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World agrees historic global climate deal

Published by , Editorial Assistant
Hydrocarbon Engineering,


For the first time ever 195 countries, including the world’s largest emitters, have now committed to act together to combat climate change and be held equally accountable. The deal takes a significant step forward to reducing emissions.

The deal is the culmination of years of efforts by the international community to bring about a universal and multilateral agreement on climate change. Following limited participation in the Kyoto Protocol and the lack of agreement in Copenhagen in 2009, the EU has been building a broad coalition of developed and developing countries in favour of high ambition that shaped the successful outcome of the Paris conference. The Paris Agreement sends a clear signal to investors, businesses, and policy-makers that the global transition to clean energy is here to stay and resources have to shift away from polluting fossil fuels.

UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, said, “In striking this deal, the nations of the world have shown what unity, ambition and perseverance can do. Britain is already leading the way in work to cut emissions and help less developed countries cut theirs - and this global deal now means that the whole world has signed to play its part in halting climate change. It's a moment to remember and a huge step forward in helping to secure the future of our planet."

Also commenting on the deal, Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Amber Rudd, said, "We have witnessed an important step forward, with an unprecedented number of countries agreeing to a deal to limit global temperature rises and avoid the worst impacts of climate change. This is vital for our long term economic and global security. This deal will ensure all countries are held to account for their climate commitments and gives a clear signal to business to invest in the low carbon transition".

The deal sets out a clear long term goal of net zero emissions by the end of the century, showing that the world is committed to decarbonising. Progress against this goal will be independently assessed in 2018 and every five years thereafter.

This long-term goal sends a strong signal about the shift to a low carbon economy and provides confidence that will help drive the scale of investment needed. As a global leader in low carbon goods and services, the UK is in a unique position to benefit from this.

As the costs of low carbon technologies come down, countries will be able to step up their targets on reducing emissions. To reflect this, in 2020, countries will be expected to update their plans to cut emissions by 2030.

Countries will also be legally obliged to make new post-2030 commitments to reduce emissions every five years, from 2025. For the first time, all countries will be held accountable by independent review for acting according to their pledges.

As previously agreed, all developed countries will collectively mobilise US$100 billion/y from both the public and private sector, to help the poorest and most vulnerable countries to protect themselves from the effects of climate change and support low carbon development. This agreement now recognises the role of emerging economies in mobilising resources and contributing finance over time as well.

This agreement drives us forward on our path to limiting global temperature rises to below two degrees, or even 1.5 degrees if action happens quickly enough. But governments cannot act alone, all parts of society, including businesses and investors have a role to play. Paris has already resulted in transformational action that will have a real impact on the ground in countries, cities and communities around the world.


Adapted from press release by Francesca Brindle

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/the-environment/14122015/new-global-climate-change-agreement-1952/

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