According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, climate change is continuing to speed up the frequency of extreme weather events, damage ecosystems, and raise sea levels. Fortunately, there are numerous organisations working cooperatively and inclusively to discover solutions all throughout the world. They are encouraging people to take action and, ideally, save the globe by involving diners, neighbourhood activists, lawmakers, artists, families, and more. Some of the most important organizations focussing on climate change are UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, The GEF, Climate-Smart Agriculture, Intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change, and more. This article will explain to you about Climate Change Organizations which will be helpful in preparing the Environment Syllabus for the UPSC Civil Service exam.

UNFCCC

• The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international environmental convention that aims to lower atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases in order to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the earth's climate system.
• The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), commonly known as the Earth Summit, the Rio Summit, or the Rio Conference, was ratified in 1992.
• Each participating nation is expected to make a commitment to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions under this framework.
• A Conference of the Parties (COP) is an annual gathering of the 197 parties to the convention to review the status of efforts to combat climate change.

*To know more about the topic, click this link UNFCCC

Kyoto Protocol: COP 3

• By 1995, nations had come to the conclusion that the Convention's provisions for emission reductions were insufficient. They began talks to improve the world's response to climate change, and two years later the Kyoto Protocol was adopted.
• The Kyoto Protocol makes the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) operative by requiring developed nations and economies in transition to set and meet their own individual emission targets for greenhouse gases (GHG).
• The Convention just requires such nations to develop mitigation-related policies and procedures and to report on a regular basis.
• According to the principle of "common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities," it only binds developed nations and sets a greater burden on them because it acknowledges that they are mostly to blame for the current high levels of GHG emissions in the atmosphere.

*To know more about the topic, click this link Kyoto Protocol: COP-3

Bali Climate Change Conference

• The Bali International Conference Centre, in Bali, Indonesia, hosted the 2007 United Nations Climate Change Conference from December 3 to December 15, 2007.
• Along with participants from international and nongovernmental organizations, there were representatives from more than 190 nations.
• The conference included the 13th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 13), the 3rd Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (MOP 3 or CMP 3), as well as various subsidiary bodies and a meeting of ministers.
• The agenda for the Bali meeting included developing a roadmap to guide the negotiating process toward a possible new regime that will include all countries, developed and developing.

*To know more about the topic, click this link Bali Climate Change Conference

COP 15 Copenhagen Summit

• The Copenhagen Summit, also known as the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference, took place on December 7 and 18, 2009, at the Bella Center in Copenhagen, Denmark.
• The conference featured both the 5th session of the Conference of the Parties (CMP-5) serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol and the 15th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP-15) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• The Copenhagen Accord is a non-binding agreement.
• According to the Accord, significant international emissions reductions are required to keep the rise in global temperature under two degrees Celsius.
• The Accord commits developed nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by a certain percentage by the year 2020.

*To know more about the topic, click this link COP 15 Copenhagen Summit

COP 16 Cancun Summit

• The Cancun summit or COP16, is the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
• The Environment Ministers and Officials gathered in Cancun, Mexico, from November 29 to December 10, 2010, to continue work on a global agreement to reduce carbon emissions.
• The summit serves as the core of a series of UN conferences intended to coordinate global action to combat climate change.
• It was already anticipated that the Cancun summit would not result in a binding agreement. Therefore, it was not anticipated that the primary stalemate would end.
• The emphasis was on ancillary "building blocks" including financing for climate change, fighting deforestation, and other issues.
• The goal was to create momentum for an overarching agreement that would take place in South Africa or maybe at the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 2012.

*To know more about the topic, click this link COP 16 Cancun Summit

COP 17 Durban Summit

• The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP17) was held in Durban, South Africa (November 28 to December 11, 2011) with the goal of creating a new agreement to regulate carbon emissions.
• The conference decided to create a legally binding agreement involving all nations by 2015 that would go into effect in 2020 but did not create a treaty.
• In addition, a management framework was adopted for the establishment of a Green Climate Fund.
• The fund will disburse $100 billion annually to assist developing nations in coping with the effects of climate change.

