When Did the Paris Agreement Enter into Force?
The Paris Agreement, also known as the Paris Climate Accord, is an international treaty that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It was adopted by 196 parties at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on December 12, 2015, and entered into force on November 4, 2016.
The Paris Agreement was a significant milestone in the fight against climate change, as it marked the first time that all countries, including the world`s largest emitters China and the United States, agreed to take action to combat climate change. The agreement also recognizes the need for global cooperation to address climate change, with developed countries providing financial and technological support to developing countries to help them reduce their emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
To enter into force, the Paris Agreement required at least 55 countries, representing at least 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions, to ratify it. The threshold was reached on October 5, 2016, when countries accounting for over 55% of global emissions ratified the agreement. The speed with which this was achieved is a testament to the urgency of the climate crisis and the international community`s commitment to addressing it.
Since it entered into force, the Paris Agreement has been the subject of ongoing negotiations and debates. Some countries feel that the agreement does not go far enough in addressing the climate crisis and have called for more ambitious targets and stronger commitments from all parties. Others have raised concerns about the financial and technological support provided to developing countries, arguing that it is insufficient or that it should be conditional on their compliance with certain climate goals.
Despite these challenges, the Paris Agreement remains an essential framework for global action on climate change and a roadmap for a more sustainable future. It sets the stage for countries to work together to achieve a common goal and provides a platform for ongoing negotiations and cooperation. As we continue to grapple with the reality of a changing climate, the Paris Agreement will be a crucial tool for mitigating the worst impacts of climate change and ensuring a better future for all.