moral community that transcends national boundaries. They prioritise cooperation to reach common goals and meet challenges faced by the global community.

What is a ‘tragedy of the commons’?

A situation in which individuals have access to a common pool of resources and ultimately overuse and deplete them (Garret Hardin).

What are Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)?

Commitments that states have made to particular policies and measures to reduced greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement.

What are some of the short-term causes of climate change?

The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, transportation, over-consumption, and poor waste management.

How does the burning of fossil fuels contribute to climate change?

Fossil fuel burning accounts for over 75% of global emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions. In 2018, 89% of global emissions came from fossil fuels and industry.

How does deforestation contribute to climate change?

Between 2010 and 2020, the net loss in forests globally was 4.7 million hectares per year, with agriculture accounting for ¾ of the loss. Deforestation was responsible for 12% of emissions between 2007 and 2016 (IPCC).

How does transportation contribute to climate change?

According to the UN Environment Programme, transportation is responsible for ¼ of all energy-related greenhouse gas emissions (2023).

How does overconsumption contribute to climate change?

Household consumption accounts for 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions (Worland, 2023). The 2020 UNEP Emissions Gap Report suggested reducing consumer carbon footprint from a global average of approx. 6 tons of CO2 per person to 2-2.5 tons of CO2 by 2030, and to 0.7 tons by 2050.

How does poor waste management contribute to climate change?

Municipal solid waste generation is expected to grow from 2.1 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050. In 2020, the direct and hidden cost of waste management was estimated to be US $361 billion, and could double by 2050.

What is a positive outcome of interconnectedness?

In early 2023, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution enabling the UNGA to seek the opinion of the ICJ on states’ obligations to address climate change and their legal consequences.

What is a negative outcome of interconnectedness?

An increase in trade transport. According to the International Transport Forum (2021), greenhouse gas emissions from freight transport will increase 2.3 fold from 2015 to 2050.

How does the UN view climate change?

It views it as ‘one of the major challenges of our time.’ It has created 17 sustainable development goals.

When was the UNFCCC created, and what it its goal?

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was created on the 21st of March 1994 with 198 party states. It aims to ‘mitigate climate change by stabilising greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system.’

What was the Paris Climate Agreement?

At COP21 in 2015, 196 parties adopted the Paris Climate Agreement, pledging to keep warming ‘well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.’

What has Brazil’s response to climate change been?

Brazil ratified the Paris Agreement in 2016 and adjusted its NDCs in November 2023. It committed to ‘an absolute net zero greenhouse gas emission target in 2030. Brazil’s agricultural sector contributes to 48% of its emissions

How has deforestation affected Brazil?

The Amazon Rainforest holds 48 billion tons of carbon. However, it has lost 20% of its rainforests due to deforestation.

What did the Brazilian Government say about the Amazon?

‘If [the rich world] do want to effectively preserve the remaining rainforest, it is necessary to allocate money not only to take care of the forest canopy, but to the people who live down below.’- Brazilian Government, 2023.

How had India responded to Climate Change?

India ratified the Paris Agreement in 2016, and in mid-2022 pledged to reduce the ‘emissions intensity’ of its GDP to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030, and in 2021 planned to reach net-zero emissions by 2070. India is producing 368 million LED lightbulbs and ordering over 5,000 electric light bulbs in order to achieve this.

How is reaching net-zero emissions difficult for India?

In 2023, the average Indian consumed 1/12th the amount of electricity consumed by the average American. The International Monetary Fund predicts that there will be a 41% increase in emissions by 2030 due to the country’s technological development.

How is combatting climate change difficult for Afghanistan?

In 2025, Afghanistan ranked 180th in the Notre Dame Global Adaption Index. It was not present for COP 22, 23 or 24, and does not have access to the Green Climate Fund, which had approved nearly US $18 million in sustainable energy projects for Afghanistan prior to Taliban takeover.

What actions has Australia taken to combat climate change?

-In 2012 Julia Gillard proposed a Carbon Tax, which was repealed by Tony Abbott in 2014.

-The Turnbull National Energy Guarantee in 2016 obliged power companies to reduce emissions and prices.

-Scott Morrison’s Technology Investment Roadmap in 2021 directed government investment to low-carbon technologies.

-Anthony Albanese’s Climate Change Bill in 2022 outlines Australia’s target of a 43% emissions reduction on 2005 levels by 2030, and net-zero by 2050. This target is considered insufficient by the Climate Action Tracker.

What were one of the results of COP29?

The parties agreed to mobilise US $300 billion per year by 2035 in order to support developing countries in responding to climate change.

Why did the US withdraw from the Paris Agreement?

It withdrew because of the ‘unfair economic burden imposed upon American workers, businesses and taxpayers.’

What was a goal set at COP30?

To mobilise US $1.3 trillion per year by 2035 for the Green Climate Fund.

What are some failings of international governments in response to climate change?

The US and Chinese presidents did not attend COP28, and about 70 governments failed to update their NDCs in 2025, despite the fact that the Paris Agreement requires they do so every 5 years.

Why is reducing emissions difficult for developing countries?

A 2023 study of 48 developing economies found that an energy transition would cost $5.8 trillion annually from 2023 to 2030, equivalent to 19% of their combined GDP (UNCTAD, 2023).

How does the Minerals Council of Australia influence the government?

The Minerals Council of Australia gave over $350,000 AUD in donations to several Labor and Coalition branches ahead of the 2022 election (The Guardian).