International Climate Treaties and Global Energy Dynamics

The Kyoto Protocol: Reducing Greenhouse Gases

The Kyoto Protocol (KP) is a UN international treaty committing State Parties to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (primarily CO2) to combat global warming. It was adopted in Kyoto, Japan, in 1997.

Specific Goals and Challenges

• Initial Goal (2005–2012): To reduce the collective emission of greenhouse gases to a limit compared to 1990 levels.
• Extension (2012): The KP was technically extended until 2020, but its impact was limited to only 15% of global CO2 emissions.

Reasons for Limited Participation

This limitation was due to the lack of participation from many industrialized and emerging countries, including:

• USA
• Canada
• Japan
• Russia
• Belarus
• Ukraine
• New Zealand
• China
• India
• Brazil

The Paris Agreement (Post-Kyoto Framework)

In 2015, new negotiations were held in Paris to agree on a post-Kyoto legal framework that would obligate all major polluters to reduce GHG emissions. The primary goal was to keep the rise in global temperature below 2°C.

A global agreement was finally reached, and countries committed to reviewing their contributions every five years, starting in 2020. The USA withdrew from the agreement in 2017 (under the Trump administration).

Global Energy Challenges

Addressing global energy issues requires comprehensive strategies focusing on sustainability and efficiency.

Key Energy Problems

• Unequal distribution of energy sources.
• Constant rise in energy consumption.
• Environmental problems resulting from energy production.
• Supremacy of non-renewable energy sources.

Solutions to Energy Problems

• Implementation of effective environmental policies.
• Promotion of energy-saving policies and efficiency measures.

Classification of Global Industrial Regions

Historical Industrial Regions

These regions are characterized by established industrial bases and high economic power. Example: Japan.

• Most important global players.
• Advanced technology and innovation.
• High spending power.
• Location of corporate headquarters.

Emerging Countries

These nations are rapidly industrializing and integrating into the global economy.

• Often grouped as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).
• Leverage natural resources and globalization.
• Benefit from cheap labor forces.
• Focus on export and attracting foreign investment.

Least Industrialized Areas

These areas face significant barriers to industrial development.

• Example: Africa.
• Challenges include lack of capital and limited industrial development.
• Often characterized by resource extraction rather than manufacturing.
• Limited access to global markets and economic isolation.

Analysis of Global Energy Consumption Trends

Historical Energy Mix

• 1900: Energy consumption dominated by coal and biomass (wood).
• Post-1950: Coal, natural gas, and oil began to grow significantly.
• Current Usage: Non-renewable sources (coal, gas, oil) currently account for 75%–80% of total energy usage.

Shift Towards Renewables

Alternative (renewable) energies started being utilized significantly from the 1970s, primarily spurred by the 1973 oil crisis.

Forecast Until 2050

It is forecasted that alternative energies will grow in importance, while the reliance on non-renewable sources will decrease.

Deforestation: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions

Definition and Scale

Deforestation involves the large-scale exploitation of forests. By 1950, approximately one-third of Earth's forests had been lost.

Major Consequences

• Destruction of habitats, leading to loss of biodiversity.
• Wild animals migrating to urban areas.
• Exacerbation of the greenhouse effect.
• Soil erosion.

Solutions to Combat Deforestation

• Education: Encouraging the population to care for local forests.
• Sustainable Practices: Promoting recycling and reuse.
• Policy Implementation: Establishing policies to regulate tree felling and ensure sustainable harvesting.
• Reforestation: Implementing large-scale replanting programs.