The Paris Agreement, which was signed in 2015, is a landmark international agreement aimed at mitigating global climate change. With the United States being one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the world, its role in reducing its emissions has been critical in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
After the Paris Agreement was signed, the United States announced its intention to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28% below its 2005 levels by 2025. This ambitious target was set as a part of the country`s overall commitment to reduce its GHG emissions and to ensure that it plays its part in mitigating global climate change.
Over the past few years, the United States has made significant strides towards achieving its Paris Agreement target. In 2017, the country`s CO2 emissions fell by 0.5% from the previous year, which was a significant achievement, considering that the country`s GDP had grown during the same period.
In 2018, however, the United States` CO2 emissions saw a slight increase of 3.4%, which was attributed to increased economic activity and the use of fossil fuels. This increase in emissions was a setback for the country`s efforts to meet its Paris Agreement target.
Despite this setback, the United States has continued its efforts to reduce its CO2 emissions. The country has been investing in renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, and implementing regulations to reduce emissions from the transportation sector.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on the United States` CO2 emissions. With many businesses shutting down and people staying at home, the country`s emissions fell by an estimated 10.3% in 2020. While this decrease in emissions was not the result of the country`s climate policies, it does indicate the potential for significant reductions in emissions through lifestyle changes and economic shifts.
To achieve its Paris Agreement target, the United States will need to continue its efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. This will require significant investments in renewable energy, improvements in public transportation, and more stringent regulations on emissions from industry and transportation.
In conclusion, the United States` CO2 emissions after the Paris Agreement have been a mix of successes and setbacks. While the country has made progress towards its ambitious target, it still has a long way to go. With continued efforts and investments in renewable energy and emissions reductions, the United States can play a significant role in mitigating global climate change and meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.