Argentina’s Climate Shift
Context: Argentina's new far-right President, Javier Milei, is reportedly considering withdrawing the country from the Paris Climate Agreement, sparking global debate about its commitment to climate action. This speculation arose after Argentina’s representatives abruptly left the ongoing COP29 climate summit.
What is the Paris Climate Agreement?
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, is a global accord aimed at combating climate change by:
- Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
- Limiting global temperature rise this century to below 2°C (preferably 1.5°C) above pre-industrial levels.
Countries involved (called “Parties”) must submit plans every five years, called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), outlining their climate action efforts. These plans are expected to become more ambitious over time.
How Can a Country Withdraw from the Agreement?
Under Article 28, a country can withdraw from the agreement as follows:
- The country must wait three years after the agreement took effect (for Argentina, this period passed in 2019).
- A written withdrawal notification must be sent to the UN’s Office of Legal Affairs in New York.
- The withdrawal takes effect one year after the notification is received. Until then, the country remains bound by the agreement.
Why This Matters for Argentina and the World:
- Argentina’s Emissions Role: As the 24th-largest emitter of GHGs and South America’s second-largest economy, Argentina plays a significant role in global climate efforts.
- Fossil Fuel Reserves: The country holds vast fossil fuel resources, including the second-largest shale gas reserves and fourth-largest shale oil reserves globally, making its stance on climate agreements crucial.
- Global Implications: If Argentina withdraws, it could set a precedent for other nations reconsidering their climate commitments, potentially undermining global efforts to address climate change.
This move reflects President Milei’s broader agenda of challenging global norms and prioritizing economic growth over climate obligations, raising concerns about its impact on international climate goals.
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