Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2015
Last exams 2025
International Policy on Climate Change
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
International Policy on Climate Change
Climate change is a global challenge that requires international cooperation and coordination to address its impacts
Various organisations and conferences play a crucial role in formulating and implementing mitigation and adaptation strategies
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
The IPCC is a scientific body established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in 1988
It provides policymakers with objective scientific assessments of climate change, including its impacts, future risks, and potential mitigation and adaptation options
The IPCC's reports and findings serve as a vital foundation for global climate action
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
The UNFCCC is an international treaty that provides a platform for global cooperation on climate change
Its objective is to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that prevents dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system
The UNFCCC organises annual Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings, where countries discuss and negotiate climate policies, commitments, and agreements
Conference of the Parties (COP)
The COP meetings serve as crucial forums for decision-making and policy development on climate change
The COP meetings have resulted in landmark agreements, such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement
These agreements outline international commitments and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting adaptation efforts
National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs)
NAPAs are a key component of the UNFCCC's efforts to support developing countries in addressing climate change impacts
NAPAs enable the most vulnerable countries to identify their priority adaptation needs and develop strategies to reduce their vulnerability to climate change
These programs aim to enhance resilience and adaptive capacity in vulnerable regions
Other Initiatives
In addition to the above, various other initiatives and conferences, such as the United Nations Climate Action Summit and the Global Climate Action Agenda, aim to mobilise and showcase climate action at the global, regional, and local levels
These platforms encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the implementation of innovative solutions to address climate change
It is through these international efforts and conferences that countries and stakeholders come together to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and develop collective strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change
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