Climate change has become a hot topic in recent times as world leaders try to reach agreements on how to tackle the issue. Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution. In this article, we will look at the world agreements on climate change that have been made so far.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted in 1992 and has been ratified by almost every country in the world. The objective of this agreement is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. The UNFCCC provides a framework for countries to work together to address climate change through national action plans and international cooperation.
The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997 and came into force in 2005. It is a legally binding international treaty that sets targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Under the Kyoto Protocol, industrialized countries agreed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5% compared to 1990 levels. However, the United States, one of the biggest emitters, did not ratify the protocol.
The Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015 and entered into force in 2016. It is a global agreement that aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with an aim to limit the increase to 1.5°C. The Paris Agreement requires all countries to submit their own nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to regularly report on their progress.
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol was adopted in 2016. The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. The Kigali Amendment adds hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases, to the list of controlled substances under the Montreal Protocol.
In conclusion, world agreements on climate change have been made to address the global problem of climate change. The UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, and Kigali Amendment are some of the agreements that have been made so far. These agreements provide a framework for countries to work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming. It is essential that world leaders continue to work together to tackle the issue of climate change and to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.