The Paris Agreement is a historic international accord that aims to combat climate change through a collective effort to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The agreement was signed by 195 countries and the European Union in December 2015 and came into force on November 4, 2016. But how many countries are in the Paris Agreement?
The answer is simple: there are currently 197 parties to the Paris Agreement. This includes 196 individual countries and the European Union, which has ratified the agreement on behalf of its 27 member states.
It`s important to note that the number of countries in the Paris Agreement can change over time as new countries join or existing members withdraw. For example, the United States, one of the world`s largest emitters of greenhouse gases, formally withdrew from the Paris Agreement in November 2020 under the leadership of former President Donald Trump. However, President Joe Biden has since rejoined the agreement in January 2021, bringing the number of parties back to 197.
The Paris Agreement is a significant milestone in the fight against climate change, as it represents a unified effort by the international community to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our planet for future generations. The agreement establishes a framework for countries to set their own targets and develop national plans for reducing emissions, and also includes provisions for financial and technical assistance to support developing countries in their efforts.
In conclusion, there are currently 197 parties to the Paris Agreement, including 196 individual countries and the European Union. While the number of parties may change over time as countries join or withdraw, the Paris Agreement remains a critical commitment by the global community to take action against climate change and protect our planet for generations to come.