Global Warming (Convention on Climatic Change 1992, Kyoto Conference and Pact on Global Warming 1997)

Global Warming :( Convention on Climatic Change 1992, Kyoto Conference and Pact on Global Warming 1997)

NOTE: The Questions May be as

·       What is meant by Global Warming? How does it effect on Environment?

·       Explain the salient features of Kyoto Protocol 1997

·       Write a note on Global Environmental issues

·       Explain what steps have been taken under convention of climatic change, 1992, Kyoto Conference, 1997 and Get 1998 to control global warming.

Answer:

·      Introduction

·      Convention on Climatic Change1992 (Green House Effect)

·      Kyoto Conference and Pact on Global warming 1997

·      Global Environment Facility (GEF), 1998

Introduction

           In the Rio Conference, 1992, it was decided that because of the global warming, every state is required to take steps to reduce their emission of gases. However, there was no time limit set to achieve this.

     The following international conventions, conferences, etc., were made to take steps to control global warming:

·       Convention on Climatic Change1992 (Green House Effect)

·       Kyoto Conference and Pact on Global warming 1997

·       Global Environment Facility (GEF), 1998

Convention on Climatic Change1992 (Green House Effect)

     The conference which was held for the purpose of taking steps for controlling global warming. The combustion of coal, petrol and other ammunitions, etc., release large quantities of gases which harm the atmosphere.

   These gases are agents to warm up the atmosphere on earth and they cause ice to melt in the Polar Regions and the water emerging from the melting of ice release into the sea. The methane gas escapes into the atmosphere and its absorption of radiation will change earth climate.

   This absorption of infrared radiation from the surface of the earth leading to “Green House Effect”. Because of this effect there is increase in temperature leading to global warming.

 Green House Gases means those gaseous both natural and anthropogenic absorb and re-emit infrared radiation.

 The convention defined the adverse effects of climate change, climate system, emissions, greenhouse gases etc. I also lays down the objectives, principles, commitments, research and systematic observations, education training and public awareness, conference of the parties.

Kyoto Conference and Pact on Global warming 1997

    This is also called “World Climate Conference” or ‘UN Climate Conference’ in Kyoto. About 159 nations represented the conference.

          The following resolutions were adopted.

1.    The industrialized countries have to reduce their average annual emissions of greenhouse gases.

2.    There is binding limits on industrialized nations emissions of greenhouse gases.

3.    The nations must take steps to convert coal-fired power plants and more fuel efficient automobiles.

4.    Major polluters must cut down their heat traffic emissions

5.    Developing nations with advanced technologies must provide funds to promote clean industries.

Nations like USA, Japan, and European countries etc. are committed to cut gas emissions by 6-8%

Global Environment Facility (GEF), 1998

  The General assembly met in April 1998 for a three day programme on Global Environment Facility (GEF). The object of this meeting is to enforce strict emission laws and stipulate pollution level limits so that the globe is saved from ecological disaster.

 The following resolutions were made:

1.    To solve environmental problems, the allocation of funds is not adequate and hence increased fund is necessary.

2.    The National Governments and other International Organizations must address environmental problem and also explore the new avenues of fund.

3.    Both Environmental objectives and development objectives and these should be addressed as global problems.

4.    The Principles of Sustainable development must be formulated and strictly followed to save the earth from further degradation.

RIO- DECLARATION (or Earth Summit 1992)

A RIO- DECLARATION (United Nations conference on Environment and development)

NOTE: The Questions May be as

·       Write a brief note on Rio-declaration 1992.

·       Write a note on Earth Summit 1992.

Answer:

·      Introduction

·      Preamble

·      Principles

·      Earth Summit Plus Five, 1997

Introduction

           The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, often shortened to Rio Declaration, was a short document produced at the 1992 United Nations "Conference on Environment and Development" (UNCED), informally known as the Earth Summit. The Rio Declaration consisted of 27 principles intended to guide countries in future sustainable development. It was signed by over 170 countries.

          Earth Summit was largest International Conference in the history of international law held at the Rio de Janeiro from 3^rd to 14^th June 1992.

The need for the conference was due to the fact that industrialized countries degrade the environment by high consumption of resources and intense production of waste and developing countries put extra pressure on earth by rapid population growth.

Preamble:

1.    To establish a new and equitable global partnership.

2.    To work towards international agreements which respect the interests of all and protect the integrity of the global environmental and developmental system.

3.    To recognize the integral and interdependent nature of the earth.

Principles

1.    Human beings are entitled to a healthy and productive life and harmony with nature.

2.    States have the sovereign right to exploit their own resources and developmental policies but should not cause damage to the environment of other states.

3.    The right to development must be to equitably meet developmental and environmental needs of present and future generations.

