The Paris Agreement, signed in December 2015, was a significant milestone in the global fight against climate change. The agreement aimed to limit the global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and ideally to stay below 1.5 degrees Celsius. However, with 2021 approaching, it`s important to ask the question: Are we on track for the Paris Agreement targets?
Let`s start by looking at some of the progress that has been made. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), as of September 2020, over 190 countries representing 97% of global greenhouse gas emissions had submitted their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement. These NDCs outline each country`s commitments to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. Some countries, like the European Union, have even increased their pledges since originally submitting them.
Additionally, renewable energy sources like wind and solar are becoming increasingly affordable and accessible, leading to more significant investments in clean energy. In 2019, renewable energy represented 72% of all new power capacity installed globally. Furthermore, many countries are implementing policies to phase out fossil fuels, with the United Kingdom and France both having pledged to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2040.
However, there are still significant challenges standing in the way of meeting the Paris Agreement targets. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that at the current rate of emissions, the world is on track to exceed the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold as early as 2030. This highlights the need for even more urgent and ambitious action.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on climate action. Many countries have had to prioritize their responses to the pandemic, leading to delays in climate initiatives. The economic downturn resulting from the pandemic has also resulted in reduced emissions in the short term but could lead to a rebound in emissions in the long term if countries choose to prioritize economic recovery over climate action.
In conclusion, while progress has been made since the signing of the Paris Agreement, there is still a long way to go to meet the targets. Urgent and ambitious action is needed to accelerate progress towards a net-zero future. As individuals, we can also help by taking small actions such as reducing our carbon footprint and supporting policies and initiatives that promote climate action. Let`s all work together to ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.