Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted in 2015 that aims to combat climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an aspirational goal of limiting the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The agreement emphasizes the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and encourages countries to submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) reflecting their climate goals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was negotiated during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) held in Paris, France, and officially entered into force on November 4, 2016.
2. As of October 2023, nearly all countries in the world have ratified the agreement, with each country having different levels of commitment and progress towards their NDCs.
3. The agreement operates on a five-year cycle, where countries are expected to update their NDCs to reflect greater ambition in reducing emissions.
4. Financial assistance is a key component of the Paris Agreement, with developed countries committing to provide $100 billion annually by 2020 to support developing nations in their climate efforts.
5. The success of the Paris Agreement relies heavily on global cooperation, transparency, and accountability among nations to achieve its goals.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement influence national policies on climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement influences national policies by requiring countries to develop and submit their own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that reflect their climate goals. These contributions set specific targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging governments to adopt policies that promote renewable energy, enhance energy efficiency, and transition towards sustainable practices. As countries commit to updating their NDCs every five years, they are motivated to continuously improve their strategies and actions against climate change.
• Evaluate the role of financial assistance in achieving the goals set forth by the Paris Agreement.
  • Financial assistance is critical in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement, particularly for developing countries that may lack the resources necessary to implement effective climate action. The commitment from developed nations to provide $100 billion annually plays a significant role in helping these countries invest in clean energy technologies, improve infrastructure resilience, and adapt to climate impacts. This financial support fosters global collaboration and ensures that all nations can contribute effectively towards limiting global warming.
• Analyze the long-term implications of the Paris Agreement for global environmental policy and international relations.
  • The long-term implications of the Paris Agreement for global environmental policy are profound, as it establishes a framework for international cooperation on climate action. This agreement not only holds countries accountable through their NDCs but also encourages transparency and communication regarding progress towards emission reduction targets. Furthermore, it fosters a sense of shared responsibility among nations, potentially reshaping international relations by prioritizing environmental sustainability alongside economic development. As climate change continues to impact global stability, the effectiveness of this agreement could influence geopolitical dynamics and international collaboration in addressing other pressing global challenges.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), contributing to global warming and climate change.

COP (Conference of the Parties): An annual meeting of countries that are parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), where nations discuss and negotiate strategies to address climate change.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The climate action plans submitted by each country under the Paris Agreement, detailing their commitments to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts.