GS Question

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. These GHGs include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases. The consequences of global warming are diverse and impact various aspects of the global climate system.

One significant effect of global warming is the rise in global average temperature. Higher temperatures lead to the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps, resulting in rising sea levels and increased coastal flooding. Additionally, global warming disrupts weather patterns, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, heatwaves, and heavy rainfall.

Furthermore, global warming causes shifts in ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and species' habitats. Many species are struggling to adapt to the rapid changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and availability of resources. The warming of oceans also leads to coral bleaching and damages marine habitats.

To address the issue of global warming and reduce GHG emissions, the Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997. The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement that sets binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European Union to reduce their GHG emissions.

The primary control measure under the Kyoto Protocol is the implementation of emissions reduction targets known as "quantified emission limitation and reduction objectives" (QELROs). These targets vary among countries, reflecting their historical emissions and economic capabilities. The protocol specifies different commitment periods during which countries aim to reduce their emissions by specific percentages.

To achieve their targets, countries can either reduce their own emissions or engage in emissions trading. Emissions trading allows countries that have successfully reduced their emissions below their targets to sell excess reductions as credits to countries that have exceeded their targets. This mechanism promotes cost-effective emissions reductions.

Furthermore, countries can also participate in clean development projects in developing countries through the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Developed countries can invest in emission reduction projects like renewable energy or afforestation in developing countries, earning Certified Emission Reduction credits.

The Kyoto Protocol aimed to limit the increase in global average temperature to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. However, it faced several challenges, including the withdrawal of the United States, one of the largest emitters at the time. Additionally, developing countries were exempted from emission reduction targets, which limited its overall effectiveness in combatting global warming.

In 2015, the Paris Agreement replaced the Kyoto Protocol, seeking to strengthen global cooperation and set more ambitious goals for global emissions reductions. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

In conclusion, global warming has various detrimental effects on the global climate, including rising temperatures, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and ecosystem disruption. The Kyoto Protocol introduced control measures such as emissions reduction targets, emissions trading, and the Clean Development Mechanism to address global warming. While it had its limitations, it paved the way for the more comprehensive Paris Agreement, which aims to achieve greater global cooperation in tackling climate change.