*To know more about the topic, click this link COP 17 Durban Summit

Paris Climate Change Conference COP 21 (2015)

• The Paris Agreement came into effect on November 4, 2016, after being approved by 196 nations at the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP 21) in Paris on December 12, 2015.
• The agreement aims to cut and lessen greenhouse gas emissions. Countries were asked to submit their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) prior to COP 21 in Paris.
• The pledges from various nations underwent a noticeable change.
• India was included in the group of rising economies and upheld its reputation as a nation that takes climate change seriously.
• The Paris Agreement is a watershed moment in the multilateral climate change process because it brings all nations together for the first time in a binding agreement to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects.

*To know more about the topic, click this link Paris Climate Change Conference COP 21, 2015

Marrakech Climate Change Conference – COP 22 (2016)

• In order to discuss environmental challenges, political leaders and activists from around the world gathered at the 2016 United Nations Climate Change Conference.
• This conference took place from November 7–18, 2016, in Marrakech, Morocco. Parties took measures and made declarations on a variety of other matters in addition to creating the Paris rules.
• The conference's main goal was to discuss and put into practice various proposals to address climate change.
• Developing nations have been asking for updates on this pledge, and what they have received from the developed world has both disappointed and enraged them.
• The developed economies stated in a recent assessment that they were on track to raise at least USD 64 billion by 2020 from public funding alone.

*To know more about the topic, click this link Marrakech Climate Change Conference – COP 22, 2016

Bonn Climate Change Conference - COP 23, 2017

• In order to discuss environmental challenges, world leaders from politics, non-state entities, and activists gathered for the 2017 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP23).
• It took place from November 6–17, 2017, at the UN Campus in Bonn, Germany.
• The conference included the 23rd Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, the 13th Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, and the second session of the First Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement.
• The Talanoa Dialogue, a process intended to help countries improve and implement their Nationally Determined Contributions by 2020, was launched at the end of COP23.

*To know more about the topic, click this link Bonn Climate Change Conference - COP 23, 2017

REDD

• The United Nations Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (UN-REDD) is a joint initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• It is the largest worldwide supplier of REDD+ assistance, assisting its 65 partner nations in protecting their forests while meeting their climate and sustainable development targets.
• The United Nations-REDD Programme has its own Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland.
• UN-REDD, the World Bank's Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), and the Forest Investment Programme (FIP) are collaborating to maximise the harmonisation of their safeguard guidelines and procedures, ensuring that REDD+ implementation is as efficient as possible in countries with multiple programmes in place.

*To know more about the topic, click this link REDD

REDD+

• Redd stands for “Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation”.
• The UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP) developed REDD+ as a framework to direct operations in the forest sector that lower emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, as well as the sustainable management of forests and the preservation and improvement of forest carbon reserves in developing nations.
• Although it accepts subnational implementation as a temporary solution, its goal is for national governments to carry out initiatives to lessen human pressure on forests that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
• The adoption of REDD+ activities is optional and is based on the national circumstances, capabilities, and support levels of each developing country.

*To know more about the topic, click this link REDD+

Global Environment Facility (GEF)

• The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a multilateral financial mechanism that grants funds to developing countries for projects that benefit the global environment while also promoting sustainable livelihoods in local communities.
• GEF was established to provide new and additional grants as well as concessional funding to cover the additional costs associated with converting a project with national benefits into one with global environmental benefits.
• The World Bank established the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in 1991 in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to provide funding to protect the global environment.
• At the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, the GEF was restructured and separated from the World Bank system to become a permanent, separate institution.

