THE IMPACT OF INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS ON CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION

This article is written by Mukta Priya of 7^th Semester of Gitam University, an intern under Legal Vidhiya

Abstract

One of the most urgent global issues of our time is climate change, which calls for cooperation between nations and collective action.  International environmental agreements are now essential tools for combating climate change. The effect of such agreements on efforts to mitigate climate change is examined in this abstract.

The study analyzes a number of significant agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol, and Montreal Protocol, in order to determine how effective international environmental agreements are at promoting the mitigation of climate change. It examines their provisions, mechanisms, and implementation processes to assess their impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering sustainable practices. This study identifies a number of significant effects of global environmental agreements on reducing climate change.

International environmental agreements make it easier for nations to share information, technologies, and best practices. These agreements aid in removing obstacles to the adoption of climate-friendly technologies and support the growth of renewable energy sources by fostering information sharing and technology transfer.

The study also identifies particular obstacles and restrictions related to global environmental agreements. These include problems with enforcement, compliance, and the absence of legally binding commitments for some nations. In order to ensure effective implementation, it emphasizes the necessity of bolstering monitoring mechanisms, improving transparency, and encouraging stronger accountability.

The fight against climate change has benefited greatly from international environmental agreements. They have encouraged international cooperation, pushed for technology transfer, and gathered financial resources. However, ongoing efforts are required to get past the current obstacles and improve the efficiency of these agreements in reducing emissions significantly and reducing the effects of climate change.

Keywords–

 Climate change mitigation, International environmental agreements, Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol, Sustainable practices

Introduction

Climate change is the term used to describe long-term variations in temperature and weather patterns. Such changes may occur naturally due to variations in the sun’s activity or sizable volcanic eruptions.^[1] The burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas has been the primary cause of climate change since the 1800s, however, and this has been mainly attributable to human activities.

The planet is covered in greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, trapping solar heat and raising global temperatures.

Carbon dioxide and methane are the two leading greenhouse gases that are causing climate change. These are produced, for instance, when burning coal or gasoline to heat a building. In addition, clearing forests and other land can release carbon dioxide. Agriculture and the extraction of oil and gas are the main sources of methane emissions. The main sectors responsible for greenhouse gas production are energy, industry, transportation, construction, agriculture, and land use.

International Environmental Agreements

International environmental agreements are a tool for combating climate change and assisting in protecting the planet’s natural resources. Many nations are urged to act to protect our environment and stop the rise in temperatures by the IEAs, which include many nations worldwide.^[2] The goal of these IEAs is to combat climate change, safeguard the planet’s ecosystem and the lives of its inhabitants, and promote sustainable development. 

Features of International Environmental Agreements

The following key elements are frequently present in international environmental agreements:

1. Scope and Objectives: IEAs define the agreement’s scope and objectives, outlining the specific environmental issues to be addressed as well as the desired outcomes. They may concentrate on issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, ozone layer protection, marine pollution, or sustainable resource management.
2. Participation and Membership: IEAs establish participation criteria and procedures, such as which countries are eligible to join and the membership terms.
3. Commitments and Obligations: IEAs outline the obligations that participating nations must fulfill.^[3] These could include objectives for reducing emissions, conservation measures, rules for resource management, or giving developing nations financial and technical support.
4. Implementation Procedures: Agreements specify the procedures and procedures for putting the agreed-upon measures into action.  This entails setting up organizations, committees, or working teams to track, summarize, and review progress and promote collaboration and coordination between member states.
5. Compliance and Enforcement: IEAs frequently have clauses that address mechanisms for dealing with non-compliance and monitor whether the agreed-upon commitments are being followed. These may include information-gathering demands, peer reviews, dispute resolution procedures, or penalties for non-compliant parties.
6. Financial and technological support: Many IEAs know that developing countries need financial and technological assistance to fulfill their obligations. To help with implementation, they have clauses relating to funding, capacity building, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing.
7. Flexible and Differentiated Responsibilities: IEAs frequently consider the various capacities and responsibilities of various countries.^[4] They may take into account the concept of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” which acknowledges that developed countries have a greater responsibility and should help developing countries deal with environmental issues.
8. Review and revision: Regular reviews and assessments of progress are frequently included in IEAs, allowing parties to assess the success of their efforts and, if necessary, make necessary adjustments. They may also stipulate that negotiations will take place periodically in order to strengthen or update the agreement in light of new scientific knowledge or changing circumstances.
9. Public Participation and Transparency: Some IEAs place a strong emphasis on the value of public participation and transparency, enticing businesses, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to get involved. They could include clauses allowing for public participation in information gathering, public meetings, or decision-making processes.^[5]
10. Linkages and Synergies: IEAs frequently recognize the connections among environmental issues and the demand for coordination with other pertinent agreements and frameworks. This can aid in preventing overlap in effort and fostering synergies when tackling various environmental challenges.

