Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts, adopted by nearly every nation in 2015 during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP21) held in Paris. It seeks to limit 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, thereby fostering a sustainable and resilient future for all.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement officially entered into force on November 4, 2016, after being ratified by enough countries to meet the threshold set by the agreement.
2. Countries are encouraged to set and update their NDCs every five years to reflect their highest level of ambition in reducing emissions.
3. The agreement includes a financial commitment from developed countries to support developing nations in their climate change efforts, aiming for $100 billion per year by 2020.
4. Unlike previous treaties, the Paris Agreement does not impose legally binding emission reduction targets, allowing countries flexibility in how they achieve their goals.
5. A key aspect of the agreement is the requirement for countries to report on their progress towards their NDCs, promoting transparency and accountability among nations.

Review Questions

• What are the main goals of the Paris Agreement and how do they reflect the urgency of addressing climate change?
  • The main goals of the Paris Agreement are to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, while aiming for a more ambitious target of 1.5 degrees Celsius. These goals reflect a growing recognition of the urgent need to address climate change to avoid its most catastrophic impacts, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and threats to biodiversity. By setting these targets, the agreement encourages countries to take significant action toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adopting sustainable practices.
• Discuss how Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are integral to the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement.
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are critical to the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement as they represent each country's specific commitments to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. By requiring countries to submit and regularly update their NDCs, the agreement fosters an environment of accountability and ambition. This system allows for a bottom-up approach where countries can set realistic targets based on their circumstances while collectively working towards the overarching goals of limiting global warming.
• Evaluate how the financial commitments under the Paris Agreement influence global cooperation on climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
  • The financial commitments under the Paris Agreement play a vital role in facilitating global cooperation on climate change mitigation and adaptation. By pledging $100 billion per year by 2020 to support developing nations, developed countries acknowledge their responsibility in addressing historical emissions and assisting vulnerable populations. This financial support enables developing countries to invest in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and climate resilience measures, thereby fostering collaboration and enhancing collective efforts against climate change on a global scale.

Related terms

Climate Mitigation: Actions taken to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases, aimed at slowing the pace of climate change.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country’s self-defined plan for reducing national emissions and adapting to climate change, which is submitted under the Paris Agreement.