Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding 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. The agreement involves commitments from participating countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience to climate impacts, reflecting a collective response to the urgent need for sustainable development and environmental responsibility.

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 now, nearly every country in the world is a party to the Paris Agreement, with countries committing to set and achieve their own climate goals.
3. The agreement emphasizes transparency and accountability, requiring countries to report regularly on their emissions and progress towards their targets.
4. A key feature of the Paris Agreement is its flexibility, allowing nations to update their commitments every five years to reflect their increased ambition over time.
5. The agreement also highlights the importance of financial support for developing countries to help them transition towards sustainable practices and adapt to climate change impacts.

Review Questions

• What are the key components of the Paris Agreement that encourage countries to take action against climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement includes several key components that drive action against climate change. First, it sets a global goal of limiting temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius while encouraging efforts for a more ambitious target of 1.5 degrees Celsius. It also establishes a framework for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), where countries outline their specific emission reduction targets. Additionally, it includes mechanisms for transparency and accountability, requiring nations to report their progress regularly and update their commitments every five years.
• How does the concept of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) reflect the flexibility of the Paris Agreement?
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) demonstrate the flexibility of the Paris Agreement by allowing each country to set its own emission reduction targets based on national circumstances and capabilities. This approach recognizes that countries have different levels of development and resources available. Every five years, nations can revise their NDCs to reflect increased ambition and progress in technology and sustainability practices. This adaptability fosters greater participation by encouraging countries to commit to achievable goals that can evolve over time.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Paris Agreement on global cooperation towards climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
  • The long-term implications of the Paris Agreement on global cooperation are significant as it establishes a unified framework for addressing climate change collectively. By engaging nearly all countries in a collaborative effort, it fosters solidarity and encourages knowledge sharing, resource mobilization, and technological advancement in mitigation strategies. The emphasis on financial support for developing nations helps bridge gaps in capacity and ensures equitable participation in combating climate change. Ultimately, the Paris Agreement serves as a catalyst for international dialogue and action, promoting resilience against climate impacts and supporting sustainable development worldwide.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which are significant contributors to climate change.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The pledges made by each country under the Paris Agreement, outlining their specific goals for reducing emissions and adapting to climate impacts.

Climate Change Mitigation: Actions taken to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases, aiming to limit the extent of global warming.