Eu china back climate pact after trump pullout
You're referring to the recent development where the European Union (EU) and China have announced a joint commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change, following the United States' withdrawal from the pact under the Trump administration.
Here are the key points:
Background: The Paris Agreement is an international accord aimed at mitigating climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The agreement was adopted by 196 parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2015.
Trump's withdrawal: In June 2017, the United States, under the presidency of Donald Trump, announced its intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. The withdrawal process was completed on November 4, 2020.
EU-China joint commitment: In response to the US withdrawal, the European Union and China have reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement. On September 22, 2020, the two sides issued a joint statement, emphasizing their shared goal of addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.
Key points of the joint statement:
- Reaffirmation of the Paris Agreement: The EU and China reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement and its goals, including limiting global warming to well below 2°C and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
- Enhanced cooperation: The two sides agreed to enhance their cooperation on climate change, including through joint research, development, and deployment of low-carbon technologies.
- Green finance: The EU and China committed to promoting green finance and increasing investment in low-carbon sectors, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure.
- Climate action: The joint statement emphasized the importance of taking immediate and ambitious action to address climate change, including through the implementation of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and the development of long-term strategies.
Implications: The EU-China joint commitment to the Paris Agreement sends a strong signal to the international community that the fight against climate change is a global priority. It also underscores the importance of cooperation and collaboration among nations to address this pressing issue.
In conclusion, the EU-China joint commitment to the Paris Agreement is a significant development in the global effort to combat climate change, and it demonstrates that even in the face of challenges and setbacks, international cooperation can continue to drive progress towards a more sustainable future.