Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty aimed at addressing climate change and 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. This agreement brings countries together to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing adaptive capacities, and supporting sustainable development, making it crucial in the fight against climate change and its impacts on the environment, including oceans.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, during COP21 in Paris and has since been ratified by nearly every country worldwide.
2. A key component of the agreement is that it requires each country to set its own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for reducing emissions.
3. The agreement emphasizes the importance of financial support for developing countries to help them adapt to climate change and transition to low-carbon economies.
4. As part of the agreement, countries are encouraged to improve their NDCs every five years, reflecting their highest level of ambition based on current capabilities.
5. The Paris Agreement also aims to enhance climate resilience and support sustainable development goals, which directly influences the health of ocean ecosystems.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement influence national policies related to climate change mitigation?
  • The Paris Agreement sets a framework that encourages nations to create and implement their own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By having countries establish their targets, the agreement fosters accountability and encourages nations to adopt policies that align with their specific climate goals. This bottom-up approach allows for tailored strategies that can effectively address local environmental challenges while contributing to global efforts against climate change.
• Discuss the significance of financial support provisions in the Paris Agreement for developing countries in terms of climate adaptation strategies.
  • Financial support provisions are crucial in the Paris Agreement as they enable developing countries to strengthen their capacity for climate adaptation. These provisions ensure that vulnerable nations receive resources necessary for implementing strategies that enhance resilience against climate impacts, such as rising sea levels and increased ocean acidification. By addressing these financial gaps, the agreement promotes equitable access to technology and knowledge, empowering developing countries to protect their environments and communities from climate-related risks.
• Evaluate how the Paris Agreement addresses the interconnectedness of climate change impacts on ocean health and global ecosystems.
  • The Paris Agreement recognizes that climate change significantly affects ocean health through phenomena like rising temperatures and ocean acidification. By aiming to limit global warming, the agreement seeks to mitigate these impacts, which are critical for marine biodiversity and ecosystem services. This interconnectedness highlights the need for a holistic approach in policy-making that not only targets emissions reduction but also prioritizes ocean protection as part of broader climate adaptation strategies. Such integration can lead to more effective outcomes for both terrestrial and marine environments in facing climate challenges.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change; they include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country's individual commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience.

Climate Adaptation: Adjustments made to social, economic, and environmental practices to minimize damage caused by climate change and improve resilience.