World leaders have adoped a new framework that will determine the global response to climate change for the next 15 years. Signed on 12 December, the Paris Agreement signals an unparalleled international ambition to curb global warming, but its success will depend on how it is implemented at the national level.
Hailed as an "historic turning point” by French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, the final draft of the Paris Agreement sets out a range of measures that must be taken by states in order “to limit the rise in global temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels”. The mention of 1.5°C as an ideal benchmark represents an ambitious departure from previous agreements, indicating an increased commitment by states to tackle climate change.
Other encouraging elements of the new framework include the recognition of the need to address “loss and damage" resulting from the negative effects of climate change. The Agreement also pays welcome attention to the need for increased monitoring and transparency. States have agreed to “enhanced transparency framework for action and support” - a system through which the carbon reductions of all countries, whether industrialised or developing, could be evaluated. States are also legally required to submit new reduction targets for emissions every five years.
However, the success of the new framework depends on whether the more vague provisions of the Agreement – of which there are many – are translated into concrete action at the national level. For example, richer countries have pledged that by 2020, $100bn will be made available to support developing countries each year – but this provision is only included in the non-binding Preamble. The accord has also been criticised for lacking specific emission numbers, targets, monetary commitments and penalties for non-compliance.
The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Amber Rudd, has affirmed that the UK is "absolutely committed" to the Paris climate deal and will be "making sure we deliver on it". Prime Minister David Cameron recognised that the new framework is "a huge step forward in securing the future of the planet".
While UNA-UK welcomes the new Agreement as a positive first step, we encourage the UK to show leadership by outlining a joined-up plan of action across our international and domestic policies. The UK’s commitments should build on the outcomes agreed in Paris and put the UK at the forefront of international efforts to combat climate change.
Photo: Closing ceremony of the 2st Conference of State Parties (COP21) in Paris. Copyright: UN Photo/Mark Garten
