Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted in 2015 that aims to combat climate change and limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This agreement unites all nations in a collective effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate impacts, and promote sustainable development, particularly recognizing the unique challenges faced by developing countries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement emphasizes that developed nations should provide financial and technical support to developing countries to help them cope with climate change.
2. Each country is required to submit updated NDCs every five years, showing increased ambition in reducing emissions.
3. The agreement was signed by 196 parties and entered into force in November 2016, signaling a broad global commitment to tackling climate change.
4. It recognizes the importance of adapting to climate impacts, especially for vulnerable communities in developing countries who often face the greatest risks.
5. The goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius is critical for many developing countries, as they are more susceptible to extreme weather events and sea-level rise.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement facilitate collaboration between developed and developing nations in addressing climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement establishes a framework where developed countries are expected to provide financial and technical support to developing nations. This support is vital for developing countries, which often lack the resources to combat climate change effectively. By fostering collaboration through mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund, the agreement ensures that developing countries can implement strategies for mitigation and adaptation, addressing their unique challenges.
• Evaluate the role of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) within the Paris Agreement framework and their impact on global climate goals.
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) play a critical role in the Paris Agreement as they represent each country's commitment to reducing emissions. By requiring countries to submit updated NDCs every five years, the agreement encourages nations to increase their climate ambitions over time. This process creates a dynamic system of accountability, promoting transparency and fostering international cooperation towards achieving collective global climate goals.
• Assess the potential consequences for developing countries if global efforts under the Paris Agreement fail to effectively limit climate change.
  • If global efforts under the Paris Agreement fail, developing countries could face devastating consequences such as increased frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and food insecurity due to disrupted agricultural practices. These impacts would exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, potentially leading to displacement of populations and loss of livelihoods. The inability to adapt could undermine sustainable development goals and create a cycle of poverty that is difficult to break, highlighting the urgent need for successful implementation of the agreement.

Related terms

Climate Change: A long-term alteration in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, largely driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country's individual plan outlining how they will achieve their climate goals under the Paris Agreement, including emissions reduction targets.

Green Climate Fund: A global fund established to support the efforts of developing countries to respond to the challenge of climate change, aiming to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.