Congruity between EU and UN efforts to tackle climate change

Abstract

In the last twenty years, climate change has gained immense importance and this is mainly due to the consequences related to it. Most scientists believe that irreversible catastrophic actions such as the melting of the cryosphere, sea level rise, extreme weather, scarcity of water and so on are a result of climate change, mainly through the burning of fossil fuels. Therefore, immediate action to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is needed so as to tackle this issue before it is too late. A way to combat climate change is by producing fewer GHG emissions either by using less or by using it more efficiently. Yet, it is easier said than done, since it has been argued that using less energy could harm the economic growth of a country. In fact, this is one of the reasons why the US refused to support the Kyoto Protocol. Moreover, the Protocol excludes developing countries like India and China which are becoming more affluent as people there escape from poverty. Indeed, it has been argued that GHG emissions by developing countries are projected to overtake those of the industrialized world and hence drastic action is needed to control GHG emissions. Yet, conversely, developing countries claim that rich nations should take the lead in making deep cuts and putting money on the table to help them obtain environmentally friendly technology as well as help them to adapt to climate change already underway. Moreover, developing countries state that developed countries are financially more secure and have historically contributed the most to climate change and therefore should take the head start in combating climate change. By being a party to the Convention and the Protocol, the EU has shown its willingness to cooperate in the battle against climate change and helping developing countries to adapt to this concern. The EU provides assistance to developing countries by transferring environmentally friendly technology and by encouraging the establishment of institutions. Additionally, the EU has also entered in partnerships with developing countries so as to help them develop sustainably. Although the EU has shown motivation to cut down on GIIG emissions, the establishment of a dramatic international effo1t, which includes both developed and developing countries, is the only way which we may be able to halt the growth of GHGs and at the same time protect the interests of future generations. Yet, the longer it takes to reach agreements, the worse things will get.