Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international accord adopted in 2015 aimed at combating 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 represents a collective commitment from nearly every country in the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience to climate impacts, and promote sustainable development, making it vital for addressing the evidence and causes of climate change, improving air quality, and implementing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) conference in Paris.
2. As of now, almost every country in the world has ratified the agreement, demonstrating a global consensus on the need for action against climate change.
3. Countries are required to submit their NDCs every five years, increasing their ambition over time to meet the long-term goals of the agreement.
4. The agreement emphasizes support for developing countries through financial assistance and technology transfer to help them meet their climate goals.
5. The Paris Agreement includes a framework for tracking progress and accountability, encouraging transparency among nations regarding their climate actions.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement aim to address the underlying causes of climate change through its framework?
  • The Paris Agreement addresses the underlying causes of climate change by setting a framework for countries to limit their greenhouse gas emissions through nationally determined contributions (NDCs). By encouraging nations to establish targets and commit to reducing emissions, it aims to curb the activities that lead to global warming. Additionally, the agreement promotes sustainable development practices that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve energy efficiency.
• Evaluate how the Paris Agreement relates to atmospheric chemistry and air pollution management.
  • The Paris Agreement significantly relates to atmospheric chemistry and air pollution management by targeting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that contribute not only to climate change but also to poor air quality. By committing countries to lower emissions from sectors like transportation and industry, it directly impacts the concentration of pollutants such as carbon monoxide and particulate matter in the atmosphere. This can lead to improved public health outcomes as better air quality is achieved through cleaner technologies and practices encouraged by the agreement.
• Discuss the implications of the Paris Agreement for future adaptation strategies in response to climate change effects globally.
  • The Paris Agreement has major implications for future adaptation strategies globally as it not only focuses on mitigation but also emphasizes enhancing resilience against climate impacts. It encourages nations to integrate adaptation into their development plans, which involves investing in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events, protecting ecosystems, and supporting vulnerable communities. This comprehensive approach ensures that countries are better prepared for the impacts of climate change while striving towards sustainable growth and reducing vulnerability over time.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), which are primarily responsible for global warming and climate change.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The specific targets that each country sets under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change, reflecting their own capabilities and circumstances.

Climate Resilience: The ability of a system or community to withstand and recover from the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events and changing climate patterns.