Climate change is a global issue that requires a coordinated and united effort from all countries. To mitigate the effects of climate change, international agreements have been made between countries to promote sustainable practices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
One of the most notable international agreements to mitigate climate change is the Paris Agreement, which was signed in 2015 by 196 countries. The agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius. To achieve this, countries have committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
Another important international agreement is the Montreal Protocol, which was signed in 1987 to address the issue of ozone depletion. While not specifically focused on mitigating climate change, the Montreal Protocol has had a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By phasing out the use of ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are also powerful greenhouse gases, the protocol has helped to prevent global warming.
The Kyoto Protocol, which was signed in 1997, was another significant international agreement to mitigate climate change. This protocol required developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5.2% below their 1990 levels by 2012. While not all countries agreed to participate in the Kyoto Protocol, it paved the way for future international agreements on climate change.
More recently, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has been working towards a new international agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expired in 2012. The UNFCCC aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
International agreements to mitigate climate change are crucial in addressing this global issue. While there may be disagreements and challenges in implementing these agreements, it is important that all countries work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices. By taking action now, we can help to mitigate the effects of climate change and create a healthier planet for future generations.