Steps Taken Against Climate Change in Recent Years (International Efforts)

The fight against climate change has been a key focus of international cooperation over recent
years, particularly as the impacts of rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and
biodiversity loss have become more apparent. This document outlines the major international
efforts to combat climate change, evaluates their successes, and assesses the extent to which
these initiatives have addressed the underlying problems.

Key International Initiatives

1. The Paris Agreement (2015)

 Objective:
o To limit global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue
efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C.
 Mechanisms:
o Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Countries set their own targets for
reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
o Regular reviews and updates to ensure accountability and ambition.
 Successes:
o Over 190 countries have committed to the agreement.
o Encouraged countries to transition to renewable energy sources and adopt green
technologies.
 Challenges:
o Some major emitters, like the United States under the Trump administration,
temporarily withdrew, undermining global momentum.
o The commitments made by many countries in their NDCs are insufficient to meet
the 1.5°C target.

2. The COP26 Summit (2021)

 Key Outcomes:
o The Glasgow Climate Pact emphasized the need to reduce global emissions by
45% by 2030 to stay on track for 1.5°C.
o Over 140 countries pledged to reach net-zero emissions, covering about 90% of
global GDP.
o A significant agreement to phase down coal use and reduce methane emissions.
 Successes:
o Renewed global focus on immediate and actionable steps, including methane
reduction pledges.
o Mobilization of financial commitments, such as $100 billion per year for
developing countries to adapt to climate change.
 Challenges:
o Weak enforcement mechanisms for pledges.
 o Limited concrete action on phasing out fossil fuel subsidies.

3. Renewable Energy Transitions

 Global Shifts:
o Rapid expansion of solar and wind energy: By 2022, renewables accounted for
30% of global electricity generation.
o Investments in green technologies surged, with $500 billion invested in 2021
alone.
 Successes:
o Countries like Germany, China, and India have made significant strides in
renewable energy adoption.
o Electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage solutions are becoming mainstream.
 Challenges:
o Developing countries face financial and technological barriers in adopting
renewable energy.
o Dependence on fossil fuels remains high, with global coal consumption
rebounding in 2021.

4. Reforestation and Conservation Efforts

 Initiatives:
o The UN’s Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) aims to restore 350
million hectares of degraded ecosystems.
o Projects like the Trillion Trees Initiative promote large-scale reforestation to
absorb CO2.
 Successes:
o Brazil, Indonesia, and African nations have launched afforestation and
conservation programs.
o Private sector involvement has increased, with companies pledging to offset
emissions through reforestation.
 Challenges:
o Deforestation continues in regions like the Amazon, driven by agricultural
expansion and illegal logging.
o Restoration projects face funding and implementation gaps.

5. Financial Mechanisms and Aid

 Climate Finance:
o Developed countries committed to providing $100 billion annually to developing
nations under the Paris Agreement.
o Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other mechanisms support mitigation and
adaptation projects.
 Successes:
o Several large-scale renewable energy and climate resilience projects have been
funded.
 o New financial instruments like green bonds have emerged.
 Challenges:
o The $100 billion target has not been consistently met.
o Aid distribution has been criticized for being overly bureaucratic and inequitable.

6. Global Methane Pledge (2021)

 Objective:
o To reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030, a critical step as methane has a
higher warming potential than CO2.
 Successes:
o Over 100 countries, including major emitters, joined the pledge.
o Implementation of leak detection and repair programs in the energy sector.
 Challenges:
o Methane emissions from agriculture and waste management remain high and
difficult to control.

Evaluation of Successes

1. Raising Awareness:
o International agreements like the Paris Agreement and COP26 have succeeded in
keeping climate change high on the global agenda.
o Public and corporate awareness about sustainability has increased significantly,
leading to widespread support for renewable energy and green technologies.
2. Technological Innovations:
o Advances in solar, wind, and battery technologies have driven down costs,
making renewables more competitive with fossil fuels.
o The rise of electric vehicles represents a shift towards sustainable transportation.
3. Financial Mobilization:
o While not fully realized, the mobilization of climate finance has enabled
developing nations to take initial steps toward climate resilience and mitigation.
4. Global Cooperation:
o Despite geopolitical tensions, global climate initiatives have brought nations
together to address a common challenge, demonstrating the potential for
collective action.

Challenges and Limitations

1. Insufficient Action:
o Current commitments and actions are projected to result in global warming of
2.4°C to 3.0°C by 2100, far above the 1.5°C target.
o Fossil fuel subsidies persist, undermining efforts to transition to renewables.
 2. Lack of Enforcement:
o International agreements lack binding enforcement mechanisms, making it
difficult to hold countries accountable for missed targets.
3. Equity Issues:
o Developing nations bear the brunt of climate impacts despite contributing the
least to greenhouse gas emissions.
o Climate finance has fallen short of promises, with funds often not reaching the
most vulnerable communities.
4. Adaptation Gap:
o Adaptation measures, particularly in vulnerable regions, lag behind the increasing
severity of climate impacts.
o Limited resources and infrastructure hinder effective disaster response and
resilience building.
5. Economic and Political Barriers:
o Transitioning to a green economy requires significant investment, which many
countries, particularly low-income nations, cannot afford without external
support.
o Political resistance and lobbying by fossil fuel industries slow progress in many
regions.

Extent to Which Problems Have Been Addressed

While significant progress has been made in the fight against climate change, the overall impact
remains inadequate to fully address the scale of the problem. The successes achieved—such as
renewable energy growth, increased climate awareness, and international cooperation—have set
a solid foundation. However, major gaps in implementation, equity, and ambition persist.

What Has Been Addressed:

 Transition to renewable energy and technological advancements.

 Increased funding for climate mitigation and adaptation, albeit insufficient.
 Global recognition of climate change as a pressing issue.

What Remains Unaddressed:

 Ambitious and enforceable emission reduction targets.

 Adequate support for vulnerable populations and nations.
 Comprehensive policies to address non-CO2 emissions, such as methane and nitrous
oxide.

Conclusion
International efforts against climate change have made significant strides in raising awareness,
mobilizing resources, and fostering cooperation. However, the challenges of insufficient
ambition, inequity, and slow implementation hinder progress. To achieve the 1.5°C target and
ensure a sustainable future, nations must enhance their commitments, ensure accountability, and
prioritize the needs of vulnerable communities. The next few years are critical in determining
whether humanity can effectively combat climate change and secure a livable planet for future
generations.