Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted in 2015 aimed at combating climate change and its impacts by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This agreement establishes a framework for countries to set and achieve their climate goals, fostering a collective approach to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions while promoting sustainable development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. As of now, 197 countries have signed the Paris Agreement, making it one of the most widely adopted treaties in history.
2. The agreement encourages countries to periodically update their NDCs every five years, aiming for progressively stronger commitments.
3. A key feature of the Paris Agreement is the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities,' recognizing that developed countries have greater historical responsibility for emissions.
4. The Paris Agreement also includes provisions for climate adaptation and resilience, acknowledging that some impacts of climate change are already being felt and require immediate action.
5. The agreement aims to mobilize at least $100 billion per year in climate finance by 2020 to support developing countries in their efforts to combat climate change.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement encourage countries to set their climate goals, and what is the significance of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)?
  • The Paris Agreement encourages countries to establish their own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline their specific climate action targets. This approach allows nations to tailor their commitments based on national circumstances and capabilities, fostering a sense of ownership over climate goals. The significance of NDCs lies in their ability to reflect diverse strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring accountability through regular updates every five years.
• Discuss the role of climate finance within the context of the Paris Agreement and its importance for developing countries.
  • Climate finance plays a crucial role in the Paris Agreement as it provides essential support for developing countries in their efforts to transition toward sustainable, low-carbon economies. The agreement aims to mobilize at least $100 billion annually by 2020 to assist these nations in mitigating and adapting to climate change impacts. This financial assistance not only helps vulnerable countries build resilience but also promotes technology transfer and capacity-building, enabling them to contribute effectively to global climate goals.
• Evaluate the impact of the Paris Agreement on global cooperation in addressing climate change and discuss potential challenges it faces.
  • The Paris Agreement has significantly advanced global cooperation by creating a unified framework for nations to collectively tackle climate change through shared responsibilities. However, challenges remain, including differing national priorities, political will, and economic constraints that can hinder commitment levels. Additionally, achieving the ambitious goal of limiting global warming requires robust international collaboration, transparency, and accountability mechanisms, which can be difficult to enforce. Overcoming these challenges is vital for ensuring the long-term success of the agreement and safeguarding the planet for future generations.

Related terms

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): These are the climate action plans that each country submits under the Paris Agreement, outlining their commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts.

Climate Finance: Financial support provided to developing countries to assist them in transitioning to low-carbon economies and adapting to the adverse effects of climate change.

Global Warming: The long-term rise in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases from fossil fuel combustion.