Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts 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. This agreement was adopted in 2015 and represents a collective commitment by nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience.

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) in Paris, France.
2. As of 2021, nearly every country in the world has signed the agreement, highlighting its broad global support and recognition of climate change as a universal challenge.
3. The agreement operates on a voluntary basis, meaning countries set their own targets for reducing emissions and are encouraged to strengthen these targets over time.
4. A key component of the Paris Agreement is the requirement for countries to report on their progress and update their NDCs every five years to reflect increased ambition.
5. Financial support for developing countries is a critical aspect of the agreement, with developed nations committing to provide $100 billion annually by 2020 to help them adapt and mitigate climate impacts.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement facilitate international cooperation among countries in addressing climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement fosters international cooperation by establishing a framework where countries commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions collectively. By setting a common goal of limiting global warming, it encourages nations to collaborate, share technology, and provide financial support for each other's climate initiatives. The requirement for regular updates on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) also promotes transparency and accountability among signatories.
• Analyze the impact of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) on the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in combating climate change.
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) play a crucial role in the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement by allowing countries to set tailored emission reduction targets based on their unique circumstances. This flexibility encourages participation from a diverse range of nations, as they can establish realistic goals aligned with their economic capabilities. However, this system also poses challenges; if countries do not increase their ambitions over time or fail to meet their targets, it could undermine the overall effectiveness of the agreement in achieving its climate goals.
• Evaluate the significance of financial commitments made by developed nations under the Paris Agreement for developing countries in combating climate change.
  • The financial commitments made by developed nations under the Paris Agreement are significant because they provide essential resources that enable developing countries to implement climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Access to $100 billion annually allows these nations to invest in renewable energy technologies, enhance infrastructure resilience, and develop sustainable practices that can significantly reduce their vulnerability to climate impacts. This financial support not only helps level the playing field but also fosters global solidarity in tackling a challenge that transcends national borders.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases such as carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The climate action plans submitted by each country that outline their specific commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Agreement.

Climate Resilience: The ability of systems, communities, or economies to adapt to and recover from the adverse effects of climate change.