4.    To achieve sustainable development, environmental protection an integral part of the development process.

5.    All States and all people co-operate in eradicating poverty.

6.    The special situation needs of developing countries shall be given special priority

7.    States shall co-operate to protect and restore the health and integrity of the earth’s ecosystem.

8.    To achieve a higher quality of life for their people.

9.    States should co-operate to strengthen endogenous capacity building for sustainable development by improving scientific understanding

10. At National level, each individual shall have appropriate access to information concerning the environment.

11. States shall enact effective environmental legislation.

12. States should cooperate to promote a supportive and open international economic system for sustainable development in all countries.

13. States shall develop National law and cooperate International law regarding liability and compensation of the victims of pollution and other environmental damage.

14. States should effectively cooperative to prevent transfer to the other states of any activities that cause severe environmental degradation.

15. To protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely applied by States according to their capabilities.

16. National authorities should endeavor to promote the environmental costs and the use of economic instruments.

17. States shall immediately notify other states of any natural disaster.

18. States shall provide timely notification and relevant information to affected States on activities.

19. Women have a vital role in environmental management and development.

20. The creativity, ideals and courage of the youth of the world should be mobilized to forge a global partnership.

21. The environment and natural resources of people under oppression, domination and occupation shall be protected.

22. Warfare is inherently destructive of Sustainable development.

23. Peace, development and environment protection are interdependent and invisible.

24. States shall resolve all their environmental disputes peacefully and by appropriate means.

25.States and people shall co-operate in good faith and fulfillment of the principle embodied in this declaration.

Earth Summit Plus Five, 1997:

          The sessions was held at New York to find out how far the nations have implemented Rio Declarations. The reason that this meeting was held after five years of earth summit 1992 is because more than 170 representatives of various nations participated in the conference.

        The important outcome of the conference is as follow:

1.    The oceans, forests, and atmosphere are in trouble and the population of the poor people is growing.

2.    The Earth Summit objectives are not fulfilled and the results of implantation are sobering

3.    There is increased release of carbon-di-oxide in the atmosphere and hence there is global warming

4.    Forest felling is on the increase and deforestation rate has increased from 11000 sq. meter to 15000 sq. m

5.    13.7 million hectares of forests are being cut every year.

6.    The level of Greenhouses gases is increasing at the rate of 2% annually.

7.    It is expected 2/3^rd of world’s population experience water scarcity by the year 2000

8.    1.1 billion People earn less than 1 dollar and hence not able to protect themselves.

9.    The difference between rich and poor nations is widening. There is increase in toxic and hazardous waste, crossing the borders of neighboring nations.

10.The Conference concluded with the finding that there is increase in the overall pollution. However all nations committed themselves to work jointly to meet the needs of the present and future generations.

A STOCKHOLM DECLARATION ON THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT, 1972

A STOCKHOLM DECLARATION ON THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT, 1972

NOTE: The Questions May be as

·       Examine the significance of Stockholm Declaration of the UN Conference on Human Environment 1972.

·       Write a brief note on The Principles adopted in Stockholm Declaration 1972.

·       Discuss the importance of Stockholm Declaration and its effects upon member states

Answer:

·      Introduction

·      Provisions of the Stockholm declaration

·      Contributions of Stockholm declaration

·      Subsequent developments after Stockholm declaration, 1972

Introduction

          The General Assembly of UNO, United Nations Conference on Human environment   took place at Stockholm from 5^th to 16^th June 1972. For the first time, the World Nations seriously discussed and deliberated on Environment Protection and Sustainable development.

           The Conference has resulted in Declaration called “Stockholm Declaration on the Human Environment, 1972.

Provisions of the Stockholm declaration

             The Declaration contains:

a.     7 Universal Truths

b.    26 Principles

a.   Universal Truths:

1.    Man is both a creator and molder of his environment. Both the natural and manmade environments are essential to his wellbeing and enjoyment of his rights (including right to live).

2.    The protection and improvement of human environment is a major issue, as it affects the wellbeing of people and their economic development. It’s the duty of Government to protect and improve human environment.

3.    Man’s discoveries, inventions, creations and advances, if wisely used, bring benefits for development to people, but if wrongly applied, it can do great harm to human beings. Manmade harm is growing in many regions of earth.

4.    In the development countries, the underdevelopment has caused most of the environmental problems. The environmental problems are due to the industrialized and technological developments.

5.    The growth of population continuously presents problems for the preservation of the environment and hence adequate policies and measure must be adopted to face these problems.

6.    Man must shape his actions with more care for environmental consequences and he must use his knowledge to build a better natural environment.

7.    Citizen, Communities, Enterprises and Institutions must accept responsibility to achieve this environmental growth by all, sharing equitable in common efforts.

b.  Principles:

1.    Man has the fundamental right and hence has the responsibility to protect and improve the environment for present and future generations.

2.    The natural resources of earth must be safeguarded for the benefit of present and future generations through careful planning and appropriate management.

