In 2015, the Paris Agreement was formulated during the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to combat global warming. The agreement aimed to limit the global temperature rise to 2°C above pre-industrial levels, preferably to 1.5°C. However, there were different obligations and responsibilities assigned to developed and developing countries.
Developed and developing countries have different roles under the Paris Agreement because of their varying levels of economic development, infrastructure, and carbon emissions. Developed countries are those with established economies that have contributed significantly to the global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and have the capacity to provide climate finance and transfer technology. Developing countries are those that have lower levels of economic development and contribute less to global GHG emissions.
In the Paris Agreement, developed countries agreed to reduce their GHG emissions, provide climate finance, and transfer clean technology to developing countries. They were required to provide financial assistance to developing countries for implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. This assistance was pledged to be at least $100 billion annually by 2020 and to increase gradually thereafter.
Developing countries, on the other hand, were encouraged to take voluntary actions to mitigate their carbon emissions. These actions were supported by the provision of financial, technical, and capacity-building assistance from developed countries. Developing countries were not obligated to reduce their carbon emissions but were encouraged to do so voluntarily. They also had to submit their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The INDCs are voluntary pledges by countries to reduce their carbon emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Developed countries were required to submit more ambitious INDCs as they have a greater responsibility to reduce carbon emissions. Developing countries could submit less ambitious pledges that were supported by financial and technological assistance from developed countries.
In conclusion, the Paris Agreement recognized the differentiated responsibilities and capabilities of developed and developing countries. Developed countries were expected to take the lead in reducing carbon emissions and providing climate finance and technology transfer to developing countries. Developing countries were encouraged to take voluntary actions to mitigate their carbon emissions, supported by financial and technological assistance from developed countries. The Paris Agreement represents a global effort to address climate change, recognizing the importance of collaboration and differentiated efforts to achieve a sustainable future.