GEN100 Week 9 PDF

RESPONSES TO ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AGENDA 1) Responses to Environmental Issues 2) The United Nations Environmental Programme 3) The Sustainable Development Goals 4) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 5) International Environmental Treaties 6) Non-governmental Responses 7) Canada’s Res...

RESPONSES TO ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AGENDA 1) Responses to Environmental Issues 2) The United Nations Environmental Programme 3) The Sustainable Development Goals 4) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 5) International Environmental Treaties 6) Non-governmental Responses 7) Canada’s Response to Environmental Issues Responses to Environmental Issues Overview It is important to recognize that responses to environmental issues have evolved significantly over time, and that they also range from local grassroots efforts to broad international agreements. United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Within the United Nations, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading environmental authority. UNEP was established in 1972. They are headquartered in Nairobi Kenya, however they also have many regional offices around the world. United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) UNEP works with 193 countries and partners like community groups, businesses, and leaders around the world. Together with the organizations they work with UNEP holds meetings in the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA), which is the highest decision-making group on environmental issues in the world. In these meetings, UNEA sets priorities for environmental policies, which UNEP then helps countries to follow these standards by creating laws and policies that can be implemented at the local, regional and international level. United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Climate Change UNEP provides training in skills like adapting to extreme weather, preventing pollution, using renewable energy (like solar and wind), and managing finances to afford these changes. UNEP also spreads awareness about climate change, teaching people what they can do and how it affects everyone. United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Post Conflict and Disaster Management In countries affected by wars or natural disasters, UNEP conducts assessments to check environmental damage and guide recovery efforts. UNEP helps countries create laws to manage their environment better, especially when the environment has been affected by crisis. United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Ecosystem Management UNEP helps countries manage and restore ecosystems (like forests, rivers, and oceans) so that they’re healthy and support all living things. This is done in a way that supports sustainable development. United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Environmental Governance UNEP supports governments by helping them set up strong laws and institutions to protect the environment. UNEP teaches countries how to include environmental planning in their government policies, making it standard practice to consider the environment in every decision. United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Harmful Substances and Hazardous Waste UNEP aims to reduce the impact of harmful chemicals and waste. For example, UNEP led talks on managing mercury, a toxic substance, by creating guidelines on how to safely use and dispose of it. United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Resource Efficiency and Sustainable Consumption and Production UNEP encourages people and businesses to use resources wisely and sustainably, so they don’t waste materials or pollute the environment. This involves helping industries produce goods in ways that are better for the planet. United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Because UNEP tackles such a wide range of environmental challenges, it operates a large number of projects worldwide, each designed to address specific issues across its six focus areas. Currently, UNEP is managing 733 active projects in 149 different countries, making its reach truly global. These projects are backed by an impressive operating budget of $6.97 billion. Which of the following is not an area of focus for UNEP? A) Climate Change B) Harmful Substances and Hazardous Waste C) Deforestation D) Ecosystem Management How does UNEP support governments in regards to environmental governance? A) Appointing representatives from each country to make decisions regarding the environment. B) Helps governments set up strong laws and institutions to protect the environment. C) Weighs in on important environmental decisions and will often act as the final decision making authority when issues can’t be resolved. D) Acts a mediator when there are disputes among countries regarding environmental governance. Where does UNEP hold meetings to make decisions about environmental issues in the world? A) The UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) B) The Hague which is the international court established by the United Nations C) At the Association in their headquarters of Nairobi, Kenya D) The G20 Summit which includes major world leaders What year was UNEP established? A) 1972 B) 1945 C) 1963 D) 1980 The Sustainable Development Goals Overview The SDGs were introduced in 2015 at a UN Summit in New York, where world leaders from all over the globe agreed on 17 main goals to help build a better, more sustainable future by 2030. Each goal focuses on something specific, but they’re all connected. The Sustainable Development Goals Overview All 193 countries in the UN are working together to make the 2030 Agenda—which includes these 17 SDGs—a reality. This agenda contains 169 specific targets (which are steps within each goal) and 241 indicators (which are measurements to track progress). UNEP is responsible for 25 of these indicators, which are all focused on the environment. The Sustainable Development Goals Overview In 2019, world leaders met again for a Sustainable Development Goal Summit, where they reviewed progress. They realized that while there has been some progress, it hasn’t happened fast enough or on a large enough scale to meet the goals by 2030. The Sustainable Development Goals Overview In 2021, UNEP released a report called Measuring Progress: Environment and the SDGs, which looked closely at how the world is doing on the environmental parts of these goals. The findings were concerning: in some key areas, such as biodiversity (the variety of life on Earth) and climate change, not only were we falling short of our targets, but things were actually getting worse. UNEP’s report emphasizes that without significant changes, we’re unlikely to meet the environmental goals by 2030, calling on countries to increase their efforts and adopt stronger environmental policies. