Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted in 2015 aimed at combating climate change and limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This agreement brings together countries to set their own emission reduction targets and encourages them to pursue efforts to limit temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius, fostering a global response to the challenges of climate change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted by nearly 200 countries at COP21 in Paris in December 2015, marking a significant step in global climate action.
2. One of the main goals of the agreement is to enhance adaptive capacity and foster resilience in vulnerable countries and communities affected by climate change.
3. Countries are required to regularly report on their emissions and progress towards their NDCs, with a global stocktake taking place every five years to assess collective progress.
4. The Paris Agreement is legally binding, but countries set their own targets and are not penalized for failing to meet them, relying instead on accountability through transparency and peer pressure.
5. The agreement emphasizes the importance of climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building support for developing nations as they work towards their climate goals.

Review Questions

• How do Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) play a role in achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement?
  • NDCs are crucial for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement as they represent each country's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions based on their unique circumstances and capabilities. By setting specific targets, nations can tailor their strategies for emission reductions while promoting accountability through regular reporting. The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement largely depends on how ambitious these NDCs are and the collective efforts of countries working together to reach global climate objectives.
• Discuss the significance of financial mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund in supporting developing countries under the Paris Agreement framework.
  • The Green Climate Fund plays a vital role within the Paris Agreement framework by providing necessary financial resources for developing countries to effectively tackle climate change. This funding supports projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience against climate impacts. By facilitating technology transfer and capacity-building initiatives, the fund empowers vulnerable nations to participate actively in global efforts while addressing their specific needs related to climate adaptation and mitigation.
• Evaluate how the principles of transparency and accountability within the Paris Agreement can influence international cooperation on climate change.
  • The principles of transparency and accountability embedded in the Paris Agreement foster trust and collaboration among nations as they work towards common climate goals. By requiring countries to regularly report their emissions and progress toward their NDCs, it enables a clearer understanding of collective efforts and encourages peer pressure for compliance. This cooperative environment not only strengthens individual commitments but also enhances global momentum for action against climate change, as countries can learn from one another's successes and challenges in implementing effective strategies.

Related terms

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): NDCs are the climate action plans that countries submit to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) outlining their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts.

Green Climate Fund:

The Green Climate Fund is a financial mechanism established to assist developing countries in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change by providing financial support.

COP (Conference of the Parties): COP refers to the annual meetings of countries that are parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), where they assess progress and make decisions related to climate policies, including those concerning the Paris Agreement.