What international agreements exist to combat climate change?

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What international agreements exist to combat climate change?

There are several international agreements that exist to combat climate change. Some of the key agreements include:

1. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): This is an international treaty that was adopted in 1992 and serves as the foundation for global efforts to combat climate change. It sets out the overall framework for intergovernmental efforts to tackle climate change, including the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings.

2. Kyoto Protocol: Adopted in 1997, the Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty under the UNFCCC that sets binding emission reduction targets for developed countries. It established the first commitment period from 2008 to 2012, during which countries were required to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Paris Agreement: The Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015 and aims to strengthen the global response to climate change. It sets a long-term goal of keeping the global temperature increase well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The agreement also requires countries to regularly report on their emissions and progress towards their targets.

4. Montreal Protocol: Although primarily focused on protecting the ozone layer, the Montreal Protocol has also contributed to combating climate change. It phased out the production and consumption of substances that deplete the ozone layer, many of which are also potent greenhouse gases.

5. G20 Climate and Energy Action Plan: The G20, a group of major economies, has committed to taking collective action to address climate change. The G20 Climate and Energy Action Plan was adopted in 2017 and outlines various measures to promote clean energy, reduce emissions, and enhance climate resilience.

These agreements, among others, demonstrate the global commitment to addressing climate change and provide a framework for international cooperation and action.