The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty that aims to combat climate change and its effects on the environment. It was adopted in 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and came into force in November 2016. The agreement sets out a framework for countries to work together to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with an aim to limit the increase to 1.5°C.
What is the Paris Agreement?
The Paris Agreement is a legally binding treaty that was negotiated by representatives from 196 countries at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) in Paris, France, in December 2015. It builds upon the UNFCCC and aims to strengthen the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change.
Did all countries sign the Paris Agreement?
A total of 197 countries signed the Paris Agreement. This includes 195 UNFCCC parties (member states) and two observer states (Palestine and the Holy See). The signing took place at a ceremony held at UN headquarters in New York on April 22, 2016, which marked Earth Day.
Have all countries ratified the Paris Agreement?
As of September 2021, a total of 191 countries have ratified or acceded to the Paris Agreement. This means that they have formally expressed their consent to be bound by its provisions. The only UNFCCC parties that have not ratified or acceded to the agreement are Iran, Iraq, Libya, Eritrea, South Sudan, and Yemen.
What does it mean for a country to ratify or accede to the Paris Agreement?
Ratification or accession is a formal process through which a country becomes legally bound by an international treaty. It involves approval by national parliaments or other government bodies and the deposit of an instrument of ratification or accession with the UN Secretary-General.
What are the implications for countries that have not ratified or acceded to the Paris Agreement?
Countries that have not ratified or acceded to the Paris Agreement are not bound by its provisions. However, they are still expected to take action to address climate change under the UNFCCC.
Conclusion
The Paris Agreement represents a historic global effort to address climate change and its impacts. While all countries signed the agreement, some have yet to ratify or accede to it. Despite this, there is widespread recognition that urgent action is needed to limit global warming and protect the planet for future generations.