Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change that was adopted in 2015 and aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts to restrict the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. It establishes a framework for countries to set and achieve nationally determined contributions (NDCs) toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing resilience to climate impacts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, during COP21 in Paris and has been signed by nearly every country in the world.
2. One of the key features of the agreement is the requirement for countries to submit updates on their NDCs every five years, reflecting increased ambition over time.
3. The agreement emphasizes a balance between mitigation efforts and adaptation strategies, encouraging countries to invest in resilience against climate impacts.
4. Financial support is a crucial component of the agreement, with developed countries committing to provide $100 billion annually by 2020 to assist developing nations in their climate actions.
5. The Paris Agreement includes a mechanism for transparency and accountability, ensuring that countries report on their progress and adhere to their commitments.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement facilitate cooperation among countries in addressing climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement fosters cooperation by establishing a common framework for all participating countries to set their own nationally determined contributions (NDCs) based on their individual circumstances. This flexibility allows countries to tailor their commitments while promoting collective goals of limiting global warming. Additionally, it encourages regular communication and transparency through progress reports, enabling nations to share best practices and learn from each other’s efforts.
• Discuss the role of financial support in achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement, particularly for developing countries.
  • Financial support is essential for developing countries under the Paris Agreement as it helps them implement their NDCs while also adapting to climate impacts. The commitment of developed countries to provide $100 billion annually is aimed at facilitating investments in clean technologies, infrastructure improvements, and resilience-building projects. This support not only empowers these nations but also ensures a more equitable approach to global climate action, acknowledging that developed nations have historically contributed more to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in achieving its goals regarding global temperature limits and emission reductions.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement can be assessed through its ability to mobilize global action towards limiting temperature increases and achieving emission reductions. While the agreement sets ambitious targets, its success largely hinges on national commitments and political will. Some experts argue that current NDCs are insufficient to meet the 1.5-degree Celsius target, highlighting the need for enhanced ambition and enforcement mechanisms. Ultimately, evaluating effectiveness requires continuous monitoring of progress, adjustments in policies, and international collaboration beyond formal commitments.

Related terms

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The commitments made by each country under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the global effort of combating climate change.

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect; key targets for reduction under international climate agreements.

COP (Conference of the Parties): The supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that meets annually to negotiate and implement measures related to climate change.