The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, is a landmark international climate agreement that aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Article 28 of the agreement sets out the procedures for its entry into force and how it can be amended in the future.
Entry into Force
Article 28 states that the Paris Agreement will enter into force on the 30th day after the date on which at least 55 Parties to the Convention, accounting for at least 55% of total global greenhouse gas emissions, have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession with the Depositary.
The 55% threshold was set to ensure that major emitters, such as China and the United States, must be parties to the agreement for it to have the necessary impact on global emissions. The agreement reached the required threshold for entry into force on November 4, 2016, when 55 Parties accounting for 55.5% of global emissions deposited their instruments of ratification.
Amendment
Article 28 also outlines the process for amending the Paris Agreement. Any Party to the agreement can propose an amendment, which must be communicated to the Depositary. The proposed amendment is then circulated to all Parties for consideration.
The amendment will enter into force for all Parties that have accepted it on the 30th day after at least three-quarters of Parties have communicated their acceptance to the Depositary. However, the amendment will only apply to Parties that have accepted it.
This amendment process is critical to ensuring that the Paris Agreement remains effective over time. As new scientific discoveries are made and as the impacts of climate change become more apparent, it may be necessary to adjust the targets and goals of the agreement to reflect these new realities.
Conclusion
Article 28 of the Paris Agreement is a crucial component of this historic climate agreement. It sets out the procedures for its entry into force, ensuring that major emitters are part of the agreement, and outlines the process for future amendments to reflect changing circumstances. As we move forward in the fight against climate change, it is essential that we continue to work together to ensure the Paris Agreement remains effective in achieving its goals.