The Paris Agreement, signed on 12 December 2015, is a landmark international agreement on climate change. Its goal is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius. In this article, we will explore the essential elements of the Paris Agreement and its implications for the future of our planet.
The Paris Agreement is the first universal and legally binding agreement to tackle climate change. It recognizes the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to the impacts of climate change. The agreement sets out a framework for all countries to contribute to the global effort to address climate change while taking into account their specific national circumstances and capabilities.
The Paris Agreement is based on the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. This means that developed countries, which are primarily responsible for historical greenhouse gas emissions, are expected to take the lead in reducing their emissions and supporting developing countries in their efforts to address climate change. However, developing countries are also required to take action within their capabilities and in the context of sustainable development.
The Paris Agreement sets out a long-term goal of achieving a balance between greenhouse gas emissions and removals in the second half of this century. To achieve this goal, the agreement requires countries to submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) every five years outlining their efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The Paris Agreement also includes provisions for transparency, accountability, and compliance to ensure that countries are meeting their commitments and that the global effort to tackle climate change is on track.
The Paris Agreement has been ratified by 189 parties, including all the major emitters of greenhouse gases. The United States, the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China, withdrew from the agreement under the Trump administration but has since rejoined under the Biden administration. The Paris Agreement has also been widely supported by businesses, civil society, and other stakeholders who recognize the urgent need to address climate change.
In conclusion, the Paris Agreement is a crucial international agreement on climate change. It sets out a clear framework for all countries to contribute to the global effort to tackle climate change and achieve a balance between greenhouse gas emissions and removals in the second half of this century. While the Paris Agreement represents a significant step forward in the fight against climate change, much more needs to be done to meet the goals of the agreement and safeguard the future of our planet.