The Paris Climate Agreement, also known as the Paris Agreement, is a legally binding international treaty signed by 196 countries around the world with the aim of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris, France, and entered into force on November 4, 2016.
The Paris Agreement sets out a long-term goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. To achieve this goal, countries have committed to submitting their own climate action plans, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs), and to regularly updating and enhancing these plans over time.
As of August 2021, a total of 196 countries have signed the Paris Agreement, including major emitters such as the United States, China, and India. The only two countries that have not signed the agreement are Syria and Nicaragua, although Nicaragua later signed in 2017.
The Paris Agreement marks a global commitment to addressing the climate crisis, and the participation of so many countries is a sign of the urgency and seriousness of the issue. However, the effectiveness of the agreement will depend on the ability of each country to follow through on its commitments and to work together to implement the necessary changes.
The Paris Agreement has already led to significant advances in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and other low-carbon technologies, and its impact is expected to grow in the years ahead. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a more sustainable and equitable economy, countries can work together to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems, and build a more resilient and prosperous future for all.
In conclusion, the Paris Climate Agreement is a crucial global effort to address the challenges of climate change, and the participation of 196 countries is a powerful statement of commitment to our collective future. As we work to implement this agreement and reduce our carbon footprint, we can make a positive impact on the planet and build a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable world.