key term - Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted in 2015 aimed at combating climate change and limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts to restrict the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The agreement marks a significant commitment by countries worldwide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promotes sustainable development through climate action and collaboration.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted by nearly 200 countries during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris, France.
2. Countries participating in the agreement are required to submit their NDCs every five years, demonstrating their plans to mitigate climate change.
3. The agreement emphasizes the importance of financial support for developing countries to help them transition to greener economies.
4. The goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is based on scientific research indicating that higher temperatures will lead to severe climate-related impacts.
5. The Paris Agreement operates on a non-binding basis, relying on countries' voluntary commitments rather than legally enforceable obligations.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement encourage nations to collaborate on addressing climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement fosters collaboration by requiring countries to submit their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline their individual strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This framework encourages transparency and accountability, as nations must report on their progress every five years. By sharing goals and best practices, countries can learn from each other, enhancing collective efforts toward mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable development globally.
• Discuss the significance of financial support for developing countries within the framework of the Paris Agreement.
  • Financial support for developing countries is a critical component of the Paris Agreement, recognizing that these nations often lack the resources needed to combat climate change effectively. The agreement includes provisions for developed nations to provide financial assistance and technology transfer to help developing countries mitigate and adapt to climate impacts. This support is essential for ensuring that all countries can participate in global efforts against climate change and work towards sustainable development while addressing their unique challenges.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the non-binding nature of the Paris Agreement in achieving its climate goals compared to a legally binding approach.
  • The non-binding nature of the Paris Agreement allows countries greater flexibility in setting and updating their NDCs, which may encourage broader participation and commitment. However, this lack of enforceability raises questions about accountability and long-term effectiveness in achieving ambitious climate goals. A legally binding approach could potentially ensure stricter compliance and greater consequences for non-adherence, but it might deter participation from nations wary of international obligations. Balancing flexibility with accountability remains a key challenge in effectively addressing global climate change under this framework.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases such as carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Individual countries' commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and report on their progress under the Paris Agreement.

Climate Adaptation: Actions taken to adjust to the impacts of climate change, including strategies to minimize harm and take advantage of new opportunities.