Let us first understand why Paris 2015 is considered a turning point in global climate governance. Till the Kyoto Protocol, climate action was top-down—targets were imposed mainly on developed countries. This created resistance and limited participation. Paris changed the philosophy altogether. Why was Paris Summit so important? Before the summit: 👉 This ensured universal participation,…
After the Kyoto Protocol (1997), it became clear that: So, friends let’s look at the UNFCCC Summits Post-Kyoto: COP Year Place Core Outcome / Significance COP 11 / CMP 1 2005 Montreal, Canada Kyoto Protocol entered into force; first CMP; talks on post-2012 commitments COP 12 / CMP 2 2006 Nairobi, Kenya Focus on adaptation;…
🗂️ Background The Kyoto Protocol was: 📌 Very important UPSC fact👉 Kyoto is the only global climate treaty that imposed legally binding emission reduction targets. 🎯 Core Objective of the Kyoto Protocol The goal was the same as UNFCCC—but with teeth: To reduce greenhouse gas concentrations to a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference…
🧾 Background The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international environmental treaty created under the aegis of the United Nations. Origin 📌 Important UPSC point:UNFCCC is a framework convention, not a control law. 🎯 Objective of the UNFCCC The Convention’s core objective is: To stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere…
🌱 Brundtland Commission: The Conceptual Foundation (1983–1987) In 1983, the United Nations constituted the World Commission on Environment and Development, popularly known as the Brundtland Commission. Why was it formed? By the early 1980s, the world realised: The Commission resolved this conflict by giving a simple yet powerful definition: Sustainable development is development that meets…
The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), popularly known as the Earth Summit, was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. Why was Rio Summit necessary? Between 1972 and 1992: UNCED addressed this tension by formally linking environment + development. 📌 This is the birth point of the concept of Sustainable Development…
🗂️ Background The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the nodal environmental agency of the United Nations. What does UNEP actually do? Think of UNEP as the central coordinator of all environmental work within the UN system. Its core functions are: 👉 In simple words: If environment is discussed anywhere in the UN system, UNEP…
The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, commonly known as the Stockholm Conference, was held in 1972 at Stockholm, Sweden. Why was this conference historic? Until the early 1970s, environment was not treated as a global political issue. Environmental degradation was seen as a local or national concern. The Stockholm Conference changed this mindset…
What Do We Mean by Climate Change Mitigation? First, let us settle the core idea. Climate change mitigation refers to all efforts aimed at: so that global temperatures do not rise to dangerous levels. 👉 In short: Mitigation is about controlling the cause of climate change, not merely managing its effects. 1. Clean Coal Technology:…
What are IPCC Special Reports? The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change prepares Special Reports to deeply analyse specific climate-related themes, such as: 📌 Key difference: Three Special Reports decided in 2016 (Very Important for UPSC) In 2016, IPCC decided to prepare three Special Reports, all of which later became highly exam-relevant: Let us understand them…
