Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that aims to address climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. It encourages countries to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and outlines a framework for international cooperation, emphasizing transparency and accountability in climate action.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, during COP21 in Paris and officially came into force on November 4, 2016.
2. Under the agreement, countries must submit their NDCs every five years, reflecting their commitments to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts.
3. The agreement is legally binding for countries in terms of reporting on their emissions and progress but does not enforce specific penalties for non-compliance.
4. Developed countries are encouraged to provide financial support to developing countries for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts as part of their responsibilities under the agreement.
5. The global goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is driven by scientific evidence indicating that this threshold is crucial for avoiding severe impacts of climate change.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement promote international cooperation in addressing climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement promotes international cooperation by establishing a framework that encourages countries to set and achieve their own emission reduction targets through their NDCs. This collective effort aims to create a sense of shared responsibility among nations, fostering collaboration in technological advancements, sharing best practices, and providing financial support for developing countries. The emphasis on transparency and accountability further strengthens global partnerships in tackling climate change challenges.
• What are the key components of a country's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement?
  • A country's NDC outlines its specific goals and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions over a set period, usually five years. Key components include quantified emission reduction targets, measures or policies planned to achieve these targets, and information on how progress will be tracked and reported. By requiring nations to regularly update their NDCs, the Paris Agreement fosters ambition and accountability in global climate action efforts.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in achieving its goals related to global temperature limits and emissions reductions, considering both successes and challenges.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement is seen in its ability to unite nearly every nation around a common goal of limiting global warming. Countries are increasingly committing to ambitious NDCs, contributing to a growing global movement toward sustainable practices. However, challenges remain due to varying levels of commitment, political will, and financial resources among nations. The need for more stringent targets and comprehensive actions remains critical for realizing the agreement's ultimate objective of keeping temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country's individual plan outlining how it intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change under the Paris Agreement.

COP (Conference of the Parties): The annual meeting of countries that are party to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), where progress on climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement, is discussed.