Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted in 2015 aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts by limiting 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. It establishes a framework for countries to set their own greenhouse gas reduction targets, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and encourages transparency and accountability among nations to achieve these goals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted by 196 countries during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) held in Paris, France.
2. Countries are required to update their NDCs every five years, reflecting increased ambition over time to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.
3. Developed nations are encouraged to provide financial support to developing countries for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts as part of their commitments under the agreement.
4. The agreement aims for countries to reach global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible and achieve carbon neutrality in the second half of this century.
5. As of now, nearly all countries have ratified the Paris Agreement, making it one of the most widely supported international treaties focused on combating climate change.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement encourage nations to set their own climate goals and hold them accountable?
  • The Paris Agreement allows each nation to determine its own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) based on its specific circumstances and capabilities. This flexibility encourages countries to take ownership of their climate action commitments. The agreement also includes mechanisms for transparency and reporting, requiring nations to publicly share their progress in reducing emissions. This system promotes accountability by allowing other countries and stakeholders to monitor efforts toward achieving collective climate goals.
• Discuss the significance of financial support from developed nations to developing countries within the framework of the Paris Agreement.
  • Financial support from developed nations is crucial for helping developing countries build resilience against climate change impacts and implement effective mitigation strategies. The Paris Agreement recognizes that these nations may lack resources to meet their NDCs without external assistance. By providing financial aid, developed countries help ensure that all nations can participate in global climate efforts, leading to more equitable solutions that address both adaptation needs and emission reductions.
• Evaluate the potential long-term effects of the Paris Agreement on global efforts to combat climate change and transition towards sustainable energy sources.
  • The Paris Agreement sets a critical framework for global cooperation in combating climate change by establishing clear goals for emission reductions and fostering accountability among nations. In the long term, it encourages a transition toward sustainable energy sources by promoting investments in renewable technologies and clean energy initiatives. As countries commit to ambitious targets through their NDCs, this can lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, stimulate green innovation, and drive economic growth while addressing environmental challenges globally.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which are produced by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The individual pledges made by each country under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change, reflecting each nation's capabilities and responsibilities.

Climate Change Adaptation: Strategies and measures taken to minimize the negative impacts of climate change on communities, ecosystems, and economies, ensuring resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions.