Environmental Sustainability

Jan 21 2025 By Amministratore Biodiversity ClimateChange Ecologia Natura Ricerca 0 Comments

The steps towards environmental sustainability and the current situation.

The Rio Agreements 1992

The Earth Summit, officially known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, took place in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. It was the first significant global assembly where numerous countries convened to tackle environmental challenges linked to development. During this summit, several pivotal documents were adopted:

Agenda 21: This document serves as a roadmap for governments, NGOs, institutions, and society, steering them towards sustainable development in the 21st century. Agenda 21 is designed to foster environmental, social, and economic sustainability, focusing on crucial areas such as poverty reduction, natural resource management, institutional capacity building, and advocating for sustainable lifestyles. A significant element is its emphasis on multi-level action, engaging local actors alongside national and international policies. This approach has led to the establishment of “Local Agenda 21” in numerous cities, embedding environmental considerations into local decision-making processes. Agenda 21 encourages international collaboration and partnership, promoting the exchange of knowledge and resources between countries, particularly between developed and developing nations, to mitigate global inequalities. Over the past 30 years, Agenda 21 has shaped global policies, heightening awareness and action towards sustainability. While progress has been made, the sustainability challenge remains pressing, and Agenda 21 continues to tackle environmental, social, and economic issues.

The Principles for the Sustainable Management of Forests: This document fell short of environmentalists’ expectations, serving as a set of voluntary recommendations rather than a legally binding treaty. While acknowledging state sovereignty over forests, it didn’t enforce strict conservation and sustainable management obligations. As a result, its immediate influence on combating deforestation and promoting global conservation was limited. Nonetheless, it laid the groundwork for developing national and regional forest policies in numerous countries. It heightened government awareness of the critical need for forest conservation and sustainable resource use, also shaping the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 15, which focuses on safeguarding, restoring, and sustainably managing terrestrial ecosystems and forests.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a global treaty established during the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Effective from December 29, 1993, this convention seeks to encourage the preservation of biodiversity, the sustainable utilization of its elements, and the fair and just distribution of benefits from the use of genetic resources.

1. Biodiversity conservation: Aims to protect the diverse life forms on Earth, including ecosystems, species and genetic resources
2. Sustainable use: Promotes practices that allow the use of biological resources in a way that does not compromise their future availability.
3. Benefit-sharing: Ensures that the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources are distributed equitably.

The governing entity of the CBD is the Conference of the Parties (COP), convening regularly to evaluate progress, establish new priorities, and develop work plans. Additionally, the convention has implemented the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, addressing the risks posed by genetically modified organisms.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is a global treaty established at the Earth Summit in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro. Effective from March 21, 1994, the convention seeks to stabilize atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations to avoid hazardous human-induced climate change.

1. Universality: The UNFCCC has near-universal membership, with 198 countries having ratified the convention (known as Parties to the Convention).
2. Objectives: The ultimate goal is to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system by stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations.
3. Shared but differentiated responsibilities: The treaty recognizes that developed countries are primarily responsible for historical greenhouse gas emissions and therefore must lead the way in reducing emissions.
4. Support for developing countries: Industrialized countries commit to providing financial resources and technology to help developing countries address climate change.
5. Monitoring and reporting: Countries must report regularly on their climate change policies and measures, and must submit comprehensive progress reports.

An international agreement established on December 11, 1997, and implemented on February 16, 2005, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change. Key elements of the protocol include:

1. Reduction obligations: Parties have committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 5% below 1990 levels during the commitment period from 2008 to 2012.
2. Flexibility mechanisms: These include emissions trading, joint implementation and clean development mechanism projects. These tools allow countries to acquire emission reduction credits in other countries, facilitating more efficient global reduction.
3. Monitoring and verification: The protocol sets out rigorous rules for monitoring and verifying the emissions of participating countries, with mandatory annual reporting.

The Kyoto Protocol established the foundation for subsequent international climate accords, including the 2015 Paris Agreement.

The Paris Agreement, an international treaty on climate change, was adopted in December 2015 at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) under the UNFCCC in Paris. This landmark agreement marked a significant achievement in climate diplomacy, securing universal approval from 195 countries.

The primary aim of the Paris Agreement is to limit the global temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with an additional goal of restricting this rise to 1.5°C. Achieving the 1.5°C target would notably lessen the risks and effects of climate change.

The agreement highlights the principle of shared yet differentiated responsibilities among nations. It acknowledges that developed nations, having emitted substantial greenhouse gases during their industrialization, should spearhead emission reduction initiatives. Simultaneously, it mandates that developing countries strive to lower their emissions, supported by financial and technological aid from more affluent nations.

A key component of the agreement focuses on adapting to climate change. As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, it is vital for nations to adopt strategies that boost their resilience. The agreement urges countries to formulate adaptation plans and incorporate climate risk into their national policies and planning.

The agreement mandates developed nations to contribute $100 billion annually to developing countries up to 2020, with an extension to 2025. This funding aims to support both mitigation (emission reduction) and adaptation (decreasing vulnerability to climate change impacts).

Countries must update their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) every five years, outlining their strategies for reducing emissions. This process fosters a steady rise in global ambition.

