Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted in 2015 that aims to combat climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It represents a global commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts among countries to address environmental concerns and the risks associated with natural disasters.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted by 196 parties at the COP21 conference held in Paris, France, marking a historic moment in global climate diplomacy.
2. Countries that ratify the agreement are required to submit their NDCs every five years, progressively increasing their commitments to combat climate change.
3. The agreement emphasizes the importance of both mitigation strategies and adaptation measures to address the effects of climate change on vulnerable populations.
4. Developed nations are encouraged to provide financial assistance and support to developing countries in their efforts to implement climate action and resilience strategies.
5. One of the key goals is to enhance the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change, such as natural disasters, through improved planning and infrastructure.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement facilitate international cooperation in addressing climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement establishes a framework for countries to work together by committing them to set specific targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This cooperation is critical because climate change is a global issue that transcends national borders, requiring collective action. Through mechanisms like Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), nations can hold each other accountable while also sharing best practices and technologies to achieve their climate goals more effectively.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement's approach to addressing natural disasters linked to climate change.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement's approach hinges on its dual focus on mitigation and adaptation. By setting long-term temperature goals, it aims to limit future climate impacts, which could reduce the frequency and severity of natural disasters. However, its success depends on countries actually meeting their NDCs and improving resilience in vulnerable areas. Without robust implementation and support mechanisms for adaptation, some regions may still face severe risks from natural disasters despite global efforts.
• Critically assess how the Paris Agreement's provisions for developed and developing nations reflect the complexities of global climate action.
  • The Paris Agreement acknowledges the differing capabilities and responsibilities of developed and developing nations by encouraging financial support from wealthier countries to help poorer nations tackle climate challenges. This approach reflects a recognition of historical emissions and socio-economic disparities. However, it raises questions about accountability and equitable distribution of resources, as developing nations often struggle with limited capacity to implement their commitments without external assistance. The complexities lie in balancing immediate needs with long-term sustainability goals across diverse political landscapes.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which contribute to global warming and climate change.

Climate Change Mitigation: Efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases to limit the magnitude of future warming and its impacts.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Individual countries' pledges under the Paris Agreement outlining their planned efforts to reduce national emissions and adapt to climate change.