The Paris Agreement Carbon Targets: What You Need to Know
The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that was adopted in 2015 by 196 countries to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. One of the key goals of the agreement is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide, from burning fossil fuels.
The Paris Agreement carbon targets require each country to set their own goals and plans for reducing emissions. Each country must submit a “nationally determined contribution” (NDC) outlining their targets and strategies to achieve them. These NDCs are reviewed every five years, and countries are expected to increase their ambition over time.
The overarching goal of the Paris Agreement is to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century. This means that any remaining greenhouse gas emissions must be offset by activities such as reforestation and carbon capture and storage.
As of 2021, 191 countries have submitted their NDCs, covering about 97% of global emissions. However, many experts believe that the current targets are not ambitious enough to meet the Paris Agreement`s goals.
The United States, the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China, rejoined the Paris Agreement in 2021 after former President Donald Trump withdrew the country in 2017. President Joe Biden has committed to reducing U.S. emissions to 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030.
In addition to national commitments, the private sector is also being called upon to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Many companies are setting their own emissions reduction targets and implementing sustainability initiatives.
The Paris Agreement also includes provisions for financial support and technology transfer to help developing countries transition to low-carbon economies and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
While the Paris Agreement carbon targets represent a significant step forward in the global effort to tackle climate change, it is clear that more needs to be done to meet the goals of the treaty. It will require collective action and sustained effort from governments, businesses, and individuals to reduce emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.