Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty that was adopted in 2015 to address climate change and its impacts by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an aim to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. It emphasizes the need for countries to set nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and to strengthen the global response to the climate crisis while promoting sustainable development and fostering resilience in communities affected by climate change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was negotiated during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris, France, and has been signed by nearly every country in the world.
2. One of the key features of the agreement is the requirement for countries to update their NDCs every five years to reflect their highest level of ambition in combating climate change.
3. The agreement promotes financial support and technology transfer to developing nations to help them adapt to climate change impacts and transition towards sustainable practices.
4. The Paris Agreement includes a goal of achieving net-zero global greenhouse gas emissions by around mid-century, which is essential for limiting global warming.
5. As part of the agreement, countries are encouraged to enhance their capacity for climate resilience and adaptation, particularly in vulnerable communities that face significant risks from climate change.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement shape national policies regarding climate change mitigation?
  • The Paris Agreement influences national policies by requiring countries to create and submit their NDCs, which outline their commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This creates a framework for accountability, as nations must report on their progress and update their targets every five years. By encouraging countries to adopt more ambitious measures over time, the agreement fosters a collaborative approach to combating climate change and ensures that all parties are actively engaged in mitigation efforts.
• Discuss the role of financial mechanisms in supporting developing countries under the Paris Agreement.
  • Financial mechanisms play a crucial role in supporting developing countries under the Paris Agreement by providing funding for climate adaptation and mitigation projects. The agreement encourages developed nations to contribute financial resources to help vulnerable countries build resilience against climate impacts. This support is vital for enabling these nations to implement sustainable practices, develop renewable energy sources, and invest in infrastructure that can withstand climate-related challenges, thus promoting equitable progress towards global climate goals.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in addressing global climate issues since its implementation.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement can be evaluated through its ability to mobilize international cooperation and raise awareness about climate issues on a global scale. While it has successfully brought together almost all nations to commit to reducing emissions, challenges remain regarding actual implementation and meeting targets. Some countries struggle with political will, economic constraints, or conflicting interests that hinder progress. However, the agreement has inspired a range of initiatives at local and national levels, demonstrating its potential as a catalyst for meaningful action against climate change despite ongoing hurdles.

Related terms

Climate Change Mitigation: Actions and strategies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sinks to combat climate change.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The commitments made by countries under the Paris Agreement to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and outline their plans for climate action.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations in 2015, aimed at addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges, including climate action.