Kliimalepingud

Kliimalepingud refer to international agreements and treaties aimed at addressing climate change. These agreements typically focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting adaptation to climate impacts, and providing financial and technological support to developing countries. The most prominent example is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), established in 1992, which serves as the parent treaty for subsequent climate protocols.

Under the UNFCCC, several key agreements have been negotiated. The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, set legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries. While it represented a significant step, its scope was limited, and some major emitters did not participate. More recently, the Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, marked a renewed global effort. It aims to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

The Paris Agreement operates on a system of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), where each country sets its own emission reduction targets. These NDCs are intended to become progressively more ambitious over time. The agreements also emphasize transparency, reporting, and periodic reviews of progress. While the effectiveness of these kliimalepingud is subject to ongoing debate and depends heavily on national implementation, they represent the primary international framework for global climate action. They aim to foster cooperation and provide a roadmap for a sustainable future in the face of a changing climate.