IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - The role of international agreements in combating climate change
IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1712922519
Writing Task 2 Topic: The role of international agreements in combating climate change
Question: In your opinion, what role do international agreements play in combating climate change, and how effective have these agreements been in achieving their goals so far? Provide specific examples to support your argument.
Model Answer:
International agreements are crucial in combating climate change as they provide a platform for nations to collaborate, share knowledge and resources, and establish binding commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The most prominent example of such an agreement is the Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015. The primary goal of this accord is to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with an aim to keep the increase below 1.5°C.
One major role of international agreements in combating climate change is setting targets for emission reduction and providing guidelines on how these goals can be achieved. For instance, under the Kyoto Protocol (1997), industrialized countries committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5.2% below 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The Paris Agreement builds upon this framework by setting more ambitious goals for all nations, with each country submitting a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) outlining their emissions reduction targets.
Another important aspect of international agreements is facilitating the transfer of technology and financial resources to help developing countries adapt to climate change impacts and transition to low-carbon development pathways. The Green Climate Fund, established under the UNFCCC, aims to mobilize $100 billion per year by 2020 to support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing nations.
Despite these achievements, the effectiveness of international agreements in combating climate change has been mixed. While the Paris Agreement has successfully mobilized global action on climate change, its reliance on voluntary commitments and national self-reporting makes it difficult to assess progress accurately and ensure accountability. For example, the United States withdrew from the agreement in 2020 under the Trump administration, undermining the collective efforts of other nations.
Moreover, the current emission reduction targets set by countries, even if fully implemented, are insufficient to prevent dangerous levels of warming. According to the UN's Emissions Gap Report (2020), global greenhouse gas emissions would need to decrease by
7.6% annually between 2020 and 2030 to meet the Paris Agreement’s goals. However, current national pledges indicate that emissions are on track to rise by an estimated 16% over the same period.
In conclusion, while international agreements such as the Paris Agreement have played a significant role in raising global awareness of climate change and coordinating efforts among nations, their effectiveness in achieving the desired goals remains limited. To enhance the impact of these agreements, it is essential to strengthen the framework by ensuring more ambitious emission reduction targets, promoting transparency and accountability, and providing adequate financial and technical support to vulnerable countries.
Score:
Band 9
This response demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the topic and provides a detailed analysis of the role of international agreements in combating climate change. It also acknowledges the limitations of these agreements and offers suggestions for improvement. The model answer is well-structured, coherent, and supports its arguments with relevant examples and evidence, which aligns with IELTS
Band 9 standards.
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