China Takes a Step Towards Climate Responsibility

China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has taken a significant step in addressing climate change by ratifying the Paris Agreement. This historic agreement, adopted on December 12, 2015, by 197 nations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), aims to combat global warming and its detrimental effects.

A Global Call to Action

China’s decision to ratify the Paris Agreement carries immense weight. It signifies the nation’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and transitioning towards cleaner energy sources. This move comes just before the G-20 summit in Hangzhou, sending a powerful message to the international community.

Under the Paris Agreement, China has committed to:

• Reducing carbon emissions per unit of GDP by 60-65% from 2005 levels by 2030.
• Increasing the use of non-fossil fuel sources in primary energy consumption to about 20%.
• Peaking its emissions by 2030.

China’s early ratification sets a positive example for other nations, especially the United States, to follow suit. The expectation is that both China and the US will release a joint statement confirming their commitment to the Paris Agreement. This move by China also exerts pressure on other G-20 leaders to expedite their own ratification processes.

Path to Implementation

The Paris Agreement will come into force when at least 55 Parties to the Convention, representing an estimated 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions, have ratified it. Currently, 24 Parties have ratified, accounting for only 1.08% of global emissions. China and the US alone contribute approximately 40% of total global emissions.

Afterward, it will be crucial for the European Union and other significant polluters to ratify the Agreement. Once this milestone is achieved, there is a mandatory waiting period of three years before any country can withdraw from the agreement.

A Global Effort

India and the United States have also reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Paris Climate Change Agreement and promoting sustainable energy technologies. While India has initiated its domestic ratification process, there is a shared acknowledgment that meaningful progress in emission reduction and green energy adoption must occur before 2020.

In conclusion, China’s ratification of the Paris Agreement is a momentous step towards global climate responsibility. It encourages other nations to take similar actions and reinforces the urgency of addressing climate change collectively. As we move forward, it is imperative that countries fulfill their commitments, reduce emissions, and transition to sustainable energy sources to secure a better future for our planet.

Source: DownToEarth