Paris Agreement (2015)
A 2015 global treaty where nations commit to limiting global temperature rise to below 2°C, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C.
1.5 degree threshold
The critical limit of global warming above pre-industrial levels, beyond which severe climate impacts are expected.
Used as a nominal target in the drafting of global treaties and international agreements, in which countries pledge to work together towards exceeding this.
Net zero
A politicized term relating to temporal targets and timeframes.
Achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere.
Also referred to as carbon neutrality.
Carbon neutral
Achieving net zero carbon emissions, often through a combination of reducing emissions and carbon offsetting.
Carbon Sequestration
The process of capturing and storing atmospheric CO2 in plants, soils, oceans, or geological formations.
The Great Global Warming Swindle
A controversial documentary (2007 - the year after and Inconvenient Truth) that argues against the scientific consensus on climate change.
Climate change skeptic
An expert in ignoring overwhelming evidence!
Treaty
A formal, legally binding agreement between countries, often ratified by governments, that establishes obligations under international law.
Climate treaties are typically anthropocentric (reducing carbon emissions to prevent human suffering and economic losses)
UNEP
United Nations Environment Program
Founded in 1972.
Coordinates environmental activities and assists developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies and practices.
IPCC
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (sponsored by UNEP)
Established in 1988.
Provides scientific assessments on climate change to guide policy decisions and international climate negotiations.
IPCC Reports
Comprehensive assessments of climate science, impacts, and mitigation strategies, released periodically (6-7 years) to inform global policy and action on climate change.
UNFCCC
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Founded in 1992 (at Rio Earth Summit).
An international environmental treaty aimed at stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations to prevent dangerous climate change.
Underpins the Paris Agreement (provides the legislative framework for implementation)
Rio Earth Summit
A landmark global conference in Rio de Janeiro (1992) that led to major international environmental agreements, including the UNFCCC.
Kyoto Protocol
Established in 1997. Entered into force in 2005. Superseded by Paris Agreement in 2015
An international treaty extending the UNFCCC, which committed developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Criticisms of the Kyoto Protocol
Exclusion of developing nations from binding targets,
Limited impact on global emissions,
Failure of some signatory nations to meet their targets.
Criticisms of the Paris Agreement
Non-binding national targets,
Reliance on voluntary commitments,
Inadequate funding for developing countries to meet climate goals.
Why is the Paris Agreement superior to the Kyoto Protocol?
Universality (applies to all countries),
more flexible and inclusive, with an emphasis on regular reviews and increased ambition over time.
Australia’s self-determined target under the Paris Agreement
Until 2025, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43% below 2005 levels by 2030
In Sep 2025, to reduce GHG emissions by 62-70% by 2035
To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
COP Forum
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the supreme decision-making body of the UNFCCC, where member countries convene annually to review progress and negotiate climate actions.
Distinguish between signing and ratifying a climate agreement.
Signing: A country expresses initial support for an agreement.
Ratifying: A country formally consents to be legally bound by the agreement after domestic approval.
America’s involvement with the Paris Agreement
The U.S. signed the Paris Agreement in 2016, withdrew in 2020 under Trump (economic concerns), and rejoined in 2021 under Biden.
In 2025 (Trump’s second administration) they withdrew again
School Strike for Climate
A global protest campaign launched by 14 year old Greta Thunberg in 2018.
Mitigation Strategies
Actions aimed at reducing or preventing the emission of greenhouse gases to slow down global warming.
Examples include switching to renewable energy and improving energy efficiency.
Adaptation Strategies
Adjustments in natural or human systems to minimize the harm caused by climate change impacts.
Examples include building sea walls and developing drought-resistant crops.
-
1.1 Environmental Value Systems32
-
1.2 Systems and Models18
-
1.3 Energy and Equilibria15
-
1.4 Sustainability12
-
2.1 Species and Populations44
-
2.3 Flows of Energy and Matter46
-
2.2 Communities and Ecosystems18
-
2.4 Biomes, Zonation and Succession54
-
2.5 Investigating Ecosystems53
-
3.1 Introduction to Biodiversity13
-
3.2 Origins of Biodiversity27
-
3.3 Threats to Biodiversity16
-
3.4 Conservation of Biodiversity43
-
4.1 Introduction to Water Systems21
-
4.2 Access to Freshwater46
-
4.3 Aquatic Food Production Systems36
-
4.4 Water Pollution59
-
5.1 Introduction to Soil Systems34
-
5.2 Terrestrial Food Production Systems70
-
5.3 Soil Degradation and Conservation25
-
6.1 Introduction to Atmospheric Systems16
-
6.2 Stratospheric Ozone16
-
6.3 Photochemical Smog18
-
6.4 Acid Deposition22
-
7.1 Energy Choices and Energy Security28
-
7.2 Climate Change - Causes and Impacts40
-
7.3 Climate Change - Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies40
-
8.1 Human Population Dynamics48
-
8.2 Resource Use in Society11
-
8.3 Solid Domestic Waste27
-
8.4 Human Systems and Resource Use14
