1. Over 190 countries met in December 2015 at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) in Paris with the aim of establishing a new global agreement on climate change. The ambition is to limit changes in global temperatures to below 2°C (or 1.5°C) warming in 2100 compared to pre-industrial levels.
(a) Why is it important to limit global temperature changes to below 2°C warming?
(b) Is the COP21 in Paris considered a success or a failure? Explain your answer.
2. At COP21, nine ASEAN countries submitted their "Intended Nationally Determined Contributions" (INDCs). Choose three ASEAN countries.
(a) Compare their INDCs with respect to:
(i) commitments to reduce carbon emissions;
(ii) forestry protection; (iii) energy footprint; and (iv) technological support.
(b) In your opinion, do you think that these IDNCs will be effective in controlling climate change? Why or why not?