The Politics of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: International Agreements and Domestic Policies
Introduction
Greenhouse gas emissions have been a major concern for the international community in recent years. The increase in such emissions has led to severe climate change that has affected the environment, economy, and human health. Environmental scientists have been warning us about the consequences of greenhouse gas emissions for decades, but only recently has the international community started to take action. In this article, we will discuss the politics of greenhouse gas emissions, including international agreements and domestic policies.
International Agreements
International agreements are critical in the fight against climate change. The most significant international agreement regarding greenhouse gas emissions is the Paris Agreement, which was signed in 2015. The Paris Agreement is a legally binding agreement signed by 196 countries that aim to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Paris Agreement includes various commitments, including:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Adapting to the impacts of climate change
- Providing climate finance to developing countries
- Building capacity to address climate change
Domestic Policies
In addition to international agreements, domestic policies are also important in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Each country has its own set of policies and regulations to address climate change. Some countries have implemented a carbon tax, which is a tax on greenhouse gas emissions. The purpose of a carbon tax is to create an economic incentive for companies and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. Other countries have implemented cap-and-trade systems, which limit the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that companies can produce and allow companies to trade emission permits.
The United States
The United States has been a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and its domestic policies have been closely watched by the international community. In 2015, the Obama administration introduced the Clean Power Plan, which aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. However, the Trump administration withdrew from the Paris Agreement and repealed the Clean Power Plan. The Biden administration has since rejoined the Paris Agreement and introduced the American Jobs Plan, which includes significant investments in clean energy and infrastructure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, international agreements and domestic policies are critical in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Paris Agreement is a significant international agreement that aims to limit global warming and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase. Domestic policies such as carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems provide an economic incentive for companies and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. The United States has been a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and its domestic policies have been closely watched by the international community. The Biden administration’s rejoining of the Paris Agreement and introduction of the American Jobs Plan has been a positive step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
