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UNEP Study Material

Agenda - Analysing the Progress of the Paris Climate Agreement

Chairperson’s Letter - Temitayo J

Hello Delegates,

I welcome you to the second edition of Schoolhouse Model United Nations. I am Temitayo, a former delegate of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) committee. I am delighted to be chairing alongside Shamak. The conference promises to be impactful one way or the other, whether it's improving your research skills or making new friends and I encourage you to take the agenda head on.

Climate change & Paris climate agreement: In my country, December and early January features harmattan, a season characterised by dry dusty winds sometimes very cold. However, this year and the past December, the season is very different: no dry winds, very hot and humid. We have seen temperatures of 42°c and very hot days. In other parts of my country, the changing weather is fueling community clashes and land grabbing of viable resources, displacing and killing thousands. Other countries, similarly, have seen drastic weather conditions from Pakistan to Somalia, majorly from rising carbon emissions as well as man-made such as construction of dams. The recent COP 28 featured a lot of debates and throughout six committee sessions, I hope you all effectively discuss the various impacts of climate change from food insecurity to diseases to displacement, countries' climate problems, infrastructure deficits and hopefully pass a resolution that could help our future.

MANDATE

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) [1] is in charge of coordinating responses to environmental challenges within the United Nations system. Following the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in June 1972, it was founded by Maurice Strong, the organization's first director. A wide range of concerns, such as climate change, the management of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and green economic development, are among the topics covered by its mandate to provide leadership, deliver science, and develop solutions. Additionally, the group creates worldwide environmental treaties, distributes and promotes environmental knowledge, and aids national governments in meeting environmental goals.

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History of the Paris Agreement:

In the 1970s, there was a global debate about the need for environmental governance, with developing nations initially hesitant. Canadian diplomat Maurice Strong played a key role in convincing many developing nations to prioritize environmental concerns. This led to the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm Conference), addressing issues like pollution and resource protection. The conference resulted in the Stockholm Declaration and the establishment of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. UNEP's funding relies on voluntary contributions from member states, with the Environmental Fund as the core source. The location of UNEP's headquarters sparked controversy, with developed countries favoring Geneva and developing countries supporting Nairobi. Despite initial reluctance, many developing nations supported UNEP's creation as an act of "Southern solidarity." In 2000, the World Conservation Monitoring Centre joined UNEP.

Most experts say that countries’ pledges are not ambitious enough and will not be enacted quickly enough to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. The policies of Paris signatories as of late 2022 could result in a 2.7°C (4.9°F) rise by 2100, according to the Climate Action Tracker compiled by Germany-based nonprofits Climate Analytics and the NewClimate Institute.

Since 2015, dozens of countries—including the top emitters—have submitted stronger pledges. For example, President Biden announced in 2021 that the United States will aim to cut emissions by 50 to 52 percent compared to 2005 levels by 2030, doubling former President Barack Obama’s commitment. The following year, the U.S. Congress approved legislation that could get the country close to reaching that goal. Meanwhile, the EU pledged to reduce emissions by at least 55 percent compared to 1990 levels by 2030, and China said it aims to reach peak emissions before 2030

Keeping the temperature rise within the 1.5 °C threshold, was the main goal of the Agreement.

The Earth’s average temperature has already increased approximately 1.1°C above pre industrial levels, according to a 2021 assessment by the IPCC. The report, drafted by more than two hundred scientists from over sixty countries, predicts that the world will reach or exceed 1.5°C of warming within the next two decades even if nations drastically.

The severe effects to occur will most definitely include:

Heat waves. Many regions will suffer more hot days, with about 14 percent of people worldwide being exposed to periods of severe heat at least once every five years.

Droughts and floods. Regions will be more susceptible to droughts and floods, making farming more difficult, lowering crop yields, and causing food shortages.

Rising seas. Tens of millions of people live in coastal regions that will be submerged in the coming decades. Small island nations are particularly vulnerable.

Ocean changes. Up to 90 percent of coral reefs will be wiped out, and oceans will become more acidic. The world’s fisheries will become far less productive.

Arctic ice thaws. At least once a century, the Arctic will experience a summer with no sea ice, which has not happened in at least two thousand years. Forty percent of the Arctic’s permafrost will thaw by the end of the century.

Species loss. More insects, plants, and vertebrates will be at risk of extinction.

Basic Science Behind Climate Change :-

Countries have made several attempts to resolve the following issues over the years. However, their progress is negligible.