International environmental agreements in promoting climate change mitigation

Global cooperation and collective action are now necessary because climate change has emerged as our era’s most important challenge. International environmental treaties have become essential tools for combating climate change.  The effectiveness of these agreements in promoting the mitigation of climate change is examined in this article, with a special emphasis on significant agreements like the Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol, and Montreal Protocol.  This article seeks to evaluate how international environmental agreements affect lowering greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable behaviors by scrutinizing their provisions, mechanisms, and implementation procedures.

The Paris Agreement: A Framework for Global Action

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) adopted the Paris Agreement as an international treaty in 2015. It aims to address the global issue of climate change by encouraging efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change impacts, and provide financial and technological assistance to developing countries.^[6]

1. Mitigation: The agreement sets a long-term goal of keeping global average temperature rises well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels while also pursuing efforts to keep temperature rises below 1.5 degrees Celsius. Countries are expected to submit and regularly update their “nationally determined contributions” (NDCs), which outline their efforts to reduce emissions.
2. Adaptation: The agreement acknowledges the importance of improving adaptive capacity and assisting developing countries in their adaptation efforts. It encourages countries to develop and implement adaptation plans and strategies to address climate change impacts.
3. Finance: Developed countries are expected to contribute financial resources to developing countries’ mitigation and adaptation efforts. The agreement aims to raise $100 billion per year from a variety of sources by 2020 to support climate action in developing countries.
4. Technology Transfer: The Paris Agreement encourages the transfer of environmentally friendly technologies to developing countries in order to assist them in mitigating and adapting to climate change.^[7] It promotes collaboration and cooperation in climate-friendly technology research and development.
5. Transparency and Accountability: The agreement establishes a strong transparency framework, requiring countries to report on emissions and implementation efforts on a regular basis. The transparency provisions are intended to foster trust and allow countries to track their progress toward their climate goals.

The Kyoto Protocol: Lessons and Challenges

The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty that was adopted in 1997 as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It was created to address the issue of global warming by establishing binding targets for developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.^[8] Unlike the Paris Agreement, which includes all countries, the Kyoto Protocol initially focused on developed-country commitments.

1. Emissions Reduction Targets: The protocol established legally binding emissions reduction targets for developed countries, referred to collectively as “Annex I” countries. These targets differed by country and aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to a specific level below 1990 levels. The reductions were to be implemented between 2008 and 2012, referred to as the first commitment period.
2. Flexible Mechanisms: a) Emissions Trading: Countries could trade emissions allowances, allowing those with lower emissions to sell surplus allowances to countries that exceeded their targets.

b) Clean Development Mechanism: Annex I countries could invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries and receive carbon credits for the reductions achieved. This mechanism aimed to promote long-term development in developing countries.

c) Joint Implementation: Annex I countries could carry out emission-reduction projects in other Annex I countries and receive credit for the reductions made.^[9]

3. Compliance and Reporting: The protocol established a compliance system to monitor and ensure that countries met their emission-cutting targets.  Countries were required to submit annual reports on their emissions and progress toward meeting their commitments.

