Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty aimed at addressing climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. It represents a collective commitment from countries worldwide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance their resilience to climate impacts, establishing a framework for global cooperation on environmental issues and climate change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris, France.
2. As of now, nearly all countries in the world have signed the agreement, showcasing a global consensus on the need to tackle climate change.
3. One of the key features of the Paris Agreement is its flexible approach, allowing countries to set their own emission reduction targets based on national circumstances and capabilities.
4. The agreement includes a commitment for developed countries to provide financial support to developing nations to help them mitigate and adapt to climate change.
5. Countries are required to report regularly on their progress towards achieving their NDCs and are encouraged to increase their ambition over time.

Review Questions

• What are the main goals of the Paris Agreement and how do they address environmental issues?
  • The main goals of the Paris Agreement include limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius while pursuing efforts to keep it at 1.5 degrees Celsius. These goals directly address environmental issues by promoting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. By fostering international cooperation, the agreement encourages countries to develop strategies that not only limit emissions but also enhance resilience against climate impacts, thereby tackling both mitigation and adaptation in response to climate change.
• Evaluate how the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) contribute to the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in combating climate change.
  • The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are crucial for the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement as they allow each country to tailor its emission reduction commitments according to its unique circumstances. This flexibility helps ensure broader participation and accountability, as countries can set realistic targets that align with their economic capabilities. By requiring nations to regularly update and enhance their NDCs over time, the agreement promotes progressive ambition, which is essential for achieving long-term climate goals.
• Analyze the challenges that countries face in meeting their commitments under the Paris Agreement and how these challenges impact global efforts against climate change.
  • Countries face significant challenges in meeting their commitments under the Paris Agreement, including economic constraints, political resistance, and technological limitations. Developing nations often struggle with resource allocation for sustainable practices while balancing economic growth. Additionally, political changes in key nations can lead to shifts in commitment levels, which may undermine global efforts against climate change. These challenges can result in uneven progress towards climate goals, potentially compromising collective action needed for effective mitigation and adaptation strategies worldwide.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect, which leads to global warming and climate change.

Climate Change Mitigation: Actions taken to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases, with the goal of limiting the severity of climate change.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country's pledges under the Paris Agreement detailing their individual targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.