Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an 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. It represents a collective commitment from countries around the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience to climate-related challenges, aligning closely with the principles of environmental activism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement aims to achieve global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible to hold the increase in temperature to below 2 degrees Celsius.
2. Countries that are parties to the agreement must submit their NDCs every five years, showcasing their progress and plans for reducing emissions.
3. The agreement encourages developed countries to provide financial resources and support to developing countries to help them transition towards sustainable practices.
4. As of 2021, nearly every country in the world has signed the Paris Agreement, making it one of the most widely accepted international treaties.
5. The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement depends on countries' political will and public support for ambitious climate policies, which ties into broader movements for environmental activism.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement reflect principles of environmental activism and what impact does it have on global efforts against climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement embodies key principles of environmental activism by promoting a unified global response to climate change through collective action. By setting targets for limiting global warming and encouraging nations to take ownership of their emission reduction commitments, it galvanizes support for sustainability and accountability. This alignment with activism enhances public awareness about climate issues and pushes for stronger actions from governments and individuals alike.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) within the Paris Agreement framework in achieving climate goals.
  • NDCs are crucial for the Paris Agreement's effectiveness because they outline specific emission reduction targets for each country. However, their effectiveness can vary significantly based on how ambitious these targets are and how rigorously they are implemented. While NDCs encourage transparency and accountability, actual progress depends on political will, resources available for implementation, and the level of public engagement in environmental initiatives.
• Assess the long-term implications of the Paris Agreement on global environmental policy and local activism movements.
  • The long-term implications of the Paris Agreement are substantial as it sets a precedent for international cooperation on climate issues, shaping future environmental policies worldwide. By establishing a legal framework for countries to address climate change collectively, it bolsters local activism movements that advocate for stronger policies and action at the grassroots level. As communities become more aware of their role in climate action, this could lead to increased public pressure on governments to adhere to their commitments under the agreement, ultimately fostering a more sustainable global environment.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change, primarily including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Climate Change Mitigation: Efforts and strategies aimed at reducing or preventing the emission of greenhouse gases to lessen the impact of climate change.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The commitments made by each country under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change, reflecting their own national circumstances and capabilities.