Introduction to Climate Change: the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol Colin Mattis National Climate Change Office Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development
Overview What is Climate Change Causes of Climate Change Evidences of Climate Change The UNFCCC The Kyoto Protocol
Weather Weather describes whatever is happening outdoors in a given place at a given time. It is measured through wind, temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, cloudiness, and precipitation. Is it raining outside? How hot is it? Is it windy?
Climate Climate is defined as an area's long-term weather patterns Average temperature over time Average precipitation over time Type and timing of precipitation Average wind speeds and directions
What is Climate Change? Climate change is the change in climate over a time period from 10 to 100s of years. In other words, climate change includes major changes in: Temperature Precipitation Winds Other indicators
The Causes of Climate Change
Greenhouse gases Nitrous oxide Carbon dioxide Methane Water Vapour Sulfur hexafluoride
CAUSES Increased Emission of Greenhouse Gases
Sources of Emissions Sources of Emissions Transportation-cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes Electricity production Manufacturing Industry Agriculture Commercial and Residential Land Use and Forestry
Observed evidences of climate change
EVIDENCE Increased concentration of GHGs
EVIDENCE Global Temperature Earth's average temperature Rose by 1.4 F (0.8 C) over the past century Expected to rise by 2 F or 11.5 F over the next century
1886-1890
2003-2007
EVIDENCE Melting Ice 1957 1998 Greenland lost 150 to 250 cubic kilometers (36 to 60 cubic miles) of ice per year between 2002 and 2006
EVIDENCE Sea Level Rise- 20cm from 1900 to 2000
EVIDENCE Warming Oceans Oceans have absorbed much of this increased heat The top 700 meters (about 2,300 feet) warmed 0.302 degrees Fahrenheit since 1969.
Annual Rainfall 1901 1995 Green = increasing, Brown = decreasing
A Global Approach for Addressing Climate Change Climate change is a global problem that requires global solutions GHG emission contribute to climate change irrespective of their origin Majority of countries will be negatively affected if no action is taken Need for a global regime to Regulate global reduction of GHG emissions Provide support to developing countries to adapt to climate change Create a sustainable development path in all countries
What is the UNFCCC? United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Framework agreement governing global efforts to combat climate change Adopted in 1992, entered into force in 1994. Status of participation: 195 Parties. Contains 2 annexes: Annex 1: countries with obligations to take measures to mitigate the effects of climate change Annex 2: countries with obligations to provide financing to developing countries for their obligations under UNFCC Affiliated instruments: Kyoto Protocol.
UNFCCC: Overall goals and objectives What is the overall goal? to protect the climate system for the benefit of present and future generations of mankind. What are the further objectives? to achieve stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.
Principles Guiding the Convention Common but differentiated responsibilities Precautionary principle Full consideration for developing country needs and circumstances Right to sustainable development
Two-Prong Approach under the Mitigation Convention Actions taken to cut net emissions of greenhouse gases to reduce climate change Adaptation Actions taken to help cope with changing climate conditions and impacts
The Kyoto Protocol A Market Based Instrument An international agreement linked to the UNFCCC which commits its Parties by setting internationally binding emission reduction targets. Provides detailed targets and timelines for GHG emission reductions. Adopted at the COP 3 in Kyoto, Japan, in 1997
The Kyoto Protocol Cont d Recognizing that developed countries are principally responsible for the current high levels of GHG emissions in the atmosphere as a result of more than 150 years of industrial activity, the Protocol places a heavier burden on developed nations under the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities."
The Kyoto Protocol Cont d Entered into force in February 2005 Currently, 192 Parties 191 States 1 regional economic integration organization
Parties to the Kyoto Protocol
First Commitment Period Annex 1 countries agreed to reduce their overall emissions of GHGs by at least 5% below their 1990 levels in the commitment period 2008 to 2012.
Greenhouse Gases (GHG) & Sources/Sectors Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) Methane (CH 4 ) Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) Sulphur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) Energy Industrial Processes Agriculture Waste Solvents and other product uses
The Kyoto Mechanisms Emission Trading (ET): exchanging emission allowances among Kyoto Protocol Parties Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): credits for emissions avoided through sustainable development projects in developing countries (non- Annex I countries) Joint Implementation (JI): credits for emissions avoided through projects in Annex I countries
Second Commitment Period Adopted at CMP 8 in Doha, Qatar in December 2012 Second commitment period: 2013 2020 Target: Annex I Parties to reduce their overall emissions of such gases by at least 18 % below their 1990 levels New gas included: Nitrogen trifluoride (NF3)
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