The Role of Renewable Energies in Sustainable Development

Question 1
The harsh realization that the currently existing worldwide acts cannot guarantee the reduction of
global warming to below 2 degree Celsius by the twenty first century posed a heightened
attention among the participants of the COP21 conference. The results of COP21 laid a new
foundation through combining equity and capabilities to the Common but Differentiated
Responsibilities (CBDR) which acknowledges that the development of the human race must be
combined with shared goals in the reduction of environmental degradation. In the COP21, a new
target for the global warming temperature threshold was established at 1.5 degree Celsius which
members must observe. The conference arrived at an ultimate agreement which clearly states
what is to be done to keep the harmful effects of global warming under close scrutiny.
Throughout the history of humanity, there have been several instances of random and
serious threats to the sustainability of the environment. This and recent developments have been
the cause of increased cooperation among global nations in the war against climate change
maintain our planet as a habitable place (Roberts, 2016). However, global change in climate is
not a one-time event that can be stopped overnight and has made some countries reluctant to join
the fight against this problem. If the current rate of green-house gas emissions is maintained,
global temperature will increase to an average of not less than 2 degree Celsius by the beginning
of the twenty second century (Roberts, 2016). Some regions for example South Africa could
experience temperature increase as high as 4 degree Celsius including very hot summers ().
Small islands would face increased rates of being submerged due to rising sea levels (Hoad,
2016).
From the latter half of the 20th century, change in climate has resulted in the depletion of
the ozone layer and loss of biodiversity increasing global awareness about the adverse effects
this will have on the environment. The Kyoto protocol established in 1997 and to which 84
members were originally signatory was aimed at reducing green-house gas emissions across the
globe. It was based on the essence of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities. The CBDR
dictates that all member states are responsible for observing conservation of the environment but
they have varying responsibilities concerning the same. Furthermore CBDR lays blame of the
prevalent climate woes on the developed nations including the responsibility to fix these
problems. Despite its clearly established role in environmental conservation, the Kyoto protocol
has not been very successful (Hoad, 2016). This is mainly due to the fact that each signatory
member has been developing their own methods around their own political, social and economic
situations. The effect of this has been that often, the developed and developing nations find
themselves on opposing sides whenever there is a meeting to address climate change.
After the beginning of this decade, many countries felt that it was necessary to initiate
new ways of sustainable development and a fairer sharing of the burden of environmental
conservation. These concerns were raised in 2015 during the COP21 convention in Paris. During
the meeting, more than three concerns were raised. These include:
a) Ways of creating a sustainable environment to build a world without hunger and poverty
b) Total cooperation and immediate action

c) To make COP21 a turning point in the worldwide conversion to sustainable economy and
outline its benefits
COP21 established multiple statements aimed at dealing with environmental issues in
both the developed and developing nations. It made stronger the emerging ways of Equity and
CBDR and laid down a theoretical foundation to overcome the seemingly unsuccessful CBDR.
The outcomes of COP21 affect the way developed and developing nations understand global
issues affecting the environment.
Question 2
The COP21 convention is considered historic with the signing of the Paris agreement.
Initially, pressure mounted regarding the outcomes of COP21 but now being optimistic is not
misguided (Roberts, 2016). The signatory parties to the convention have realized a target of 1.5
degree rise in global warming by the twenty second century is not that far-fetched. However,
great commitment and effort is necessary if the set target is to be achieved. Member nations are
aware that the reduction of greenhouse emissions alone cannot attain even the 2 degree Celsius
target.
In matters related to finance, there was an agreement among parties that developed
countries would raise 100 billion USD every year in order to boost the practical application and
adoption of the convention principles in the developing countries (Roberts, 2016). This step is
indicative of the need for sufficient funding to make to successfully deal with climate change and
therefore it is necessary to help developing countries by providing them with financial support.
Theoretically, the agreement made in Paris acknowledged that the chase of its goals should be
based on the equity Common but Differentiated Responsibilities principle. Practically, it is meant
to firmly establish and safeguard economic development while at the same time ensuring that
economic activities do not interfere with the environment. Despite the fact CBDR had been
ignored initially, those involved seem to have realized that the principle had been misinterpreted.
This is the likely cause for the establishment of the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution
due to the gradual failure of the Kyoto protocol to meet its objectives. However, the parties
appear to have realized that INDC is not enough and additional methods must be sought.
In addition to the main outcomes of the COP21 convention, it also recognizes the parties’
efforts in the adoption of the agreements. A mechanism was established to facilitate the
management of risk by setting up an information system. The convention advocates for the
strengthening of research in technology, science and engineering in order enable developing
countries to adequately deal with unexpected or catastrophic climatic events. Furthermore, the
agreement advocates for transparency which is aimed at making institutions stronger and more
responsible. This is inclusive of avoiding data duplication and conflicts among member parties.