The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, is a landmark international treaty aimed at combatting climate change. It was signed by 195 countries, including major emitters such as the United States and China, and has been hailed as a major achievement in the fight against global warming.
So, what has been achieved since the Paris Agreement was signed? Here are some of the key accomplishments:
1. Increased Ambition: Since the Paris Agreement was adopted, many countries have stepped up their climate ambitions by pledging to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions more quickly and to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century. This increased ambition has been crucial to keeping the global temperature rise below 2°C, the main objective of the agreement.
2. Carbon Pricing: More than 60 countries and regions around the world have implemented carbon pricing schemes since the Paris Agreement was signed. These schemes put a price on carbon emissions, which encourages companies to reduce their emissions and invest in cleaner technologies. Carbon pricing has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
3. Renewable Energy: The deployment of renewable energy has skyrocketed since the Paris Agreement. In 2019, renewable energy sources accounted for 72% of new power capacity around the world, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency. As the cost of renewable energy continues to decline, it is becoming increasingly competitive with fossil fuels, making it a more attractive option for investors and countries looking to transition to a low-carbon economy.
4. International Cooperation: The Paris Agreement has encouraged countries to work together to address climate change. One example of this is the creation of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) process, which brings together representatives from all over the world to discuss climate action and negotiate future agreements. This process has led to important agreements such as the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which aims to phase out the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), powerful greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning.
5. Increased Public Awareness: The Paris Agreement has helped to raise public awareness of the urgent need to address climate change. This has led to a groundswell of support for climate action and increased pressure on governments and companies to take meaningful steps to reduce emissions. This public pressure has been a key driver of the increased ambition and action we have seen since the Paris Agreement was signed.
While much more needs to be done to address the existential threat of climate change, the Paris Agreement has been a crucial step in the right direction. It has encouraged increased ambition, international cooperation, and public awareness, and has helped to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. As we look to the future, it is clear that continued action and cooperation will be needed to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and ensure a livable planet for future generations.
