Global warming: causes, effects and Kyoto protocol measures.

Question =  Discuss global warming and mention its effects on global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of green house gases which cause global warming in the light of Kyoto protocol 1997

Global warming is the rise in the average temperature of the Earth's surface and atmosphere due to the increased concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the air. GHGs are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and prevent it from escaping into space. Some of the main GHGs are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and fluorinated gases. The main sources of GHGs are human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, agriculture, industry and waste management.

Global warming has various effects on global climate, such as:

Rising sea levels: As the Earth warms up, ice sheets and glaciers melt and thermal expansion of seawater occurs, leading to a rise in sea levels. This can cause coastal erosion, flooding, saltwater intrusion, loss of habitats and displacement of millions of people. 

Changing precipitation patterns: As the Earth warms up, the water cycle is altered, leading to changes in precipitation patterns. Some regions may experience more droughts, while others may experience more floods. This can affect water availability, crop production, food security and human health. 

Increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events: As the Earth warms up, the atmospheric circulation and ocean currents are disrupted, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events such as heat waves, cold snaps, storms, hurricanes, cyclones, tornadoes and wildfires. These can cause deaths, injuries, damages, losses and displacement of people. 

Shifting ecosystems and biodiversity: As the Earth warms up, the habitats and ranges of many plants and animals are affected, leading to shifts in ecosystems and biodiversity. Some species may adapt, migrate or expand their ranges, while others may face extinction or invasion by alien species. This can affect ecosystem services, natural resources and human well-being.

To control global warming and its effects on global climate, various measures have been taken at national and international levels to reduce GHG emissions and enhance GHG removals. One of the most important international agreements on this issue is the Kyoto Protocol 1997.

The Kyoto Protocol 1997 is an amendment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), an international treaty that aims to stabilize GHG concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The Kyoto Protocol operationalizes the UNFCCC by committing industrialized countries and economies in transition (Annex I Parties) to limit and reduce their GHG emissions in accordance with agreed individual targets for the first commitment period (2008-2012) and the second commitment period (2013-2020). The average emission reduction target for Annex I Parties for the first commitment period was 5% below 1990 levels, while for the second commitment period it was 18% below 1990 levels.

The Kyoto Protocol also provides flexibility mechanisms for Annex I Parties to meet their emission reduction targets by:

Emissions trading: Annex I Parties can trade emission units among themselves or with other entities that have emission reduction or removal projects.

Joint implementation: Annex I Parties can implement emission reduction or removal projects in other Annex I Parties and earn emission reduction units that can be counted towards their targets.

lean development mechanism: Annex I Parties can implement emission reduction or removal projects in developing countries (non-Annex I Parties) that are not bound by emission targets and earn certified emission reductions that can be counted towards their targets.

The Kyoto Protocol also encourages cooperation among all Parties to enhance their policies and measures on mitigation and adaptation to climate change, such as:

Enhancing energy efficiency: Improving energy efficiency in various sectors of the economy can reduce energy demand and GHG emissions. 

Promoting renewable energy sources: Developing and using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass and geothermal can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and GHG emissions. 

Protecting and enhancing sinks and reservoirs: Conserving and restoring forests, wetlands, grasslands and oceans that act as natural sinks and reservoirs of GHGs can enhance carbon sequestration and storage. 

Promoting sustainable agriculture: Adopting sustainable agricultural practices such as organic farming, integrated pest management, agroforestry and soil conservation can reduce GHG emissions and enhance soil carbon. 

Phasing out subsidies and incentives: Eliminating subsidies and incentives that encourage GHG emissions and applying market instruments such as taxes, fees, charges and permits can create incentives for GHG reduction. 

Supporting research and development: Investing in research and development of new and innovative technologies that can reduce GHG emissions or enhance GHG removals can foster innovation and diffusion of low-carbon solutions.

These are some of the effects of global warming on global climate and the control measures to bring down the level of GHGs which cause global warming in the light of Kyoto Protocol 1997.


nandosir

I am a civil services teacher. I teach online / offline for UPSC CSE / WBCS

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