The Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted in 2015 by 196 parties, including every country in the world, which aims to address the issue of climate change. The agreement sets out a long-term goal to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and ideally to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The Paris Agreement is a legally binding agreement, with each party required to submit its own nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These contributions are updated every five years, and over time will result in a reduction of global emissions.
The Paris Agreement also includes provisions for climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building to help developing countries transition to a low-carbon economy.
One of the key strengths of the Paris Agreement is its inclusiveness. The agreement recognizes the different responsibilities and capabilities of developed and developing countries, and provides a framework for both to work together towards a common goal.
The Paris Agreement has been widely hailed as a historic achievement, representing an unprecedented level of global cooperation and commitment to addressing the urgent threat of climate change. However, it is important to note that the agreement is not a silver bullet solution, and further action is required to achieve the ambitious goals set out in the treaty.
In 2017, the United States announced its intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, citing concerns about economic competitiveness and alleged unfairness towards American workers. However, the withdrawal process is not due to be completed until November 2020, and some states and cities in the US have pledged to continue to support the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Overall, the Paris Agreement represents a major step forward in the fight against climate change, and serves as a powerful symbol of the global community`s commitment to a sustainable future.