Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted in 2015, aimed at combating climate change and its impacts by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The agreement seeks to strengthen the global response to climate change through a framework that includes commitments from countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience to climate impacts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, during the COP21 conference in Paris and came into force on November 4, 2016.
2. One of the key components of the agreement is the commitment by countries to submit and update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) every five years to reflect their highest level of ambition.
3. The agreement emphasizes the need for developed countries to provide financial support to developing countries, enabling them to implement mitigation and adaptation strategies.
4. It establishes a framework for transparency and accountability, requiring countries to report regularly on their progress towards meeting their emissions reduction targets.
5. The long-term goal of the agreement is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century, recognizing that substantial reductions are necessary to limit global warming.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement encourage countries to take action against climate change, and what role do Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) play in this process?
  • The Paris Agreement encourages countries to take significant action against climate change by requiring them to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline their specific targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These contributions are expected to be updated every five years, promoting continuous improvement and higher ambitions over time. By establishing a system of accountability and transparency, the agreement helps ensure that nations remain committed to their climate goals while fostering collaboration in addressing global climate challenges.
• Discuss the importance of financial support for developing countries within the context of the Paris Agreement and how it contributes to global efforts in combating climate change.
  • Financial support for developing countries is crucial within the context of the Paris Agreement because these nations often face greater challenges in addressing climate change due to limited resources and capacity. The agreement acknowledges this disparity by urging developed countries to provide funding and technological assistance, enabling developing nations to implement effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. This support not only empowers vulnerable countries but also contributes to a more equitable global response to climate change, fostering international cooperation in achieving shared goals.
• Evaluate the potential impact of the Paris Agreement's long-term goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century on global carbon capture and utilization technologies.
  • The Paris Agreement's long-term goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century has significant implications for carbon capture and utilization technologies. As countries strive to meet their emissions reduction targets, there will be increased investment and innovation in these technologies, promoting their development and deployment. This shift may lead to breakthroughs that enhance efficiency and lower costs, making carbon capture more accessible. Ultimately, successful implementation of these technologies could play a pivotal role in balancing remaining emissions while contributing to a sustainable future aligned with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), which are significant contributors to global warming and climate change.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The pledges made by each country under the Paris Agreement to outline their targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change impacts.

Climate Mitigation: Efforts and strategies aimed at reducing or preventing the emission of greenhouse gases in order to limit global warming and its adverse effects.