What are the main international agreements on climate change?

Two key international agreements aimed at tackling climate change are the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol. These agreements represent global efforts to address the pressing issue of global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate its impacts on the planet.

Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is a landmark treaty that aims to keep global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It sets out country-specific targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and encourages countries to regularly update and strengthen their commitments.

Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, was the first international treaty to set binding targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It required developed countries to reduce their emissions by a specified amount below 1990 levels. While the Kyoto Protocol had limitations, it laid the groundwork for future climate negotiations and agreements.

Both the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol play a crucial role in shaping global climate action, guiding countries towards sustainable practices and policies to address climate change effectively.