What Countries Did Not Sign the Paris Agreement?

By Robert Palmer

The Paris Agreement was a historic global accord that was adopted in 2015 by 195 countries. The agreement aims to limit the increase in global temperature 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. However, not all countries have signed on to this agreement.

Which countries did not sign the Paris Agreement?

There are only two countries in the world that did not sign the Paris Agreement: Syria and Nicaragua. However, both of these countries have since joined the agreement.

Nicaragua initially refused to sign the agreement on the grounds that it did not go far enough in addressing climate change. The country argued that developed nations should take greater responsibility for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as they are historically responsible for most of the emissions that have led to climate change. However, Nicaragua eventually joined the agreement in 2017 after it was revised with stronger commitments from developed nations.

Syria, on the other hand, did not sign the agreement due to its ongoing civil war. The country’s delegation was unable to attend the negotiations due to international sanctions and travel restrictions.

Why is the Paris Agreement important?

The Paris Agreement is an important global effort to address climate change. It provides a framework for countries to work together towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global temperature increases. By signing onto this agreement, countries commit themselves to taking action towards reducing their own emissions and supporting other nations in their efforts.

  • Limiting Global Temperature Increases: The primary goal of the Paris Agreement is limiting global temperature increases by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Saving Lives: Limiting climate change can save lives by reducing extreme weather events such as hurricanes, heatwaves, and droughts.
  • Cleaner Air and Water: Reducing emissions can also lead to cleaner air and water, which can improve public health.
  • Creating Jobs: Transitioning to a low-carbon economy can create new jobs in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and other green industries.

Conclusion

The Paris Agreement is a historic global accord that aims to limit global temperature increases and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While only two countries initially did not sign the agreement, they have since joined, making it a truly global effort. By working together towards this common goal, we can help create a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.