South Africa Ratifies Paris Agreement on Climate Change
South Africa has ratified the Paris Agreement on climate change, a global pact aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
The ratification took place on 1 November 2021, making South Africa the 56th country to ratify the agreement. The country`s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, signed the ratification during a virtual ceremony held on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow.
The Paris Agreement was adopted by 196 parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in December 2015 and came into force on 4 November 2016. It 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. It also aims to enhance the ability of all countries to deal with the impacts of climate change.
South Africa`s ratification of the Paris Agreement is a significant step forward in the country`s efforts to address climate change. South Africa is one of the world`s largest coal producers and emits significant amounts of carbon dioxide from its coal-fired power plants. However, the country has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions through a range of measures, including the implementation of a carbon tax, the promotion of renewable energy, and the phasing out of coal-fired power generation.
South Africa has also submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UNFCCC, outlining its plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 28% by 2025 and by 42% by 2030, compared to a business-as-usual scenario. The NDC also includes plans to increase the share of renewable energy in the country`s energy mix to 40% by 2030.
The ratification of the Paris Agreement by South Africa sends a strong signal to the international community about its commitment to address climate change. It also demonstrates the country`s leadership in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the impacts of climate change.
In conclusion, South Africa`s ratification of the Paris Agreement on climate change is a positive step towards a more sustainable and resilient future. The country`s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy will help to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure a better future for generations to come.