Figure 1. More than one million species are at risk of extinction by climate change. Source: Unsplash.
In recent years, the drastic changes in climate have had a decisive effect on all states and nations. Rapid population growth has led to high levels of industrialisation, whereas the extensive re-organisation of the economy has created a social world whose sole purpose is the manufacturing of goods; an additional factor to the increased emission of greenhouse gases. The dire circumstances of the harmful human practices have, over the years, proven to be a major setback to sustainable development in today’s world.
Despite the fact that a great number of laws and statutes in favour of environmental protection have been passed across the world by political regimes, the practical implementation of these regulations has been a very challenging issue to deal with, mainly due to poor funding and lack of skilled personnel. Most industrial corporations emit harmful gases and gaseous substances such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), Carbon dioxide (Co2), Nitrogen oxides (No2), Sulfur Dioxide (So2), lead, etc. All these are toxic substances which when released into the environment, tend to alter atmospheric conditions, and have catastrophic ramifications for both the natural habitat and our health. Many gaseous pollutants also inhibit plant growth and development, affecting agriculture in several ways and causing major complications to food production.
Figure 2. Since last May, the Netherlands have incorporated new Environmental regulations. Source: Unsplash.
The most prominent international environmental laws to consider are the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the Geneva Protocol of 1984, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP Convention), and many more.
These laws are briefly enunciated below:
The UNFCCC is the primary convention that strives to regulate global climate change. The objective of this convention is the stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. The convention also encourages scientific research among states, promotes environmental education and encourages public awareness as a means of developing capacity building in the field of climate change. The convention has been negotiated and signed by over 154 states and as of now has near-universal membership with over 197 countries such as Algeria, Argentina, Canada, France, and India ratifying the convention. In essence, this treaty bounds member states to act in the interests of human safety even in the face of scientific uncertainty.
The LRTAP Convention, which came into force in 1979, strives towards minimising the incidence(s) of atmospheric pollution at an international level. The treaty was originally negotiated among the European states, but the United States of America (USA) and Canada subsequently ratified it. It essentially aimed at protecting human beings and the environment against air pollution by gradually reducing and preventing air pollution, including long range trans boundary air pollution. This convention has been highly implemented by member states and constitutes a successful example of what can be achieved through intergovernmental cooperation.
Figure 3. Melting ice in the Artic speeds up climate change. Source: Unsplash.
The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer is geared towards addressing the issues of ozone layer depletion. As of January 2018, this convention has been ratified by over 116 states including China, Brazil and Denmark. It establishes a general obligation upon states to protect the ozone layer in order to ensure the safety of the environment and one’s health against the dire effects of human activity.
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international agreement that was initiated in 1987. It has been ratified by 197 states, South Sudan being the last to ratify. It introduces new approaches for regulatory measures and recommends the adoption and implementation of innovative financial mechanisms and novel institutional arrangements. With reference to Article 2 of this protocol, it imposes legal obligations on member states with regards to the reduction of calculated levels of consumption and production of certain controlled ozone depleting substances. The Montreal protocol is also expected to have effects on human health. A 2015 report by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the protection of the ozone layer under the treaty will prevent over 280 million cases of skin cancer, 1.5 million skin cancer deaths and 45 million contracts in the United States alone.
Figure 4. After an immense manufacturing process at Unilever last September, an increased amount of carbon dioxide emissions was noticed. Source: Unsplash.
Climate change adaptation and mitigation measures require radical changes, which may presuppose more financial commitment and infrastructural development. It is of vital importance that legislators can follow these standards set out by various international conventions and integrate them into the laws of the state. It is of course needless to say that both individuals and industrial companies have to act responsibly and engage in conscious actions and activities with the aim of limiting the amount of harm on the environment. In regard to large corporations, the most common way for them to limit their impact on the environment is by enforcing environmental discharge standards, such as ambient air quality standards and water quality standards all geared towards promoting a healthy environment. Industries are also required to install best practicable technology which will enable and promote a more habitable environment to live in.
One can deduce the fact that industrialisation plays a vital role in societal development in all ramifications. Although, this comes with a lot of negative effects on one’s health and the environment. We thereby have to comply with the set-out regulations by the government and also adduce standards by more advanced and developed states. Reference can be made to the United States. The basic essence of promoting a more habitable environment was fostered when US President Joe Biden recently signed the Paris Agreement into law again, thereby making the United States a party with a primary goal to build resilience with regards to climate change. This is a huge step towards mitigating the issues arising from climate change and other environmental issues. Other states and nations can follow in adopting these international regulations and addressing environmental issues.
A better habitable environment is everyone’s responsibility.
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