The world is waiting, watching and speculating if member states of the United Nations would join in to make the landmark global warming treaty, the Paris agreement, a living reality. The treaty has cleared the first pre-condition of atleast 55 countries ratifying it by 2016, and now the climate experts are anxiously waiting at the edge of their seats to see if it can fulfil the second hurdle too, of ensuring support from countries which account for a minimum of 55 per cent of global emissions.
Recently with the U.S and China ratifying and announcing their support for the treaty there was an increase in pressure on other top global emitters to follow their footsteps and chip in their bit to save the planet. With the world's biggest two emitters sending across a strong message to the international community, the global communities are now willing to work more then ever, on their plans for climate change.
What is in store for India in ratifying the treaty?
New Delhi gets to play a strong role of a leader in future climate change talks and rules which will have a strong say from everything starting from energy, trade, industrialisation or technology in the coming times. Indian Prime Minister recently announced that India would ratify the treaty on 2nd October, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who symbolized a lifestyle with the smallest carbon footprint. Joining the agreement also comes as a ‘morally’ necessary requisite with New Delhi leading the International Solar Alliance which was born on the sidelines of COP21 in 2015. The key aim of ISA would be arranging easier finance for the solar projects of member countries. But for India to advocate solar energy, it needs to cut down in emissions post signing the treaty.
Paris Accord when turns into a reality
As soon as the agreement becomes a reality and is instrumental, all the terms would become binding within 30 days on the parties involved. Each nation would set their own targets where the overarching aim is to phase out the use of fossil fuels and replace it by increased use of renewable energy resources. The targets are not binding but for the sake of transparency countries would have to submit to an outside monitoring.
Replacing existing energy resources with new renewable energy sources would be a financial burden on developing countries that are still grappling with economic challenges. To support these countries, the burden would also be shared by developed countries who have agreed to support the new clean energy endeavours.
With a great push from the outgoing president of the United States, the Paris negotiations are gaining momentum and many countries have agreed to sign and ratify these by the end of 2016. The agreement though not binding on the international community sends out a strong message that renewable energy is the new smart fuel that the world needs to invest in soon to curb down the impact of climate change.
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