What Is the Current Status of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change?

By Robert Palmer

The Paris Agreement on Climate Change is an international treaty that was adopted in December 2015 by all 196 parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Its primary goal is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, while also pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

What is the current status of the Paris Agreement?

As of November 2021, a total of 191 parties have ratified the Paris Agreement, which represents more than 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The only countries that have not ratified the agreement are Iran, Iraq, Libya, South Sudan, and Eritrea.

What are some of the key provisions of the Paris Agreement?

One of the key provisions of the Paris Agreement is that each party must submit a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) outlining their individual Targets and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These Targets are then reviewed and updated every five years to ensure that they remain ambitious and in line with the long-term goals of the agreement.

Another important provision is that developed countries must provide financial and technological support to developing countries to help them transition to low-carbon economies and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This support is critical for ensuring that all countries can participate in global efforts to address climate change.

What progress has been made since the agreement was adopted?

While progress has been made since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, many experts agree that it has not been sufficient to meet its long-term goals. According to a recent report by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), current NDCs are only projected to reduce global emissions by around 1% per year until 2030, which falls far short of what is needed to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius.

However, there have been some positive developments in recent years. For example, several countries, including the European Union, Japan, and South Korea, have pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. Additionally, the United States has rejoined the Paris Agreement under the Biden administration and has set a Target of reducing emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change represents a critical global effort to address one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. While progress has been made since its adoption in 2015, much more needs to be done to ensure that its long-term goals are met. By working together and taking ambitious action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support vulnerable communities, we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.