How Countries Worldwide Are TakingAction Against Climate Change
As a global citizen, you have a vested interest in the health of our planet. Climate change poses
an existential threat, and countries around the world are banding together to curb greenhouse
gas emissions and transition to renewable energy. According to recent reports, the effects of
climate change are accelerating.
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| How Countries Worldwide Are Taking Action Against Climate Change |
Record heat, intense wildfires, and devastating floods
impacted communities across the globe in 2020. However, amid these sobering realities, there
are reasons to remain hopeful.
The Paris Agreement: A Global Pact to Reduce Emissions
In 2015, 195 nations came together and adopted the first-ever universal, legally binding global
climate deal called the Paris Agreement. The central aim is to strengthen the global response to
the threat of climate change by limiting global warming this century to 2 degrees Celsius above
pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit the increase even further to 1.5 degrees
Celsius.
To achieve this long-term temperature goal, countries aim to reach global peaking of
greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible. According to the agreement, each country must
determine, plan and regularly report on the contributions that it undertakes to mitigate global
warming. Some of the key points agreed upon include:
● Holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above
pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above
pre-industrial levels.
● Increasing the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster
climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development.
● Making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions
and climate-resilient development.
The Paris Agreement requires all parties to put forward their best efforts through " nationally
determined contributions & quot ; (NDCs) and to strengthen these efforts in the years ahead. This
includes requirements that all parties report regularly on their emissions and on their
implementation efforts. Paris Agreement is a landmark in the multilateral climate change
process because, for the first time, all nations agreed to reduce their emissions, according to
principles of " common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in light of
different national circumstances."
Individual Country Efforts: Carbon Taxes, Renewable
Energy, and More
To curb global climate change, countries around the world have implemented their own
initiatives and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy.
➢ Carbon Taxes and Emissions Trading Schemes
Countries like Canada, China, and members of the European Union have adopted carbon
pricing policies that put a price on carbon emissions. A carbon tax directly sets a tax on the
carbon content of fuels. Cap and trade programs set an overall cap on emissions and allow
companies to trade permits. These market-based policies aim to reduce emissions in a
cost-effective manner.
➢ Investments in Renewable Energy
Many countries have invested heavily in solar and wind power as alternative energy sources.
Costa Rica runs on nearly 100% renewable energy. Germany's Energiewende transitioned the
country to renewable energy. China leads the world in solar and wind energy installations.
Morocco is building the world's largest concentrated solar power plant.
➢ Banning Single-Use Plastics
To reduce pollution, some countries have banned or taxed single-use plastics like bags, straws
and cutlery. Kenya instituted one of the world's toughest bans on plastic bags. The UK and EU
have banned certain single-use plastics. Many cities and companies worldwide have taken
similar actions.
➢ Sustainable Transport
Countries are promoting sustainable transport by investing in high-speed rail, electric vehicle
infrastructure, and public transit. The Netherlands is a leader in cycling infrastructure and electric
vehicle adoption. China has the largest high-speed rail network and leads the world in the adoption
of electric buses.
Collective action is key to mitigating and adapting to climate change. By implementing
innovative policies and accelerating the transition to clean energy, countries are doing their part
to build a sustainable future for our planet.
