Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change that was adopted by nearly every nation in 2015. Its main goal is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The agreement represents a collective effort by countries to address global environmental challenges and aims to enhance sustainability through various commitments and actions.

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. Countries are required to submit their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) every five years, reflecting their commitments to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts.
3. The agreement includes provisions for financial assistance to developing countries to help them combat climate change and transition to sustainable practices.
4. One of the key mechanisms of the Paris Agreement is the 'global stocktake,' which assesses collective progress toward achieving the long-term temperature goals every five years.
5. The Paris Agreement emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in monitoring countries' progress toward their climate goals, enhancing global cooperation.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement aim to address global environmental challenges?
  • The Paris Agreement addresses global environmental challenges by setting ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming. By committing nations to keep temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius, it encourages collaboration among countries to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprint. This collective action is essential in tackling the environmental crises facing the planet and promoting resilience against climate impacts.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) within the framework of the Paris Agreement.
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) play a crucial role in the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement as they represent each country's self-defined climate goals. By submitting NDCs every five years, countries have the opportunity to assess their progress and enhance their commitments over time. However, the effectiveness of NDCs can be limited by lack of ambition or insufficient enforcement mechanisms, highlighting the need for stronger accountability measures to ensure that nations meet their climate targets.
• Analyze the implications of financial assistance provisions for developing countries within the Paris Agreement and their impact on global sustainability efforts.
  • The financial assistance provisions for developing countries within the Paris Agreement have significant implications for global sustainability efforts. By providing support for these nations, it enables them to implement climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies despite economic limitations. This funding fosters equity in climate action, as it acknowledges that developing countries often face greater vulnerabilities to climate impacts while having fewer resources. The success of these provisions can lead to more inclusive global cooperation in tackling climate change and achieving long-term sustainability goals.

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.

COP (Conference of the Parties): An annual conference where countries that are part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change gather to discuss and negotiate climate policies.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country's pledges under the Paris Agreement outlining their individual climate action goals and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.