Climate change is one of the main topics covered in GCSE Geography. This is one of four quizzes on that subject and it looks specifically at the international responses to climate change, such as the Kyoto Protocol.
Since the end of the 20th Century the world's nations have been attempting to formulate effective responses to the threat of global climate change. In 2007 the United Nations Bali Climate Change Conference was attended by representatives from 180 countries - this was the next step after the Kyoto Protocol of 1997.
The European nations suggested that by 2050 emissions of harmful gases and all greenhouse gases should be halved. However, the United States of America, Japan, Canada, Australia and Russia objected, meaning the wording is now ‘deep cuts in global emissions’ rather than 'emissions should be halved'.
In addition to cutting the emission of greenhouse gases, the conference included a road map looking at deforestation and forest management. This is about technologies that can assist developing countries and financial assistance that developing nations can take advantage of to help prevent their development leading to an increase in global emissions.
The World Meteorological Society is working to bring together the science, data and policy makers to ensure that data is interpreted and delivered in a timely manner. They are also working to improve the tools used in responses to disasters and to make people on the ground better informed of future and present situations.
Beyond governmental policy changes and treaties such as the Kyoto Protocol, hard and soft engineering solutions are being put in place for sea level rises and for predicted extreme weather events. One of the largest and most famous is the Thames Barrier. Sea walls, reinforcing coastal defences and moving transport such as road and rail away from the immediate coast is also helping protect the vulnerable parts of out settlements and infrastructure.