The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP17) was held in Durban, South Africa (from 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. This article will explain to you about COP 17 Durban Summit which will be helpful in preparing the Environment Syllabus for the UPSC Civil Service exam.

Why Focus on Climate Change?

• The window of opportunity to address the climate crisis is closing. The current global average temperature is estimated to be 1.1°C higher than pre-industrial levels.
• Based on current trends, the world could reach 1.5°C within the next two decades and 2°C early in the second half of the century.
• Limiting global warming to 1.5°C is still within our grasp, and our investment decisions over the next decade will determine this.
• Evidence clearly shows that climate change poses significant risks to the security of the public's health, from extreme weather-related disasters to the broader spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue.
• By 2050, according to the International Organization on Migration, up to 200 million people could be migrated due to climate change.
• The effects of climate change on human health won't be felt equally everywhere.
• With nearly 1.3 billion people, India already ranks third among all countries in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.
• India's cities are quickly urbanizing and bearing the weight of the climate problem, making sustainable cities and employment with healthy communities a top goal.

COP 17 Durban Summit - Objectives

• The Kyoto Protocol's first commitment period, which ran from 2008 to 2012, was about to expire, so securing a worldwide climate accord was one of the conference's primary objectives.
• It was also anticipated to emphasize "finishing at least a few of the Cancun Agreements, which were made at the 2010 Conference and cover "forest conservation, adaptation to climate impacts, and finance," as well as "cooperation on clean technologies."
• It pledged to transfer money from wealthy to poor nations in order to support their efforts to preserve forests, prepare for the effects of climate change, and "green" their economy.

COP 17 Durban Summit - Outcomes

• By adopting the governing instrument of the new Green Climate Fund and transparency rules for both developed and developing countries' pledges, it completed much of the remaining work to elaborate the Copenhagen/Cancun process.
• It agreed to extend the Kyoto Protocol for an additional 5 to 8 years. Although the emission targets for Kyoto's second commitment period have yet to be determined, and the formal amendment will not be adopted until next year, the fundamental political decision to extend the Protocol was made in Durban.
• It agreed to start a new negotiating process to create a "protocol, another legal instrument, or agreed outcome with legal force" for the post-2020 period that would be "applicable to all Parties."

COP 17 Durban Summit - Road Map for Implementation

• By incorporating a road map for implementation over a longer time horizon than has typically been the case in the history of the Convention, the Durban results sought to address these difficulties in a more linked manner.
• Four primary areas of coordinated and complementary activity and implementation, intended also to foster and uphold confidence between nations, were agreed upon and are shown on this map:
• Second Commitment Period of the Kyoto Protocol: The continuation of the current international legal order through the Kyoto Protocol's second commitment period.
• It commits developed nations to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases while enshrining current accounting principles and models of international cooperation that may guide future initiatives.
• Launch of New Platform of Negotiations: The beginning of a new round of discussions under the Convention with a goal of producing a new, universal protocol, legal document, or other product with legal force by 2015 for the years beyond 2020.
• Finding strategies to increase current levels of national and international action and declared ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are crucial components of this new dialogue.
• Conclusion in 2012 of Existing Broad-based Stream of Negotiations: A resolution to wrap up the current broad-based stream of negotiations, which involves all of the Convention's members, by the end of 2012.
• This includes efforts to increase the transparency of current national emission reduction or emission limitation strategies.
• Global Review: To assess the emerging climate challenge and then conduct a fresh global review based on the best science and data available was recommended.

What is Green Climate Fund?

• As a part of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Green Climate Fund (GCF) was established.
• It was started to help developing nations with adaptation and defense against climate change.
• The headquarters of the Green Climate Fund is located in South Korea's Incheon.
• The main objective of the fund is to aid in developing countries' climate-related programs, policies, and other projects. It is a fund supported by the United Nations.

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

Conclusion

A major turning point in the climate change negotiations occurred during the UN Climate Change Conference in Durban. In Durban, governments made it clearly evident that a new, legally binding, universal agreement was required to address climate change after 2020. As a result, the agreement would allow all parties to contribute as fully as possible and share in the rewards of success.

