Politics and Climate Change: International Agreements and Domestic Policies

Introduction

The politics of climate change represent the connection between international agreements and domestic policies, which shapes global and national efforts to mitigate and adapt to environmental challenges. From the commitments of countries in their Nationally Determined Contributions to their legislative posture towards environmental laws, Politics significantly impacts the climate posture of nations. When the United States pulled out of the Paris Agreement in 2017,[1] the influence of politics on climate mitigation and adaptation was further highlighted. This article discusses the complex nature of climate politics, by examining key international agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, it highlights the tensions between global commitments and national interests. We consider the significance of global collaboration, how climate change can lead to other national crises, and how governments can drive climate action.

International Agreements, a historical account.

International treaties on climate change have evolved over the years. This shows a growing commitment to the fight against global warming and its adverse effects. The first global gathering held to tackle environmental issues was the Stockholm Conference of 1972.[2] This Conference was organized by the United Nations to discuss the Human Environment. It must, however, be noted that Climate change was not a prominent issue of discussion at the meeting.

The first World Climate Change Conference came up in Geneva in 1979.[3] It was organized by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This meeting led to the formation of the World Climate Program, an endeavour that sought to establish international cooperation on climate change. The United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) alongside the WMO established the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to provide scientific assessments that guide climate change policies.[4]

Treaties.

1.????? United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (1992)

The first international move towards a unified framework to guide the war against climate change occurred in 1992 when countries joined the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).[5] It was adopted in Rio de Janeiro. Upon coming into force in 1994, the framework established the Annual Conference of Parties (COP), a gathering of world leaders and policy experts to discuss the issue of climate change.[6]

2.????? The Kyoto Protocol (1997)

The Kyoto Protocol was the first binding international treaty that required industrialized nations to set a target to decrease their emissions. The Protocol targeted a reduction by an average of 5% compared to the levels they emitted in 1990. This reduction was to be achieved between 2008 and 2012.[7]

3.????? The Copenhagen Accord (2009)

The Copenhagen Accord came up in COP15 to invent a compelling agreement on climate change. It ended up as a non-binding agreement that endorses the Kyoto Protocol. However, it made commitments towards a “strong political will to urgently combat climate change in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities”.[8]

4.????? The Paris Agreement (2015)

The Paris Agreement is regarded as the most binding and comprehensive treaty on climate change. It was adopted at COP21 by 196 parties and entered into force on 4 November 2016.[9] The agreement aims to limit the global temperature rise to well below 2°C while striving to keep it below 1.5°C.[10] It introduced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs),[11] which require countries to set and update their climate targets every five years. Additionally, it established a framework for transparency and global progress assessment.

Countries have continued to pledge their commitments to the fight against global warming. At COP 26 in Glasgow 2021, the Glasgow Climate Pact was agreed upon. Countries agreed for the first time to phase down coal power and phase out "inefficient" fossil fuel subsidies, marking a key decision in tackling global warming.[12] It underlined the commitment of countries to strengthen their NDCs by the end of 2022. ?

In 2022, the COP27 in Egypt birthed the Sharm El-Sheikh Implementation Plan. This was a reaffirmation measure by nations towards the objectives of the Paris Agreement.[13]

Challenges and Limitations of International Cooperation

While the world is committed to the fight against Climate change and its effects, the corresponding action needed to back up this commitment usually falls short. The challenges faced in integrating international efforts against climate change are usually caused by the following factors:

1.????? Divided Interest: Different countries have several other needs they find pressing. As a result, they tend to prioritize these needs when compared to the fight against climate change. Developing countries struggle with economic stability, poverty, poor health care, general infrastructure, etc. Developed countries struggle with the quest for power and global recognition at the expense of climate change efforts.

2.????? The blame game: Since Greenhouse gas emissions have a global climate effect, there is the problem of who should shoulder more responsibility in the fight against climate change. Third-world countries believe that developed countries should bear the major burden in the fight against climate change as they are responsible for the majority of emissions that are plaguing the planet.

