Signing of Paris climate agreement marks major step toward change

In the agreement reached in Paris last December, all countries committed to limit the warming of global temperatures to well below two degrees Celsius, and ideally below 1.5 degrees, from pre-industrial levels. To achieve this, CO2 emissions must be effectively eliminated in the second half of the 21st century. Solar and wind energy will be used to replace coal, oil, and gas. 

This agreement is only valid if at least 55 countries, accounting for 55% of emissions of greenhouse gases, can ratify it. The target is set for 2020, but if it is ratified quickly, the agreement on climate change could come into effect immediately this year or in early 2017.

The Vietnamese delegation, led by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Trần Hồng Hà, attended this important ceremony along with 171 countries and organisations. Accordingly, Vietnam once again confirmed its commitment to respond to climate change. 

In 2016, the Vietnamese government will ratify the agreement, while continuing to work toward the objectives set for low carbon and green economic development, as this is a long term and sustainable solution. 

Signing the Paris Agreement on climate change in New York is an affirmation of the member states in the fight against global warming. It creates a legal basis for the COP 21 agreement  and will replace the Kyoto Protocol, which is set to expire at the end of 2020.