The 2015 COP 21 Paris Agreement on climate change was a major international event that marked a turning point in the world`s approach to addressing the issue of climate change. The agreement was adopted by 196 parties, including the United States, China, and India, who agreed to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with a goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
One of the key aspects of the Paris Agreement is the requirement for countries to develop and regularly update national plans to address climate change, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These plans outline each country`s specific goals and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to the impacts of climate change, and providing support to developing countries to do the same.
Another important feature of the Paris Agreement is the commitment to provide financial assistance to developing countries to help them transition to a low-carbon economy and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The agreement also includes provisions for technology transfer and capacity building to help countries build the necessary infrastructure and expertise to effectively address climate change.
Since the Paris Agreement was adopted, there have been both successes and challenges in its implementation. While many countries have made significant progress in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and developing their NDCs, there are still disparities between developed and developing countries, with some countries struggling to meet their targets and lacking the financial and technical resources to effectively implement their plans.
Despite these challenges, the Paris Agreement remains an important global effort to address the urgent issue of climate change. In November 2021, the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) was held in Glasgow, Scotland, where countries were called upon to accelerate their efforts to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
In conclusion, the 2015 COP 21 Paris Agreement on climate change was a landmark event that brought together countries from around the world to address one of the most pressing issues of our time. While there are still challenges to overcome in its implementation, the Paris Agreement remains a critical framework for collective action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and build a more sustainable future for all.