Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change, adopted in 2015, aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to restrict the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This agreement represents a collective commitment from countries around the world to take significant action in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience, thus connecting it to vital aspects of international treaties and environmental law.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted by 196 parties during COP21 in Paris, France, marking a historic moment in global climate action.
2. Under the agreement, countries are required to submit updated NDCs every five years to demonstrate their commitment to reducing emissions and improving climate resilience.
3. The agreement emphasizes the importance of financial support, technology transfer, and capacity building for developing countries to effectively address climate change.
4. The Paris Agreement also includes provisions for transparency and accountability, ensuring that countries report on their progress and actions taken toward their climate goals.
5. As of now, nearly all countries in the world have ratified the agreement, showcasing a global consensus on the urgency of addressing climate change.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement establish a framework for international cooperation on climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement creates a structured approach for nations to collectively tackle climate change by establishing clear goals for emission reductions and fostering collaboration through NDCs. Each country commits to specific targets while allowing flexibility in how they achieve these goals. This framework encourages transparency and accountability, as nations are required to report on their progress, facilitating a shared responsibility among all parties involved.
• Discuss the role of NDCs within the context of the Paris Agreement and their significance for national climate policies.
  • NDCs are central to the Paris Agreement as they represent each country's self-determined contributions toward global emission reduction targets. By requiring countries to outline their specific strategies and commitments, NDCs serve as a mechanism for setting national climate policies that align with global objectives. The expectation for countries to update their NDCs every five years ensures ongoing progress and adaptation of strategies as new scientific data becomes available and as nations learn from one another's experiences.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in achieving its climate goals in light of current global challenges.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in reaching its ambitious climate goals faces several challenges, including political will, financial constraints, and varying levels of commitment from different countries. While many nations have made significant strides in implementing their NDCs, ongoing issues like fossil fuel dependency and lack of comprehensive policy frameworks hinder progress. A thorough evaluation reveals that while the agreement has mobilized global awareness and action towards climate change, achieving its targets will require enhanced cooperation, increased financial investments, and innovative solutions to overcome barriers presented by economic and social factors.

Related terms

COP (Conference of the Parties): The annual meetings where countries that are parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) come together to negotiate and assess progress on climate action.

NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions): The commitments made by each country under the Paris Agreement outlining their specific targets and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate Finance: Financial resources provided by developed countries to support developing countries in mitigating and adapting to climate change impacts.