Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted in 2015 to address climate change and its impacts by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It establishes a framework for countries to set their own emissions reduction targets, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), while also promoting adaptation and resilience efforts to climate change, highlighting the importance of environmental health equity and global cooperation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris, France.
2. Countries are encouraged to update their NDCs every five years to reflect their highest level of ambition in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
3. The agreement recognizes the need for developed nations to support developing countries through financial resources and technology transfer for climate action.
4. The long-term goal of the Paris Agreement includes achieving carbon neutrality globally by mid-century to limit temperature rise effectively.
5. The agreement emphasizes the importance of ensuring a just transition, addressing issues of environmental health equity and protecting vulnerable populations from climate impacts.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement promote environmental health equity among nations?
  • The Paris Agreement promotes environmental health equity by recognizing that climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and developing countries. It emphasizes the need for financial support and technology transfer from developed nations to help these countries implement effective climate action strategies. By encouraging countries to set their own emissions reduction targets while accounting for national circumstances, the agreement aims to ensure that all nations can contribute to global efforts in a manner that is fair and just, addressing existing inequalities.
• Discuss how Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) play a role in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are central to the Paris Agreement as they allow each country to set its own emissions reduction targets based on its unique circumstances and capabilities. This bottom-up approach fosters greater participation since nations are encouraged to take ownership of their climate action plans. The requirement for countries to update their NDCs every five years also creates a mechanism for progressively increasing ambition, which is crucial for staying on track towards limiting global temperature rise and addressing associated health impacts from climate change.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in facilitating international cooperation on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in facilitating international cooperation can be seen through its unique framework that encourages collective action while allowing flexibility for individual country commitments. However, challenges remain regarding accountability and enforcement since there are no legally binding emissions targets. The agreement's focus on adaptation strategies alongside mitigation reflects an understanding of the multifaceted nature of climate change impacts, fostering collaborative initiatives among nations. Continuous efforts are required to ensure that countries fulfill their commitments and respond adequately to emerging climate challenges to protect public health and promote resilience.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming, which the Paris Agreement aims to mitigate.

Climate Adaptation: Adjustments in practices, processes, and structures to minimize damage caused by climate change, essential for communities facing climate-related health risks.

Carbon Neutrality: Achieving a net-zero carbon footprint by balancing emissions with removals, a key goal for many countries under the Paris Agreement.