Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty aimed at addressing climate change and limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It was adopted by nearly all countries in 2015 at the COP21 climate conference in Paris and represents a crucial effort in transnational activism and global governance. The agreement relies on nations setting their own climate action plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which reflects a collaborative approach to environmental protection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, and came into force on November 4, 2016, marking a significant milestone in global climate policy.
2. Countries that ratified the agreement are required to submit their NDCs every five years, demonstrating their commitment to reducing emissions.
3. The agreement emphasizes the importance of financial support for developing countries to help them transition to sustainable energy sources and adapt to climate impacts.
4. A key goal of the Paris Agreement is to enhance resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change through cooperation and support for developing nations.
5. The agreement also acknowledges the need for long-term global goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century to ensure sustainable development.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement reflect transnational activism in addressing climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement embodies transnational activism by bringing together almost all countries to collectively commit to combating climate change. Through a collaborative framework, it allows nations to set their own goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while holding each other accountable. This shared responsibility encourages nations to actively participate in international efforts to limit global warming, highlighting the role of global governance institutions in promoting environmental cooperation.
• What challenges do countries face in meeting their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as outlined in the Paris Agreement?
  • Countries encounter various challenges in fulfilling their NDCs, including political resistance, economic constraints, and lack of technological resources. Developing nations often struggle with limited financial support and capacity building needed for sustainable development. Furthermore, domestic policies must align with international commitments, which can lead to conflicts between short-term economic interests and long-term climate goals, complicating the implementation of effective climate action plans.
• Evaluate the overall effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in mobilizing global efforts towards environmental sustainability.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement can be evaluated through its ability to foster international collaboration and raise awareness about climate issues. While it successfully united countries under a common framework, its reliance on voluntary commitments means that actual progress varies significantly among nations. Factors such as unequal resources, political will, and accountability mechanisms hinder consistent advancement towards its ambitious goals. Continuous monitoring and enhancement of policies are crucial for ensuring that the agreement leads to substantial reductions in global emissions and ultimately achieves its objectives of mitigating climate change.

Related terms

Climate Change: A long-term change in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, often attributed to human activities like burning fossil fuels.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): These are the climate action plans that each country submits to outline how they intend to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Agreement.

COP (Conference of the Parties): An annual conference where parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meet to negotiate and assess progress on climate change initiatives.