FAQs

Question. What is COP 17 Durban Summit?

Question. What were the key outcomes of the Durban Summit?

Question. What is the significance of the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action?

Question. How did the Durban Summit address the Kyoto Protocol?

Question. What is the Green Climate Fund, and how was it linked to COP 17?

MCQs

1. Where was COP 17 held?

A) Copenhagen, Denmark

B) Durban, South Africa

C) Paris, France

D) Kyoto, Japan

2. What was a major outcome of COP 17?

A) Adoption of the Paris Agreement

B) Establishment of the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action

C) Termination of the Kyoto Protocol

D) Creation of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

3. What is the primary objective of the Green Climate Fund established at COP 17?

A) To finance research on renewable energy

B) To provide financial support for climate action in developing countries

C) To create carbon markets globally

D) To fund disaster management programs

4. Which of the following agreements was extended during the Durban Summit?

A) Paris Agreement

B) Kyoto Protocol

C) Montreal Protocol

D) Bonn Convention

5. What year was set for implementing a new universal climate agreement under the Durban Platform?

A) 2015

B) 2020

C) 2023

D) 2030

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1. Discuss the significance of COP 17 Durban Summit in the global fight against climate change.

Answer: COP 17 marked a pivotal moment in global climate negotiations by introducing the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action. This platform aimed to create a legally binding agreement applicable to all nations, emphasizing equity and accountability. The summit extended the Kyoto Protocol for a second commitment period, ensuring developed countries continued their emission reduction commitments. Additionally, the establishment of the Green Climate Fund highlighted the need for financial support to assist developing nations in mitigating and adapting to climate change. Overall, COP 17 laid the groundwork for future agreements, including the Paris Accord, by fostering international collaboration.

Q2. Analyze the role of the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action in shaping global climate agreements.

Answer: The Durban Platform for Enhanced Action played a transformative role by initiating negotiations for a comprehensive and legally binding climate agreement applicable to both developed and developing nations. This platform addressed gaps in previous frameworks, such as the Kyoto Protocol, which primarily focused on developed countries. By emphasizing universal participation, the platform ensured equitable responsibilities and encouraged ambitious climate actions. Its implementation culminated in the Paris Agreement in 2015, a landmark global accord that continues to guide international efforts to combat climate change.

Q3. Evaluate the challenges and successes of the Green Climate Fund introduced at COP 17.

Answer: The Green Climate Fund (GCF) was a major achievement of COP 17, aimed at mobilizing $100 billion annually by 2020 to support climate actions in developing countries. It has successfully financed projects for renewable energy, climate resilience, and ecosystem preservation. However, challenges such as insufficient funding commitments, delays in project approvals, and equitable distribution of resources have hindered its full potential. Strengthening governance, ensuring transparent fund allocation, and enhancing contributions from developed countries are essential for the GCF to achieve its objectives effectively.

Previous Year Questions on Durban Summit

1. UPSC CSE (IAS) Prelims 2020

Question: What was the primary purpose of the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action established during COP 17?

Answer: The Durban Platform for Enhanced Action aimed to develop a comprehensive global climate agreement applicable to all nations. It sought to address gaps in the Kyoto Protocol by ensuring universal participation in emission reduction commitments. This platform laid the foundation for the Paris Agreement in 2015, emphasizing equity, accountability, and collective responsibility in tackling climate change.

2. UPSC CSE (IAS) Mains 2018

Question: Analyze the impact of the COP 17 Durban Summit on international climate negotiations.

Answer: The COP 17 Durban Summit significantly impacted international climate negotiations by setting the stage for a legally binding global climate agreement. The Durban Platform for Enhanced Action emphasized the need for universal participation, ensuring commitments from both developed and developing countries. The summit also extended the Kyoto Protocol, maintaining momentum in global emission reduction efforts. Additionally, the establishment of the Green Climate Fund demonstrated the importance of financial support for developing nations. While the summit achieved critical milestones, challenges such as securing sufficient funding and addressing disparities in responsibilities remain areas of concern.