State of Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement is an international accord designed to address the urgent threat of climate change. Countries across the globe have come together to pledge their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. The agreement was adopted in 2015 and has since been ratified by 189 countries.

In 2017, the United States, a major emitter of greenhouse gases, announced its intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. This move was met with widespread criticism from both domestic and international leaders. However, on his first day in office, President Joe Biden signed an executive order to rejoin the agreement, signaling the United States` renewed commitment to addressing the climate crisis.

Now, as of April 2021, 191 countries are parties to the Paris Agreement. However, progress towards meeting the agreement`s goals has been slow. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on global emissions, with lockdowns and reduced economic activity leading to a temporary decrease in carbon output. However, experts warn that this reduction is not enough to meet the Paris Agreement`s targets.

The latest report from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) shows that the current pledges made by countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are not enough to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius. The report highlights the urgent need for greater action to reduce emissions and limit global warming.

Additionally, the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) is scheduled to take place in November 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. The conference aims to accelerate progress towards meeting the Paris Agreement`s goals by encouraging countries to increase their pledges for emission reductions.

In conclusion, the Paris Agreement remains a critical tool in addressing the climate crisis. While progress has been made, more needs to be done to ensure the agreement`s targets are met. With the United States back at the table and COP26 on the horizon, there is hope for increased global collaboration and action towards a more sustainable future.