3.    The capacity of the earth to produce vital, renewable resources must be maintained and restored.

4.    Man has the responsibility to safeguard and manage of wildlife and its habitats which are now gravely in danger.

5.    The non-renewable resources of earth must be guarded for the future.

6.    The excess discharge of the toxic substances and heat must be stopped to ensure that it will not damage the ecosystem.

7.    States must take all possible steps to prevent pollution of the seas.

8.    Economic and Social development is essential for ensuring a favorable living and working environment.

9.    Environmental deficiencies generated by under-development and natural disasters pose grave problems.

10.For the developing countries, stability of prices and adequate earnings for primary commodities and raw materials are essential for environmental management.

11.The environmental policies of all states should be enhanced and not affect the present and future “development potential” of developing Counties.

12.Resources should be made available to preserve and improve the environment.

13.State should adopt an integrated approach to their development planning.

14.Rational planning constitutes for reconciling any conflicts between the needs of development and to protect and improve the environment.

15.Planning must be applied to human settlements and urbanization with a view to avoiding harmful effects on the environment.

16.Demographic policies should be applied in those regions where the rate of population growth are likely to harm the environment.

17.National Institutions must be entrusted with the task of planning managing or controlling the environmental resources of state.

18.Science and technology must be applied to the identification, avoidance and control of environmental risks.

19.Education in environmental matters is essential in protecting and improving environment in full human dimensions.

20.Scientific research and development must be promoted in all countries

21.States have the Sovereign right to exploit their own resources.

22. States must co-operate and develop the international law regarding liability and compensation for the victims of pollution and other environmental damage.

23.It is essential to consider the system of values prevailing in each country.

24.International matters like protection and improvement of the environment should be handled in a co-operative spirit by all countries.

25.States shall ensure that international organizations play a coordinated efficient and dynamic role for protections and improvement of the environment.

26.Man and his environment must be spared of the effects of the nuclear weapons and all other means of mass destruction.

Contributions of Stockholm declaration

 The main contributions of this UN Conference on human Environment/Stockholm declaration are as follows:

1.    The Declaration on the Human environment.

2.    The Action plan for the Human environment.

3.    The Resolution on Institutional Financial Arrangements.

4.    Resolution on designation of a World Environment Day.

5.    Resolution on Nuclear Weapons Tests

6.    Resolution on the convening of a Second Conference

7.    Decision to refer to Government’s recommendation for action at the National Level.

Subsequent developments after Stockholm declaration, 1972

 After the Stockholm Declarion, 1972, many International commissions and conferences on environmental protection and upgradation were held and the important commissions are:

1.    Nairobi Declaration, 1982

2.    Brundland Commission Report, 1987

3.    Rio Declaration,1992

4.    Earth Summit Plus,1997

     Nairobi Declaration, 1982:

            Nairobi Declaration was made on the eve of 10^th anniversary of United Nations Organizations conference on the Human Environment.(i.e Stockholm Declaration 1972)

 The main aspects of the Nairobi Declarations are as follows:

1.    There is no significant improvement in solving the environmental problems as from Stockholm Declaration 1972.

2.    It is decided to carry on the principles enunciated in the Stockholm Declaration. It is an action plan to further strengthen the international co-operation of member states for the Environmental protection.

    Brundland Commission Report, 1987:

               The following are the important provisions:

1.    Every human being has the basic right to have an adequate environment for healthy living

2.    Every nation must conserver and use the natural resources, both for the benefits of the present and future generations.

3.    Every nations must maintain eco systems and ecological process for the function of the biosphere.

4.    Every nations establish adequate environmental protection standards.

5.    Every nations must inform in advance of any activity by which persons are likely to be affected and provide suitable remedy.

6.    Every nations must cooperate with one another in implementation of the rights and obligations to sustainable development.

     Rio Declaration, 1992:

          The need for the conference was due to the fact that industrialized countries degrade the environment by high consumption of resources and intense production of waste and developing countries put extra pressure on earth by rapid population growth.

     The main aspects are:

1.    To establish a new and equitable global partnership.

2.    To work towards international agreements which respect the interests of all and protect the integrity of the global environmental and developmental system.

3.    To recognize the integral and interdependent nature of the earth.

     Earth Summit Plus, 1997:

          The sessions was held at New York to find out how far the nations have implemented Rio Declarations. The reason that this meeting was held after five years of earth summit 1992 is because more than 170 representatives of various nations participated in the conference.

        The important outcome of the conference is as follow:

1.    The oceans, forests, and atmosphere are in trouble and the population of the poor people is growing.

2.    There is increased release of carbon-di-oxide in the atmosphere and hence there is global warming

3.    13.7 million hectares of forests are being cut every year.

4.    The level of Greenhouses gases is increasing at the rate of 2% annually.