Written by The Lima Agreement and Agenda 21: What You Need to Know
In 2015, the world watched as heads of state and diplomatic leaders gathered in Lima, Peru to discuss the future of our planet. The result was the Lima Agreement, a historic pact that laid out a course for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. But what, exactly, is the Lima Agreement, and how does it relate to Agenda 21?
Agenda 21 is a United Nations plan for sustainable development, first introduced at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The plan aimed to establish a global partnership for sustainable development, with a focus on social, economic, and environmental sustainability. It called for the adoption of policies and practices that would promote sustainable development and reduce poverty, while also protecting the environment and promoting social equity.
The Lima Agreement builds on the principles of Agenda 21 and sets out specific goals and targets for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement calls for countries to work together to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, while also striving for a limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius. This is an important target, as exceeding these levels could have catastrophic effects on the planet`s climate and ecosystems.
The Lima Agreement also sets out a framework for countries to submit plans for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, known as “Intended Nationally Determined Contributions” (INDCs). These plans are intended to be updated every five years, with the goal of gradually reducing global greenhouse gas emissions over time. The agreement also calls for financial support for developing countries to help them transition to low-carbon economies and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
So where do Agenda 21 and the Lima Agreement intersect? The two are closely linked, as both aim to promote sustainable development and address the impacts of climate change. Agenda 21 sets out a broad vision for sustainable development, while the Lima Agreement provides a specific framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming. Together, they represent a global effort to create a more sustainable and equitable world.
In conclusion, the Lima Agreement and Agenda 21 are both important international agreements that aim to address the urgent challenges of climate change and sustainable development. The Lima Agreement sets out specific targets and goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while Agenda 21 provides a broader vision for sustainable development. Together, they represent a hopeful path forward for our planet and for future generations.