PUB2606
MAY/JUNE PORTFOLIO 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 16 MAY 2025
, QUESTION 1 [50 MARKS]
The Role of International Organisations in Global Environmental Governance
International organisations are key actors in Global Environmental Governance (GEG),
contributing significantly to shaping global responses to environmental challenges. They
help coordinate international cooperation, create environmental standards, guide policy
development, and monitor compliance. Their participation is vital in addressing
environmental problems that transcend national boundaries, including climate change,
biodiversity degradation, and pollution.
1. Norm-Setting and Policy Development
One of the primary contributions of international organisations is the development of
global norms and legal frameworks that guide environmental action worldwide:
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP):
UNEP serves as the primary body within the UN system responsible for
environmental matters. It has played a crucial role in initiating and supporting
global environmental agreements such as the Montreal Protocol, which
addresses ozone layer depletion, and the Paris Agreement, aimed at curbing
greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC):
The UNFCCC organises the Conference of the Parties (COP), where key
international climate negotiations take place. For example, COP21 led to the
adoption of the Paris Agreement, which commits countries to take steps to keep
global temperature rise well below 2°C.
2. Capacity Building and Technical Assistance
Many international organisations provide critical support to developing nations through
funding, training, and institutional development.
MAY/JUNE PORTFOLIO 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 16 MAY 2025
, QUESTION 1 [50 MARKS]
The Role of International Organisations in Global Environmental Governance
International organisations are key actors in Global Environmental Governance (GEG),
contributing significantly to shaping global responses to environmental challenges. They
help coordinate international cooperation, create environmental standards, guide policy
development, and monitor compliance. Their participation is vital in addressing
environmental problems that transcend national boundaries, including climate change,
biodiversity degradation, and pollution.
1. Norm-Setting and Policy Development
One of the primary contributions of international organisations is the development of
global norms and legal frameworks that guide environmental action worldwide:
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP):
UNEP serves as the primary body within the UN system responsible for
environmental matters. It has played a crucial role in initiating and supporting
global environmental agreements such as the Montreal Protocol, which
addresses ozone layer depletion, and the Paris Agreement, aimed at curbing
greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC):
The UNFCCC organises the Conference of the Parties (COP), where key
international climate negotiations take place. For example, COP21 led to the
adoption of the Paris Agreement, which commits countries to take steps to keep
global temperature rise well below 2°C.
2. Capacity Building and Technical Assistance
Many international organisations provide critical support to developing nations through
funding, training, and institutional development.
