Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted in 2015 that aims to address climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. It establishes a framework for countries to set and achieve their own greenhouse gas reduction targets, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development and climate resilience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, during the COP21 conference in Paris, France, with participation from nearly 200 countries.
2. One of the key features of the agreement is the requirement for countries to submit and update their NDCs every five years, reflecting their increasing ambition over time.
3. The agreement encourages developed nations to provide financial support and technology transfer to developing countries to help them achieve their climate goals.
4. The Paris Agreement includes a transparency framework that requires nations to report on their progress towards meeting their NDCs and overall emissions reductions.
5. Global cooperation is central to the success of the Paris Agreement, as it seeks to unify efforts across countries and sectors to combat climate change effectively.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement facilitate cooperation among countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions?
  • The Paris Agreement establishes a global framework that encourages countries to collaborate on climate action through the submission of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). By requiring each country to set its own emission reduction targets while enhancing transparency and accountability, the agreement promotes a shared responsibility towards achieving common climate goals. This cooperative approach also facilitates knowledge sharing and resource mobilization, essential for addressing the complexities of climate change.
• What role do Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) play in the implementation of the Paris Agreement?
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are central to the Paris Agreement as they represent each country's individual commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These contributions are tailored based on national circumstances and capacities, allowing countries to set realistic and achievable targets. The agreement mandates that countries regularly review and update their NDCs every five years, fostering a cycle of increased ambition aimed at meeting long-term temperature goals. This mechanism ensures accountability and encourages nations to take progressively stronger actions against climate change.
• Evaluate how the financial mechanisms established by the Paris Agreement impact developing nations' ability to combat climate change.
  • The financial mechanisms established by the Paris Agreement are crucial for enabling developing nations to effectively combat climate change. By providing access to climate finance from developed countries, these mechanisms support adaptation strategies, technology transfer, and capacity building in vulnerable regions. This assistance helps developing nations implement their NDCs, improve resilience against climate impacts, and transition towards sustainable development pathways. However, ensuring that this financial support is sufficient and accessible remains a challenge that influences the overall effectiveness of the agreement in achieving its goals.

Related terms

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

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country's self-defined climate action plans under the Paris Agreement, outlining their commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate Finance: Financial resources provided by developed countries to assist developing countries in adapting to climate change and transitioning to low-carbon economies.