International Environmental Frameworks: UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, and Other Important Treaties
Earth is a delicate ecosystem, and the threat of its degradation from human activities is growing increasingly today. Climate change, air and water pollution, loss of biodiversity - these are some of the serious challenges that we must address together. In this fight, international environmental frameworks act as weapons, bringing countries together and providing guidance for collective action. Let us go in-depth into some of the major environmental treaties and agreements and see how they collaborate to protect the future of our planet.
1. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): The UNFCCC, established in 1992, was the world's first major effort to identify and address the threats of climate change. More than 195 countries are party to this convention, which share a common goal of keeping global temperature rise in check and preventing dangerous climate change. The UNFCCC encourages climate change research, data sharing, and the development of national climate action plans.
2. Kyoto Protocol: The first major agreement formed under the UNFCCC was the Kyoto Protocol, which was in force from 2005 to 2012. This protocol called on developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, so that they could meet their historical responsibility compared to developing countries. However, the Kyoto Protocol also had many shortcomings, such as weak enforcement due to the non-participation of the United States, and the lack of greater use of market-based mechanisms.
3. Paris Agreement: The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. It aims to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. The agreement was adopted by 195 countries in Paris, France, on December 12, 2015, and entered into force on November 4, 2016.
