Activity One - Describe - The mismatch

Before we begin to look at the geopolitics which focus on trying to mitigate against climate change, we need to look at those that have caused the issue and those who are suffering the most. This should build on the concept of last lesson - vulnerability. 

1. Write down the top 10 emitters of CO2. 

2. Write down the 10 key ares that seem to be the most at risk. Use the map of the right but click on the link to see the information more clearly.

3. We know that climate change is a wicked problem but what do these two lists highlight? Why is the geopolitics that surround climate change a tricky issue to solve?

Resources

Carbon Brief - Analysis: Which countries are historically responsible for climate change? - Question 3

Activity Two - Negotiations Timeline

Before we look at what is happening today in terms of global agreements to mitigate climate change it is important to see where we have come from. We are not going to focus on everything but four key moments that created change. For the following four key meetings out line why they were important: Do consider the movement from top-down approaches to bottom-up ones. 

• Rio 1992 - The Earth Summit

• Kyoto 1997

• Paris 2015

• First Global Stocktake 2023

Useful Resources

Activity Three - National Mitigation - Jigsaw

It is good to have a global stance on climate change but we all know that if we don't have more local 'buy in' nothing will really change.

• • 1. Draw a table with four columns. At the top of the columns at the country/region names - EU, Australia, China, Morocco. 

    2. For the EU, Australia, China and Morocco describe the national mitigation policies to reduce Greenhouse Gases (GHG). You will then be chosen at random to describe the areas approach, success or failures on their climate change progress. 

• • 2. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • What is the rating?

                      • Describe the policy

                      • Highlight the 2035 target

Useful Resources

Climate Action Tracker - interactive map

Climate Action Tracker pdf - scroll to the bottom for individual countries 

Activity Four - Detailed Example USA

We can't really focus on the geopolitics without addressing the USA. Having such an economically powerful and politically influencing country withdraw from discussions potentially sets back the progress that has been made.  Remember the USA withdrew in 2017 (effective 2020),rejoined in January 2021 and then withdrew again via Executive Order 14162 in January 2025 (effective January 2026). 

1. The Paris Agreement is legally binding on process but not on targets. Using the USA as an example, explain why it was designed that way and what that design costs it. 

Useful Reources