Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty established in 2015 that aims to combat climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. It emphasizes the importance of global cooperation, requiring countries to set and communicate their own climate targets, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), while providing support for developing nations to adapt to climate impacts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted by 196 parties during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) held in Paris, France.
2. One key feature of the agreement is that it allows each country to set its own emissions reduction targets based on national circumstances and capacities.
3. The agreement includes a commitment to provide financial resources to developing countries to support climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
4. Countries are required to report on their progress and update their NDCs every five years, promoting accountability and continuous improvement in climate action.
5. The Paris Agreement marked a significant shift towards a more inclusive approach in tackling climate change, engaging not only governments but also businesses, cities, and civil society.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement promote global cooperation in addressing climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement promotes global cooperation by requiring all participating countries to set their own climate targets through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) while encouraging transparency and accountability in their progress. This framework allows nations to tailor their actions according to their unique situations while collectively working toward the common goal of limiting global warming. The emphasis on shared responsibility fosters collaboration among developed and developing countries, enhancing international solidarity in combating climate change.
• Discuss the role of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) within the framework of the Paris Agreement.
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are central to the Paris Agreement as they represent each country's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions based on its national circumstances. This decentralized approach allows countries to determine their own targets and strategies, ensuring that they can align climate actions with domestic policies and economic capacities. By requiring countries to update and report on their NDCs every five years, the agreement creates a mechanism for increasing ambition over time and encourages nations to take greater steps towards achieving global climate goals.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in achieving its objectives related to limiting global warming.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement can be evaluated through its ability to foster international cooperation and establish a framework for individual accountability through NDCs. However, challenges remain, such as ensuring that countries meet their targets and ramp up ambition over time. The ongoing need for significant financial support for developing nations and effective implementation mechanisms are critical for success. Ultimately, while the agreement provides a vital foundation for global climate action, its success hinges on continued commitment from all nations and sustained pressure to adhere to and strengthen emission reduction efforts.

Related terms

Climate Change: A long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, largely driven by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The climate action plans that each country submits under the Paris Agreement, outlining their goals and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

COP (Conference of the Parties): The supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which meets annually to assess progress and negotiate further commitments related to climate action.