The Paris Climate Agreement
Sally Hayes ’25
Christine Wu ’25
During the 2015 United Nations (UN) Climate Conference in Paris, the UN negotiated the Paris Climate Agreement due to the rapid development of climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions (World Economic Forum, 2020). The 197 countries that joined the agreement are required to submit their sustainable goals to aid initiatives in reducing environmental impacts annually. Most projects under the Paris Climate Agreement aim to increase sustainable farming techniques and renewable energy sources.
In 2017, the United States formally withdrew from the Paris Climate agreement. Despite the U.S.’s immense contribution to carbon dioxide emissions, President Trump was more concerned about the economic consequences that these projects would have. Furthermore, the U.S. withdrew all funding to developing countries that require assistance in converting to renewable agricultural and industrial systems. However, in 2021, the Biden Administration rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement, where the U.S. will have tremendous ground to make up after this four-year gap in commitment (Hersher, 2020).
The Paris Climate agreement is currently receiving heavy attention for its target of carbon neutrality by 2050, a state where the amount of carbon dioxide emitted balances with that naturally absorbed by the atmosphere. Although this is a seemingly impossible goal, there are many ways that nations and citizens can work towards it. Countries must work collaboratively to track and enforce greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel production, and land management regulations. Private companies can show support for achieving carbon neutrality by imposing emission and sustainability goals. For instance, Horizon Milk plans to adapt its agricultural partnerships and technology, product packaging, and product transportation to decrease its carbon dioxide emissions (Horizon Organic, 2022). Individuals can contribute to carbon neutrality by supporting local and sustainably sourced businesses, planting native plant and tree species in our areas, and choosing more sustainable food, transportation, and product options.
To summarize, nations must take accountability for their regulations, sustainable development planning, and natural gas emissions immediately before the repercussions are irreversible. Although the Paris Climate Agreement is ambitious, with the commitment of nations worldwide, the goals and guidelines set are achievable. If reached, they will greatly slow or even reverse the effects of climate change.
References
Carbon positive milk & dairy farming by 2025: Horizon Organic. Horizon. (2022, September 16).
https://horizon.com/carbon-positive-milk-dairy-farming
Hersher, R. (2020, November 3). U.S. officially leaving Paris Climate Agreement. NPR.
https://www.npr.org/2020/11/03/930312701/u-s-officially-leaving-paris-climate-agreement
World Economic Forum. (2020, November). Here's everything you need to know about the Paris Climate Agreement.
World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/videos/here-s-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-paris-climate-agreement milk-dairy-farming
Hersher, R. (2020, November 3). U.S. officially leaving Paris Climate Agreement. NPR.
https://www.npr.org/2020/11/03/930312701/u-s-officially-leaving-paris-climate-agreement
World Economic Forum. (2020, November). Here's everything you need to know about the Paris Climate Agreement.
World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/videos/here-s-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-paris-climate-agreement
