Environment Succinct Study Plan PDF

Brundtland Report (1987) - Meeting present development needs without compromising future generations - Intragenerational equality, intergenerational equality, economic and environmental balance Rio Declaration (from Rio Conference 1992- also **Agenda 21)** - Principle 27: cooperati...

Brundtland Report (1987) - Meeting present development needs without compromising future generations - Intragenerational equality, intergenerational equality, economic and environmental balance Rio Declaration (from Rio Conference 1992- also **Agenda 21)** - Principle 27: cooperation - 4: environment cannot be isolated (horizontal integration) - 15: precaution (proactive) - Integral to frameworks like CBD and EU policie - 17: EIA (preventative) - 16: polluter pays - Shape policies on emissions trtading and carbon taxes - 7: common but differentiated responsibilities - Basis for equitable approaches in other agreemebts (eg Kyoto protocol and Paris agreement) - 10: public participation - **Aarhus Convention (1998):** ensures that the public has access to information, participation in decision-making, and access to justice in environmental matters - 2: sovereignty and responsibility Stockholm Conference (1972): first global environmental conference, introduced concept of sustainable development and **UNEP creation** - 22,24: cooperation - 20,30: common but differentiated responsibilities [International treaties] - Paris Agreement (2015): temp below 2 degrees C, international cooperation - Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD 1992): conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of natural resources, fair distribution of benefits from genetic resources - Art 9 CBD: *in situ* and *ex situ* conservation - Kyoto Protocol (1997): reducing greenhouse emissions and binding emissions targets for developed countries [European Union] - UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): stabilised greenhouse gas concentrations in atmosphere- international collaboration - EU Green Deal (2019): to reduce emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and net zero by 2050 - Habitats Directive (and Birds): protect biodiversity by designating and managing Protected Area (**Natura 2000 Network 1992:** EU largest ecological network, protects species and habitats of community interest) - **Alse: EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030:** focus on restring biodiversity across the EU, including protecting ecosystems and ensuring the protection of 30% of land and seas - EU Climate Change and Energy Transition Law (2021): establishes legally binding framework to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 with EU-wide targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy use (however many issues with limited solutions/instruments to solve) - **Ambient Air Quality Directive (2008):** regulates air quality standards in EU member states, setting limits for pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide e(NO2), and ozone - **Waste Framework Directive (2008):** sets rules for waste management across the EU, aiming to prevent waste generation, promote recycling, and ensure environmentally safe disposal - **Water Framework Directive (2000):** aims to protect and restore clean water across Europe by setting standards for water quality and preventing pollution - **EU Circular Economy Action Plan (2020):** focuses on reducing waste and promoting recycling use and resource efficiency **National (Spain)** - **Art 45 SC:** Common good but not fundamental right - **Spain's Climate Change and Energy Transition Law (2021):** a national law focusing on reducing emissions, increasing renewable energy, and ensuring energy efficiency- it aligns with EU and international climate goals - **Waste and Contaminated Land Law (2022):** reviews existing rules on waste and contaminated land (promoting **circular economy)** - Waste and contaminated soil law 2011 - **Natural Heritage and Biodiversity Law (2007):** protects Spain's ecosystems and species, establishing conservation priorities and aligning with international biodiversity goals - Includes Protected Natural Areas, **Natura 2000 Network,** etc - **NPA:** Natural Protected Areas - **Spanish Hydrological Plans (2013, updated 2018):** manage water basins, aiming to balance water supply and demand while protecting water quality **[Examples: ]** - **COP (Conference of the PARTIES)** - **COP21 (Paris, 2015):** adoption of the **Paris Agreement** on climate change, setting global goal to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C - **COP26 (Glasgow, 2021):** major focus on methane reduction and ending deforestation by 2030 - **COP27 (Sharm El-Sheik 2022):** focussed on climate adaption, financing, and Loss and Damage Fund for vulnerable countries affected by climate change - **Case Study- air quality in Spain:** violation of EU air quality standards due to high levels of particulate matter (PM). National enforcement under the **Ambient Air Quality Directive** and Spain own regulations would be triggered - **Plastic pellets spill (2023)** - **Incident:** 26.25 tons of pellets spilled near Portugal's coast, impacting marine life and entering food change