National Council ratifies Paris Agreement

The National Council on Friday unanimously ratified the Paris Agreement, which aims to strengthen global response to the threat of climate change through a temperature goal of limiting the increase in global average temperature to 1.5 degree Celsius.

Agriculture minister Yeshey Dorji introduced and presented the objectives, aims, achievements, and future plans of the Paris Agreement to the council and also answered queries on the agreement.

The Paris agreement was adopted on 12 December 2015 at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris. The National Environment Commission (NEC), in accordance with its mandates for multilateral environmental agreements under the National Environment Protection Act, 2007, reviewed the Agreement and recommended that Bhutan sign and ratify the agreement.

“If I highlight Bhutan’s national interest under the Paris Agreement, Bhutan is highly susceptible to the adverse impacts of Climatic Change due to high dependence of the economy and population on climate sensitive sectors like agriculture, water and hydro energy,” said the minister. “The temperature goal of the agreement aims to minimize such impacts. The Paris Agreement provides the mechanism and support for adaptation to the impacts of climate change.”

Some of the main objectives of the agreement is limiting increase in global average temperature to 1.5 degree Celsius and to prepare in adaptation and mitigation works and make financial flows consistent with efforts for the low greenhouse gas development and climate resilient development.

The main responsibilities for Bhutan after ratification is to carry out mitigation and adaptation measures for air pollution and at the same time ensure transparency in carrying out the mitigation and adaptation works.

The Minister also clarified that the travel expenses for the three delegation members for yearly participation in the COP will be supported by UNFCCC, which will require less spending from the government.

The house unanimously ratified the Paris Agreement on environment protection and conservation.

Currently out of the 197 parties, 145 parties have ratified the convention.

Bhutan is seen as one of the stars of the Paris Agreement for its commitment to environmental protection.