3.????? Non-Binding nature of Agreements: International treaties like the Paris Agreement lack a binding obligation that can compel obedience. Thus, relying on the voluntary submission of parties can result in insufficient actions as countries may become lackadaisical or even withdraw their commitment to the agreements altogether.

4.????? Economic cost: Meeting the goals of these international agreements requires a lot of effort which is capital intensive. Countries with limited financial resources will struggle to fund the necessary actions that will support their commitment. There is also the issue of reluctance by wealthier countries to provide financial support for developing countries.[14]

5.????? Level of Awareness: The level of climate change awareness within a territory influences the political will and climate posture of the country. Some regions also see climate change as an occurrence that is not an immediate threat. This will have a ripple effect on the willingness of such a territory to go all out in the fight to contain climate change.

Remedies for Cooperation challenges.

A united front is a vital tool in combatting climate change. But for the reasons highlighted above, cooperation has not always been a straightforward process. Below are some practical solutions that can foster a united global climate action posture:

1.????? Negotiation and Mediation: Skilled Negotiators can break down complex situations to achieve the desired goal. This will ensure that countries relax their interest and prioritize reaching sustainable planet targets. This is the major role of climate diplomacy as countries and international organizations attempt to address climate change using negotiation. Implementing this with skilled negotiators and mediators will yield a higher rate of success. It is essential for bilateral and multilateral treaties, advocacy and leadership, climate finances, etc.

2.????? Equitable burden-sharing: Since the developed countries emit more greenhouse gases and also possess more financial resources, it is equitable for climate agreements to incorporate a burden-sharing formula that is based on economic strength and the estimated volume of emissions of each country. This will ease some of the grievances of the developing countries and ensure that all hands are on deck in the war against climate change.

3.????? Inclusive dialogue/decision-making: There should be wide consultation and dialogue before decision-making. This allows the parties to make meaningful contributions to the agreements. This also places an obligation on member states to abide by the agreement they contributed to.?

How Governments can drive Climate Action

A country’s climate policy and actions are driven by several factors. These actions, if sustained and implemented accordingly will be very essential in the fight against the side effects of climate change.

1.????? Setting climate targets and policies

Governments can set the ball rolling in the fight against climate change through legislative and regulatory actions. Governments can enact legislation that will watch the carbon footprints of businesses. Governments can initiate the?best endeavour to ensure that they support a smooth transition to renewable energy.

Environmental enforcement laws should also be enacted and administered efficiently. At the international level, governments and national unions can make broader commitments on various issues like the plight of climate refugees, urbanization, healthcare commitments, etc.

2.????? Implementation of mitigation and adaptation measures

Governments also have the responsibility of setting up a climate change action plan. This should entail the specific plans that each government has for meeting climate targets. This should include measures to cut emissions, strategies to sustain renewable transportation, agriculture, and energy production, identification of policies like taxes and subsidies that will be used in driving compliance, etc.

Governments should also consider options like placing carbon taxes on the contents of fossil fuels as a means of making more resources available for the transition to renewable energy. Carbon trading should also be strengthened to ensure that limits are set on emissions and companies are allowed to buy and sell emission allowances.

Adaptation and mitigation strategies should also be implemented. This can be in the form of building necessary infrastructures like sea walls and levees that can withstand flooding, preparation for disasters like developing emergency responses, etc.

3.????? Collaboration

Alignment of purpose and collaboration between governments or between governments and non-state actors like NGOs, businesses, and community groups can be a political masterstroke in the fight against climate change. This will enhance public-private partnerships and community engagements. This will breed further awareness and enhance the collective efforts against climate change.

