Political Responses to Climate Change

What are some examples of political responses to climate change?

• The Kyoto Protocol ‐ 1997 (COP3)

• The Paris Agreement - 2015 (COP21)

• the EU's 20/20/20 Vision

• the UK's Climate Change Act - 2008

• BedZed (Beddington Zero Energy Development)

The Kyoto Protocol - 1997 (COP3)

Global

• signed by over 100 governments

• aimed to reduce carbon emissions

• the USA never signed (President Bush)

The Paris Agreement - 2015 (COP21)

Global

• replaced and improved upon the Kyoto Protocol

• agreed to limit global warming to no more than 2°C (compared to pre-industrial levels)

• the USA signed in 2015 (President Obama), then pulled out in 2021 (President Trump), and re-signed in 2021 (President Biden)

the EU's 20/20/20 Vision

• an energy policy

• 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

• 20% of energy coming from renewable sources

• 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2020

the UK's Climate Change Act - 2008

National

• a legally binding target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 (compared to 1990)

• interim target of a reduction of 34% by 2020

• hit a 49% reduction by 2020, likely due to COVID restrictions

BedZed (Beddington Zero Energy Development)

Local

• environmentally friendly housing development

• Hackbridge, London

• improving home insulation

• more recycling

• smart use of energy

• using public transport