The Paris Agreement, signed on December 2015, is an international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change. As of 2021, the agreement has been ratified by 197 parties, including all of the European Union countries. However, some countries have not signed or ratified the agreement, with various reasons being cited. In this article, we will examine which countries have not signed the Paris Agreement and their reasons for not doing so.
1. United States of America
The United States, under the Trump administration, withdrew from the Paris Agreement officially on November 4, 2020. The Trump administration cited the Paris Agreement as being unfair, as it would have a detrimental impact on the US economy and jobs. The US is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally, and its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement was a significant blow to global efforts to fight climate change.
2. Iran
Iran, a significant producer of oil and gas, has not signed the Paris Agreement. However, the country has signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which is the parent treaty of the Paris Agreement. The country has not ratified the Paris Agreement because it claims it is not responsible for the majority of global greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Turkey
Turkey, a country with a rapidly growing economy, has not ratified the Paris Agreement. According to the Turkish government, the country has no obligation to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions levels. It argues that developed countries, which have been historically responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions, should bear the most significant burden of reducing emissions.
4. Eritrea
Eritrea, a small country situated in Africa, has not signed the Paris Agreement. The country argued that it is not responsible for the majority of global greenhouse gas emissions and has a more pressing need to focus on economic development.
5. South Sudan
South Sudan, the world`s newest country, has not signed the Paris Agreement. The country has not provided an official reason for not signing the agreement.
In conclusion, there are five countries that have not signed or ratified the Paris Agreement. The US, which was previously a signatory, withdrew under the Trump administration. Iran, Turkey, Eritrea, and South Sudan have not signed the agreement due to various reasons, including disputes over responsibilities and economic priorities. The Paris Agreement remains a crucial tool in mitigating the effects of climate change, and it is paramount that more countries adopt and adhere to it to achieve its objectives.
