Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted in 2015 aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It brings together countries to set their own nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reflecting their individual capabilities and circumstances while encouraging increased ambition over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement marked a significant shift in global climate policy, moving from a top-down approach to a more flexible, bottom-up framework that allows countries to set their own emission targets.
2. As of 2021, nearly every country in the world has ratified the Paris Agreement, highlighting its widespread acceptance as a framework for international climate action.
3. The agreement aims to strengthen the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change through adaptation measures and enhancing resilience.
4. Countries are encouraged to review and enhance their NDCs every five years, aiming for progressively stronger commitments to reduce emissions.
5. Developed nations committed to providing $100 billion per year by 2020 to assist developing countries in both mitigation and adaptation efforts, a key aspect of the agreement's implementation.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement facilitate global cooperation in combating climate change, and what role do NDCs play in this process?
  • The Paris Agreement fosters global cooperation by encouraging countries to collaborate on climate action while allowing them the flexibility to set their own emission reduction targets through NDCs. This approach recognizes each country's unique circumstances and capacities, promoting accountability and transparency in emissions reductions. By regularly reviewing and updating NDCs, nations can collectively enhance their commitments, driving greater ambition in mitigating climate change on a global scale.
• Discuss the significance of climate finance as outlined in the Paris Agreement and how it impacts developing countries' ability to address climate change.
  • Climate finance is crucial under the Paris Agreement as it aims to support developing countries in implementing their NDCs and enhancing resilience against climate impacts. The commitment of developed nations to provide $100 billion annually is intended to help these countries access necessary resources for mitigation projects and adaptation strategies. This financial support empowers developing nations to invest in sustainable practices and technologies while addressing vulnerabilities, thereby strengthening global efforts against climate change.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement's mechanisms such as Global Stocktake in achieving its long-term goals and their implications for future climate negotiations.
  • The effectiveness of mechanisms like Global Stocktake lies in their ability to promote accountability and foster collective progress toward the goals of limiting global warming. By assessing collective achievements every five years, parties can identify gaps in emissions reductions and enhance ambition accordingly. This iterative process not only encourages nations to take meaningful actions but also sets the stage for future climate negotiations by reinforcing commitment and collaboration among parties, ultimately striving for a sustainable global environment.

Related terms

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): NDCs are individual climate action plans submitted by countries outlining their commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Agreement.

Climate Finance: Financial resources allocated to support developing countries in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.

Global Stocktake: A process established under the Paris Agreement that takes place every five years to assess collective progress towards achieving the long-term goals of the agreement.