On December 12, 2015, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held their 21st annual Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris, France. At this conference, representatives from 196 countries negotiated and adopted the Paris Agreement, a historic agreement to combat climate change.
One of the most significant voices in support of the Paris Agreement was former President Barack Obama. Throughout his presidency, Obama made climate change a top priority and worked to promote clean energy, reduce carbon emissions, and protect the environment. The Paris Agreement was a culmination of these efforts and a major achievement for the Obama administration.
The Paris Agreement sets a goal of limiting global temperature increases to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with a more ambitious target of limiting increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius. To achieve this goal, countries agreed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and increase their use of renewable energy sources.
President Obama played a crucial role in securing the Paris Agreement, both domestically and internationally. He worked to build support for the agreement among other world leaders and spoke out about the urgent need for action on climate change. In the United States, he implemented a range of policies to reduce carbon emissions and promote clean energy, including the Clean Power Plan, which aimed to reduce emissions from power plants.
However, in 2017, President Donald Trump announced the United States` intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, citing concerns about the impact on American industry and the economy. This decision was widely criticized, with many arguing that it showed a lack of leadership on climate change and undermined global efforts to address this pressing issue.
Despite the withdrawal of the United States, the Paris Agreement remains in effect and continues to be supported by a majority of countries around the world. The agreement represents a critical framework for addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. As we look to the future, it is important to remember the important role that leaders like Barack Obama played in securing this agreement and to continue to work towards a more sustainable and equitable world for all.