Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty that was adopted in 2015, aimed at addressing climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This agreement marks a significant contemporary legal development, as it represents a collective commitment from nations around the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts, influencing environmental regulations and shaping future environmental treaties.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016, after meeting the necessary conditions for ratification by at least 55 countries representing 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Under the agreement, countries are required to submit updated NDCs every five years, reflecting their highest level of ambition in reducing emissions.
3. The long-term goal of the Paris Agreement is to achieve net-zero emissions in the second half of this century, necessitating a significant transformation of energy systems and economic practices.
4. The agreement emphasizes the importance of adaptation measures to protect vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate change, recognizing that mitigation alone is insufficient.
5. The Paris Agreement has faced challenges, including differing commitments among nations and political changes that can affect a country's willingness to adhere to its targets.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement influence national policies on climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement influences national policies by requiring countries to submit NDCs that outline their plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This process encourages governments to align their domestic laws and regulations with international climate goals. As countries update their NDCs every five years, they are motivated to implement more ambitious policies and measures that reflect their commitment to combating climate change.
• Discuss the role of climate finance within the framework of the Paris Agreement and its significance for developing countries.
  • Climate finance plays a crucial role within the Paris Agreement by providing essential funding for developing countries to implement their NDCs and adapt to climate impacts. The agreement acknowledges that financial support is necessary for these nations to transition towards low-emission and resilient economies. By facilitating investment in renewable energy projects, infrastructure improvements, and disaster resilience strategies, climate finance helps level the playing field and enables vulnerable nations to participate effectively in global efforts against climate change.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in achieving its goals and how it might evolve in response to emerging global challenges.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement can be evaluated through its ability to drive down global greenhouse gas emissions while promoting sustainable development. Although initial commitments show promise, the actual progress towards limiting warming below 2 degrees Celsius remains uncertain due to various factors like political will and economic constraints. As emerging global challenges such as loss of biodiversity and extreme weather events intensify, the agreement may evolve by incorporating more stringent targets or expanding its framework to address interconnected issues like sustainable development and environmental justice.

Related terms

COP21: The 21st Conference of the Parties, held in Paris in 2015, where the Paris Agreement was adopted by nearly 200 countries.

NDCs: Nationally Determined Contributions are the plans submitted by each country outlining how they intend to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Agreement.

Climate Finance: Financial resources provided to support climate action, particularly in developing countries, to help them transition to low-emission and climate-resilient economies.