Daily Current Affairs : 27-November-2023
Tens of thousands are poised to converge in Dubai, UAE, for the 28th edition of the Conference of the Parties (COP), the largest global climate negotiation event. This annual gathering, rooted in the United Nations (UN) framework, plays a pivotal role in shaping international responses to climate change.
Background of COP
Originating from the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, where 154 countries signed the UNFCCC, COP emerged with a mission to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations and prevent human-induced interference with the climate system.
Formation and Participants
The UNFCCC, enacted in 1994, paved the way for annual COP meetings, with 198 countries currently participating. Building on the success of prior environmental pacts, such as the 1987 Montreal Protocol, COP embodies a global commitment to address climate challenges.
Inaugural COP (COP-1) and Kyoto Protocol
The inaugural COP in 1995 focused on UNFCCC implementation and set the stage for subsequent climate conferences. COP-3 in Kyoto, Japan, led to the groundbreaking Kyoto Protocol, compelling industrialized nations to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Objectives of COP Meetings
COP meetings primarily aim to review progress in limiting climate change, fostering global agreements to curb emissions, and occasionally resulting in pivotal agreements like the Kyoto Protocol.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
Under the Paris Agreement, countries present NDCs at COP meetings, outlining emission cuts and adaptation strategies. Regularly reviewed, these contributions form a crucial part of COP discussions.
Paris Agreement (COP 21): A Comprehensive Overview
Legal Commitment
Adopted by 196 parties during COP21 in Paris in 2015, the Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty focused on combating climate change.
Effective Commencement
Commencing on November 4, 2016, the agreement marked the initiation of global efforts to combat climate change collectively.
Key Objectives
The Paris Agreement sets ambitious goals to limit global warming, aiming to keep temperature increases below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts for a 1.5°C target. It also calls for significant greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2100.
Support for Countries
The agreement emphasizes supporting countries in coping with climate change consequences through strengthened capacity and financial assistance, especially aiding developing nations.
Global Collaboration and Historic Accord
At its core, the Paris Agreement stands as a testament to unprecedented global collaboration and commitment to comprehensively address climate change, marking a historic accord in the shared determination of nations.
Important Points:
- Background of COP:
- Originated from the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.
- Mission: Stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations to prevent human-induced climate interference.
- Formation and Participants:
- UNFCCC enacted in 1994, leading to annual COP meetings.
- 198 countries currently participating.
- Built on the success of environmental pacts like the Montreal Protocol and a US-Canada agreement on acid rain.
- Inaugural COP (COP-1) and Kyoto Protocol:
- COP-1 in 1995 focused on UNFCCC implementation.
- Kyoto Protocol during COP-3 in Kyoto, Japan, imposed obligations on industrialized nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Objectives of COP Meetings:
- Primary aim: Review progress in limiting climate change.
- Addresses global agreements to reduce emissions.
- Occasionally results in pivotal agreements like the Kyoto Protocol.
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):
- Part of the Paris Agreement (2015).
- Countries present NDCs detailing emission cuts and adaptation strategies.
- Periodically reviewed as a crucial part of COP discussions.
- Paris Agreement (COP 21): A Comprehensive Overview:
- Legal Commitment:
- Adopted by 196 parties during COP21 in Paris in 2015.
- Legally binding international treaty focused on combating climate change.
- Effective Commencement:
- Commenced on November 4, 2016, initiating global efforts to combat climate change collectively.
- Key Objectives:
- Limit global warming: Below 2°C, with efforts toward 1.5°C.
- Greenhouse gas emission reduction by 2100.
- Support for Countries:
- Strengthening capacity and providing financial assistance, especially to developing nations.
- Global Collaboration and Historic Accord:
- A testament to unprecedented global collaboration.
- Recognized as a historic accord due to the shared determination of nations to address climate change comprehensively.
- Legal Commitment:
Why In News
Next week, tens of thousands will converge on Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), to participate in the world’s largest climate negotiation — Conference of the Parties, better known as COP. The 28th edition of COP, set to take place in Dubai, will bring together global leaders, activists, and experts to address pressing environmental challenges and forge collaborative solutions for a sustainable future.
MCQs about COP and Paris Agreement
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What is the primary mission of the Conference of the Parties (COP)?
A. Stabilize global temperatures
B. Implement the UNFCCC
C. Enforce emission reductions
D. Establish international treaties
-
When did the Paris Agreement officially come into force?
A. 2015
B. 2016
C. 1992
D. 1995
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What is the key objective of the Paris Agreement concerning global warming?
A. Limit to 3°C above pre-industrial levels
B. Pursue efforts to limit to 1.5°C
C. No specific temperature target
D. Allow a temperature increase up to 4°C
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What is the significance of the Kyoto Protocol?
A. Encourage industrialized nations to increase emissions
B. Place obligations on nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
C. Establish guidelines for COP meetings
D. Abandon the UNFCCC mission
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