Why in news?

Argentina's President Javier Milei is reportedly considering withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, following his government's decision to pull negotiators from the COP29 climate summit.

This review coincides with President-elect Donald Trump's plans to exit the accord for the second time, raising concerns over the future of global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What’s in today’s article?

• Paris Agreement
• Process of withdrawal from the Paris Agreement
• Argentina considering leaving the treaty

Paris Agreement

• About
  • Adopted in December 2015 during the COP21 summit, it is a landmark international treaty under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
  • It seeks to unite nations in combating climate change and adapting to its impacts.
  • The agreement requires member countries to submit and update their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) every five years, with each update reflecting greater ambition, as outlined by the UNFCCC.
• Aim/Objectives
  • Limit Global Warming: Keep the global temperature rise this century well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C.
  • Enhance Adaptive Capacity: Strengthen countries' abilities to deal with climate impacts and foster climate-resilient development.
  • Financial Support: Mobilize at least $100 billion annually by 2020 to assist developing countries in climate action.
• Achievements
  • Broad Participation: Over 190 countries, including major emitters like China, the U.S., and the EU, have joined the agreement.
  • Global Commitments: Countries submitted nationally determined contributions (NDCs) outlining their climate action plans.
  • Green Technology Growth: Encouraged a global shift toward renewable energy and sustainable practices.
• Criticism
  • Non-Binding Nature: The agreement relies on voluntary commitments, with no enforcement mechanism for non-compliance.
  • Insufficient Targets: Critics argue that current NDCs are inadequate to meet the 1.5°C or 2°C goals.
  • Financial Gaps: Developed nations have fallen short of the $100 billion annual funding target for developing countries.
  • Withdrawal Risks: Some countries, like the U.S. (temporarily under Trump) and potentially Argentina, have expressed intent to exit, undermining global unity.

Process of withdrawal from the Paris Agreement

• Provision dealing with the withdrawal
  • Article 28 of the Paris Agreement lays out the procedure and timeline for a country’s withdrawal from the treaty.
• Conditions for Withdrawal
  • A country can withdraw three years after the agreement's entry into force for that country (from 2016 onward).
  • Withdrawal requires written notification to the UN Depositary.
• Procedural Requirements
  • The withdrawal notification must be submitted to the Office of Legal Affairs at the UN Headquarters in New York.
• Timeline for Withdrawal
  • The withdrawal takes effect one year after the Depositary receives the notification.
  • A later date may be specified in the notification.
• Obligations Until Withdrawal Takes Effect
  • Until the withdrawal becomes effective, the country remains a party to the agreement and must participate fully in its activities.

Argentina considering leaving the treaty

• No Decision Yet on Withdrawal
  • Argentina is re-evaluating its participation in the Paris Agreement but has not yet decided to leave.
  • The govt officials have cited disagreements with several aspects of the treaty.
  • Argentina is reassessing its overall climate change strategy. It has paused further actions until it gains clarity on its position.
• President Milei's Views on Climate Change
  • President Milei is a climate change denier, previously calling it a "socialist lie."
• Government's Stance on Climate Change
  • Argentina does not deny climate change but attributes it to natural cycles rather than human activities, framing the debate as a "philosophical issue."
  • The government supports taking measures to mitigate the effects of climate change despite differing views on its causes.
• Potential Impact of Argentina's Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement
  • Global Concerns
    • Experts fear Argentina's exit could create a domino effect, prompting other nations to reconsider their participation.
    • This would jeopardize global climate goals, which require a 42% reduction in emissions by 2030 and 57% by 2035 to limit warming to 1.5°C.
  • Argentina’s Role in Climate Policy
    • As South America’s second-largest economy and the 24th-largest GHG emitter, Argentina plays a significant role in global emissions.
    • It holds substantial fossil fuel reserves, including the second-largest shale gas and fourth-largest shale oil reserves globally.
  • Economic and Diplomatic Risks
    • Withdrawal could isolate Argentina on the global stage.
    • Countries like the EU are introducing climate-related import duties, making Argentina less attractive as a trading partner.
• Domestic Challenges to Withdrawal
  • Domestic opposition may hinder President Milei's ability to withdraw Argentina from the treaty.
  • Parliamentary approval is required for withdrawal, as all international treaties ratified by Argentina hold constitutional status.