In summary, the Paris Agreement stands as a beacon of hope and a practical guide for decisive actions. It embodies a worldwide pledge to address climate change, uniting all participating nations with the aim of securing a sustainable future for generations to come. The journey forward is extensive and demanding, yet the Paris Agreement provides a robust platform for progress.

 

In recent years, the climate crisis has intensified. The year 2024 marked a new record as the hottest year, with global average temperatures exceeding +1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time. In Italy, the average temperature has already risen over +2°C compared to pre-industrial levels, underscoring the swift escalation of the climate crisis at a national scale.

The present state of climate change is deeply troubling.

Atmospheric CO2 levels have soared to an unprecedented 420 parts per million (ppm), marking the highest concentration in 14 million years. This figure reflects a 50% rise from pre-industrial levels, with projections suggesting it could surpass 600 ppm by century’s end, posing significant climate challenges.

The effects are increasingly evident worldwide:
– Extreme weather events: wildfires, floods, heatwaves, and storms are becoming more frequent and severe.
– Melting ice and rising sea levels: endangering coastal and island communities.
– Loss of biodiversity: numerous animal and plant species are at risk of extinction.
– Impact on agriculture: shifting weather patterns disrupt agricultural productivity, threatening food security.

The Intersection of Politics and Finance in Climate Change

Politics and finance are pivotal in tackling climate change. Climate policies define governmental actions to cut greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change impacts. Finance, meanwhile, supplies the essential resources to enact these policies. Climate strategies differ greatly across countries. For instance, European Union nations have adopted ambitious measures to curb emissions and boost renewable energy. In contrast, countries like the United States and China have taken less aggressive approaches. Sustainable finance is vital for reaching climate objectives. Significant investments are needed in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green technologies. However, traditional finance often misaligns with climate goals, frequently backing fossil fuels. Furthermore, there’s a risk of greenwashing by companies that falsely claim sustainability.

State Initiatives and Actions

While official statements hold significance, a state’s genuine position on climate change is reflected in its tangible actions and the outcomes it attains.

The European Union has launched the European Green Deal, aiming to become the first continent to achieve zero emissions by 2050. The 2024 European elections marked a pivotal moment for the European Parliament, casting uncertainty over the Green Deal’s future. With the new Parliament featuring increased representation from Eurosceptic and right-wing parties, the implementation of advanced climate policies introduced by the initial von der Leyen Commission may face delays or changes. Nevertheless, the European Green Deal remains a priority for many member states and the European Commission. To secure the necessary support in the evolving political landscape, its realization might require compromises and adjustments. Currently, European countries rank an average of 17th out of 63 in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI).

In the United States, the Biden administration has revitalized ambitious climate policies, targeting a 50-52% reduction in emissions from 2005 levels by 2030. Under the Trump administration, the country shifted to a less proactive stance, exiting the Paris Agreement and loosening environmental regulations to benefit the fossil fuel sector. Funding for research into green technologies and climate adaptation programs was also reduced. Overall, during Trump’s tenure, U.S. climate policy leaned towards a more lenient approach in curbing greenhouse gas emissions, with a focus on supporting traditional fossil fuel industries. A potential future Trump administration would likely continue promoting coal, oil, and natural gas, while diminishing incentives for renewable energy. The United States was ranked 57th in the Climate Change Performance Index.

China aims to peak CO2 emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. To support this goal, the first energy law will take effect on January 1, 2025, introducing measures for energy planning, market development, and emergency management. This regulation seeks to foster sustainable and secure energy growth, aligning with the nation’s green transition. China leads globally in wind and solar energy, with a capacity surpassing all other countries combined. The expansion of renewable energy is central to its CO2 reduction strategy. Furthermore, China is making substantial investments in innovative technologies like electric vehicles and energy storage, which aid in reducing emissions while creating new economic sectors and jobs. Although coal remains a significant part of China’s energy mix, the government is committed to reducing its reliance. These efforts reflect China’s tangible steps toward mitigating climate change and advancing a sustainable economy. Despite these initiatives, the country currently ranks 55th out of 63 in the Climate Change Performance Index.

India ranks as the third-largest greenhouse gas emitter, following China and the United States, largely due to its vast population and swift economic expansion. Despite this, India’s per capita emissions remain considerably lower than those of other leading emitters, standing at 2.07 tons of CO₂ per person in 2023. The nation has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2070. With current strategies focused on significantly reducing emissions, India plans to expand renewable energy and enhance energy efficiency. The country is investing in research and development of green technologies and adopting innovative policies to minimize dependence on fossil fuels. By 2050, solar and wind energy are anticipated to generate 43% of electricity. Between 2020 and 2030, existing policies are expected to reduce emissions by nearly 4 billion tons of CO₂. India’s dedication is evident, ranking 10th out of 63 in the Climate Change Performance Index.

Italy: Although the country has embraced the European Union’s climate objectives, it must still advance significantly to boost its climate performance. Presently, Italy is ranked 43rd among 63 countries in the Climate Change Performance Index, underscoring the necessity for increased efforts to elevate its standing.

These actions reveal that despite official declarations, significant progress is still needed to meet global climate objectives. International cooperation and sustained dedication are crucial to tackling the climate crisis.

Meeting the targets outlined in the Paris Agreements continues to be a major challenge. These agreements strive to limit the global temperature rise to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with an ideal target of capping the increase at 1.5°C. However, the current trend in global emissions indicates that we are still far from achieving these ambitious objectives.