Greenhouse Gases International Agreements: A Closer Look
There is no denying that greenhouse gases (GHGs) are a major contributor to climate change and global warming. These gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), trap heat in the earth`s atmosphere and cause the planet`s temperature to rise. To combat this issue, many governments worldwide have agreed to various international agreements to reduce GHG emissions. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of these agreements.
The Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement is a landmark international agreement signed by 196 parties in December 2015. The objective of this agreement is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The agreement aims to achieve this by reducing GHG emissions and by increasing the ability of countries to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change.
As part of the Paris Agreement, countries are required to submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to outline their efforts to reduce GHG emissions. These NDCs should be updated and re-submitted every five years to reflect the latest progress made by countries in reducing emissions. The Paris Agreement also includes a transparency framework that requires countries to regularly report on their emissions and progress made towards their NDCs.
The Montreal Protocol
The Montreal Protocol is an international agreement signed in 1987 to reduce the production and consumption of substances that deplete the ozone layer. While this agreement was not specifically aimed at reducing GHG emissions, it has indirectly helped in mitigating climate change. The substances controlled by the Montreal Protocol, primarily chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), are also potent GHGs.
As a result of the Montreal Protocol, the production and consumption of these substances have been phased out globally, resulting in a significant reduction in their emissions since the protocol`s adoption. Recent studies have estimated that the implementation of the Montreal Protocol has prevented around 135 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions since its adoption.
The Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, was one of the first international agreements aimed at reducing GHG emissions. The protocol required developed countries to reduce their GHG emissions to 5% below 1990 levels by 2012. The protocol also included emissions trading, allowing countries to buy and sell emissions credits.
While the Kyoto Protocol had limited success in reducing GHG emissions, it did pave the way for more comprehensive commitments, such as those included in the Paris Agreement.
Conclusion
International agreements are essential in addressing the issue of GHG emissions and mitigating climate change. The Paris Agreement, the Montreal Protocol, and the Kyoto Protocol are just a few examples of such agreements. As countries continue to work towards reducing their emissions and adapting to the effects of climate change, it is essential that they continue to support and strengthen these international agreements. By working together, we can ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.