The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that was adopted in December 2015 at the United Nations Climate Change Conference. It aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it even further, to 1.5 degrees Celsius. To achieve this goal, countries are required to submit their own climate action plans and regularly report on their progress.
So, how many countries have signed the Paris Agreement? As of September 2021, there are a total of 197 parties to the agreement. This includes 196 countries and the European Union (EU), which is considered a single party.
Out of these 197 parties, all but six have ratified the agreement. The six countries that have signed but not yet ratified the agreement are Angola, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, South Sudan and Yemen.
The United States, which is currently one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases in the world, withdrew from the Paris Agreement under former President Donald Trump’s administration in November 2020. However, President Joe Biden has since rejoined the agreement in January 2021.
The Paris Agreement has been widely hailed as a historic achievement in global efforts to address climate change. However, some critics argue that it does not go far enough in terms of emissions reduction Targets and lacks enforcement mechanisms.
Despite these criticisms, many countries around the world continue to work towards meeting their commitments under the agreement and implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Listed below are some key takeaways:
- The Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted in December 2015 at the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
- The aim of the agreement is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
- There are currently 197 parties to the agreement, including 196 countries and the European Union.
- All but six of these parties have ratified the agreement.
- The United States withdrew from the Paris Agreement under former President Donald Trump’s administration in November 2020, but rejoined in January 2021 under President Joe Biden.
- The Paris Agreement has been widely hailed as a historic achievement in global efforts to address climate change, but some critics argue that it does not go far enough in terms of emissions reduction Targets and lacks enforcement mechanisms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Paris Agreement is a significant international treaty that aims to address one of the most pressing issues facing our planet today: climate change. With nearly every country in the world signed on to the agreement and making commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, there is hope that we can limit global warming and mitigate its worst effects.
As individuals, we can also do our part by reducing our own carbon footprints through actions such as using public transportation, reducing meat consumption, and supporting renewable energy sources. By working together at both the individual and global levels, we can take meaningful steps towards a more sustainable future.