*To know more about the topic, click this link Global Environment Facility (GEF)

Climate – Smart Agriculture

• Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is a means of supporting individuals in charge of managing agricultural systems in adapting to climate change in an effective manner.
• The CSA approach has three goals: growing output and revenues in a sustainable manner, adapting to climate change, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions whenever practicable.
• Climate Smart Agriculture aims to decrease trade-offs and encourage synergies in agricultural and livestock systems, forests, and fisheries and aquaculture to make them more productive and sustainable.
• It is a novel strategy to plan development paths that can increase agricultural productivity and sustainability while also contributing to climate change adaptation and mitigation.

*To know more about the topic, click this link Climate-Smart Agriculture

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is a United Nations scientific government agency established at the request of member governments to provide the world with an impartial, scientific assessment of climate change and its political and economic implications on nations.
• The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) founded it in 1988, and the United Nations General Assembly later approved it.
• Its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland, and it has 195 member countries.
• The IPCC creates comprehensive Assessment Reports on the current state of scientific, technological, and socioeconomic knowledge about climate change, its consequences and future dangers, and alternatives for slowing the rate of climate change.

*To know more about the topic, click this link Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

National Green House Gas Inventories Programme (NGGIP)

• The National Greenhouse Gas Inventories Programme (NGGIP) was established by the IPCC to offer techniques for calculating national inventories of greenhouse gas emissions and removals from the atmosphere.
• Countries that are Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) utilise the NGGIP's advice to estimate the emissions and removals they submit to the UNFCCC.
• Others who want to generate estimates that are consistent with national totals may use it.
• In order to compare emission and removal estimates between nations and over time, internationally accepted advice is required.
• As a result, a diverse group of international authors and a thorough international review process were used to construct all of the IPCC advice.

Green Economy

• A green economy is a practice of fostering social and environmental sustainability via the support of public and private investment in infrastructure.
• The significance of the green economy is that it promotes economies to become more sustainable and low-carbon, while also ensuring that natural assets continue to supply the resources and environmental services that we require for our continuing well-being.
• Promoting the development and implementation of sustainable technology is an important component of a green economy strategy.
• According to the United Nations, a Green Economy is one that "improves human well-being and social fairness while considerably lowering environmental dangers and ecological scarcity."
• The Green Economy is the efficient application of sustainable development in economic activity, not just a mere transformation of sustainable development.

*To know more about the topic, click this link Green Economy

The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)

• The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) is a global initiative to raise awareness of the global economic benefits of biodiversity.
• It aims to "make the values of nature evident." In 2007, Germany and the European Commission launched the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB). Pavan Sukhdev is in charge of the research.
• Its primary goal is to incorporate biodiversity and ecosystem service values into decision-making at all levels.
• The Initiative concentrated its efforts on three habitats: forests, inland wetlands, and coastal and marine ecosystems.

*To know more about the topic, click this link The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)

Ecological Footprint

• William Rees proposed the concept of ecological footprint in 1992.
• It is a measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems as well as the Earth's ecological ability to renew the resources consumed by humans.
• The ecological footprint of an entity (nation/ town/ individual/ whole world) indicates the influence that entity (nation/ town/ individual/ whole world) had on the Earth that year by using a specific quantity of the Earth's resources.
• In other terms, an individual, population, or activity's ecological footprint is the amount of biologically productive land and water required to produce all of the resources it consumes and absorb the trash it creates using current technology and resource management methods.

*To know more about the topic, click this link Ecological Footprint

Global Climate Finance Architecture

• Climate finance refers to local, national, or international funding that supports mitigation and adaptation measures to address climate change. It is derived from public, private, and alternative sources of funding.
• The parties to the Convention, Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement are required to provide financial support to those who are less wealthy and more vulnerable.
• The system of specialised, public funds known as the "climate finance architecture" assists nations in putting projects and programmes for climate mitigation and adaptation into action.
• The globe must rise to the challenge of combating climate change. Numerous national, regional, and worldwide climate funds have been established over the past 25 years.

