Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted in 2015, aiming to address climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This agreement connects the urgent need for collective action on climate change to ethical considerations in global business practices and international relations, emphasizing accountability and cooperation among nations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was signed by nearly every country in the world, showcasing a universal commitment to combat climate change through collaborative efforts.
2. Nations are required to submit their own plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are expected to be updated every five years.
3. The agreement emphasizes transparency and accountability, requiring countries to report on their emissions and progress toward their climate goals.
4. Developed nations are encouraged to provide financial and technological support to developing countries, helping them transition to sustainable practices.
5. The Paris Agreement recognizes the importance of equity and fairness, aiming to balance the needs of developed and developing countries in the fight against climate change.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement challenge businesses to align their practices with ethical considerations related to climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement pushes businesses to rethink their operations and strategies by holding them accountable for their carbon emissions. Companies are now encouraged to adopt sustainable practices that reduce their environmental impact in order to comply with national commitments under the agreement. This shift not only reflects an ethical responsibility towards environmental stewardship but also aligns business objectives with broader societal goals of combating climate change.
• Discuss how the principles of the Paris Agreement relate to global ethics in international relations.
  • The principles of the Paris Agreement highlight a shared ethical responsibility among nations to tackle climate change collectively. It emphasizes fairness, particularly in how developed countries must assist developing nations in achieving their climate goals. This relationship is rooted in moral obligations, where wealthier countries must recognize their historical contribution to emissions and provide support that empowers all countries to participate effectively in global efforts against climate change.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in fostering international cooperation on climate issues and its implications for future global governance.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement can be seen in its ability to unify nearly all countries around a common goal of limiting global warming. However, challenges remain in ensuring compliance and measuring progress due to differing national interests and capacities. The agreement sets a precedent for future global governance by creating a framework for cooperation that can be adapted for various international issues, showing that collective action is possible when addressing shared challenges like climate change.

Related terms

Climate Change: A long-term shift in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily driven by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels.

Carbon Emissions: Greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities, contributing to global warming and climate change.

Sustainable Development:

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations.