Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty aimed at addressing climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an aspiration to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Adopted in 2015, it brings together countries worldwide to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience to climate impacts, emphasizing a collaborative approach to environmental protection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was negotiated by nearly every nation during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris, France, and came into force on November 4, 2016.
2. Countries are required to submit their NDCs every five years, with each submission expected to reflect increased ambition in emission reductions.
3. Developed countries are urged to provide financial resources to support developing nations in their climate efforts and adaptation strategies.
4. The agreement aims for a long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality by around mid-century, encouraging both adaptation and resilience strategies.
5. The success of the Paris Agreement relies heavily on cooperation among nations and the active participation of non-state actors like cities, businesses, and civil society.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement aim to unite countries in the fight against climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement aims to bring countries together by setting a common framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming. By committing to individual NDCs, nations express their intentions to contribute toward a collective goal of keeping temperature rises below 2 degrees Celsius. This collaboration fosters accountability and encourages nations to share technologies and strategies, enhancing global efforts to address climate challenges.
• Evaluate the challenges that countries face in meeting their commitments under the Paris Agreement.
  • Countries face numerous challenges in fulfilling their commitments under the Paris Agreement, including political resistance, economic constraints, and varying capacities for climate action. Some nations struggle with limited financial resources or infrastructure to implement significant changes. Additionally, there is often a disparity between developed and developing nations regarding technology access and historical responsibilities for emissions, complicating the collaborative nature of the agreement.
• Assess the potential long-term impacts of the Paris Agreement on global climate policy and international relations.
  • The Paris Agreement has the potential to reshape global climate policy significantly by establishing a framework for accountability and cooperation among nations. As countries increasingly recognize the urgency of climate action, the agreement may drive more ambitious policies and foster innovative solutions. In terms of international relations, it can enhance diplomatic ties as nations work together toward shared environmental goals, but it could also create tensions if certain countries fail to meet their commitments or if economic interests conflict with climate objectives.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change, such as carbon dioxide and methane.

Climate Change Mitigation: Efforts made to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases, often through renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.

NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions): The pledges made by countries under the Paris Agreement outlining their plans to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts.