PUB2606
PORTFOLIO: MAY/JUNE 2025
Due date: 16 May 2025 at 13:00
ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
2025
QUESTION 1
Identify and critically discuss the role of international Organisations in
Global
Environmental Governance. Illustrate your answer with practical
examples.
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,PUB2606 PORTFOLIO: MAY/JUNE 2025
ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
Due date: 16 May 2025 at 13:00
QUESTION 1
Identify and critically discuss the role of international Organisations in Global
Environmental Governance. Illustrate your answer with practical examples.
The Role of International Organizations in Global Environmental Governance
The world is facing numerous environmental challenges, such as climate change,
deforestation, and pollution. To address these issues, international organizations
play a crucial role in global environmental governance. These organizations bring
together countries to share knowledge, resources, and expertise to protect the
environment.
What is Global Environmental Governance?
Global environmental governance is the framework that guides international
efforts to protect the environment. It includes laws, policies, and agreements that
help countries work together to solve environmental problems. This system
involves governments, international organizations, businesses, and civil society
groups.
One key aspect is international cooperation, where countries join forces to tackle
issues like climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Organizations such as
the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provide scientific research and policy
recommendations to support global action2.
, Another important element is environmental treaties, such as the Paris
Agreement, which sets goals for reducing carbon emissions. These agreements
ensure that nations commit to sustainable practices.
Despite these efforts, global environmental governance faces challenges like
weak enforcement and conflicting national interests. Strengthening cooperation
and improving policies can help create a more effective system for protecting the
planet.
Role of International Organizations
International organizations are important in protecting the environment because
they help countries work together to solve global problems. They provide
guidelines, support, and scientific data to improve environmental policies.
One major role is setting global agendas. For example, the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) identifies key environmental issues and
encourages countries to act. UNEP launched initiatives like the Global
Environment Outlook Report, which helps governments plan better policies
(UNEP, 2020). These organizations create awareness and push nations to take
responsibility.
Another critical role is facilitating international cooperation. The United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) brings countries together to
discuss climate change solutions. The Paris Agreement, a global treaty to reduce
carbon emissions, was signed under UNFCCC’s guidance (UNFCCC, 2020). This
cooperation ensures countries share ideas and resources to fight climate change.
International organizations also provide technical assistance. The World Wildlife
Fund (WWF) helps nations develop conservation projects, protect forests, and
manage wildlife effectively. WWF runs programs that help local communities use
sustainable farming practices, reducing environmental harm (WWF, 2020). This
guidance helps countries follow environmental agreements correctly.
Lastly, these organizations monitor and report environmental changes. The
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) researches climate change and