The Paris Climate Agreement

A 32-page document that creates a plan for global action in response to climate change

• Specifically including the mitigation and adaption to climate change, accurately and transparently reporting emission rates, pledging to strengthen climate goals, and supporting developing nations (Read more about the specific pledges here: Paris Agreement | Climate Action)

World leaders of 195 nations signed an agreement of compromises that they promise to implement in order to combat climate change

197 countries have endorsed the Paris Agreement since 2015, almost every nation on Earth

Signed on December 12, 2015, at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s 21st Conference of Parties (UNFCCC COP 21)

President Barack Obama entered the United States into the agreement through executive authority

United Nation scientists say limiting the rise of 1.5C could prevent small island states from sinking into the ocean

• Among other concerns, a changing climate is projected to cause detrimental effects to extreme weather, agriculture, ice cover, forestry, air and water quality, etc.

US engagement is seen as critical to the success of combatting climate change because of our high carbon emissions

• Americans make up 4% of the world population but are responsible for over one-third of carbon emission

• Pledged in 2015 to reduce carbon emission levels and set stricter standards every 5 years

• Under the Obama administration, the US pledged to reduce emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2025

  • According to experts these goals are not “good enough” See graphics below.

  • Currently, this target is not on track to be met

• The Trump administration left the Paris agreement officially in November 2020 because he believed that the economy would be better supported by not being a part of it

Experts say we should expect an “impetus for much more robust, stable, sustainable and thoughtful national policy and regulation”

President Biden has reentered the Paris Climate through executive action upon taking office in January 2020

The Biden administration has assembled the largest team of climate change experts in the White House in history

• More environmental regulations are predicted to be on the way throughout the next 4 years!