Did All Countries Sign the Paris Agreement

August 18, 2023

The Paris Agreement, also known as the Paris Climate Accord, is an international agreement to combat the damaging effects of climate change. The agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with a goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees. It was adopted on December 12, 2015, at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris, France.

Since its adoption, the Paris Agreement has been signed by 196 countries, including the United States, China, India, and the European Union. These countries account for approximately 98% of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is important to note that signing the agreement is not synonymous with ratifying it.

Ratification involves the formal process of adoption by a country`s legislative branch and signifies that a country is legally bound to comply with the terms of the agreement. As of July 2021, 191 countries have ratified the Paris Agreement, including the United States, China, and India, which are some of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases in the world.

The Paris Agreement sets a framework for countries to create their own climate action plans to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, increase their use of renewable energy sources, and minimize their impact on the environment. The agreement also calls for developed countries to provide financial assistance to developing countries to help them transition to a low-carbon economy and adapt to the effects of climate change.

However, despite the overwhelming global support for the Paris Agreement, there are still a few countries that have not signed or ratified it. These include Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, South Sudan, and Yemen. North Korea signed the agreement but has not yet ratified it. These countries are not significant emitters of greenhouse gases and thus do not have a significant impact on the success of the agreement.

In conclusion, the Paris Agreement is a critical international effort to combat the harmful effects of climate change. While not all countries have signed or ratified the agreement, the overwhelming majority of the world has committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy. We must all work together to protect our planet and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.