Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted in 2015 to address climate change and its impacts. It aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an aspiration to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This agreement emphasizes the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing adaptive capacities, highlighting the need for collective action by countries around the world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted by 196 parties at the COP21 climate conference held in Paris in December 2015.
2. Countries are required to submit their NDCs, which outline their planned emissions reductions and adaptation strategies, reflecting their specific national circumstances.
3. The agreement includes a mechanism for financial assistance to developing countries to support their efforts in mitigating climate change and adapting to its effects.
4. The Paris Agreement operates on a principle of transparency, requiring countries to report regularly on their progress toward meeting their commitments.
5. As of 2021, over 190 countries have ratified the agreement, making it one of the most widely embraced treaties in international diplomacy.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement facilitate international cooperation on climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement facilitates international cooperation by establishing a common framework for countries to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. It encourages nations to set and submit their NDCs, which reflect their specific capacities and responsibilities. By providing a platform for transparency and accountability, the agreement fosters collaboration among countries while also recognizing the need for financial support for developing nations.
• Evaluate the significance of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are crucial for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement as they represent each country's commitment to take measurable actions towards emissions reduction and climate adaptation. The process of setting NDCs allows nations to tailor their efforts based on their unique circumstances and capabilities. By requiring updates every five years, NDCs encourage continuous improvement and ambition in climate action, ultimately contributing to the collective goal of limiting global warming.
• Assess the potential challenges that countries may face in implementing their commitments under the Paris Agreement and the implications for global climate goals.
  • Countries may encounter several challenges in implementing their commitments under the Paris Agreement, including political resistance, economic constraints, and lack of technological capacity. These obstacles can hinder progress in achieving NDCs, leading to insufficient reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. If many countries fail to meet their targets or provide adequate support for adaptation efforts, it could undermine the collective objective of limiting global warming, exacerbating the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations and ecosystems worldwide.

Related terms

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

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country's individual commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change, which is updated every five years.

Climate Adaptation: The process of adjusting practices, processes, and structures to minimize damage caused by climate change, ensuring resilience against its effects.