Evaluate the effectiveness of international agreements in promoting global environmental sustainability [9 marks]

Indicative Content	Guidance
Examples of international agreements that have promoted global sustainability include: 1972 Stockholm Declaration on the Human Environment (Sweden) → led to the creation of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) → marked the first global recognition of environmental issues 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Canada) 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) → adopted during Rio Earth Summit → established framework for addressing climate change / reducing greenhouse gas emissions 1992 United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) 1997 Kyoto Protocol (Japan) → set binding emission reduction targets for developed countries to combat climate change 2002 Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development (South Africa) → aimed to address a wide range of sustainable development issues → resulted in Johannesburg Plan of Implementation 2015 Paris Agreement (France)	You will always have to answer two 9 mark questions from Section B in your IB ESS SL Paper 2 exam This is a 'level of response' answer. The examiner will award you a combined mark out of 9 for knowledge, application, analysis and evaluation ‘Evaluate’ (for 9 marks) requires: Knowledge of concepts, principles and models Application to the context using relevant and focused examples Analysis showing logical and coherent chains of reasoning of a range of issues Evaluation showing critical thinking linked to the context Depth is more important than breadth It is sensible to discuss two or three main points but to apply, analyse and evaluate them fully For top-level evaluation, informed judgement is required This can be demonstrated in a conclusion that synthesises and weighs up the arguments to form a supported answer to the question
Model Answer
International agreements are important tools in addressing global environmental challenges by promoting cooperation and coordination among nations [K]. These agreements tackle issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and ozone depletion [Ap]. However, their effectiveness depends on the ability of nations to meet their sustainability targets [An]. The 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is widely regarded as a successful international environmental agreement [Ap]. Its main objective was to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and use of substances that deplete it, such as CFCs. The agreement has resulted in a significant reduction in the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, leading to the recovery of the ozone layer [An]. The success of the Montreal Protocol demonstrates the effectiveness of international cooperation and the feasibility of moving away from harmful substances. By implementing regulatory measures, supporting technological development, and encouraging scientific research, the Montreal Protocol has effectively addressed the ozone depletion issue [E]. The 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity aimed to conserve biodiversity, promote its sustainable use, and ensure the fair sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources [Ap]. The CBD has successfully raised global awareness about biodiversity loss and the importance of ecosystem services. However, progress in achieving its objectives has been limited. The main challenge has been turning the CBD's goals into concrete actions at the national and local level [An]. Insufficient financial resources, lack of proper implementation, and a lack of political interest have reduced the effectiveness of the CBD [E]. The 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change was significant in global efforts to combat climate change. Its main aim was to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels [Ap]. The agreement has played a crucial role in raising awareness about the urgent need for climate action and has widespread international support. However, its effectiveness heavily relies on individual countries playing their part. While the agreement has encouraged countries to develop mitigation plans and commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, many have fallen short of the agreement's goals [An]. Achieving the desired outcomes of the Paris Agreement requires stronger commitments and more effective implementation by individual nations [E]. Continuous monitoring, reviewing, and strengthening of international agreements, along with increased support for their implementation at the national level, are vital to enhance their effectiveness and achieve progress towards global environmental sustainability [E]. By learning from past experiences, addressing implementation shortcomings, and encouraging international collaboration, international agreements can continue to drive positive change and pave the way for a more sustainable future [E].
Commentary
This answer is an example - yours may be different The answer discusses three international agreements and finishes with a supported final judgement The effectiveness of each agreement is evaluated in their respective paragraphs, as well as in the concluding paragraph The response is annotated to show where the skills of knowledge (K), application (Ap), analysis (An) and evaluation (E) have been demonstrated

Environmental Value Systems (SL IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Topic Questions