The Earth’s average temperature is rising at an unprecedented rate;

Human activities, namely the use of fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—are the primary drivers of this rapid warming and climate change; and,

Continued warming is expected to have harmful effects worldwide.

Paris Agreement - In accordance with the Council on Foreign Relations

The Paris Agreement, a landmark accord in addressing climate change, signifies global commitment to limiting global warming below 2 degrees Celsius. Its successes are evident in its widespread adoption, bringing nearly all nations together to pledge emission reduction goals and fostering increased awareness about climate change. The agreement's framework encourages transparency, periodic reassessment of goals, and financial aid for developing countries in their sustainability efforts.

However, challenges persist. Some countries struggle to meet their emission targets due to economic, political, or technological limitations. The lack of legally binding enforcement mechanisms undermines accountability, and financing for climate-related projects in developing nations remains inadequate. Additionally, global climate action has faced setbacks, with some nations withdrawing support or not meeting their commitments as anticipated.

Despite these challenges, the Paris Agreement remains a critical platform for global collaboration on climate issues, promoting dialogue and pushing nations towards a collective effort in addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change. Ongoing efforts focus on enhancing ambition, bolstering financial support, and strengthening the agreement's mechanisms to achieve its ultimate goals effectively

Key goals of the Paris Agreement

Limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, aiming for 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

Increase the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change (adaptation).

Make finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development.

Through the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, countries agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere keeps rising, heating the Earth at an alarming rate. Scientists warn that if this warming continues unabated, it could bring environmental catastrophe to much of the world, including staggering sea-level rise, record-br

Key elements of the Agreement

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country sets its own targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Transparency Framework: Countries are required to report regularly on their progress towards their NDCs.

Global Stocktake: Every five years, countries will come together to assess the collective progress towards the goals of the Agreement.

Challenges and opportunities

1. Raising ambition of NDCs: Current NDCs are not enough to achieve the goals of the Agreement.

2. Providing financial support to developing countries: Developed countries need to provide more financial support to help developing countries implement their NDCs.

3. Addressing equity concerns: There are concerns that the Agreement does not do enough to address the needs of developing countries.

The Paris Agreement - In accordance with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

The Paris Agreement incorporates two essential components: the Global Stocktake and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The Global Stocktake is a collective assessment conducted every five years to evaluate global progress towards the agreement's goals. It examines efforts made by countries in reducing emissions, adapting to climate impacts, providing financial assistance, and advancing technology transfer. This process helps to identify gaps between current actions and the required steps to achieve the agreement's targets, allowing for adjustments and increased ambition in subsequent plans.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) form the cornerstone of the agreement, outlining each country's voluntary commitments to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. These commitments vary among nations based on their individual circumstances, capabilities, and development needs. NDCs are periodically revised and updated, allowing countries to enhance their ambitions over time.

Both the Global Stocktake and NDCs play crucial roles in the Paris Agreement, enabling ongoing assessment, adjustment, and enhancement of global efforts to combat climate change. The Stocktake provides a comprehensive review, while NDCs offer a framework for individual country commitments, fostering a collective approach toward achieving the agreement's ambitious goals.

What is the Paris Agreement?

An international agreement adopted in 2015 aimed at limiting global warming and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Builds upon the Kyoto Protocol, which was the first international agreement to set binding targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Subtopic: Key provisions of the Agreement

Long-term goals:

Limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

2. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country sets its own targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Enhanced transparency framework: Countries are required to report regularly on their progress towards their NDCs.

4. Global Stocktake: Every five years, countries will come together to assess the collective progress towards the goals of the Agreement.

Support for developing countries

Developed countries are to provide financial and technological support to developing countries to help them implement their NDCs and build climate resilience.

Sources:

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): https://unfccc.int/files/essential_background/background_publications_htmlpdf/application/pdf/conveng.pdf

Paris Agreement: https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement

UNEP Climate Change: https://www.unep.org/topics/climate-action

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): https://www.ipcc.ch/

United Nations Environment Programme: https://www.unep.org/

United Nations Conference on the Human Environment: https://www.un.org/en/environment/conference/stockholm/

Institutional and Financial Arrangements for International Environmental Cooperation: https://www.unep.org/about-us/institutional-framework/governing-bodies/institutional-and-financial-arrangements-international-environmental-cooperation

Council On Foreign Relations: https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/paris-global-climate-change-agreements#chapter-title-0-2https

United Nations : https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/paris-agreement

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