As the COP29 summit unfolds in Baku, Azerbaijan, critical climate change terms are gaining prominence. About these concepts is essential for grasping global climate discussions and commitments. IASPOINT provides a concise overview of key terms shaping the climate dialogue.
COP (Conference of the Parties)
COP refers to the annual meetings of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It involves 198 countries committed to reducing human-caused climate interference. Each COP aims to negotiate and implement climate action plans.
Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol was a 1997 treaty that mandated emission reductions from industrialised nations. It was the first important international agreement on climate change but expired in 2020, succeeded by the Paris Agreement.
Paris Agreement
Adopted in 2015, this landmark treaty legally binds 195 nations to limit global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius. It emphasises the urgency of keeping the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid severe climate impacts.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
NDCs are individual country commitments under the Paris Agreement. Each nation outlines its plans to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts. These commitments are updated every five years to increase ambition.
Loss and Damage
This term addresses the unavoidable impacts of climate change, particularly for vulnerable communities. The Loss and Damage Fund, established at COP28, aims to provide financial support for recovery efforts after climate disasters.
Net-Zero
Net-zero refers to balancing greenhouse gas emissions with removal efforts. Countries aim to achieve this by 2050 to limit global warming. Strategies include enhancing carbon sinks and adopting carbon capture technologies.
Carbon Markets
These are trading systems where carbon credits are bought and sold. Countries and industries can trade excess emission reductions, allowing for flexible compliance with climate targets.
Just Transition
This concept ensures that the shift to a low-carbon economy does not compromise workers’ rights or community needs. It advocates for equitable policies that support affected industries and communities.
Geo-engineering
Geo-engineering encompasses large-scale interventions to combat climate change. Techniques include carbon dioxide removal and solar radiation management. Their potential impacts and ethical implications remain debated.
Global Stocktake
This five-year review assesses collective progress towards climate goals. It evaluates national efforts and identifies necessary actions to enhance effectiveness in combating climate change.
Triple Renewable Energy
The call to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030 is crucial for achieving net-zero goals. This expansion could reduce carbon emissions and facilitate a transition to sustainable energy sources.
Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)
This principle acknowledges that countries have varying capabilities and responsibilities in addressing climate change. It underpins international agreements, ensuring equity in climate action.
National Adaptation Plans (NAPs)
NAPs outline strategies for countries to adapt to climate change impacts. They aim to enhance resilience and reduce vulnerability, playing important role in achieving climate goals.
New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)
The NCQG sets a financial target for developed countries to support climate action in developing nations. It aims to mobilise resources beyond the previously promised $100 billion annually.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
CCS technology captures carbon dioxide emissions from sources like power plants and stores it underground. This process is essential for reducing atmospheric carbon levels.
Indigenous Knowledge
Indigenous communities possess unique ecological knowledge that can contribute to climate action. Their practices and understanding of local ecosystems are vital for sustainable development.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in achieving global climate goals.
- What are the implications of the Loss and Damage Fund for vulnerable communities? Explain.
- Comment on the role of Indigenous knowledge in addressing climate change challenges.
- What is the significance of the Global Stocktake in assessing national climate actions? How does it influence future commitments?
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in achieving global climate goals.
The Paris Agreement has been very important in uniting 195 nations under a common objective to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, ideally to 1.5 degrees. Its effectiveness lies in legally binding commitments from countries to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) every five years. However, challenges persist, including insufficient ambition in NDCs, lack of enforcement mechanisms, and financial disparities between developed and developing nations. While the agreement has encourageed international cooperation and awareness, actual emissions reductions remain inadequate, necessitating stronger commitments and actions to meet its ambitious climate goals.
2. What are the implications of the Loss and Damage Fund for vulnerable communities? Explain.
The Loss and Damage Fund, established at COP28, represents an important step toward addressing the irreversible impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. It aims to provide financial support for recovery efforts after climate disasters, acknowledging that some losses are unavoidable. This fund empowers affected communities by involving them in decision-making processes, ensuring their needs and knowledge are prioritized. By facilitating recovery and resilience-building, the fund can help mitigate the socio-economic impacts of climate change, encouraging long-term sustainability. However, effective implementation and timely disbursement of funds are crucial for its success in supporting these communities.
3. Comment on the role of Indigenous knowledge in addressing climate change challenges.
Indigenous knowledge plays important role in addressing climate change challenges due to its deep-rooted understanding of local ecosystems and sustainable practices honed over centuries. Indigenous communities often possess unique vital information about biodiversity conservation, resource management, and climate resilience strategies that are context-specific and effective. Their involvement in climate action can enhance the relevance and applicability of adaptation strategies. By integrating Indigenous knowledge into national climate policies, countries can develop more effective and culturally sensitive approaches to climate challenges, encouraging social justice and environmental sustainability while recognizing the rights and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
4. What is the significance of the Global Stocktake in assessing national climate actions? How does it influence future commitments?
The Global Stocktake is a critical mechanism established under the Paris Agreement to evaluate collective progress toward climate goals every five years. It assesses the effectiveness of national actions, identifies gaps, and encourages countries to enhance their commitments. By providing a comprehensive review of achievements and challenges, the stocktake encourages transparency and accountability among nations. Its findings influence future commitments by denoting the need for more ambitious NDCs and facilitating knowledge sharing. This iterative process aims to ensure that global efforts remain aligned with the urgent need to combat climate change and meet the 1.5-degree Celsius target.
