he Law of Climate and Sustanibility Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is climate change law? Climate change law refers to the legal framework addressing the causes and consequences of climate change
including greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation measures.
Which international treaty forms the foundation of global climate change efforts? The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
adopted in 1992.
What is the Paris Agreement? The Paris Agreement (2015) is an international treaty aiming to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C
with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C
What is the principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’ under the UNFCCC? It recognizes that while all countries must address climate change
developed countries have a greater responsibility due to their historical contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the role of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)? The IPCC is an international body that assesses scientific information on climate change
providing policymakers with objective reports on its causes
What are carbon credits or carbon trading? Carbon credits are tradable permits allowing the holder to emit a certain amount of CO2. They are part of market-based mechanisms to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS)? The EU ETS is a cap-and-trade system that sets a cap on the total emissions from specific sectors (e.g.
energy
What are the main principles of environmental law? Precautionary principle
polluter pays principle
What is the precautionary principle in environmental law? The precautionary principle asserts that if an activity or policy may cause harm to the environment or human health
lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason to postpone action.
What does the ‘polluter pays’ principle entail? It holds that the costs of environmental damage should be borne by those responsible for causing the pollution.
What is the concept of sustainable development in law? Sustainable development involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It integrates economic
social
What is the role of national environmental laws in addressing climate change? National environmental laws regulate emissions
promote renewable energy
What are climate adaptation and mitigation? Mitigation refers to efforts to reduce or prevent climate change by limiting greenhouse gas emissions
while adaptation refers to making adjustments to social
What is the UK’s Climate Change Act 2008? The Climate Change Act 2008 legally commits the UK to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050
relative to 1990 levels
What is a carbon budget in climate change law? A carbon budget is a limit on the total amount of carbon dioxide that can be emitted over a specific period (usually five years)
ensuring that emissions stay within levels that contribute to the UK’s climate goals.
What is the role of international environmental law in sustainability? International environmental law provides global standards and agreements that aim to manage shared natural resources
mitigate climate change
What are some major international treaties focused on biodiversity and sustainability? Key treaties include the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
What is the role of the Green Climate Fund? The Green Climate Fund (GCF) provides financial assistance to developing countries to help them mitigate and adapt to climate change
supporting low-carbon and climate-resilient development.
What is environmental justice? Environmental justice involves ensuring that vulnerable communities
often disproportionately impacted by environmental harm (e.g.
What are the sustainable development goals (SDGs)? The SDGs
adopted by the United Nations in 2015
