Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted in 2015, aimed at combating climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. It emphasizes the importance of global cooperation in addressing climate change, particularly for public health, as it seeks to mitigate the adverse health effects that arise from climate-related events and promote sustainable development.

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) held in Paris, France.
2. One of the main goals is to strengthen countries' ability to deal with the impacts of climate change while fostering resilience and reducing vulnerability.
3. The agreement requires countries to submit their NDCs every five years, with a focus on enhancing ambition over time.
4. It recognizes the critical link between climate change and public health, encouraging measures that protect health and promote equity.
5. The agreement is legally binding for developed countries but relies on voluntary commitments from developing nations, highlighting different capacities and responsibilities.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement aim to address the ethical implications of climate change on public health?
  • The Paris Agreement tackles the ethical implications of climate change by emphasizing global cooperation and shared responsibility among nations. It recognizes that climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and communities, thus promoting measures that not only mitigate environmental impacts but also safeguard public health. By addressing these inequalities, the agreement seeks to ensure equitable access to resources needed for adaptation and resilience.
• In what ways do Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) reflect the principles of equity and justice as outlined in the Paris Agreement?
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) embody the principles of equity and justice by allowing each country to tailor its commitments based on national circumstances, capabilities, and historical responsibilities. Developed nations are encouraged to take the lead in reducing emissions due to their larger contributions historically to greenhouse gases, while developing countries focus on sustainable development. This flexibility aims to recognize varying levels of development and resources, ensuring that all nations can contribute to global climate efforts without compromising their growth.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in fostering international collaboration for public health outcomes related to climate change.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in fostering international collaboration for public health outcomes can be assessed through its ability to unite countries around a common goal while emphasizing public health risks associated with climate change. By encouraging nations to share knowledge, resources, and best practices, it promotes innovative approaches to mitigate health impacts like heat stress or vector-borne diseases exacerbated by climate shifts. However, challenges remain in ensuring compliance with NDCs and providing adequate support for vulnerable populations, making it essential for ongoing evaluation and adaptive strategies as conditions evolve.

Related terms

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

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country's commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce national emissions and adapt to climate change, tailored to its specific circumstances and capabilities.

Mitigation and Adaptation: Mitigation refers to efforts to reduce or prevent emission of greenhouse gases, while adaptation involves making adjustments to social, economic, and environmental practices to minimize damage from climate change.