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the main body within the United Nations responsible for understanding and explaining the science behind climate change. It was established in 1988 by two major UN organizations: the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The IPCC’s headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland, and it includes 193 member countries. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change The IPCC’s main purpose is to provide regular scientific assessments of climate change. This means that the IPCC gathers, reviews, and summarizes all the latest research on climate change to help policymakers understand its causes, impacts, and potential risks. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change The IPCC is not actually conducting any research themselves, instead they review thousands of studies from scientists around the world and bring all the information together into reports. These reports are then given to policymakers (like government officials) who can use this information to create environmental laws and policies that address climate change. The IPCC’s reports are prepared by hundreds of climate experts from different fields, such as meteorology, biology, and economics. How many sustainable development goals are there? A) 19 B) 23 C) 17 D) 12 Which organizations established the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change? A) The World Meteorological Organization and UNEP B) UNEP and the Work Bank C) The World Meteorological Organization and all 193 member states of the United Nations D) None of the above When are the sustainable development goals supposed to be met by? A) 2025 B) 2030 C) 2035 D) 2020- however they were not met at this time. What is the main purpose of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change? A) To provide regular scientific assessments of climate change. B) To encourage sustainable economic growth C) To conduct original research on climate change. D) To aid government leaders in establishing policies related to climate change International Environmental Treaties Overview An international treaty is an agreement between multiple countries. When a treaty is just between two countries, it’s called a bilateral treaty Most environmental treaties are multilateral, meaning they involve more than two countries working together to address global issues. International Environmental Treaties Overview 1. Paris Agreement (2015) 2. Kyoto Protocol (1997) 3. Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987) 4. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (1992) 5. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) (1994) 6. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) (1973) 7. Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (1971) 8. Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal (1989) 9. Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) (2001) 10. Antarctic Treaty System (1959) International Environmental Treaties The Paris Agreement The Paris Agreement is a climate change treaty aimed at keeping the global average temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre- industrial levels. This treaty is significant because it is the first binding global climate treaty that includes nearly all the world’s countries, marking a united effort to tackle climate change. International Environmental Treaties The Paris Agreement Under this agreement each country sets its own climate goals, and updates them every five years. However there is no strict enforcement of these goals, and is relying on the fact that countries will hold themselves accountable and feel the pressure from the international community to stay on track with their plan. The agreement also emphasizes that developed countries should lead the way and provide financial support to developing countries that are more vulnerable to climate impacts. International Environmental Treaties The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) CITES is a treaty that regulates the trade of endangered animals and plants to protect them from extinction. This agreement classifies species into three appendices based on their conservation status. Appendix I species are the most endangered and are banned from international trade, while Appendix II and III species have restrictions. CITES controls the international buying and selling of protected species, ensuring they aren’t traded in ways that harm their populations. International Environmental Treaties The Kyoto Protocol The Kyoto Protocol, which preceded the Paris Agreement, was the first global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by setting binding targets for industrialized countries. Developed countries agreed to cut emissions based on targets for each nation, but developing countries were not required to cut emissions under this treaty. International Environmental Treaties The Montreal Agreement The Montreal Agreement was created to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and use of substances that harm it. Under this agreement countries agreed to eliminate ozone-depleting chemicals. What is the main goal of the Paris Agreement? A) To ensure that developed countries are helping less developed countries conduct climate change research. B) To encourage developing countries to implement systems for sustainable economic growth C) To ensure the sustainable development goals are met by 2030. D) To keep the global average temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. Under the Paris Agreement how often do countries provide updates on their goals? A) Every year B) Every five years C) Only when asked by the committee D) Every two years Which of the following is true about the Paris Agreement? A) Each country must meet strict penalties if they fail to achieve their climate goals. B) Developed countries are expected to take the lead and provide financial support to developing countries vulnerable to climate impacts. C) Countries that fail to meet their garget goals are required to set and update their climate goals every two years. D) The agreement enforces climate goals through mandatory inspections by the