*To know more about the topic, click this link Global Climate Finance Architecture

Conclusion

The main actors in societal responses to the effects of climatic variability and change are organisations. However, we still have a lot to learn about how corporations interpret climate change signals and act upon them. More study that is theoretically guided by economics, organisation studies, and psychology will be required to get a better understanding of the likely scope and rate of adaptation that is presently occurring and may be anticipated in the future.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following international agreements aims to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels?

A) Kyoto Protocol
B) Montreal Protocol
C) Paris Agreement
D) Rio Declaration

2. Which organization provides scientific assessments on climate change and its effects?

A) UNFCCC
B) IPCC
C) Greenpeace
D) World Bank

3. Which of the following is a key strategy for mitigating climate change?

A) Increasing fossil fuel consumption
B) Transitioning to renewable energy
C) Expanding deforestation
D) Encouraging water waste

4. Which climate change organization focuses on promoting the use of sustainable practices and lobbying for climate policy changes?

A) IPCC
B) UNFCCC
C) Greenpeace
D) World Bank

5. Which of the following is NOT a key impact of climate change on vulnerable populations?

A) Extreme weather events
B) Improved health outcomes
C) Food insecurity
D) Displacement

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the role of international organizations in addressing climate change. How do they support global climate action?

Answer: International organizations, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and the World Bank, play crucial roles in combating climate change by providing scientific data, coordinating global efforts, and supporting policy changes. The UNFCCC oversees international climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, which sets global targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The IPCC provides comprehensive scientific assessments that guide policymakers in understanding climate risks and taking informed action. The World Bank provides financial support for climate mitigation and adaptation projects, particularly in developing countries. These organizations foster international cooperation and support countries in their efforts to implement climate-friendly policies and solutions.

Q2: Analyze the economic implications of climate change and the role of climate action in promoting sustainable development.

Answer: Climate change has significant economic implications, particularly for agriculture, infrastructure, and human health. Extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and hurricanes can cause widespread damage to crops, property, and infrastructure, leading to economic losses. Additionally, rising sea levels threaten coastal cities, resulting in the displacement of communities and loss of livelihoods. Climate change also exacerbates health risks, including the spread of diseases like malaria and dengue fever. Climate action, which involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and investing in sustainable practices, is crucial for promoting sustainable development. By addressing the causes and effects of climate change, countries can safeguard their economies, create green jobs, and ensure the well-being of future generations.

Q3: Evaluate the importance of the Paris Agreement in the context of global climate action and its effectiveness in reducing global warming.

Answer: The Paris Agreement is a landmark global accord that aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. The agreement is significant because it brings together nearly every country in the world to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to work collectively towards a common goal. One of the key strengths of the Paris Agreement is its “bottom-up” approach, where each country determines its own climate action plans (NDCs) based on its capabilities and national circumstances. However, the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement depends on countries' ability to meet their commitments and increase their climate ambition over time. Regular reviews and the requirement for countries to update their NDCs every five years ensure that progress is made, but challenges remain in terms of financing, equity, and global cooperation. While the agreement has catalyzed significant progress in climate action, its long-term success will depend on continued commitment and stronger policies to meet the targets set out in the agreement.

Previous Year Questions on Climate Change

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: What is the primary objective of the Paris Agreement under the UNFCCC?

A) To set a legally binding target for emissions reductions for all countries
B) To limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C
C) To reduce the use of fossil fuels
D) To create a global carbon market

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The Paris Agreement primarily aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "How do international organizations contribute to the fight against climate change? Discuss their role in facilitating global climate action."

Answer: International organizations such as the UNFCCC, IPCC, and the World Bank play vital roles in addressing climate change by providing scientific knowledge, facilitating negotiations, and supporting implementation of climate actions. The UNFCCC oversees global climate negotiations, while the IPCC offers scientific assessments to guide policy decisions. The World Bank helps finance climate-related projects, particularly in developing countries, and supports the transition to green economies. These organizations work together to ensure international collaboration and to support countries in achieving their climate goals through technology, finance, and knowledge sharing.