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Argentina Considering leaving the Paris Agreement
Context:
Argentina’s President Javier Milei is reportedly considering withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, a global treaty aimed at fighting climate change. This decision has raised concerns, especially with the potential for other countries like the United States to reconsider their involvement as well.
Argentina’s Position: Why Is It Considering Withdrawal?:
- Reevaluation of Climate Strategy: Argentina is reconsidering its participation due to disagreements with the treaty’s elements.
- Climate Change as a “Socialist Lie”: President Javier Milei, a climate change sceptic, has previously dismissed climate change as a “socialist lie,” citing natural cycles as the cause instead of human activities.
- Economic Concerns: Milei argues that the Paris Agreement’s climate measures harm Argentina’s economy, particularly its agriculture and energy sectors.
- Philosophical Disagreement: Argentina acknowledges climate change but attributes it to natural cycles rather than human activity, while agreeing on the need for mitigation measures.
Potential Impact of Argentina’s Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement:
- Global Domino Effect: Argentina’s exit could prompt other countries to reconsider their participation, undermining the Paris Agreement and global climate goals.
- Economic Consequences: As South America’s second-largest economy and a major emitter, Argentina’s withdrawal could isolate it from climate-conscious trade partners, especially with the EU’s climate-related import duties.
- Domestic Challenges: President Milei faces domestic opposition to withdrawal, and approval from Argentina’s parliament, where climate policy is constitutionally protected, could be difficult to achieve.
What is the Paris Agreement?:
- International Treaty: The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that was adopted in 2015 by nearly all countries in the world. The idea is to protect vulnerable ecosystems, communities, and economies from the severe impacts of climate change.
- Aim: The main goal of the treaty is to limit global warming to “well below” 2°C, and ideally aim for 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
- NDC as a Mechanism : To achieve this, every country is required to submit a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which outlines the actions it will take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Countries are expected to update and strengthen these contributions every five years. The Paris Agreement is designed to be a flexible framework that allows countries to contribute according to their capabilities and circumstances.
How a Country Withdraws from the Paris Agreement:
- Article 28: Lays out the procedure for withdrawal.
- Notification: A country must notify the UN’s Office of Legal Affairs in writing.
- Effective Date: Withdrawal takes effect one year after notification or later, as specified.
- Obligations: The country remains fully engaged in the Agreement until withdrawal is finalised.
Achievements of the Paris Agreement:
The Paris Agreement has achieved several significant milestones in the global effort to tackle climate change:
- Universal Participation: Nearly every country in the world, including major emitters like China, India, and the United States, agreed to take action on climate change.
- Climate Goals: For the first time, a global target to limit warming to 1.5°C was set, which was a significant step forward in the fight against climate change.
- Financial Support for Developing Countries: Wealthy nations have pledged financial aid to help poorer countries adapt to climate change and transition to cleaner energy sources.
- Emissions Tracking: The agreement establishes a system for monitoring and reporting emissions, making countries accountable for their actions and providing transparency.
India’s Role in the Paris Agreement
- India as a Major Emitter
As a major greenhouse gas emitter, India plays a crucial role in the Paris Agreement. While acknowledging climate change, India emphasises climate justice, urging developed nations, which have historically contributed more to emissions, to take on greater responsibility. - Commitment to Renewable Energy
India has made significant progress in renewable energy, setting ambitious targets for solar and wind energy to reduce emissions and meet global climate goals. - Challenges with the Paris Agreement
India highlights the lack of sufficient climate finance for developing countries, which hampers their ability to transition to clean energy and adapt to climate impacts. - Advocating for Climate Finance
India calls for more transparent and accessible climate finance and urges developed nations to fulfil their financial commitments to help developing countries achieve their climate goals.
