COP21

Definition

COP21, or the 21st Conference of the Parties, refers to the pivotal United Nations climate change conference held in Paris from November 30 to December 12, 2015. It is most well-known for producing the Paris Agreement, a landmark accord aimed at combating climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The conference marked a significant turning point in international climate policy by fostering unprecedented cooperation among countries and engaging various stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. COP21 was attended by representatives from nearly 200 countries, making it one of the largest climate conferences in history.
2. The Paris Agreement, resulting from COP21, aims for global carbon neutrality by mid-century and establishes a framework for nations to report on their emissions reduction efforts.
3. The conference emphasized the importance of adaptation and resilience strategies in addition to mitigation measures against climate change impacts.
4. A key feature of COP21 was the inclusion of non-state actors, such as businesses and cities, which highlighted the role of local initiatives in addressing climate change.
5. COP21 set a precedent for future climate negotiations by promoting a bottom-up approach where countries voluntarily set their own targets rather than being mandated to meet specific requirements.

Review Questions

• What were the primary objectives of COP21 and how did they shape international climate policy?
  • The primary objectives of COP21 were to unite nations in a collective effort to combat climate change and to establish a global framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The successful adoption of the Paris Agreement marked a significant evolution in international climate policy by emphasizing voluntary commitments from countries rather than mandatory limits. This cooperative approach aimed to limit global warming while enabling nations to address their unique circumstances and capacities in tackling climate challenges.
• Discuss how the Paris Agreement, resulting from COP21, sets a new standard for climate action among countries.
  • The Paris Agreement established a groundbreaking standard for climate action by requiring countries to develop and submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are tailored targets for reducing emissions. This agreement marks a shift from top-down mandates to a more flexible system that recognizes national sovereignty and encourages local initiatives. By fostering transparency through regular reporting and reviews of progress, it promotes accountability among nations while still allowing them the freedom to pursue strategies that best fit their economic and social contexts.
• Evaluate the implications of COP21's approach to including non-state actors in the fight against climate change.
  • COP21's inclusion of non-state actors such as businesses, cities, and civil society organizations transformed the dynamics of global climate governance by recognizing that effective climate action requires engagement beyond national governments. This approach acknowledges that local initiatives can drive substantial progress toward emission reductions and sustainability goals. It also encourages innovation and investment in green technologies by involving private sector stakeholders, ultimately creating a more comprehensive and collaborative response to the urgent challenges posed by climate change.

Related terms

Paris Agreement: An international treaty adopted during COP21 that commits countries to take action on climate change by setting their own greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Greenhouse Gases (GHGs): Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide and methane, which are central to discussions on climate change.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country's self-defined climate action plan under the Paris Agreement, outlining their specific targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.