The Paris Climate Agreement Signers: A Comprehensive Guide
The Paris Climate Agreement, also known as the Paris Agreement, is a historic international treaty that aims to combat climate change and its effects. In December 2015, 195 parties signed the agreement, committing to take action to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The agreement also aims to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius, which would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change.
As of 2021, 191 parties have ratified the Paris Agreement, including 189 countries and the European Union. This means that they have made the necessary legal arrangements to be bound by the terms of the agreement. The United States, under the previous administration, withdrew from the agreement in 2020; however, President Joe Biden has since rejoined the pact.
Below is a comprehensive guide to the Paris Climate Agreement signers, including a breakdown of the countries involved and their commitments to the agreement.
The Countries Involved:
The Paris Agreement signers include 189 countries and the European Union. This includes all of the 197 parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which is the parent agreement of the Paris Agreement. The UNFCCC is an international treaty that was adopted in 1992, with the objective of stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.
The Commitments and Contributions:
The Paris Agreement signers have made various commitments and contributions to tackle climate change. These include:
1. Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs): Prior to the adoption of the Paris Agreement, countries were asked to submit INDCs, which outlined their climate targets and actions. The INDCs formed the basis of the Paris Agreement, and countries were encouraged to strengthen their commitments over time.
2. National Determined Contributions (NDCs): Following the adoption of the Paris Agreement, countries were asked to update their INDCs to NDCs, which are more ambitious and specific. NDCs are re-submitted every five years, and countries are expected to ramp up their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
3. Climate Finance: Developed countries are expected to provide financial support to developing countries to help them mitigate and adapt to climate change. This includes providing funding for renewable energy projects, climate adaptation measures, and capacity-building programs.
4. Transparency and Accountability: The Paris Agreement signers are required to report on their progress towards their climate targets, using a common reporting framework. This allows for transparency and accountability, ensuring that countries are held responsible for their actions.
Conclusion:
The Paris Climate Agreement signers have made significant commitments and contributions to tackle climate change. By working together, countries are taking important steps to limit global warming and ensure a sustainable future for all. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, it is important that countries remain committed to the Paris Agreement and strengthen their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
