Exercises: International Environmental Agreements

What environmental problem does the Montreal Protocol address, and which type of chemicals does it phase out?

What does CITES regulate? Give one example of a species or product it affects.

State the main goal of the Paris Climate Accord and the greenhouse gas that is the largest contributor to climate change.

The Kyoto Protocol set binding emission targets for developed countries but not for developing ones. Explain the reasoning behind this difference and give one criticism of it.

Under the Paris Accord, each country submits its own emission-reduction pledge, called a nationally determined contribution. Explain one advantage and one weakness of letting countries set their own goals.

Elephant ivory was heavily traded before CITES listed African elephants under strict protection. Explain how a trade ban can help protect a species, and why enforcement can still be difficult.

The Montreal Protocol is often called one of the most successful environmental treaties.

(a) Explain how chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) damage the stratospheric ozone layer and why this increases harm to living things.

(b) Give two reasons the treaty succeeded, such as available substitutes and clear schedules.

(c) Explain why this success may be harder to repeat for greenhouse gases, referring to the role of fossil fuels in the global economy.

Compare the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Climate Accord using these criteria: who must reduce emissions, whether targets are binding, and how participation is encouraged.

(a) Summarize each agreement in a short table.

(b) Evaluate which design is more likely to keep many countries involved, and which is more likely to cut emissions quickly.

(c) Argue whether a strong treaty with fewer countries or a weaker treaty with many countries would do more to slow climate change.