Question

List major international environmental laws of the past two decades.

Short answer

Paris Agreement (2015), Kigali Amendment (2016), Escazú Agreement (2018).

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Time Frame

The task specifies focusing on international environmental laws from the past two decades, which means we consider the timeframe from 2003 to 2023.

Identify Sources of International Environmental Laws

International environmental laws are often established through major international agreements, treaties, and protocols developed by global or regional organizations, such as the United Nations, the European Union, or through multi-nation agreements.

Research Key Agreements from 2003-2023

Research and list major international environmental agreements, treaties, or protocols that have been initiated or significantly revised from 2003 to 2023. Consider browsing reputable sources such as environmental policy databases, government websites, and academic articles.

List the Major Laws

Based on the research, compile a list of major international environmental laws from the past two decades. Examples might include the Paris Agreement (2015), the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol (2016), and the Escazú Agreement (2018).

Key concepts

Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement is a significant international treaty that was adopted in December 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This landmark agreement aims to combat climate change and intensify actions and investments needed for a sustainable low carbon future.

One of the core objectives of the Paris Agreement is to limit the global temperature rise this century to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further, to 1.5 degrees Celsius. To achieve these goals, each country sets its own greenhouse gas reduction targets, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

• The agreement emphasizes the importance of global cooperation and support for developing countries.
• It introduced a system of transparency and accountability by requiring countries to report on their emissions and implementation efforts.
• The Paris Agreement has been ratified by 196 countries, making it a universally agreed framework for climate action.

Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol

The Kigali Amendment is a significant amendment to the Montreal Protocol, agreed upon in October 2016. This amendment targets the reduction of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases used mainly in refrigeration and air conditioning.

Although HFCs don't deplete the ozone layer, they have a high global warming potential. By phasing down HFCs, the Kigali Amendment contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and helps mitigate climate change.

• More than 100 countries have committed to reducing HFC usage, aiming to cut it by more than 80% by 2047.
• This can prevent up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of global warming by the end of this century.
• The amendment has a timeline of phase-out steps with different levels of responsibilities for developed and developing nations.

The Kigali Amendment not only reinforces climate action but also supports innovation in developing environmentally friendly alternatives to HFCs.

Escazú Agreement

The Escazú Agreement, formally known as the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation, and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean, was adopted in March 2018. This pioneering regional treaty aims to protect environmental defenders and ensure public access to environmental information.

The agreement emphasizes the rights of citizens to have access to environmental information, participate in decision-making processes, and seek justice on environmental issues. By promoting transparency and inclusivity, it empowers communities to have a voice in environmental governance.

• The Escazú Agreement is the first treaty in the world to include provisions regarding human rights defenders in environmental matters.
• This agreement affirms each signatory's commitment to advancing sustainable development and environmental protection.
• It represents a key tool for addressing environmental inequalities and strengthening environmental governance in Latin America and the Caribbean.