United Nations Environment Programme
UNEP Introductory Letter
UNEP Topic Guides
Director: Amanda Trofa
Topic A: Kyoto Protocol
In 1992 members of the UNEP created an international treaty known as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). One of the many issues the treaty addresses is the issue of global warming and the factors contributing to it. In 1997 a treaty called the Kyoto Protocol was adopted to supplement the UNFCCC. It outlines a plan by which it seeks to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions which are generally credited as one of the major factors influencing global warming or climate change. Specifically, the treaty seeks to reduce the six main GHGs (Greenhouse Gasses) identified as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydroflurocarbons, perflurocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride.
As of November 2007, 174 parties have ratified the protocol. The treaty offers a flexible plan by which both developed and developing countries can contribute to the reduction of pollutant emissions. The treaty expires in 2012 and negotiations regarding a following treaty began in May 2007. Each of the countries bound to the treaty has been sorted into one of two categories; “Annex I” (developed) and “Non-Annex I” (developing). The treaty outlines target goals for each country involved in the treaty based on the level of their gas emissions in 1990. These goals are expected to be attained between 2008 and 2012; failure to achieve the goals demanded by the treaty results in harsher guidelines for the future. Industrialized nations collectively are expected to bring their level of emissions to 5% below 1990 levels. The Kyoto Protocol established several provisions; including emission trading, clean development mechanism projects (CDM) and joint implementation programs, designed to help the countries transition.
How does the Kyoto Protocol address the needs of a global community? Is the plan flexible enough to benefit both developing and developed countries? What are the current stances of the 174 governments signed to the treaty? Why have some countries chosen not to participate? How do the protocol's provisions help the countries achieve the protocol's goals? Who is benefiting most from the emission trading, CDM and joint implementation programs?
Topic B: Environmental Degradation Triggering Tensions and Conflict in Sudan
In June 2007, the Government of National Unity and the Government of Southern Sudan requested that UNEP explored and created a report detailing the environmental status of Sudan. The Post-Conflict Environmental Assessment of Sudan (PCEA) conducted an investigation researching the changes in Sudan's environment and their subsequent impact on the population of the region. Linkages between the conflict and the deteriorating environment were made apparent in the report, calling international attention to such problems world-wide. It is the belief of many that peace may be achieved when environmental problems are mitigated, thus providing the resources needed to support a prosperous population.
What is the state of the land in Sudan? How are these factors influencing the population and the resource availability in the land? What is the impact on displaced people and refugees in Sudan? How has the changing climate strained production for the region? What international aid is Sudan receiving? In what form is the aid and how is it benefiting Sudan? How can insight into Sudan's situation be applied to other countries in similar situations? Can these discoveries help begin conflict prevention rather than post-conflict clean-up by the UN?