Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international accord that aims to combat climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. It brings together countries from around the world to set national targets for greenhouse gas emissions, promoting transparency and accountability in efforts to reduce climate impacts and adapt to changing conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, at COP21 in Paris and has been ratified by nearly every country in the world.
2. One of its key features is the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities,' acknowledging that developed countries should take the lead in addressing climate change due to their historical contributions.
3. Countries must report on their emissions and progress towards their NDCs every five years, promoting transparency and enabling assessments of collective progress.
4. The agreement includes a long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions globally by mid-century, aiming to stabilize the climate system.
5. A significant aspect of the Paris Agreement is the emphasis on climate adaptation, encouraging nations to build resilience against climate impacts while pursuing sustainable development.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) reflect the principles of the Paris Agreement?
  • NDCs are central to the Paris Agreement as they represent each country's self-defined goals for reducing emissions and enhancing climate resilience. This approach allows nations to tailor their commitments based on their specific circumstances while promoting accountability through regular reporting. By emphasizing NDCs, the agreement fosters a collective effort towards limiting global warming while recognizing the unique capabilities and responsibilities of different countries.
• Discuss the role of climate finance in supporting developing countries' participation in the Paris Agreement.
  • Climate finance plays a critical role in enabling developing countries to engage meaningfully with the goals of the Paris Agreement. It provides essential funding and resources necessary for these nations to implement their NDCs, invest in clean technologies, and enhance adaptive capacities. By facilitating financial support from developed countries, climate finance helps bridge the gap between varying economic capabilities, ensuring equitable contributions to global climate efforts.
• Evaluate how emerging technologies can enhance compliance with the Paris Agreement's objectives and contribute to sustainability goals.
  • Emerging technologies such as renewable energy innovations, carbon capture and storage, and data analytics can significantly bolster compliance with the Paris Agreement's objectives. By enabling more efficient energy use and facilitating accurate emissions tracking, these technologies can help countries meet their NDCs effectively. Moreover, integrating such advancements into sustainable business practices enhances overall resilience against climate challenges while promoting economic growth aligned with environmental goals.

Related terms

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): NDCs are the individual climate action plans submitted by countries under the Paris Agreement, outlining their specific targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience.

Climate Finance: Financial resources provided by developed countries to assist developing countries in mitigating and adapting to climate change, ensuring their participation in global efforts like the Paris Agreement.

Greenhouse Gases (GHGs): Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which are targeted for reduction under the Paris Agreement to limit global warming.