As concerns over climate change and environmental degradation continue to grow, the world`s governments and organizations have come together in various agreements to address these issues. Here are some of the biggest environmental agreements in history.
1. Paris Agreement (2015) – This historic agreement was signed by 195 countries and aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with a goal of limiting the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Paris Agreement also aims to increase countries` ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change and to provide financial assistance to developing countries to help them transition to a low-carbon economy.
2. Kyoto Protocol (1997) – The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The treaty was signed by 192 countries and set binding targets for industrialized countries to reduce their emissions by a set amount by 2012.
3. Montreal Protocol (1987) – The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the use of substances that deplete it. It was signed by 197 countries and has been successful in reducing the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
4. Rio Declaration (1992) – The Rio Declaration is a document outlining the principles of sustainable development that was agreed upon at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The declaration includes principles such as the precautionary principle, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and the need for public participation in environmental decision-making.
5. Stockholm Convention (2001) – The Stockholm Convention is an international treaty that aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). These are chemicals that can persist in the environment for a long time and can cause adverse effects on human health and the environment. The treaty was signed by 152 countries and has been successful in reducing the use of POPs.
In conclusion, these are just some of the biggest environmental agreements in history. While these agreements do not solve all environmental problems, they are important steps towards a more sustainable future. As individuals, we can also take steps to reduce our own impact on the environment, such as reducing our use of single-use plastics, conserving energy, and supporting sustainable products and practices.