The Paris Climate Change Agreement, also known as the Paris Agreement, is an international treaty aimed at combating climate change. It was signed by 196 countries in December 2015, and it came into effect in November 2016. The objective of the agreement is to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The Paris Agreement is significant because it is the first global agreement on climate change that includes all countries, both developed and developing. It recognizes the different responsibilities and capabilities of countries in addressing the issue of climate change.
So, which countries have signed the Paris Agreement? As of August 2021, there are 191 parties to the agreement. This includes 190 countries and the European Union (EU). The United States of America, one of the original signatories, withdrew from the agreement in 2020 but has since rejoined it.
The list of countries that have signed the Paris Agreement is diverse, representing countries from all regions of the world. They include the United Kingdom, Germany, France, China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Russia, and Nigeria, among others.
Each country that signs the agreement is required to submit a nationally determined contribution (NDC) outlining their plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The NDCs are non-binding, but they are a critical element of the Paris Agreement. They act as a framework for countries to set their own emissions reduction targets and take action to achieve them.
The Paris Agreement is a crucial step towards addressing the pressing issue of climate change. It highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing a global problem. By signing the agreement, countries commit to taking action to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and work towards a more sustainable future for the planet.
In conclusion, the Paris Climate Change Agreement is a significant global treaty that aims to combat climate change. It is a testament to the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges. The list of countries that have signed the agreement is extensive and diverse. Each country that signs the agreement commits to taking action to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and work towards a sustainable future for the planet.