A landmark international treaty on climate change, the Paris Agreement, also known as the Paris Accord, is arguably the greatest achievement from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in recent years.
The key discussions in the 26th Conference of the Parties or COP26 in Glasgow, UK will be about whether countries kept their promises to undertake efforts in combatting climate crisis.
We listed down six things you need to know about the Paris Agreement.
1. Global Pact
On December 12, 2015, global leaders met in Paris to hash out a treaty to address climate change. Adopted by nearly 200 countries, this came to be known as the Paris Agreement or the Paris Accord. This breakthrough happened during the 21st Conference of the Parties or COP21. It was entered into force on November 4, 2016.
2. Temperature goal
The objective is to pursue efforts in order to limit global warming to “well below” 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels.
3. CO₂ Target Emissions
To achieve this temperature goal, global greenhouse gas emissions need to be halved by 2030 and reach what’s called “net zero” (where emissions are balanced by carbon absorbed naturally by plants, oceans, or carbon-capture technology) by 2050.
4. Global implementation
The pact includes that each country must set its own emission-reduction targets, reviewed every five years to raise ambitions. All major greenhouse-gas emitting nations should cut their climate pollution and strengthen their commitments over time.
5. Climate finance
Poorer countries tend to pollute less and are not responsible for most emissions in the past. They, however, experience the worst effects of climate change. The agreement mandates developed nations to help developing nations in their climate mitigation efforts by providing funding.
6. Historic first accord
The Paris Agreement is the first legally binding international treaty on climate change. It united all the world’s nations for the first time—in a single legally binding agreement on tackling global warming and cutting greenhouse gas emissions—bringing us into a common cause to undertake ambitious efforts in order to address climate change and its adverse impacts.
The impacts of climate change are becoming more and more visible. The landmark 2015 Paris climate change agreement as well as the ongoing COP26 are our crucial chances to ensure a sustainable future for humans and ecosystems alike.
Thankfully, just this year, the Philippines has raised its carbon emission reduction target to 75% by 2030 under its commitment to the Paris Agreement.
Here, at Solenergy, being one of the key players in the Philippine solar power industry, we vow to do our part in fast-tracking the transition into the renewable energy. We’re here to help sustain a brighter and greener future. Get in touch with Solenergy today!
Sources:
www.unfccc.int
www.nrdc.org
www.bbc.com
www.edition.cnn.com
www.theguardian.com
