EU policy on global climate change

Abstract

Within the last decade or so, climate change has become a hot topic since global warming is likely to affect directly or indirectly all strata of society. Furthermore, the consequences linked to climate change are drastic, at times it is also life-threatening. However, some people argue: Who is responsible for climate change? Well, most scientists believe that climate change is most likely caused by human activity, in particular through the burning of fossil fuels. Moreover, humans have been releasing huge amounts of Greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere ever since the industrial revolution. However, if we want to change the pace in which the planet is warming, we have to cut down on GHG emissions. As a result, Europe has created a number of environmental policies to fight climate change but as can be seen, climate change affects each and every one of us and therefore European Member States have became aware that the environment, especially the affect of climate change is ought to be seen as an international concern. Overall, it has become clear that protection of the environment requires an international approach which goes beyond state sovereignty in order to protect the interests of future generations. Furthermore, it is important to note that European environmental law as well as international environmental law attempt to reach an equilibrium between environmental protection and economic development. In general, the initial chapter will consist of an introduction on the definition of climate change, stating the causes and consequences. Chapter one will also contain some examples of countries which have been affected by climate change. The dissertation also analysis in chapter two whether GHG emissions can be reduced without effecting economic competitiveness. Furthermore, chapter two will also state which countries are the main polluters of GHGs and therefore contributing most to climate change, while at the same time it will also mention a number of alternative energy which can be used to help cut down in GHG emissions. Finally, the third chapter will then shift to a legal analysis to the problem by pointing out the development of European environmental law as well as international environmental law over the past years. Chapter three will also consist of an analysis of the implementation of various environmental policy principles, which can be found in treaties and conventions, such as the following: the Stockholm Convention, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Rio Declaration on the environment and development.