Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted in 2015 that aims to combat 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. It brings together countries to set their own nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and encourages them to strengthen their commitments over time. This agreement highlights the collective responsibility of nations in addressing climate issues and reflects the need for a unified approach to global governance, equitable economic development, and environmental protection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, during the COP21 conference held in Paris, France.
2. As of now, almost every country in the world has ratified the agreement, demonstrating widespread global commitment to addressing climate change.
3. The agreement includes a framework for transparency and accountability, requiring countries to report their emissions and progress toward their NDCs every five years.
4. Financial support for developing countries is a key component of the agreement, with developed nations committing to provide $100 billion annually by 2020 for climate action.
5. The success of the Paris Agreement depends not only on commitments made by individual countries but also on international cooperation and collective action to meet global climate goals.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement address the challenges of global governance in combating climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement addresses global governance challenges by establishing a framework that encourages countries to take collective action against climate change while allowing flexibility in how they achieve their goals. By enabling nations to set their own nationally determined contributions (NDCs), it promotes ownership and accountability among participants. This collaborative approach fosters transparency and builds trust among countries, which is essential for effective global governance in tackling an issue as complex as climate change.
• Discuss the implications of the Paris Agreement for global inequality and how it addresses disparities between developed and developing countries.
  • The Paris Agreement recognizes that developing countries are often more vulnerable to climate impacts yet have fewer resources to address them. By including provisions for financial support, such as the Green Climate Fund, the agreement aims to help these nations build resilience and transition to sustainable development. This framework seeks to level the playing field by ensuring that all countries, regardless of their economic status, have access to resources and technology necessary for achieving their NDCs, ultimately aiming to reduce global inequalities related to climate change.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in driving global environmental politics and its role in addressing climate change challenges over the next decade.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement will largely depend on the political will of member states and their commitment to meet and enhance their NDCs. As countries approach their reporting deadlines and reassess their contributions every five years, ongoing global pressure will be necessary to ensure they follow through on their promises. Moreover, fostering international cooperation through mechanisms such as technological sharing, capacity building, and financial support will be crucial for addressing the multifaceted challenges of climate change. The success of this agreement can significantly influence not only environmental politics but also economic policies globally, pushing for a transformative shift towards sustainability.

Related terms

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The individual commitments made by each country under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change impacts.

COP (Conference of the Parties): The supreme decision-making body of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), where countries negotiate and review progress on climate agreements like the Paris Agreement.

Green Climate Fund:

A fund established to assist developing countries in financing projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change, supporting the goals of the Paris Agreement.