The Paris Agreement, an international treaty signed in 2015, aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C. This ambitious goal is achieved by countries submitting their own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), or plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and regularly reporting on their progress.

But, is the Paris Agreement working in 2020?

The short answer is: not yet. Despite the agreement being in place for five years, global emissions have continued to increase. In fact, the world is currently on track for a 3°C temperature rise by the end of the century, which would have catastrophic consequences for our planet and its inhabitants.

However, there is still hope. A recent study by Climate Action Tracker found that if all countries fully implemented their current NDCs, global warming could be limited to 2.1°C. While this is still above the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement, it shows that progress is being made.

To reach the 1.5°C goal, countries need to do more. They need to set more ambitious targets for emissions reduction and implement policies to achieve them. This includes investing in renewable energy, phasing out fossil fuels, and transitioning to low-carbon transportation.

It is also crucial that countries work together to address climate change. The Paris Agreement promotes international cooperation and encourages rich countries to provide financial and technological support to developing nations in their efforts to reduce emissions. This is an important aspect of the agreement, as the burden of climate change disproportionately affects developing countries that have contributed little to the problem.

While the Paris Agreement may not be working as well as we had hoped in 2020, it is important to remember that it is a long-term solution to a global problem. It requires the commitment and cooperation of every country to be effective. As individuals, we can also play our part by reducing our own carbon footprints and supporting initiatives that promote sustainability.

In conclusion, while the Paris Agreement has not yet succeeded in limiting global warming to 1.5°C, progress is being made. With greater ambition and collaboration, we can still achieve the goals set out in the Paris Agreement and secure a safer future for our planet.