The UN Lima Agreement: A Step Towards Combating Climate Change
In December 2014, the 20th Conference of the Parties (COP 20) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) took place in Lima, Peru. The conference aimed to establish a global agreement to combat climate change that would be ratified at COP 21 in Paris the following year. The result of the conference was the UN Lima Agreement, a significant step forward in the global effort to address climate change.
The UN Lima Agreement aims to limit global warming to no more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an ultimate goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees. It also sets out a framework for countries to submit their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), which outline their targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These targets are not legally binding, but they provide a framework for countries to work towards in reducing their emissions.
The UN Lima Agreement also provides a framework for climate finance, which is essential for developing countries to transition to low-carbon economies and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Developed countries are encouraged to submit information on their financial support for developing countries, and the agreement calls for a goal of mobilizing $100 billion per year in climate finance from 2020 onwards.
One of the key features of the UN Lima Agreement is its emphasis on transparency and accountability. The agreement requires countries to report on their progress towards meeting their INDCs, and an international assessment and review process is in place to ensure that countries are meeting their commitments.
While the UN Lima Agreement represents a significant step forward in the global effort to address climate change, it is not without its critics. Some argue that the agreement does not go far enough in terms of setting ambitious emissions reduction targets, and that it lacks a mechanism for enforcing compliance.
However, the UN Lima Agreement is an important framework for global action on climate change, and it provides a roadmap for countries to work towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to low-carbon economies. As the impacts of climate change continue to be felt around the world, it is essential that countries work together to tackle this urgent global issue. The UN Lima Agreement is an important step in that direction.