Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty that aims to combat climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. Adopted in 2015, it represents a commitment from nearly every nation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development, highlighting the urgency of addressing contemporary environmental challenges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, during COP21 in Paris, France, and came into force on November 4, 2016.
2. It establishes a framework for countries to set their own targets for reducing emissions, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are meant to be updated every five years.
3. The agreement emphasizes financial support for developing nations to help them transition to cleaner energy sources and adapt to climate impacts.
4. The goal of limiting global temperature rise is based on scientific research indicating that exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius could lead to catastrophic climate effects.
5. The United States initially withdrew from the agreement under President Trump but rejoined it under President Biden in early 2021, highlighting its significance in U.S. foreign policy.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement encourage nations to contribute to global climate efforts?
  • The Paris Agreement encourages nations by allowing them to set their own targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This flexible approach allows countries to tailor their commitments based on their unique circumstances and capacities. By requiring countries to update their NDCs every five years, the agreement promotes accountability and encourages nations to strive for increasingly ambitious goals over time.
• What role do financial mechanisms play in the success of the Paris Agreement, particularly for developing countries?
  • Financial mechanisms are crucial for the success of the Paris Agreement as they provide support to developing countries that may lack the resources to implement effective climate strategies. The agreement emphasizes the need for developed nations to contribute financially, helping poorer countries transition to renewable energy and adapt to climate impacts. This support fosters international cooperation and ensures that all countries can participate in addressing climate change effectively.
• Evaluate the impact of the United States' participation or withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on global climate initiatives and international relations.
  • The United States' participation in or withdrawal from the Paris Agreement significantly impacts global climate initiatives and international relations. When the U.S. withdrew under President Trump, it raised concerns about global leadership in combating climate change and undermined collective efforts. Conversely, rejoining under President Biden reaffirmed America's commitment to addressing climate issues and influenced other nations' willingness to take action. This shift can foster renewed collaboration among countries, highlighting how U.S. policies shape global environmental priorities.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).

COP (Conference of the Parties): An annual conference where countries meet to negotiate agreements and commitments related to climate change under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The climate action plans that each country submits to outline their individual commitments and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions as part of the Paris Agreement.