Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty established in 2016 aimed at combating climate change and limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an aspirational goal of 1.5 degrees Celsius. This agreement reflects a global commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing adaptive capacity to climate impacts, fostering cooperation among countries, and emphasizing the importance of sustainable development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, during COP21 in Paris and entered into force on November 4, 2016.
2. Countries are required to submit their NDCs every five years, reflecting their ambitions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate impacts.
3. The agreement emphasizes the principle of equity, acknowledging that developed countries should take the lead in combating climate change due to their historical emissions.
4. Financial support mechanisms are included in the agreement to help developing nations transition to low-carbon economies and adapt to climate impacts.
5. As of now, nearly all countries in the world are parties to the agreement, signifying widespread global consensus on the urgent need for collective action against climate change.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement facilitate international cooperation among nations in addressing climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement fosters international cooperation by establishing a framework where countries commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions collectively. By requiring each nation to submit their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) every five years, it promotes transparency and accountability among participants. This collaborative approach encourages nations to share best practices, resources, and technologies that can enhance their climate action efforts while acknowledging each country's unique circumstances and capacities.
• Discuss the role of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) within the framework of the Paris Agreement and their importance for global climate goals.
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are central to the Paris Agreement as they represent each country's specific commitments to combat climate change. They outline how nations plan to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to environmental changes. The importance of NDCs lies in their ability to set measurable targets that drive national policies and actions while allowing for flexibility based on a country’s economic and social context. This mechanism not only helps track progress but also encourages countries to ramp up their ambitions over time, contributing to the overall goal of limiting global warming.
• Evaluate the potential long-term implications of the Paris Agreement on American federalism and intergovernmental relations regarding environmental policy.
  • The Paris Agreement has significant long-term implications for American federalism and intergovernmental relations by highlighting the need for coordinated action between federal, state, and local governments on environmental policy. As states and municipalities may pursue more aggressive climate initiatives independently, it could lead to a patchwork of policies across the nation. This dynamic might foster innovation at state levels while also challenging federal coherence in addressing climate change. Moreover, federal engagement in international agreements like the Paris Accord may require state governments to align their environmental strategies with broader national commitments, potentially reshaping how power is distributed and exercised within American governance.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which are major contributors to climate change.

COP (Conference of the Parties): An annual meeting of countries that are parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to assess progress in dealing with climate change.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The specific climate action commitments made by each country under the Paris Agreement, outlining their plans to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.