United Nations. What is the purpose of The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)? A) To protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of substances that harm it. B) To encourage sustainable economic growth. C) To regulates the trade of endangered animals and plants to protect them from extinction. D) To reduce greenhouse gas emissions by setting binding targets for developed countries Non-Governmental Responses Overview Around the world, there are thousands of non-governmental organizations, or NGOs, that focus on environmental issues. Some are small, local groups, while others are large international organizations with thousands of members working across many countries. Non-Governmental Responses Greenpeace Greenpeace is an independent organization known for its advocacy and activism on a wide range of environmental issues, from climate change to deforestation and ocean conservation. Greenpeace started in Canada in 1971 but now operates in 55 countries worldwide. Non-Governmental Responses Greenpeace Greenpeace is famous for direct-action campaigns that raise awareness and push for policy change on issues like plastic pollution, overfishing, and fossil fuel use. They have used a wide range of methods to achieve their goals including; Direct Action Lobbying Ecotage Non-Governmental Responses Greenpeace Greenpeace is also actively involved in research as part of its mission to drive environmental change and raise awareness on critical issues. Their research focuses on a wide range of environmental topics, including climate change, deforestation, pollution, and sustainable agriculture. This research is conducted in collaboration with scientists and environmental experts to ensure accuracy and credibility, which strengthens Non-Governmental Responses Greenpeace Greenpeace has been highly effective in bringing attention to environmental issues that were previously overlooked or not widely understood. The organization often uses impactful campaigns, creative storytelling, and sometimes bold direct action to educate the public and draw attention to emerging environmental threats. Non-Governmental Responses Ecojustice Canada Ecojustice is Canada's largest environmental law charity, dedicated to using legal action to protect the environment and advocate for a healthy planet for all. It was established in 1990, and operates from offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, and Halifax. Their work involves holding governments and corporations accountable to ensure environmental laws are upheld and that policies support a healthy and sustainable environment. Non-Governmental Responses Ecojustice Canada Ecojustice Canada’s work focuses on several key areas including; Climate change Biodiversity protection Environmental Justice Toxic Substances Through strategic litigation, policy advocacy, and public engagement, Ecojustice aims to hold governments and corporations accountable for actions that harm the environment, ensuring that environmental laws are not only enacted but effectively enforced. Non-Governmental Responses Canada In Canada, there is a rich network of NGOs dedicated to environmental issues. Some of these organizations are large, international NGOs with a presence in Canada, like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Greenpeace. But there are also many smaller, regionally-focused groups address specific environmental concerns in their areas. Canada’s Response to Environmental Issues National Responses Canada has set a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, which means balancing the greenhouse gases Canada releases with the amount it removes from the atmosphere. To guide this goal, Canada introduced its first national climate plan in 2016, called the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. This plan set specific goals to lower emissions and focused on promoting cleaner technologies and making energy use more efficient across different parts of the economy. Canada’s Response to Environmental Issues National Responses Another key part of Canada’s climate plan is carbon pricing, often called a “carbon tax.” Carbon pricing means that businesses and individuals have to pay for the carbon emissions they produce. Canada’s Response to Environmental Issues National Responses While these policies are major steps toward reducing emissions, some people argue that Canada still needs to do more to meet its climate goals. Canada is also currently one of the highest greenhouse gas emitters globally, contributing about 1.54% of total global emissions. Canada’s Response to Environmental Issues National Responses Canada's greenhouse gas emissions are significantly influenced by its oil and gas industry, particularly the oil sands located in Alberta. Canada is one of the world’s top oil producers, and the oil sands are a major source of both economic activity and greenhouse gas emissions. Canada’s Response to Environmental Issues National Responses Although Canada has committed to limiting warming, experts say that if Canada’s current policies were fully implemented as they stand, they would actually contribute to a global temperature rise closer to 4 degrees Celsius— well above the Paris Agreement’s ideal limit of 1.5 degrees. This discrepancy highlights a gap between Canada’s commitments and the actual impact of its policies. Where was Greenpeace started? A) The United Kingdom B) Canada C) The United States D) Australia Which of the following is not an area of focus for Ecojustice? A) Climate Change B) Biodiversity Protection C) Sustainable Resource Management D) Toxic Substances Which of the following statements best describes the purpose of carbon pricing in Canada’s climate plan? A) To penalize only large corporations for producing carbon emissions. B) To make carbon emissions more costly, encouraging businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. C) To apply a uniform tax across all provinces, regardless of their own carbon pricing systems. D) To reduce taxes for businesses that use renewable energy sources. What is a common criticism of Canada’s current climate policies? A) Canada’s carbon tax is applied only to large corporations. B) Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 may be challenging, and some argue the carbon tax might not be high enough to change behaviour significantly. C) Canada contributes a negligible amount of greenhouse gas emissions globally, so further action is unnecessary. D) Canada’s climate policies primarily focus on reducing emissions in other countries.