The Paris Agreement on Climate Change was a significant milestone in global efforts to address issues related to climate change. The agreement was adopted in 2015 by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change during the COP21 conference in Paris. The primary objective of this agreement was to keep the global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Paris agreement also aimed to strengthen the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change.

Australia is one of the countries that signed the Paris Agreement. The Australian government committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28% from 2005 levels by 2030. The government also aimed to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Australia`s commitment to the Paris Agreement was a significant shift from its previous position on climate change, which was criticized by many environmentalists and other countries.

Since the Paris Agreement, Australia has made some progress in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. The country`s emissions fell by 3% in 2019, which is the first decline in emissions since 2015. The reduction was attributed to a decrease in emissions from the electricity sector, which in turn was due to the increased use of renewable energy.

However, Australia still has a long way to go to reach its emissions reduction targets. Climate change activists and environmentalists have criticized the Australian government`s lack of action in this regard. They argue that the government needs to take more aggressive actions to reduce emissions, such as phasing out coal-fired power plants and investing in renewable energy.

The Australian government has also been criticized for its lack of action in supporting vulnerable communities that are affected by climate change. For example, the recent bushfires that ravaged the country caused widespread devastation and loss of life, particularly among indigenous communities. Climate change has increased the risk of bushfires in Australia, and experts have warned that more intense and frequent fires are likely to occur in the future.

In conclusion, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change was a significant step forward in global efforts to address climate change. Australia`s commitment to the agreement was a positive development, but the country still has a long way to go to meet its emissions reduction targets. The government needs to take more aggressive action to reduce emissions and support vulnerable communities affected by climate change.