Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts, adopted in 2015 during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) conference. It establishes a global framework to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius, recognizing the severe risks climate change poses, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Arctic.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted by nearly every nation in the world, highlighting a collective effort to combat climate change on a global scale.
2. One of the key aspects of the agreement is the mechanism for countries to submit their own climate action plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are meant to be updated every five years.
3. The agreement emphasizes financial assistance for developing countries to help them mitigate and adapt to climate change effects, ensuring that vulnerable populations are supported.
4. The Paris Agreement also encourages countries to cooperate in enhancing their ability to adapt to climate change and foster climate resilience.
5. The agreement recognizes that actions taken in the Arctic region are critical since it is warming at twice the global average rate, making its preservation essential for global climate stability.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement specifically address the unique challenges faced by the Arctic region due to climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement acknowledges that the Arctic is warming at an accelerated rate, which presents significant risks not only for local ecosystems but also for global climate patterns. By promoting international cooperation and supporting adaptation strategies tailored for vulnerable regions like the Arctic, the agreement aims to protect these areas from further environmental degradation. This focus is crucial since changes in the Arctic can have far-reaching implications for weather patterns and sea-level rise worldwide.
• Evaluate the role of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) within the Paris Agreement framework and their potential effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) play a central role in the Paris Agreement by allowing each country to set its own targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions based on its capabilities and circumstances. This flexibility enables nations to take ownership of their commitments, which could enhance accountability and ambition over time. However, the effectiveness of NDCs largely depends on nations' political will and capacity to meet their targets, as well as how they are integrated with broader global strategies for combating climate change.
• Analyze how financial support for developing nations under the Paris Agreement can influence biodiversity conservation efforts in these regions, particularly concerning Arctic communities.
  • Financial support for developing nations under the Paris Agreement can significantly influence biodiversity conservation efforts by providing essential resources for sustainable practices and climate adaptation measures. In Arctic communities, such funding can help implement projects that protect fragile ecosystems from climate impacts while also supporting local livelihoods that depend on natural resources. This dual approach can enhance resilience against climate change while fostering biodiversity conservation, ultimately contributing to more sustainable development goals that benefit both people and nature.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases such as carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country's self-determined plan detailing their targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Agreement.

Climate Adaptation: Adjustments in natural or human systems to minimize damage caused by climate change and to take advantage of any opportunities.