China and the US, two of the biggest contributors to global carbon emissions, have both ratified the Paris global climate agreement. Together, the two countries are responsible for approximately 38% of global carbon dioxide emissions; the fact they have ratified the Paris agreement, then, is rather significant in the global fight against climate change.
The Paris agreement was drawn up in December 2015 and must be ratified by at least 55 countries (which represents 55% of global emissions) to come into effect. The agreement aims to, amongst other things, keep global temperature increase below 2 degrees Celsius and also to peak greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible. Once formally ratified, countries cannot abandon the agreement until at least three years have passed.
Although 23 countries have already ratified the agreement, they accounted for just over 1% of the emissions. The UK is yet to ratify it, and is now under increased pressure to do so. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Theresa May said that the UK would ratify it "as soon as possible", but has not suggested when that might be.
China's President, Xi Jinping, said, "I have said many times that green mountains and clear water are as good as mountains of gold and silver. To protect the environment is to protect productivity and to improve the environment is to boost productivity.” He added, “We will unwaveringly pursue sustainable development and stay committed to green, low-carbon and circular development and to China’s fundamental policy of conserving resources and protecting the environment. In promoting green development we also aim to address climate change and over capacity.”
In order to ratify the agreement, China would need to cut carbon emissions by 60-65% per unit of GDP by 2030, compared with 2005 levels. China would also need to ensure that at least 20% of its energy consumption was from non-fossil fuels.
However, some still remain sceptical of the agreement. Friends of the Earth, whilst welcoming this latest ratification news, believes that the Paris agreement is too weak.
