In 2015, the Paris climate agreement aimed to tackle climate change by limiting global temperature rise. It’s not as harsh as some critics, like former President Donald Trump, claim. However, it hasn’t fully stopped the world from getting warmer either.
The Paris agreement is mostly voluntary. It encourages countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to keep temperature increases below 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels. If this isn’t possible, the goal shifts to staying below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit).
After Trump took office, he started the process for the U.S. to withdraw from the agreement. This would have left the United States alongside Iran, Libya, and Yemen as the only UN members not participating. But soon after, President Joe Biden rejoined the pact, emphasizing the importance of collective climate action.
The U.S. has historically contributed the most climate-changing emissions. When the Paris agreement was signed, former President Obama called it “the best chance to save the one planet we have.” The agreement serves as a framework for countries to take action, rather than a rigid set of rules with mandatory penalties.
Every five years, countries are expected to present their plans to reduce emissions, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These plans should become more ambitious over time. For example, Biden’s recent proposal aims to cut emissions by two-thirds by 2035 compared to 2005 levels. However, countries set their own targets, and there are no penalties for those who do not meet them.
The agreement also highlights the need for wealthier nations to assist poorer countries in tackling climate impacts. Last year, international discussions aimed for rich countries to contribute $300 billion annually to support this goal. The U.S. has been criticized for not meeting its fair share, although it currently pledges around $11 billion in aid.
The inspiration for the Paris agreement came after past efforts, like the Kyoto Protocol, faced setbacks in the U.S. Eventually, negotiators in Paris crafted an agreement that didn’t require Senate approval, making it easier for countries to participate.
So, has the agreement been effective? While it sought to keep temperature rise in check, recent reports show that Earth briefly exceeded the critical 1.5-degree threshold. Currently, the global average temperature is around 1.3 degrees Celsius (2.3 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels. Many experts consider the outcomes a “partial success,” acknowledging that while progress has been made, much more is needed.
As for the implications of the U.S. withdrawal? Although it doesn’t drastically change domestic climate policy, it might reduce the U.S.’s influence in global discussions. Some experts warn that this loss of leadership could hinder the country’s participation in opportunities such as the renewable energy market, estimated to be worth over a trillion dollars.
Ultimately, the rise in global temperatures can lead to more extreme weather events, affecting everyone worldwide, including the U.S. As the situation evolves, the focus remains on our collective effort to address climate change responsibly.
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Source linkinternational, environment, politics
