Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty that aims to address climate change and its impacts by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It emphasizes the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with an aim to foster sustainable development and protect ecosystems, directly impacting deforestation and biodiversity loss.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, during COP21 in Paris and entered into force on November 4, 2016.
2. Countries must submit and update their NDCs every five years to reflect their highest level of ambition in combating climate change.
3. The agreement emphasizes financial support for developing nations to help them mitigate climate change effects and enhance resilience.
4. One of the key goals is to enhance adaptive capacity and strengthen resilience to climate-related hazards, which includes protecting forests and biodiversity.
5. A major focus of the Paris Agreement is the need for global cooperation to limit deforestation, which is a significant source of carbon emissions.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement aim to reduce deforestation and its impact on biodiversity?
  • The Paris Agreement includes provisions that encourage countries to address deforestation as part of their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By focusing on sustainable land use practices and promoting reforestation initiatives, the agreement aims to protect forests that are crucial habitats for biodiversity. Additionally, it recognizes that preserving ecosystems is essential for climate resilience and mitigating the effects of global warming.
• Discuss the role of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement regarding environmental sustainability.
  • NDCs are essential because they represent each country's commitment to reducing emissions and addressing climate change impacts in line with the Paris Agreement's goals. By outlining specific targets and actions for reducing deforestation and protecting biodiversity, countries can demonstrate accountability and progress. The iterative nature of updating NDCs every five years also encourages nations to increase their ambitions over time, creating a dynamic approach to environmental sustainability.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in addressing global deforestation trends and its implications for biodiversity conservation.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in tackling global deforestation trends can be evaluated through its influence on national policies and international cooperation. While it sets ambitious goals for emission reductions that implicitly include forest protection, its success depends on how effectively countries implement their NDCs and collaborate on shared strategies. If countries prioritize deforestation control in their commitments, it could lead to substantial improvements in biodiversity conservation. However, challenges such as political will, financial resources, and enforcement mechanisms remain critical factors determining its overall impact.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

COP (Conference of the Parties): The supreme decision-making body of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which meets annually to assess progress and make decisions related to climate action.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country's individual commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce national emissions and adapt to climate change.