Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted in 2015 that aims to combat climate change and limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It establishes a framework for countries to set and achieve their own climate goals, emphasizing the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience to climate impacts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted by 196 parties at COP21 in Paris, marking a significant milestone in international climate policy.
2. One of the key components of the agreement is the commitment by developed countries to provide financial support to developing nations in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
3. Each country is required to regularly report on its emissions and progress towards its climate goals, fostering transparency and accountability among nations.
4. The agreement includes a mechanism for countries to increase their climate ambitions over time, encouraging more aggressive action as needed to meet global temperature targets.
5. The Paris Agreement is considered legally binding for its procedural aspects, but countries have flexibility in how they achieve their targets, allowing for a variety of approaches.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement encourage countries to set their own climate goals while fostering global cooperation?
  • The Paris Agreement encourages countries to set their own climate goals through the submission of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline specific targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This approach allows for flexibility and recognizes that different countries have varying capacities and circumstances. At the same time, it fosters global cooperation by requiring countries to communicate their progress and update their commitments regularly, creating a collective framework where nations can learn from one another and build upon each other's efforts.
• Discuss the significance of financial support for developing nations within the framework of the Paris Agreement and its implications for global equity.
  • Financial support for developing nations is a crucial aspect of the Paris Agreement, as it recognizes that these countries often lack the resources necessary to effectively combat climate change. Developed countries are committed to providing this support, which includes funding for mitigation and adaptation initiatives. This provision highlights the importance of global equity in addressing climate change, ensuring that all nations can participate meaningfully in global efforts while taking into account their differing capacities and vulnerabilities.
• Evaluate the impact of the Paris Agreement on international climate policy and its role in shaping future environmental governance.
  • The Paris Agreement has had a profound impact on international climate policy by establishing a universally accepted framework for addressing climate change. Its emphasis on nationally determined contributions allows for diverse approaches while still striving towards common goals. As a result, it has inspired a wave of national policies and commitments aimed at reducing emissions. Looking forward, the agreement serves as a foundation for ongoing negotiations and actions against climate change, driving further innovations in environmental governance as countries adapt and respond to new challenges.

Related terms

UNFCCC: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, an international treaty that provides the foundation for global efforts to address climate change, including the Paris Agreement.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The specific climate action plans that each country submits under the Paris Agreement, outlining their targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

COP: The Conference of the Parties, an annual meeting of countries that are party to the UNFCCC, where negotiations and decisions regarding climate change, including updates to the Paris Agreement, take place.