The Montreal Protocol: Indirect Contributions to Climate Change Mitigation

The Montreal Protocol is an international environmental treaty focusing on ozone depletion rather than climate change. It was established in 1987 to protect the Earth’s ozone layer by prohibiting the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances.^[10]

1. Substances Covered: The protocol initially targeted chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride, and other ODS. These chemicals were commonly used in a variety of applications such as refrigeration, air conditioning, aerosols, foam production, and fire suppression systems. The protocol has been amended over time to include new substances.^[11]
2. The Montreal Protocol establishes specific timelines for the phase-out of ODS production and consumption. Timelines and reduction targets differ depending on the substance and whether the country is developing or developed.^[12]
3. Transfer of Technology and Financial Assistance: The protocol acknowledges the need for developing countries to receive financial and technological assistance to facilitate the phase-out of ODS. Developed countries provide financial assistance and transfer ozone-friendly technologies to help developing countries meet their obligations under the protocol.
4. Ozone Monitoring and Research: The protocol emphasizes the importance of scientific research and observations in monitoring the state of the ozone layer. This monitoring aids in determining the efficacy of the protocol’s measures and identifying any emerging threats to the ozone layer.

Although the Montreal Protocol is primarily concerned with ozone depletion rather than climate change, its efforts indirectly contribute to climate change mitigation. Because ozone-depleting substances are also potent greenhouse gases, their elimination has contributed to a reduction in overall radiative forcing and the potential for global warming.

International environmental treaties that promote knowledge and technology exchange

International environmental treaties are essential for facilitating the transfer of best practices, technologies, and knowledge between nations. These agreements assist in removing obstacles to the adoption of climate-friendly technologies and support the advancement of renewable energy sources by fostering information exchange and technology transfer.

International environmental agreements often include a strong emphasis on knowledge exchange. Countries have the chance to share their experiences, research findings, and creative solutions for reducing climate change through venues like conferences, workshops, and working groups. Through knowledge exchange, nations can find best practices, compare their successes and failures, and modify them for their unique environments. Using collective knowledge, nations can successfully combat climate change by accelerating the transition to low-carbon economies.^[13]

Another crucial component of international environmental agreements is technology transfer, Developing countries often need help accessing and adopting climate-friendly technologies due to factors such as cost, lack of technical capacity, and limited infrastructure. International agreements help close the technology gap and advance sustainable development by facilitating the transfer of environmentally sound technologies from developed to developing nations. This transfer can take place through a number of channels, including funding, capacity-building initiatives, and international collaborations between nations and tech companies.

In order to combat climate change, renewable energy sources are essential.  International environmental agreements encourage the creation and use of renewable energy technologies by fostering an environment that is favorable to investment and cooperation. The adoption of renewable energy can be accelerated by countries identifying efficient policies, regulations, and incentives through the exchange of experiences and lessons learned.  In addition, technology transfer enables developing nations to access renewable energy infrastructure and technologies, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and fostering the transition to clean energy.

Effective climate change mitigation requires removing obstacles to the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies. International environmental agreements give nations a forum for cooperation, mutual learning, and cooperation in the pursuit of common objectives.^[14] These agreements support international efforts to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development by promoting technology transfer, knowledge exchange, and the creation of renewable energy sources.

It is significant to remember that obstacles and challenges continue to exist. These consist of institutional capabilities, costs associated with technology, and intellectual property rights. A comprehensive approach that includes funding, capacity development, and international cooperation is needed to address these issues.^[15] International environmental agreements can encourage the widespread adoption of climate-friendly technologies and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future by continuously improving knowledge-sharing and technology transfer mechanisms.

Challenges and limitations associated with international environmental agreements

The study acknowledges that there are issues and restrictions with regards to global environmental agreements. The lack of legally binding commitments for some nations is one of these difficulties, as are problems with compliance and enforcement. To ensure that these agreements are implemented effectively, the study emphasizes the need for bolstering monitoring mechanisms, increasing transparency, and encouraging stronger accountability.

It can take time to comply with the terms of international environmental agreements. Countries may need help in achieving their emission reduction goals or putting the agreed-upon measures into practice for a number of reasons, including economic limitations, technical restrictions, or political roadblocks. There are also weak enforcement provisions in many agreements, making achieving the intended results more challenging. According to the study, overcoming these difficulties necessitates enhancing monitoring and reporting systems to monitor development and make sure that nations adhere to their commitments.

To implement international environmental agreements effectively, transparency must be improved. Transparency makes it possible for nations to exchange accurate and trustworthy data on their emissions, mitigation efforts, and progress toward their goals. Furthermore, it enables peer review and evaluation of each nation’s efforts while fostering international trust.^[16] The study emphasizes the significance of fostering transparency by creating clear reporting guidelines, improving data collection and verification processes, and enticing nations to provide frequent updates on their climate action.

