OHSE3710 T: Individual Assignment 1 This Is An Individual ✓ Solved

OHSE3710 T: Individual Assignment 1 This is an individual

This is an individual assignment, focusing on global climate change and regional efforts to mitigate this climate change. The assignment should answer the following: Over 190 countries met in December 2015 at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) in Paris with the aim of establishing a new global agreement on climate change. The ambition is to limit changes in global temperatures to below 2°C (or 1.5°C) warming in 2100 compared to pre-industrial levels. (a) Why is it important to limit global temperature changes to below 2°C warming? (b) Is the COP21 in Paris considered a success or a failure? Explain your answer.

At COP21, nine ASEAN countries submitted their “Intended Nationally Determined Contributions” (INDCs). Choose three ASEAN countries. (a) Compare their INDCs with respect to: (i) commitments to reduce carbon emissions; (ii) forestry protection; (iii) energy footprint; and (iv) technological support. (b) In your opinion, do you think that these INDCs will be effective in controlling climate change? Why or why not?

Assignment organization: Brief introduction explaining the purpose of the assignment and the countries you have chosen to contrast. Answers to the main questions. Brief conclusion summarizing your major conclusions. References on a separate assignment. Page limit: 8 2500 words (not including appendixes). Essay format. Subheadings acceptable. Word document with default margins, spacing 1.5 lines, 11 point Arial font type. No quotes; use all your own words. Use text references to show where information comes from. Vancouver referencing. Reference list on a separate attached. Supporting figures and tables are acceptable, but must be within the limit.

Paper For Above Instructions

Introduction

The global challenge of climate change calls for substantial actions from all nations. In December 2015, representatives from over 190 countries convened at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) in Paris. The primary goal was to forge a global accord to cap global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This paper addresses the significance of this temperature limit and evaluates whether the outcomes of COP 21 are viewed as a success or failure. It will also examine the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) submitted by three ASEAN nations: Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, focusing on their commitments to emissions reduction, forestry protection, energy usage, and technological support, while assessing the potential effectiveness of these contributions in mitigating climate change.

Importance of Limiting Global Temperature Changes

Limiting global temperature rise to below 2°C is pivotal for several reasons. First, extensive research has indicated that exceeding this threshold significantly escalates the risks of severe climate impacts, including more frequent and intense weather events, rising sea levels, and widespread ecosystem disruption (Mastrorillo et al., 2016). The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights that limiting temperature increase to below 2°C is essential to protect biodiversity, food security, and water resources (IPCC, 2014).

Moreover, keeping temperatures below this limit aids in avoiding irreversible changes in climate systems and mitigates the adverse effects on human health. Studies demonstrate that heatwaves, droughts, and flooding, caused by climate change, lead to increased morbidity and mortality (Haines et al., 2006). Furthermore, the socioeconomic impacts are considerable, particularly for developing nations that are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts due to their limited adaptive capacity (Adger et al., 2003).

Success or Failure of COP21

Evaluating COP21 as a success or failure is subjective. From a positive standpoint, COP21 successfully brought together a diverse range of nations to agree on a common goal and establish mechanisms for accountability through national commitments (Oberthür, 2017). The Paris Agreement represents a landmark shift towards collective action against climate change, incorporating flexible approaches that consider national circumstances.

On the contrary, critics argue that the agreement’s voluntary nature poses challenges in ensuring compliance and delivering significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions (Höhne et al., 2017). Without binding commitments or enforcement mechanisms, there is a risk that nations may not fulfill their INDCs, undermining the agreement's objectives. In summary, COP21 laid the groundwork for future climate action, but the efficacy of the agreement will depend on the commitment and action of the signatory nations.

Analysis of ASEAN Countries’ INDCs

Examining the INDCs of Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam provides insight into the regional responses to climate change. Each of these countries has presented specific commitments aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting forestry protection, managing energy resources, and facilitating technological advancement.

Indonesia’s INDC

Indonesia aims to reduce emissions by 29% by 2030, with an ambitious target of up to 41% with international assistance (Republic of Indonesia, 2015). The plan emphasizes forestry protection, recognizing that deforestation contributes significantly to carbon emissions. Indonesia needs to enhance judicial and policy frameworks to protect its forests while tackling illegal logging and land use changes (Murdiyarso et al., 2018).

Thailand’s INDC

Thailand has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20-25% by 2030 compared to business-as-usual scenarios (Kingdom of Thailand, 2015). The INDC focuses on transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing forest management practices. Thailand envisions fostering technological innovation through public-private partnerships to support its low-carbon development goals (Chai et al., 2019).

Vietnam’s INDC

Vietnam aims for a reduction of 8% in greenhouse gases by 2030, which could rise to 25% with support from international partners (Government of Vietnam, 2015). Vietnam’s strategies heavily emphasize improving energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy utilization, showcasing a strong inclination toward technological support to foster climate-resilient development (Vu & Simms, 2018).

Considering their commitments, each country demonstrates a tailored approach that reflects its unique challenges and capabilities in combating climate change. However, the effectiveness of these INDCs hinges on adequate implementation and sustained political commitment. Factors such as economic growth patterns, political stability, and public awareness of climate change will influence each country’s ability to achieve its targets (Khan et al., 2020).

Conclusion

The COP21 agreement marks a significant step toward, addressing climate change at a global level and establishing binding commitments for key nations. The limit on temperature increase to below 2°C underscores the urgency of collective action to avoid catastrophic climate impacts. The INDCs from Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam reveal varying degrees of commitment and strategy, but their ultimate effectiveness will depend on robust implementation frameworks and international cooperation. Moving forward, addressing the pressing climate crisis demands enhanced collaboration among nations, innovative strategies, and unwavering dedication to achieving the goals set in Paris.

References

• Adger, W. N., Benjaminsen, T. A., Brown, K., & Tompkins, E. L. (2003). Climate change, human security and adaptive capacity. International Relations, 19(1), 1-22.
• Chai, Y., Phong, V. D., & Myo, K. (2019). A review of the commitment to progress in climate change governance in Southeast Asia: A case study of Thailand. Environmental Science & Policy, 95, 193-203.
• Government of Vietnam. (2015). Intended Nationally Determined Contribution of Vietnam. Hanoi: Government of Vietnam.
• Haines, A., Kovats, R. S., Campbell-Lendrum, D., & Corvalan, C. (2006). Climate change and human health: Impacts, vulnerability and public health. Public Health, 120(7), 585-596.
• Höhne, N., den Elzen, M., & Escalante, D. (2017). The role of the Paris Agreement in addressing climate change: Assessing its impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Climate Policy, 17(2), 149-158.
• IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). (2014). Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Cambridge University Press.
• Khan, M. T., Nizamani, H. A., & Ali, A. (2020). Factors influencing the implementation of climate change policies in developing countries: A case study of Pakistan. Climate Policy, 20(8), 1063-1074.
• Mastrorillo, M., et al. (2016). Pathways to a 2°C world: How decarbonization may be achieved. Climate Change, 136(2), 451-465.
• Murdiyarso, D., et al. (2018). Mitigating climate change through sustainable forestry in Indonesia. Climate Policy, 18(3), 248-261.
• Republic of Indonesia. (2015). Indonesia’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions. Jakarta: Republic of Indonesia.