On 22 April 2016 the EU
and its 28 member states will sign the global Paris climate agreement in a high-level ceremony in New York (United States). The agreement was
concluded at the UN climate change conference in December 2015, so called
COP21, that took place in Paris. The document will be now open for signature
for one year.
Dutch Minister for the Environment and President of
the Council, Sharon Dijksma, said: "This is a historic day for global
climate action. The Paris Agreement is a real turning point in limiting
temperature rise and preventing risks posed by climate change. This signature
sets out in black and white the EU's commitment to do its part and keep up the
momentum from Paris. Continuous action is required."
Minister Dijksma and Vice-President of the European Commission Maroš
Šefčovič will sign the agreement on behalf of the EU.
Ratification and entry into
force
The Paris Agreement will enter into force after
ratification from at least 55 countries accounting together for at least 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It will then become legally binding for the
countries that have ratified it.
In March 2016, the European Council underlined that
the EU and its member states need to ratify the Paris Agreement as soon as possible and on time so as to be parties as from the date of entry into force.
Main elements of the Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement aims at keeping global temperature
rise well below 2°C and to make efforts to keep it to 1.5°C (compared to pre-industrial levels). To this end,
countries have an obligation to takemeasures to reduce their emissions.
There will be a review process every five years to take stock and increase ambition over time. The
progress of countries in their commitments will be tracked to ensure transparency andaccountability. The need for all countries
to adapt to climate change by preparing and reinforcing their
resilience is also acknowledged.
In terms of solidarity, the EU and other developed
countries commit to continue providing climate finance to developing countries.
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