Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today, and it requires a concerted effort from governments, businesses, and individuals alike to address it. In recent years, several important climate agreements have been signed, aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and protecting the planet for future generations. Here are some of the most important climate agreements that candidates preparing for the UPSC exam should be familiar with:
1. Paris Agreement – The Paris Agreement was signed in 2015 and is one of the most important climate agreements to date. It is aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with a goal of limiting it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The agreement is legally binding and has been ratified by 189 countries so far.
2. Kyoto Protocol – The Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997 and was the first international agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It requires developed countries to reduce their emissions by an average of 5.2% below 1990 levels by 2012. While the Kyoto Protocol has been criticized for not including developing countries, it was an important step towards addressing climate change on a global scale.
3. Montreal Protocol – The Montreal Protocol was signed in 1987 and is aimed at protecting the ozone layer by phasing out the production of substances that deplete it, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). While not specifically a climate agreement, the Montreal Protocol is an important example of global cooperation to address environmental issues.
4. Copenhagen Accord – The Copenhagen Accord was signed in 2009 and was the first international agreement to recognize the goal of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius. While the accord was not legally binding, it paved the way for the Paris Agreement and demonstrated a growing consensus on the need for action on climate change.
5. Marrakech Accord – The Marrakech Accord was signed in 2001 and is an important agreement on the development and transfer of clean technologies to developing countries. It aims to promote the use of renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries, which are often the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
In conclusion, as the effects of climate change become more and more apparent, it is crucial that governments work together to address this issue on a global scale. The agreements outlined above are just a few examples of the international cooperation that is necessary to combat climate change and protect our planet. Candidates preparing for the UPSC exam should be familiar with these agreements and their implications for global climate action.