With the sudden bang of a gavel Saturday night, representatives of 195 nations reached a landmark accord that will, for the first time, commit nearly every country to lowering planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions to help stave off the most drastic effects of climate change.
The deal, which was met with an eruption of cheers and ovations from thousands of delegates gathered from around the world, represents a historic breakthrough on an issue that has foiled decades of international efforts to address climate change.
Traditionally, such pacts have required developed economies like the United States to take action to lower greenhouse gas emissions, but they have exempted developing countries like China and India from such obligations.
The accord, which United Nations diplomats have been working toward for nine years, changes that dynamic by requiring action in some form from every country, rich or poor.
“This is truly a historic moment,” the United Nations secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, said in an interview. “For the first time, we have a truly universal agreement on climate change, one of the most crucial problems on earth.”
The Paris climate agreement enjoins all countries to the climate change ‘battle’.
By adoption, the countries have expressed their commitment to the text, which seeks to halt climate change through mitigation, adaptation, financing, loss and damage.
More importantly, the countries have committed to halt further warming of the earth by ensuring that global temperatures remain between 1.5 to 2 degrees celcius.
There has been spontaneous reaction to the text and its subsequent adoption.
Friends of the Earth
Responding to the adopting of the Paris deal, Climate Justice and Energy Coordinator for Friends of the Earth International, Madam Lucy Cadena said “If the outcome of the Paris climate Summit was meant to keep the window open for a 1.5 degree temperature limit – crucial if we are to protect the most vulnerable people from the worst impacts, and to avoid runaway climate change – then Paris has failed."
“But we must remember that the window is not quite closed. The energy transformation has long been underway and the huge mobilisations on the streets of Paris today show us who is truly leading us towards climate justice.”
Cadena continued: “Friends of the Earth International commends the work of communities and people everywhere resisting dirty energy and implementing real solutions to the climate crisis. Now, the climate justice movement has come of age. December 12th 2015 marks a turning point for the balance of power. We move into 2016 strengthened, united and more determined than ever to hold our national governments to account", she stated.
The B Team
The B Team, a group of eminent business and civil society leaders, however, praised governments of the world for achieving an historic and ambitious agreement to address climate change and shift the world toward a thriving, clean and just economy.
This agreement will have far-reaching effects, and transform our economies in unprecedented ways that help to protect the planet and its people.
This sends a clear market signal to all companies and investors that governments and citizens of the world are demanding that the global economy achieves net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the second half of the century. We can achieve this through a combination of deep and rapid cuts in emissions and the active restoration of the earth’s vital ecosystems.
UNEP
Meanhile, the UN Environment Programme Executive Director, Mr Achim Steiner has heralded the historic agreement in Paris that saw 195 countries arrived at a universal climate agreement.
“The Paris Agreement is probably the most important international agreement in history. Nations of the world have underlined that climate change is a threat to the security and prosperity of all societies, and can only be addressed through unity of purpose. A sustainable future benefits all of humanity.
"This agreement is a testament to the ability of our societies to set aside differences and confront collective challenges for the global good. Importantly, the agreement has provisions to protect the most vulnerable. Fairness and equity are at the heart of this accord.
"Governments have sent a signal to the private sector that the momentum toward sustainability cannot be stopped. This is what the world needed to see.
"Above all, we have given future generations hope instead of doom and gloom.
“Now that negotiations have concluded, our work continues. We must focus on implementing the solutions that drive an inclusive green economy, including renewable energy, green finance initiatives, and sustainability in transport, construction and other sectors.
The Secretary General of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, a network of over 1,000 groups in 45 African countries, Mithika Mwenda warned issues relating to climate justice were still not being adequately addressed.
"While ordinary people are facing worsening impacts such as Hurricane Patricia in Mexico and Typhone Koppu in the Philipines, the US is leading the wealthier countries in an effort to weaken the rules for developed countries, undermining international climate policy.
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