For international environmental agreements to be implemented effectively, transparency must be improved. Transparency makes it possible for nations to exchange accurate and trustworthy data on their emissions, mitigation efforts, and progress toward their goals. It also promotes international trust by allowing peer review and evaluation of each country’s efforts. The study emphasizes the significance of fostering transparency by establishing precise reporting guidelines, improving data collection and verification processes, and enticing nations to provide frequent updates on their efforts to mitigate climate change.

Some issues and restrictions need to be addressed even though international environmental agreements have significantly aided in the mitigation of climate change.  In order to guarantee the successful implementation of these agreements, monitoring mechanisms must be strengthened, transparency must be improved, and accountability must be strengthened.^[17]  Addressing these difficulties will help international environmental agreements achieve their goals and advance the fight against climate change.

Conclusion

In conclusion, international environmental agreements have become crucial weapons in the effort to combat climate change on a global scale by encouraging sustainable lifestyles and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.  They encourage international cooperation and the transfer of technology and information. However, issues like compliance, enforcement, and varying commitments limit their efficacy.^[18] For implementation to be successful, monitoring systems must be strengthened, transparency must be increased, and accountability must be encouraged. These agreements have encouraged cooperation, technology transfer, and the availability of financial resources for climate action despite these obstacles.^[19] To reduce emissions and mitigate climate change, ongoing efforts are required to overcome challenges and improve their effectiveness. A sustainable future depends on international cooperation and collective action. The framework provided by international environmental agreements serves as a catalyst for developing a low-carbon economy and a planet that will be stable for future generations.

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^[1] ‘What Is Climate Change? | United Nations’ <https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-climate-change> accessed 12 July 2023.

^[2] ‘International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics | Home’ <https://www.springer.com/journal/10784> accessed 12 July 2023.

^[3] Chenaz B Seelarbokus, ‘Assessing the Effectiveness of International Environmental Agreements (IEAs): Demystifying the Issue of Data Unavailability’ (2014) 4 SAGE Open 2158244014521820.

^[4] ibid

^[5] ‘JSTOR: Search Results’ <https://www.jstor.org/action/doBasicSearch?Query=The+impact+of+international+environmental+agreements+on+climate+change> accessed 12 July 2023.

^[6] ‘The Paris Agreement | UNFCCC’ <https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement> accessed 12 July 2023.

^[7] ‘The Paris Agreement | United Nations’ <https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/paris-agreement> accessed 12 July 2023.

^[8] United Nations, ‘Marking the Kyoto Protocol’s 25th Anniversary’ (United Nations) <https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/marking-kyoto-protocol%E2%80%99s-25th-anniversary> accessed 12 July 2023.

^[9] ‘Kyoto Protocol | History, Provisions, & Facts | Britannica’ <https://www.britannica.com/event/Kyoto-Protocol> accessed 12 July 2023.

^[10] ‘About Montreal Protocol’ (Ozonaction, 29 October 2018) <http://www.unep.org/ozonaction/who-we-are/about-montreal-protocol> accessed 12 July 2023.

^[11] ‘Global Climate Agreements: Successes and Failures’ (Council on Foreign Relations) <https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/paris-global-climate-change-agreements> accessed 12 July 2023.

^[12] Supra note 3

^[13] ‘List of International Environmental Conventions & Protocols – UPSC Environment Notes’ <https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/environment-conventions-protocols/> accessed 12 July 2023.

^[14] ibid.

^[15] ‘INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS: A Survey of Their Features, Formation, and Effects | Annual Review of Environment and Resources’ <https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev.energy.28.050302.105603> accessed 12 July 2023.

^[16] ‘International Environmental Agreement – an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics’ <https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/economics-econometrics-and-finance/international-environmental-agreement> accessed 12 July 2023.

^[17] ‘Global Climate Agreements: Successes and Failures’ (Council on Foreign Relations) <https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/paris-global-climate-change-agreements> accessed 12 July 2023.

^[18]Supra note 5

^[19] Supra note 16