Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted in 2015, aimed at combating climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This agreement represents a global commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development, emphasizing the need for collaboration among nations to address climate-related challenges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement has been signed by nearly every country in the world, making it one of the most widely supported treaties in history.
2. Countries are encouraged to set their own emission reduction targets, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are to be updated every five years.
3. The agreement includes provisions for financial assistance to developing nations to help them transition to greener economies and cope with the impacts of climate change.
4. The United States initially joined the agreement under President Obama but withdrew under President Trump, later rejoining under President Biden.
5. The ultimate goal of the Paris Agreement is to strengthen the global response to climate change through limiting temperature rise and enhancing adaptive capacities.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement aim to involve countries in mitigating climate change efforts?
  • The Paris Agreement involves countries by encouraging them to set their own emission reduction targets through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This approach allows nations to tailor their commitments based on their specific circumstances and capabilities while promoting accountability through regular updates every five years. By fostering a sense of ownership over their goals, the agreement enhances collective efforts to combat climate change globally.
• Evaluate the significance of financial assistance provisions within the Paris Agreement for developing nations.
  • Financial assistance provisions within the Paris Agreement are significant because they enable developing nations to invest in green technologies and adapt to climate impacts without compromising their economic growth. This support helps bridge the gap between developed and developing countries in terms of resources and capabilities. By facilitating a just transition, these provisions aim to create equitable pathways for all nations to contribute meaningfully to global climate goals.
• Discuss how the varying levels of commitment among countries affect the overall effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in addressing climate change.
  • The varying levels of commitment among countries significantly impact the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in addressing climate change. While some nations aggressively pursue ambitious targets and innovative solutions, others may lack the political will or resources to make substantial changes. This disparity can lead to uneven progress towards global temperature goals. For the agreement to be successful, stronger mechanisms for accountability, support for under-resourced countries, and increased international cooperation are essential. Addressing these disparities will ultimately determine whether global efforts can meet the pressing challenge of climate change.

Related terms

Climate Change: A long-term alteration in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, significantly influenced by human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels.

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

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country's self-defined goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change, as outlined under the Paris Agreement.