Australia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement has been a topic of debate in recent years. The Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015 by 195 countries, including Australia, with the aim of limiting global warming to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. However, there have been concerns about Australia’s commitment to the agreement and its progress towards achieving the goals set out in the agreement. In this article, we will take a closer look at whether Australia is still part of the Paris Agreement.
The answer to this question is yes, Australia is still part of the Paris Agreement. In fact, Australia ratified the Paris Agreement on November 10, 2016, and became a formal party to the agreement on December 10, 2016. As part of its commitment to the agreement, Australia submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in 2015, which outlines the country’s targets and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
However, Australia’s progress towards achieving the goals set out in the Paris Agreement has been criticized by many as insufficient. The country’s NDC sets a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2030. This target has been criticized as being too weak and not in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. In addition, Australia’s reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, has been a source of concern for many.
Australia’s position on the Paris Agreement has been a contentious issue, with some advocating for stronger action to combat climate change while others argue that Australia’s economic interests must be taken into account. In 2019, Australia’s Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, announced that the country would not increase its targets under the Paris Agreement, but would instead focus on meeting its current commitments.
In conclusion, while Australia is still part of the Paris Agreement, there are concerns about the country’s progress towards achieving the goals of the agreement. The country’s current greenhouse gas reduction targets have been criticized as being too weak and not in line with the Paris Agreement’s goals. Whether Australia will take stronger action to combat climate change remains to be seen, but the country’s position on the issue will undoubtedly continue to be a topic of debate for years to come.