key term - Paris Agreement on Climate Change

Definition

The Paris Agreement on Climate Change is a landmark international treaty adopted in 2015 that aims to address global warming and climate change by limiting global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The agreement marks a significant step in global cooperation, emphasizing the need for countries to set their own nationally determined contributions (NDCs) 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 by nearly every nation at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris, with 196 countries signing on.
2. One of the key features of the agreement is that it requires countries to regularly update their NDCs every five years to reflect increased ambition.
3. Financial support is provided by developed countries to assist developing nations in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change effects.
4. The agreement emphasizes not only emission reductions but also adaptation measures to protect vulnerable communities from climate impacts.
5. As of now, the Paris Agreement has been ratified by over 190 countries, highlighting its global importance in addressing climate issues.

Review Questions

• What are the key goals of the Paris Agreement, and how do they aim to combat climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement's primary goals are to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. It encourages countries to submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) that outline their plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This collective effort aims not only to mitigate climate change but also to enhance resilience and adapt to its impacts.
• Discuss how the Paris Agreement involves both developed and developing countries in addressing climate change challenges.
  • The Paris Agreement recognizes the differing responsibilities and capabilities of developed and developing countries. Developed nations are expected to lead with more ambitious emissions reductions and provide financial assistance, technology transfer, and capacity building for developing countries. This support enables developing nations to implement their own NDCs effectively while enhancing their resilience against climate impacts. By fostering collaboration, the agreement seeks a fair approach that addresses global climate challenges equitably.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in achieving its objectives, considering both successes and challenges faced since its implementation.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement can be evaluated through its ability to galvanize global action on climate change since its adoption. While many countries have made commitments and implemented policies that align with their NDCs, challenges persist, such as insufficient ambition in emissions reductions and lack of adherence by some nations. Moreover, issues related to financial commitments for developing nations remain a hurdle. Despite these challenges, the agreement has fostered a new era of international cooperation and awareness surrounding climate change, paving the way for future efforts towards sustainability.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: 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.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country's self-defined plan outlining its efforts to reduce national emissions and adapt to climate change under the Paris Agreement.

Climate Mitigation: Efforts aimed at reducing or preventing the emission of greenhouse gases, including the transition to renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency.