Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted in 2015 to address climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to restrict the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This agreement reflects a global commitment from countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster climate resilience, marking a significant step in environmental activism and climate advocacy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris, France.
2. As of now, nearly every country in the world has signed the agreement, demonstrating a collective effort to combat climate change.
3. Countries set their own emissions reduction targets through NDCs, which are intended to be updated every five years to reflect increased ambition.
4. The agreement emphasizes the importance of financial support for developing countries to help them transition to greener economies and cope with climate impacts.
5. The goal of limiting global warming is based on scientific research indicating that exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius could lead to catastrophic climate consequences.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement aim to engage countries in the fight against climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement engages countries by requiring them to set their own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This approach allows nations to tailor their commitments according to their specific circumstances while promoting accountability through regular updates every five years. By fostering a sense of collective responsibility, the agreement encourages global cooperation and action against climate change.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in mobilizing global action toward climate change mitigation since its adoption.
  • Since its adoption, the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement can be seen in the growing number of countries committing to ambitious emissions reductions through NDCs. However, challenges remain, such as ensuring that these commitments lead to actual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and that developed nations fulfill their financial support promises for developing countries. The overall success hinges on maintaining momentum and encouraging increased ambition in future updates.
• Assess how cultural movements, including music and art, have played a role in raising awareness about the Paris Agreement and climate action.
  • Cultural movements have significantly influenced public perception and engagement with the Paris Agreement through music, art, and performance. Artists and musicians have used their platforms to advocate for climate action, often highlighting the urgency of addressing environmental issues. This artistic expression not only raises awareness but also galvanizes community activism and supports policy changes by creating emotional connections that resonate with diverse audiences, thus amplifying the message of the Paris Agreement.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming, including carbon dioxide and methane.

COP (Conference of the Parties): An annual conference where countries meet to discuss and negotiate climate action, including updates and commitments related to the Paris Agreement.

NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions): Individual country commitments outlined under the Paris Agreement, detailing how each nation plans to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.