Relationship between Climate change and other national crises

It is necessary for governments to actively engage and participate in climate change actions. Primarily, this is because the effect of climate change will put a dent in the efforts of the government in many other sectors of national and intergovernmental development. Climate change is linked to several problems. To begin with, Migration problems will cause people to leave their homes due to extreme weather conditions like scarcity of resources, flooding of their homes, etc. This creates migration challenges and can cause economic instability.

Insecurity can grow directly from the impact of climate change as many may turn to crime when their means of livelihood have been eroded. Climate change also causes health crises, heat-related diseases, vector-borne diseases, and respiratory challenges become common. This stretches a nation’s health industry and economic stability due to the attack on its human resources.

The economic disruption is further highlighted as adverse weather conditions affect agriculture, tourism, and the insurance industry. The opportunity to invest in green technologies and practices can further strengthen the economy of a state. Thus, climate action has a significant impact on a nation’s stability as its effect is felt in several other aspects of national engagement, activities, and interest.

Conclusion

The politics of climate change emphasizes the relationship between environmental needs and geopolitical realities. As countries face the urgent need to reduce global warming and adapt to its effects, the effectiveness of international climate agreements depends on the continuous political commitment of nations to action, cooperation, and fair distribution of resources. The urgency of the climate crisis requires that nations progress beyond oral commitments to enact concrete measures, using diplomacy and innovative solutions to build resilience and sustainability. Ultimately, tackling climate change is not just an environmental issue but a significant political challenge requiring a cohesive, strategic, and equitable response from the global community.

[1] Rebecca Hersher, 2 November 2020, NPR, U.S. Officially Leaving Paris Climate Agreement, accessed on 13 September 2024, https://www.npr.org/2020/11/03/930312701/u-s-officially-leaving-paris-climate-agreement

[2] United Nations, United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, 5-16 June 1972, Stockholm, accessed on 4 October 2024, https://www.un.org/en/conferences/environment/stockholm1972

[3] Madeleine Kruhly, 4 December 2015, From the Archives, 1979: An Eye on Climate Change, The New York Times, 28 accessed September 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/cp/climate/2015-paris-climate-talks/type/from-the-archives/from-the-archives-1979-an-eye-on-climate-change

[4] United Nations Environmental Program, Facts about the climate emergency, accessed on 4 October 2024, https://www.unep.org/facts-about-climate-emergency

[5] United Nations Climate Change, History of the Convention, History of the Convention, accessed on 3 October 3034, https://unfccc.int/process/the-convention/history-of-the-convention#Essential-background

[6] United Nations Climate Change, What is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change?, accessed on 3 October 2024, https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/what-is-the-united-nations-framework-convention-on-climate-change

[7] ScienceDirect, accessed on 12 September 2024, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/kyoto-protocol#:~:text=The%20Kyoto%20Protocol%2C%20a%20legally,(the%20first%20commitment%20period).

[8] Report of the Conference of the Parties on its fifteenth session, held in Copenhagen from 7 to 19 December 2009, accessed on 29 September 2024,? https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/docs/2009/cop15/eng/11a01.pdf

[9] United Nations Climate Change, The Paris Agreement, accessed on 15 September 2024, https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20Paris%20Agreement%3F&text=The%20Paris%20Agreement%20is%20a,force%20on%204%20November%202016

[10] Article 2(1)(a) of the Paris Agreement

[11] Article 3 of the Paris Agreement

[12] United Nations Climate Action, COP26: Together for our planet, accessed on 7 October 2024, https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/cop26#:~:text=In%20perhaps%20the%20most%20contested,coal%2C%20oil%20and%20gas%20being

[13] United Nations Climate Change, 6 November 2022 COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh to Focus on Delivering on the Promises of Paris, accessed on 7 November 2024, https://unfccc.int/news/cop27-in-sharm-el-sheikh-to-focus-on-delivering-on-the-promises-of-paris

[14] ?Katherine Browne, 13 January 2022, The Paris Agreement depends on improving accountability in climate finance, accessed on 23 September 2024, https://www.sei.org/perspectives/accountability-climate-finance/