29.4.1 Obstacles to international cooperation and agreement

1. Sovereignty

Definition and Importance:

• State Sovereignty: Sovereignty is the principle that states have ultimate authority within their own territories and are not subject to external interference. This principle is foundational to the international system and is enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
• Importance: Sovereignty allows states to govern themselves according to their own laws, values, and interests. It is a cornerstone of international relations and is often invoked by states to protect their autonomy in the face of international pressures.

Sovereignty as an Obstacle:

• Reluctance to Cede Power: States are often unwilling to cede sovereignty to international organizations or agreements, particularly when these may constrain their domestic policies or require them to conform to international standards that conflict with national interests.

• Non-Interference Principle: The principle of non-interference in domestic affairs is frequently cited by states to reject international involvement in issues they consider to be internal matters, including human rights and environmental policies.

• Variation in National Interests: Sovereignty means that states prioritize their national interests, which often differ significantly from those of other states, making it difficult to reach agreements that satisfy all parties.

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2. Disagreement Over Responsibility

Allocation of Responsibility:

• Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR): This principle, often invoked in environmental agreements, acknowledges that while all states are responsible for addressing global issues like climate change, their responsibilities differ based on their historical contributions and current capabilities.

Disagreement as an Obstacle:

• Developed vs. Developing Countries: A major obstacle in international negotiations is the disagreement between developed and developing countries over who should bear the greater responsibility for global issues. Developing countries often argue that they should not be held to the same standards as developed countries because they are still in the process of economic growth and industrialization.

• Historical Emissions: Developed countries have historically contributed more to global pollution and climate change, leading to calls for them to take on more responsibility. However, many developed countries are reluctant to accept this burden alone, especially as developing countries become major polluters.

• Equity and Justice: Disagreements over responsibility also stem from differing views on what is fair and just. Developing countries argue for more support and flexibility, while developed countries often emphasize the need for all countries to contribute to global solutions.

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3. Measurement and Verification Challenges

Importance of Measurement:

• Monitoring and Reporting: Effective international agreements require robust systems for monitoring, reporting, and verifying that states are meeting their commitments. Accurate measurement is essential for accountability and ensuring that the objectives of agreements are being met.

Challenges as Obstacles:

• Technical Difficulties: Accurately measuring emissions, pollution levels, or other environmental indicators is technically challenging. Differences in data collection methods, technological capabilities, and resources among states can lead to inconsistencies and disputes over the accuracy of reported data.

• Verification and Compliance: Ensuring compliance with international agreements is difficult without a clear and agreed-upon system for verification. States may be reluctant to allow international oversight or to disclose full data, fearing it could be used against them politically or economically.

• Political Resistance: Some states may resist efforts to standardize measurement and verification processes, viewing them as infringements on sovereignty or as disproportionately benefiting certain countries.

• Varying Capabilities: Developing countries often have less capacity to measure and report on environmental or human rights issues, leading to gaps in data and challenges in ensuring that all countries are held to the same standards.

Differences in Opinion: Developed and Developing States

• Developed states did not have to consider protecting the environment when they were industrialising and did so without any environmental.

• Environmental restrictions may impact on the speed and success of developing states progress.

• Developing states have large amounts of the population in poverty, being able to industrialise helps to reduce poverty as it provides jobs and energy. For developing states, the switch to anything other than carbon energy is unaffordable and not feasible.

• Developed states caused the impact of pollution and climate change during the Industrial Revolution and therefore are the ones to blame for the historical damage rather than pointing the finger at developing states who are simply doing the same as developed ones did. Developing states should, however, play a significant role in tackling climate change:

• Emissions in developed states are stable whilst those in developing states are rapidly increasing

• Scientists estimate that if India's economic growth continues at a rate of 8.5% per year, its emissions will soon reach 1/5th of the global total world emissions that scientists believe we can cope with before exceeding a harmful 2°C temperature rise.

• It is the poorest states that are most vulnerable to climate change through natural disasters or food production difficulties

• Large population growth in LIC's makes the challenge more pressing as more resources are being used. However, in recent years LIC's are beginning to accept the need to tackle climate change head-on with the largest developing countries responsible for global emissions (Brazil, India and the African Union) making commitments;

• India signed and ratified the Paris Agreement 2016 which promised to generate 40% of energy from non-fossil fuels by 2030 although it was clear help was required from the international It estimated that the cost of meeting its commitments to reduce climate change would be over US $2.9 trillion, and with India's population predicted to grow from 1.2 to 1.5 billion by 2030 making its future energy needs very high.

• Brazil has signed and ratified the Paris Agreement making it the third largest country responsible for climate change to ratify the climate deal. They aim to increase renewable energy sources to 45% of all energy consumption by 2030.

• The African Union have been supportive of most recent climate change agreements and as of In 2021 90% of African Union states have ratified the Paris Agreement.

• However, the World Bank estimated in 2015 that Africa would need $5-10 billion per year to meet the Paris climate change targets.