The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty that has been signed by 197 countries all over the world. Its primary objective is to halt the global increase in temperatures and limit it to below 2 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. The Paris Agreement countries have committed themselves to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, which are responsible for climate change, in order to achieve this goal.
As of 2020, the Paris Agreement has become more relevant than ever, as the alarming effects of global warming are becoming increasingly evident. Extreme weather conditions, rising sea levels, and melting glaciers are just some of the consequences we are facing due to climate change. Therefore, it is crucial for all Paris Agreement countries to fulfil their obligations and work towards a sustainable future.
One of the essential commitments of the Paris Agreement is the submission of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by each country. These NDCs outline the measures that each country will take to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The Paris Agreement countries are required to submit updated NDCs every five years to reflect their progress and their intent to achieve their targets.
The deadline for the second round of NDC submissions was 31 December 2020. Although COVID-19 has caused disruption across the world, countries have continued to make strides towards their climate goals. According to a report published by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 75 countries have submitted updated NDCs as of 31 December 2020. These represent 85% of the global greenhouse gas emissions.
The updated NDCs submitted by the Paris Agreement countries in 2020 demonstrate that they are committed to achieving their climate goals. For example, the European Union has raised its target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. China, the world`s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Other countries such as Japan, Canada, and South Korea have also updated their NDCs with more ambitious targets.
In conclusion, the Paris Agreement is a vital global treaty that has become increasingly relevant in 2020 as the impacts of climate change become more apparent. The Paris Agreement countries have submitted updated NDCs demonstrating their commitment to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and achieving their climate goals. It is essential that countries continue to work together towards a sustainable future by implementing effective policies and measures to tackle climate change.