Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change, adopted in 2015, aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This agreement highlights the need for countries to work together to combat climate change, which directly impacts food security and the ability of communities to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement aims to unite all nations in the fight against climate change by encouraging countries to set their own targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
2. One of the key goals of the agreement is to enhance adaptive capacity in developing countries, which are often most vulnerable to climate impacts that threaten food security.
3. The agreement requires countries to regularly report on their progress toward achieving their NDCs, fostering transparency and accountability.
4. Financial support is a critical component of the Paris Agreement, with developed countries committing to provide $100 billion annually to help developing nations mitigate and adapt to climate change.
5. The Paris Agreement is viewed as a turning point in global climate governance, as it emphasizes collective action and recognizes the importance of local adaptation measures for food security.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement address food security in relation to climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement specifically recognizes the importance of food security in the context of climate change by emphasizing the need for adaptation strategies. It encourages countries, especially those most vulnerable to climate impacts, to implement measures that enhance agricultural resilience and ensure sustainable food production. By focusing on both mitigation and adaptation, the agreement aims to support communities in safeguarding their food sources amidst changing environmental conditions.
• Discuss the role of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement related to food security.
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) play a vital role in the Paris Agreement as they outline each country's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience against climate change. These contributions can directly influence food security by promoting agricultural practices that are more sustainable and less vulnerable to climate impacts. By aligning NDCs with food security initiatives, countries can create strategies that not only mitigate climate change but also ensure stable food supplies for their populations.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the financial commitments made under the Paris Agreement in supporting developing nations' adaptation efforts for food security.
  • The effectiveness of financial commitments under the Paris Agreement is crucial for enabling developing nations to adapt their agricultural systems to combat climate change impacts on food security. While developed countries have pledged $100 billion annually, actual funding flows have often fallen short. This gap can hinder progress in implementing necessary adaptation strategies, limiting vulnerable populations' ability to secure their food sources. Therefore, continued advocacy for transparency, accountability, and increased funding is essential for realizing the full potential of these commitments in enhancing global food security.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, primarily produced by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, which contribute to global warming.

Climate Resilience: The capacity of a system or community to withstand and recover from climate-related shocks and stresses, ensuring food security and sustainable livelihoods.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The commitments made by each country under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change, reflecting their capabilities and responsibilities.