Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that aims to combat climate change by limiting global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This agreement emphasizes the need for countries to set nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing global cooperation in addressing climate-related challenges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, during the COP21 conference held in Paris, France.
2. As of now, nearly every country in the world has signed onto the agreement, demonstrating a global commitment to tackle climate change collectively.
3. The agreement operates on a five-year cycle of increasingly ambitious climate action, where countries are expected to update and enhance their NDCs.
4. One key feature of the Paris Agreement is its focus on transparency and accountability, requiring countries to report on their emissions and progress towards their goals.
5. Financial support mechanisms are established within the agreement to help developing countries transition to low-emission economies and adapt to climate impacts.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement encourage countries to take action against climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement encourages countries to take action against climate change by requiring them to set and commit to their own nationally determined contributions (NDCs) aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Each country must report regularly on its progress, fostering accountability and transparency. By emphasizing voluntary commitments and promoting global cooperation, the agreement creates a framework that motivates nations to implement policies and practices that contribute to limiting global warming.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in addressing climate change and its potential impact on natural disasters.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement can be evaluated through its framework that requires countries to regularly update their emission reduction targets. This iterative process allows for increasing ambition in mitigating climate change. By aiming to limit global warming, the agreement has significant implications for reducing the frequency and intensity of natural disasters linked to climate change, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts. However, challenges remain regarding compliance, funding for developing nations, and achieving collective global targets.
• Propose strategies that could enhance international cooperation in fulfilling the goals of the Paris Agreement and reducing disaster risk related to climate change.
  • To enhance international cooperation in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement, strategies could include establishing stronger financial mechanisms for developing nations, facilitating technology transfer for clean energy solutions, and promoting knowledge sharing on best practices for climate resilience. Additionally, creating regional partnerships focused on disaster risk reduction could amplify efforts in vulnerable areas. Implementing more robust accountability systems would also ensure that countries meet their commitments while fostering trust among nations engaged in this critical global challenge.

Related terms

Climate Change: A long-term change in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): These are the pledges made by countries under the Paris Agreement to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change impacts.

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change.