UNFCCC Flashcards
(15 cards)
What does UNFCCC stand for?
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
An international environmental treaty negotiated at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.
What is the role of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)?
UN body set up as an internationally accepted authority on climate change
The IPCC provides comprehensive assessments of climate change science.
Define sustainability.
The capacity to endure
Sustainability is a key concept in environmentalism and development.
What significant event in environmentalism occurred in the 1960s?
The publication of Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring
This book documented the harm caused by pesticides and sparked the modern environmental movement.
What was the focus of the Brundtland Commission Report, Our Common Future?
Linking economic growth and poverty reduction to environmental protection
The report introduced the idea of sustainable development in 1987.
What concepts did the Brundtland Commission Report emphasize?
- Fairness between generations
- Fairness between developed and developing countries
The report advocated for resource availability for future generations and equitable resource use.
What was the outcome of the Montreal Protocol in 1987?
Banned the production of CFCs
The Montreal Protocol aimed to protect the ozone layer and is considered a success in international cooperation.
What is the consensus percentage on human-caused climate change in peer-reviewed scientific literature?
Greater than 99%
This consensus highlights the strong scientific agreement regarding the impact of human activities on climate.
By how much has atmospheric CO2 risen since the mid-18th Century?
By 50%
The current level is over 420 parts per million, compared to 280 ppm in pre-industrial times.
What was the increase in global temperatures since the mid-18th Century?
1.1 degrees Celsius
This increase correlates with rising atmospheric CO2 levels.
What significant temperature milestone was reached in 2024?
Global temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels
This milestone raises concerns regarding climate change impacts.
When was the UNFCCC agreed upon?
At the Rio Earth Summit of 1992
The UNFCCC is a key framework for international climate agreements.
How many states are parties to the UNFCCC?
197 states, including all UN member states
These parties commit to working towards international climate agreements.
What is the main focus of the UNFCCC?
Limiting global average temperature rises
The convention sets the groundwork for future climate action and agreements.
Who manages the UNFCCC?
The UN Secretariat
The Secretariat oversees the implementation of the UNFCCC and its commitments.
