How many states have signed the Paris Agreement as per Nov 2016?

a. 172

b. 162

c. 182

d. 192

ANSWER: 182

Explanation:

The Paris Agreement has entered into force on Nov 4, 2016.

The agreement involves GHG emissions mitigation, adaptation and finance.

Paris Agreement’s entry into force comes after countries representing 55 percent of the world’s emissions joined the deal.

As per Nov 2016, 192 states have signed the agreement.

The EU is also a signatory to the agreement.

97 of these parties have ratified or accepted the agreement.

Notable among these are the leading GHG emitters China, the US and India.

The Paris Agreement is inked within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Language of the agreement was negotiated by 195 nations at the 21st COP of the UNFCC in Paris.

It was adopted by consensus on 12th December 2015.

It was launched for the signatories on 22nd April 2016 in NYC.

The EU ratified the agreement in Oct 2016.

The agreement has come into force due to ratification by enough countries.

The prime aim of the protocol is to limit global average temperature to well below 2 degree C above pre-industrial levels.

COP has established a global goal on adaptation of enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and lowering vulnerability to climate change.

Averting, minimising and coping with losses due to climate change is another mitigation based goal.

Other aspects of the agreement focus on:

Technology Transfer

Capacity Building

Financing

Implementation

Review