Paris Agreement, greenhouse emissions and more
According to a report published on Monday by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the levels of greenhouse gases which are responsible for trapping heat in the atmosphere have reached a record high. It was expected that the coronavirus situation around the world would impact these levels, especially in the preceding year. However, it did not have a notable impact. Although there was a slight reduction in new greenhouse emissions, it was not nearly enough to be impactful. This is a severe threat to the conditions and measures discussed and voted on in the Paris Agreement. Let us see what it encapsulates, and what this WMO report means for the aims of this agreement.
Paris Agreement
In the Conference of Parties (COP) 2015 meet up, almost all the countries in the world signed the Paris Agreement. It essentially functions as a guide for all nations to undertake measures in order to reduce and reverse the effects our modern lifestyle has on the environment. It is concerned with the well-being of the environment and steps to avoid and manage climate change. It is a legally binding treaty for all countries to do their part in contributing to find effective climate change solutions.
What are the key aims of this agreement?
- To limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius (preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius) as compared to pre-industrial levels.
- To reach global peaking of GHGs (greenhouse gas emissions) imminently.
- To achieve a state of climate neutrality by mid 21st century.
How effective has the Paris Agreement been so far?
There is still a long way to go in order to achieve the aims of the Paris Agreement. However, there has been a shift in the general approach towards combatting climate change, with countries taking larger measures. It has also led to the emergence of low-carbon solutions and markets. More and more countries have already established carbon neutral targets, especially through power and transport sectors. This agreement also recognises the challenges third-world nations would face while undertake drastic climate change measures, and urges developed countries to lead the way.
What does the WMO’s report mean for this agreement?
The unprecedented levels of greenhouse emissions have completely gone against the aims and objectives of the Paris Agreement. It is believed that if they keep increasing at the same rate, there may be a rise of 2.7 degrees Celsius in the global temperature by the end of this century. The WMO has urged nations to take conscious steps towards the Paris Agreement now, at a faster pace. The next Conference of Parties which is to be held in the UK will further discuss this agreement, and devise a plan for the future.