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A historic new global climate agreement has been reached at the United Nations conference on climate change in Paris.
The
deal takes a significant step forward to reducing emissions. For the first time
ever 195 countries, including the world’s largest emitters, have now committed
to act together to combat climate change and be held equally accountable.
Prime Minister David Cameron
said:
“In striking this deal, the nations of
the world have shown what unity, ambition and perseverance can do.
Britain is already leading the
way in work to cut emissions and help less developed countries cut theirs - and
this global deal now means that the whole world has signed to play its part in
halting climate change. It's a moment to remember and a huge step forward in
helping to secure the future of our planet."
Energy and Climate
Change Secretary Amber Rudd said:
"We have witnessed an important
step forward, with an unprecedented number of countries agreeing to a deal to
limit global temperature rises and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
This is vital for our long-term economic and global security. This deal will
ensure all countries are held to account for their climate commitments and
gives a clear signal to business to invest in the low carbon transition".
Key aspects of the deal:
- Countries will now have to come together regularly to review their climate plans and collectively ensure that the necessary action is being taken to tackle climate change.
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Setting out a clear long-term goal of net zero emissions by the end of the century, showing that the world is committed to decarbonising. Progress against this goal will be independently assessed in 2018 and then every five years.
- A legal obligation to make new post-2030 commitments to reduce emissions every 5 years, from 2025. For the first time, all countries will be held accountable by independent review for acting according to their pledges.
- As previously agreed, all developed countries will collectively mobilise $100 billion per year from both the public and private sector, to help the poorest and most vulnerable countries to protect themselves from the effects of climate change and support low carbon development. This agreement now recognises the role of emerging economies in mobilising resources and contributing finance over time as well.
To read the
final agreement, please click here to find the new text on the UNFCCC website and here to see the EU statement.
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