ESS Standard Topic 6.3

Global Co-operation

State Sovereignty

A government's right to rule over its land and people and decide what is best with all things connected to it.

How can State sovereignty cause Tension?

Establishing goals ,as seen in COP 27-28, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions face resistance from countries whose economies rely on fossil fuels or fear of economic slowdown (LICs/LEDCs)

Montreal Protocol

An environmental treaty signed by all UN member states September 16th 1987 agreeing to phase out the use of ODCs (ozone depleting substances) such as CFCs to help the ozone layer recover. One of the most successful environmental treaties.

Paris Agreement of 2015

Limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above per-industrial levels while allowing state sovereignty by letting countries set their own emission reduction targets.

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

An international treaty to reduce human impact on the climate system by stabilising and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

• HICs have the most responsibility for cutting emissions.

• HICs should provide funding for LICs for climate Change mitigation strategies.

• Countries should provide regular reports on progress and goal required at COP summits.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

A group of international scientists that produces yearly reports on the latest scientific information on climate change for the UN; helps to develop climate policies and international agreements.

The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol (2016)

UN - Phase out HCFCs (extended from banning just CFCs)

RE100 Initiative

100s of large and ambitious businesses committed to using 100% renewable energy

G7 and G20 Climate Commitments

G7 - reduce emissions by at least 58% by 2030 G20 

G20 - sustainable and equitable agricultural practices and reducing food loss and waste

COP21 (2015)

Paris, France - Created the Paris Agreement Framework and Established the 1.5*C and well below 2*C goals. Requiring countries to submit climate plans (NDCs) towards that.

COP28 (2023)

Dubai, UAE - Assessed progress under the Paris Agreement and evaluated whether the world was on track to meet those goals. It called for stringer NDCs and faster implementation and was the first COP calling for a transition from fossil fuels

The effect of Diverging National Interests on COP28

At COP 28, the conflicting interests of countries, particularly those heavily reliant on fossil fuels, created significant challenges. 

The effect of Economic Concerns on COP28

For many developing countries, especially those without the infrastructure to transition to renewable energy.

The effect of Lack of Ambition on COP28

While COP 21 led to the Paris Agreement with ambitious goals to limit global warming to 1.5°C, COP 28 struggled to maintain that same level of ambition.

The effect of Geopolitical Tensions on COP28

The global geopolitical landscape has become more complex since COP 21, with increased tensions between major powers.

The effect of Changing Global Dynamics on COP28

Since COP 21, there has been growing skepticism and debate over the effectiveness of global climate agreements.

Mitigation

Attempting to reduce the causes of climate change

Adaptation

Attempts to manage the impacts of climate change

Decarbonisation Reduce GHGs

Decarbonisation of the economy means reducing or ending the use of energy sources that result in carbon dioxide emissions and replacing them with renewable energy sources.

Changing consumer behaviour Reduce GHGs

• Driving/Flying Less

• Renewable energy

• Plant based diet

• Supporting a circular economy

Government regulation and financial incentives Reduce GHGs

• Passing Laws requiring sustainable practices in businesses

• Providing subsidies for sustainable business practices

• Taxing carbon-intensive production to make it more expensive.

• Planting more green spaces.

• Providing universal basic services

Carbon Capture and storage GHGs Removval

Removal happens from factory/power station emissions before it gets into the atmosphere, The captured carbon dioxide is then stored deep underground or underwater.

• Can be costly and requires adequate funding and government backing

Nature based solutions GHGs Removal

• Afforestation - Creates Carbon Sinks

• Protecting Wetlands - Acts as a Carbon store

• Ocean fertilsation - Phytoplankton production supports growth and photosynthesis which absorbs carbon dioxide.

• Regenerative agriculture - Mixed cropping, increase in organic matter in soil, capturing and storing carbon dioxide.

Geo-engineering

Deliberate large-scale manipulation of an environmental process that affects the Earth's climate, in an attempt to counteract the effects of global warming.

• Reflecting more solar radiation away from earth

• Removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

Structural adaptations

Involves physical changes to infrastructure and the environment.

Non-structural adaptations

Involves changes in practices, policies, and behaviours rather than changes to the physical environment. 

Cooling Centres

Areas built in cities to provide people with an escape from the heat for short periods, e.g Los Angeles

Flood Defenses

Dykes can be built to control floodwaters, or seawalls to block storm surges as sea levels rise e.g. Thames Barrier or raised plinths used in Bangladesh

Desalination plants

Desalination involves converting seawater to freshwater for human consumption and agriculture, e.g. Sorek Desalination Plant in Israel

Urban Greening

Green roofs, building more green spaces, installation of air conditioning and reducing carbon emissions from energy use.

Agricultural Practices

Drought-resistant crops to cope with changing rainfall patterns.

Ecosystem restoration

Practices such as afforestation, watershed restoration, and invasive species removal.

(The extent of this can make it a structural adaptation)

Vaccinations

Increase vaccination rates for diseases such as malaria that are spreading to new areas due to climate change.

Climate education, Warning systems, Land Zoning and Building Codes.

Government change to regulations and educations so people know risks, safety precautions, where to avoid and that buildings are stronger and more likely to protect people.

Water Conservation

Reducing water use through measures like rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation can make the most of water resources that may become more scarce due to climate change

Maximising crop yields in longer growing seasons.

Crop yields can be increased in areas where warming has extended the growing season.

The Netherlands Hard Engineering

26% of the country lies below sea level, faces risks from storm surges, sea level rise, and river overflow

• Delta Works Project - Most advanced flood defends system in the world, surge barriers, dikes, dams to protect low lying areas.

• Room for the river program - Over flow areas, floodplains restored, relocating dikes.

• Floating Cities and Resilient Infrastructure - Developing floating homes and buildings.

• Smart water management using AI and floating homes and buildings and lots of investment.

Bangladesh Soft Engineering

80% of the country is floodplain, making it highly prone to monsoon flooding, cyclones, and sea level rise, millions live in poverty and lacking access to advanced infrastructure.

• Floating Agriculture and Homes

• Mangrove Restoration (Sundarbans Mangrove Forest as a Natural Buffer)

• Grassroots efforts through climate resilient farming techniques

• Embankments and Polders - requires constant maintenance

• Cyclone Shelters and Early Warning Systems