Effects+of+Pollution

In terms of decades, one of the most recent and ambitious and serious developments in global environmental policy was the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol expands on the Framework Convention on Climate Change in terms of dealing with greenhouse gases, and adds stricter guidelines and legal bindings. The Kyoto Protocol’s language was accepted on December 11, 1997, though additions to its language were made at later dates. The Kyoto Protocol came into force February 15, 2005. Since 1997, and as of July 12, 2005, 151 countries have effectively ratified it (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). The Kyoto Protocol has several focuses in combating global environmental damage and furthering sustainable development. Countries that have signed the Kyoto Protocol agree to several stipulations, such as expanding energy efficiency, development and use of renewable energy resources, market incentives for “greenhouse gas emitting sectors” that do not comply with new directives for reducing emissions, and reduction and elimination of greenhouse gases not covered by the Montreal Protocol (UNFCCC). The Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer is a comprehensive agreement to lower harmful emissions and freeze the consumption of harmful materials in developed and developing countries. Originally adopted in 1989, the Montreal Protocol has since had many revisions made to its language, but the core idea of lowered emissions and the phasing out of the use of harmful materials remains (CIESIN). The Montreal Protocol has been ratified by 183 countries as of September, 2002 (United Nations Development Programme). The UNDP has several initiatives underway to promote environmental progress in several focus areas. These initiatives aim to tackle Millennium Development Goals 1 and also 7 in combination where possible. Millennium Development Goals • 1 – Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger • 7 – Ensure environmental sustainability UNDP Initiatives • The UNDP and the World LP Gas Association have partnered up to create The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Rural Energy Challenge. This partnership provides farmers with means to improve their living conditions through a wide range of services (UNDP Factsheets). The idea behind the initiative is that modern energy sources help to mitigate poverty while simultaneously improving air quality, productivity, and a range of other issues. The premise behind this idea is that liquid petroleum gas is a cleaner, in terms of emissions, and more efficient fuel for generating heat. “Gasoline emits 32% more GHG (greenhouse gases) compared to LP Gas; coal emits 43% more, and wood emits 78% more than LP Gas” (UNDP Factsheets). • The Poverty and Environment Initiative (PEI) highlights the UNDP’s merging of strategies for ecological and economical improvements. The PEI is dedicated to creating smart, sustainable growth solutions geared towards poverty reduction while making national policies that focus on these areas take into account environmental concerns (UNDP Factsheets). • The Environmental Governance Initiative (EGI) is a purely policy program. Designed with UNDP member countries as the targets, the EGI aims to create tools and advice for countries to protect the environment while allowing access for poor populations to natural resources (UNDP Factsheets). • The Equator Initiative is aimed at reducing poverty though partnerships between the United Nations, countries, businesses, and existing organizations whose goals are of conservation and preserving biodiversity. This initiative specifically targets those living in areas around the Equator due to the combination of poverty and a wealth of ecological resources in these locales. The task of minimizing environmental damage while lifting those native populations out of poverty is what the Equator Initiative aims to address (UNDP). • The Shared River Basin Management Initiative recognizes the importance of water resources shared between countries, and the need for policy regarding the shared resources. The initiative has provided management and development solutions to countries in the Nile basin, Niger basin, Mekong basin, Zambezi basin, Kura-Aras basin, Senegal basin, and the Rio-Frio sub-basin (UNDP Factsheets). • The Community Water Initiative (CWI) is a small-scale, locally-focused programme that utilizes small grants to improve water resources for poor populations. Not just in the quality of water, concerning sanitation and cleanliness, but of supply and access. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) are the units through which the CWI is enacted (UNDP Factsheets). There have not been many resolutions passed in the General Assembly in regards to pollution and its effects on the poor. In the 59 th General Assembly in 2004, there were no significant resolutions. In the 58 th in 2003 there were also no significant resolutions passed with this in mind. However, even if no resolutions are brought before the General Assembly specifically addressing this theme, the UNDP has made it a target to aid in the fulfillment of Millennium Development Goals 1 and 7, and thus is a main concern of the General Assembly (Dag Hammarskjöld Library). In the 57 th Session in 2002, resolution 57/258 “World Climate Change Conference” brought to the attention of the General Assembly the World Climate Change Conference that would be happening in Moscow, Russia in 2003 (DHL). The World Climate Change Conference took place from September 29 th through October 3 rd of 2003 in Moscow, Russia. The conference was headed by President Putin of Russia and featured representatives from over 100 countries. The conference focused on presenting new findings and discussion over the new findings in order to guide research (Environmental Defense). Works Cited (1996). "The Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer", Columbia University Center for International Earth Science Information Network. (1997). Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Kyoto, Japan, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. (2002). The Montreal Protocol, United Nations Development Programme. (2003). "Summary Report of the World Climate Change Conference", Environmental Defense**:** 2. Abumoghli, I. "Energy and Environment Factsheet", United Nations Development Programme Bureau for Development Policy. "Equator Initiative Mandate", United Nations Development Programme Bureau for Development Policy. Information, D. o. P. (2003). A/RES/57/258, Dag Hammarskjöld Library. Linares, C. "Effective Water Governance Factsheet". J. Harlin, United Nations Development Programme Bureau for Development Policy.
 * //Effects of Pollution on Developing Nations//**